VOLUNTEERS from Scariff Bay Community Radio have returned from Brussels where they broadcast three live shows from the heart of the European Union to their loyal and growing base of listeners.
As the new river crossing between Killaloe and Ballina was being officially opened a dozen volunteers of Scariff Bay Community Radio were at the heart of European democracy in Brussels to see how political bridges have been built between the member states of the European Union.
Radio volunteers travelled at their own expense and conducted sixteen interviews, broadcasting three live shows on Saturday May 24th from the EU Parliament with another three shows recorded for future transmission in the coming weeks.
Scariff native and MEP, Michael McNamara (IND) gave SBCR volunteers a tour of the European Parliament and European House of History Museum. He provided a detailed history of its origins as well as the current political groupings and affiliations of the 720 members who were elected last year. Fellow Ireland South MEPs, Seán Kelly (FG), Billy Kelleher (FF) and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) also met the East Clare crew. They also enjoyed a guided tour of EuroNews’ Brussels bureau.
East Clare has strong representation at the heart of Europe with Moynoe native Anthony Whelan serving as Senior Economic Adviser (Acting) as well as Digital Adviser to the EU President Ursula Von der Leyen’s team. On the live broadcast of Saturday Chronicle, the team also spoke to Liam Hayes of Maghera who spent six months on placement in Brussels recently as well as Broadford native Kevin O’Regan who is the Head of the European Security and Defence College.
Kevin Conmy Irish Ambassador to Belgium was interviewed at the Irish Embassy also has family links to East Clare and was a regular visitor in his youth. He outlined that there are approximately 30,000 Irish living in Belgium with many who initially arrived for a period of three to six months deciding to stay and make their careers and lives in the country.
Brussels’ own Comhaltas branch has been founded in recent months with their leader Noel Rowland appearing on Saturday Chronicle as did Chairperson of Brussels GAA, Liam Breslin
Ogonnelloe native Carmel O’Brien who is currently studying at the Irish College in Louvain was instrumental in setting up a local camogie team and they have just participated in their first tournament in recent weeks.
Interviews and programming recorded on the trip to Brussels will be broadcast on Scariff Bay Community radio over the next eight weeks as part of “Euro News Extra” A one hour programme will be broadcast on 88.3 and 92.7Fm in East Clare from 3 to 4pm each Saturday and will be available on podcast shortly afterwards on all platforms .
This is the second overseas trip by SBCR in as many years. Last June, the community radio station had its own broadcasting first when airing a live show outside the country when presenting shows live from the home of the BBC. Presenters, producers and technicians are eagerly forming an orderly queue for what may be on the horizon in 2026 when it comes to foreign broadcasts.
