‘Everyone is buzzing’

‘Everyone is buzzing’

26 February 2025

A DOWNPATRICK-BASED community radio station is back on the airwaves after a seven-month closure. 

Down Community Radio FM105 closed last July after being based at South Eastern Regional College in the town since 2006. 

The official re-opening took place at the St Patrick Centre on Thursday evening, with presenters, volunteers, board members and sponsors taking part.

Local singer/songwriters Conal Montgomery and Deborah Fitzsimons also performed at the event, with a live prize draw happening on the night. 

FM105 chairperson Gareth McDowell explained how the station had got back up and running.

“Last July we finally found out the radio station that had been under the wing of SERC was destined to close down. It was a sad day when the plug was pulled,” he said.

“However, a group of presenters and interested people came together and we have managed to pull the radio station out of the ashes and we are now celebrating its re-launch with the intention of running 24/7 from tonight.

“I’d like to thank Dr Tim Campbell and his board for allowing us to hold the event here and for allowing us to set up in the former BBC studio upstairs.”

Mr McDowell also thanked all the local sponsors which had supported the station’s re-launch.

“We have been kindly supported by ALPS who have helped us to pay for the Ofcom licence. Ronan Gilchrist has also help provide space to facilitate the meetings.

“The Christmas draw raised significant funds helping to push us forward and pay for the smaller bills that every radio station faces. We are indebted to James Burke and his team at Hays Travel for their generosity in donating a £500 travel voucher.”

Mr McDowell continued: “We owe a very special thank you to Lowden’s Guitars in Saintfield for donating a Lowden-Sheeran six-string acoustic guitar for tonight’s raffle.

“Of course, I have to thank all the entertainers this evening for coming along and showing off the musical talent that abounds in Downpatrick and across this area,” he added.

The first song to be played by FM105 at Thursday night’s launch was The Beatles track With a Little Help From My Friends.

With hopes to be on air 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the station will be building up its programmes and audiences.

Presenter and director Cyril McKinney said: “We have a number of dedicated DJs already fired up and raring to go.

“Many of us did shows during the last spell of the radio at SERC – myself, Phillip Annett, Graham McClements, Joe Kidd, Dave Smith, Paul Sloan, and last but not least, Peter Smyth, who doubles up as the technical whizz kid.

“Everyone is buzzing. They can’t wait to get stuck in. And there will be slots for other people to present shows and receive some training where necessary. It’s been a tough couple of months but we are over the line now,” he added.

The station hopes to cover St Patrick’s Day festivities in Downpatrick.

You can keep up to date with the station via their Facebook page: FM105: Down Community Radio.