Radiogenic Productions

Travel back to January 1990 as we revisit a rare, live broadcast from Horizon Radio, where broadcaster Mark Quinn sits down with one of County Wicklow’s most multifaceted personalities: Jim Brophy.

Jim served County Wicklow as a dedicated Assistance Officer, managing the difficult daily balance of granting or denying financial relief to people in deep need. Alongside this, his part-time role as a senior officer in the Wicklow County Civil Defence—which grew to roughly 600 members at its peak—utilised his unique ability to bridge the gap between town and country communities. His deep connections with the GAA meant he personally knew residents in every parish across the county, aiding both his public service and his prominent role as a local GAA administrator.

To the readers of the Wicklow and Bray People, however, Jim was best known as the sharp, observant wit behind the beloved weekly column "The Man On The Corner," as well as the dedicated sports historian who authored the centenary GAA book The Leathers Echo.

In this engaging piece of local broadcasting history, Jim shares fond reflections on his deep roots in County Wicklow. He talks warmly about growing up in his home town of Rathdangan before charting his journey across the county to first arrive in his adopted home of Bray—a town he would come to love deeply and write about extensively.

This unedited conversation captures a distinct moment at the dawn of the 1990s. Featuring original Horizon Radio jingles, time checks and advertisements, it offers a nostalgic look at local broadcasting and a fascinating insight into a man who truly had his finger on the pulse of West, East, and North Wicklow.

Email the producers: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com

This 1987 'stream of consciousness' was recorded in the home of a man whose name is practically synonymous with the preservation of local heritage in Bray. The writer, historian and true Bray character, Colbert Martin.

If you have ever picked up a book about the history of Bray, chances are you have seen Colbert’s name. In April of 1977, he was one of the key driving forces and founding committee members who established the Bray Cualann Historical Society - an organisation that is still thriving today. Colbert wrote and directed plays, he worked in a variety of jobs, he was a member of the Bray Literary Debating Society and was also a founder member of Bray Credit Union.

Colbert was a storyteller who understood that the real history of a place lives in its people. His celebrated books, like The Bridge Below the Town and his brilliant social history, A Drink from Broderick's Well, captured the folklore, the everyday anecdotes and the unique family nicknames of Little Bray that otherwise would have been lost to time.

Less an interview but more the thoughts of a man reflecting on a full life, well lived. This is Colbert Martin. (First transmitted on the 22nd August 1987 on BLB Radio).

Email Mark: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com

A true local legend, a flamboyant, larger-than-life actress, drama teacher and theatre producer; first up in this archive podcast is Gladys Sheehan. Known affectionately to many as the Grande Dame of Bray, Gladys ran renowned drama schools in Bray and Greystones, instilling confidence in generations of local children. She was a veteran of both the stage and screen, appearing as an actress in dozens of films shot right on our doorstep at Ardmore Studios, all while raising her family and being a champion of local arts.

In this interview with Mark Quinn, she talks openly about life as a mother to her children with disabilities, the demands of running theatrical productions and the optimism that helped her keep moving forward. She also tells the story of how a certain part of her anatomy (her bum!) became unexpectedly famous after appearing in a Harp Lager television commercial.

Sitting opposite Gladys in the studio was one of the most recognisable voices and faces in the country at that time (1989) RTÉ broadcaster and producer Mike Murphy. By then, Mike had already cemented his place in Irish broadcasting history, having hosted major flagship shows like The Live Mike and The Arts Programme, bringing a unique blend of sharp wit, warmth and innovation to the national airwaves.

This live radio interview turned out to be a wonderfully open conversation. Recorded on Horizon Radio, Bray more than three decades ago.

A separate interview recorded in December of 1989 is unforgettable because of the sheer force of personality of the guest. In this interview Mark grappled with the ever-opinionated Bill Scott.

Waterford born, Bill’s life was nothing short of remarkable. In his younger years, he served with the Palestine Police and later the London Metropolitan Police. You’ll hear him talk about being shot at, witnessing the actual crucifixion of a man and saving a young Michael Jackson’s life.

Bill was a radio presenter’s dream guest; he held firm views on almost every subject, delivering his thoughts with a level of confidence that made for compelling radio. A great story teller with tales that were very definitely of their time!

Email Mark: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com

Joe Loughman is a man whose name is woven into the very fabric of civic and sporting life in the town of Bray, County Wicklow in Ireland.

Anyone who was ever involved in community groups in Bray, would have likely come across Joe’s legacy. He was a man of boundless energy and a true pillar of the community, dedicating his life to making the town a better place to live.

To sports fans, he is perhaps best known as a foundational figure in the Bray Wheelers Cycling Club. In fact, back in 1958, Joe personally devised "The Shay Elliott" a gruelling, single-day race taking in the toughest terrain in County Wicklow and that remains a premier event on the Irish cycling calendar to this day.

Beyond sports, Joe was a pioneering heritage champion. With Christy Brien, he spent years preserving local folklore and history and was a founding member of Cualann Historical Society.

This conversation explores his life growing up in Little Bray offering a nostalgic look at old Bray and the many local organisations Joe helped to establish.

Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!

https://blb.buzzsprout.com

Lady Valerie Goulding was born into English high society. Her father was Lord Monckton, who was a key legal advisor to King Edward VIII during the 1936 Abdication Crisis, and played a pivotal role in negotiating the constitutional terms of the King's resignation.

In 1951, alongside Kathleen O'Rourke, Lady Valerie co-founded the Central Remedial Clinic in Dublin. She built the CRC into the state's largest institution for people with physical disabilities.

When Lady Goulding came into the Horizon Radio studios in May of 1990, she had recently stepped down from the day-to-day running of the clinic, but her passion for advocacy remained completely undiminished.

In this archive recording with Mark Quinn, you'll hear her talk in her own under-stated and quiet manner about the early, challenging days of the CRC, her unique life journey, and her continued vision for a more inclusive Ireland.

___

Along with his wife Vourneen, Michael Collins was the driving force behind the iconic Royal Cinema on Quinsborough Road, a historic venue that originally opened its doors in 1936. After taking over the premises in 1976, the Collins family revitalised local entertainment by spearheading a major £150,000 twinning development plan in 1979 to transform the building into luxury cinemas, ensuring the town retained a vibrant silver screen presence.

In this interview from 1991 Michael spoke with Mark Quinn about where his love of cinema began and his hopes for the development of the town of Bray.

___

In 1984, she captivated the nation when she traded her classroom chalk for the catwalk, winning the Miss Ireland crown. She went on to do the country proud on the global stage, placing in the top ten at both Miss World and Miss Universe. She is Olivia Tracey and she joined Mark live in the radio studio on Saturday 24th November 1990.

She speaks openly about life after the crown, handling the public eye, and what the future held.

Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!

https://blb.buzzsprout.com