In the golden era of the 1950s, Manchester United’s legendary "Busby Babes" dazzled football fans with their youth, talent, and fearless style of play—until tragedy struck in the Munich Air Disaster of 1958, cutting short the lives and careers of many of these gifted young men. But five years before that fateful day, the future icons of English football took to the field in a much humbler setting: the Carlisle Grounds in Bray. On Tuesday, May 19th, 1953, the Manchester United Youth Team—already showing flashes of brilliance and including the now legendary Duncan Edwards faced off against a spirited Bray Wanderers/Rathfarnham XI. The match was part of a summer tour masterminded by United manager Matt Busby, made possible through the efforts of a local football enthusiast and Bray Wanderers stalwart, Mick Donegan. This short documentary brings that historic evening to life through the vivid memories of Bray Wanderers’ goalkeeper Shay Ryan, one of the few still able to recount the game from the pitch. Adding depth and context is the late author Colm Keane, whose insight provides a valuable historical lens. Produced and narrated by Mark Quinn, this is a rare glimpse into a forgotten chapter of football history - when the Busby Babes played Bray.

BLB - Bray Local Broadcasting ceased broadcasting for good at the end of December 1988, bringing to a close more than nine years of service to the local community. Launched in 1979, the station became a beloved fixture in the area, known for its mix of music, local news, interviews, and community-focused programming. As one of the early pioneers of local radio, BLB built strong connections with its audience and gave a platform to local voices. This episode is an edited version of BLB Radio’s final broadcast—a special four-hour programme that aired on the station’s last day. Hosted by long-time presenter Mark Quinn, the show brought together a wide range of contributors, including former presenters and producers, advertisers, local politicians and loyal listeners. Their messages, memories, and tributes paint a vivid picture of what the station meant to so many. There are moments of humour, nostalgia, and emotion, as well as reflections on the challenges and triumphs of running a local radio station during a transformative era for media. Many also shared their hopes for the future of community broadcasting, even as they bid farewell to BLB. This recording is more than just a sign-off—it's a time capsule capturing the spirit of an era and the powerful role local radio played in shaping community identity.

Despite a nearly ten year on-air and behind the scenes campaign in the 1980's to establish community radio in Bray, County Wicklow and the securing of a legal licence in 1989 by the North Wicklow Community Radio Co-op, we do not have a station such as BLB transmitting community radio in County Wicklow today. In this episode Mark Quinn speaks with John Murphy, Lawrie Hallett and at length, with Pat Hannon to find out what happened after the radio licenses were issued and about the wider impact of BLB and today's radio landscape. Credits: Post Production High Wire, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.

There were tears in the studio at the end of December 1988 when the faders were finally closed on the BLB mixing desk and the transmitter was silenced for good. In this final episode of the series, Mark Quinn muses over the lasting legacy of the radio station. In its nearly ten year life, what did it achieve, what was its legacy and what lasting impression did it make on those who were involved? Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.

In this episode Mark Quinn explores when BLB's listeners needed the local community radio station most, it answered the call. At a time when there was no internet or mobile phone services, BLB became the communication channel as Bray suffered two severe weather events in the 1980's. The worst was Hurricane Charley in August 1986 when the River Dargle overflowed, flooding some houses up to a depth of 1.5 metres and forcing 1000 people from their homes. Providing an all night broadcast with up to the minute information for the flood stricken areas of the town and relaying Emergency Services messages, Bray Local Broadcasting was a lifeline. Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.

In episode four of this personal journey through the development of Bray Local Broadcasting, Mark Quinn looks at how, despite the station operating outside the law, local politicians were eager to make appearances on air. The episode also transports us back in time through a collection of radio commercials created for local businesses—many of which have since vanished—providing a rich, nostalgic window into Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland’s vibrant past. Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.

In the third episode of this series Mark Quinn continues his journey through the history of Bray Local Broadcasting. As the 1980’s progressed BLB experienced significant growth and development, establishing itself as a potent presence in North Wicklow and South County Dublin. The station's programming expanded dramatically, offering a diverse range of shows that catered to various interests and communities. This growth was matched by an upgrade in its technical capabilities, with the installation of a more powerful transmitter, which greatly improved the signal strength and expanded BLB's reach. As a result, more voices from the local community were able to be heard, and BLB’s unique version of community radio flourished. The station became a vital platform for local expression, creativity, and connection, embodying the true spirit of community-driven broadcasting. Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.

In this second episode we learn how a determined group of young people managed to get their radio station on the air. Before launching, they carefully considered a unique approach to broadcasting. They were determined not to follow in the footsteps of other pirate stations operating at the time. Bray Local Broadcasting was set to stand out, and it very much did when it launched at 11 am on Wednesday August 22nd 1979. Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Artwork by Jody Hogg Design www.jodyhogg.com Produced and presented by Mark Quinn The copyright for this podcast series is owned by Mark Quinn and is hereby reserved.

BLB Sounds From The Past - Trailer by Mark Quinn

In an extraordinary life lived to the full, My Auntie Mary is Mary (or Kate) Greenway's life story told openly and honestly to her nephew Mark Quinn. During her life, Mary had 46 different jobs and in later years she put this vast amount of life experience together and created inspirational talks for women that she presented all around the south of England entitled ‘Enjoy being a woman with men in mind’ under the name of Kate Greenway. The talks brought Mary a degree of notoriety - which of course she thoroughly enjoyed.

Stories this week: A psychotherapist on how the Irish prison system is dealing with the virus and on the potential mental health impacts arising from the pandemic for the population at large. We revisit Brazil where the number of corona cases has rocketed. We catch up with a couple running a chemist shop in Manhattan, New York City. And the background context from a producer about the making of a film documentary.

In the 70s and 80s, an Irish band took the world by storm. The Boomtown Rats fronted by the charismatic, if sometimes controversial singer Bob Geldof. Host Mark Quinn spoke to Bob over the line about the pandemic, life in general and about how the music of The Boomtown Rats continues to have something to say about the times we live in. This is an extended programme. Our photograph of Bob was taken at Self Aid in 1986 by an old friend of ours, professional photographer and broadcaster the late Seá Byrne. Recommended listen: Wife of the late John Prine, Fiona Whelan Prine's 6 minute piece on BBC Radio 4 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08d4v7j?fbclid=IwAR2gtE_qPA95VpjYcbFaIc4u4Giu2b79wwWyHlewWYZg4GYcnFpT9XoXHcs Music featured (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon'; Blue Dot Sessions 'Cupcake Marshall'; Soft and Furious 'So What'; Ryan Andersen 'Awakening'

12 years ago, Paul Duff left behind the hustle and bustle of Dublin and settled for a new life on Valencia Island, just off the south west tip of Co Kerry. Here he is surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean as he tends to his vegetables and a lighthouse. Mark Nevin is model railway enthusiast who can quite easily while away the hours and days building and maintaining his large model railway. It’s a lifelong passion that has saved his sanity during the lockdown. We also hear from Julian Tynan-O’Mahony originally from Ireland but now living in Sweden’s largest city, Gothenburg, where the government has adopted a very different approach to tackling the COVID-19 virus. We also check back in on Mariana Moncasi in Madrid as the Spanish government begins to ease back on the rigid lockdown restrictions and citizens can once again enjoy a taste of the open air. We also get some scientific insight into the virus from Spanish science podcaster Carlos Alameda host of El Viajero de la Ciencia. Music featured (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon'; Blue Dot Sessions 'Cupcake Marshall'; Soft and Furious 'So What'; Ryan Andersen 'Awakening'.

'The Older the Fiddle, the Sweeter the Tune' In this one-off special, we feature the words, wisdom and music of John Sheahan. At 80 years of age, John is the last surviving member of the world-renowned band, The Dubliners, who were as famous for their long beards, punishing touring schedules, and it might be said, for their legendary after show drinking sessions! John is a fiddle player of note and most fans will remember his composition The Marino Waltz which was used for years in a television ad for Bord na Móna's peat briquettes. After countless albums with The Dubliner's, it's only now that John has finally launched his very first solo album called Flirting Fiddles. Instagram & Facebook @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Our Logo is by Jody Hogg, see Jody's superb design portfolio at www.jodyhogg.com Music featured in this episode (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon' and original musical compositions by John Sheahan from the 2020 album Flirting Fiddles (with kind permission from the composer). Flirting Fiddles is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

This week, we're down on our local beach - with a mic on a long boom pole - finding out about the pleasures of all-year-round swimming with Deirdre Fitzgerald and David O’Donoghue, two members of the Bray Sea Bathers. Giulia Rosa talks from Rio de Janeiro about the mixed messages from the government; Alina Starikovich in Minsk talks about the practical steps informed citizens are taking in a country still playing top league football; And, 91-year-old Shay Ryan from Little Bray shares his wisdom and lessons from a life of doing just what he's told! Instagram & Facebook @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Our Logo is by Jody Hogg, see Jody's superb design portfolio at www.jodyhogg.com Music featured (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon'; Blue Dot Sessions 'Cupcake Marshall'; Soft and Furious 'So What'; Ryan Andersen 'Awakening'

85-year-old Joe Bollard is a popular figure and well-known musician around the town of Bray and his hobby as a Internet DJ brings him fans from around the world. Joe who is blind took advice from the Gardai (police) before carrying on with his dauntless daily constitutional to the Seafront. Linda Cullen was the victim of a 'coughing or spitting' attack carried out by a group of intimidating juveniles as she was out for a stroll on Dún Laoghaire pier - it has had an affect on her walking routine. John Duggan a local publican and hotelier discusses having to lay off 300 staff and he ponders the fragile future of the pub and entertainment scene, post the Covid-19 Pandemic. Joe Bollard's radio shows can be heard at: https://www.theglobalvoice.info/show/sounds-irish/ https://www.theglobalvoice.info/show/my-kind-of-music/ Instagram @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Our Logo is by Jody Hogg, see Jody's superb design portfolio at www.jodyhogg.com Music featured (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon'; Blue Dot Sessions 'Cupcake Marshall'; Soft and Furious 'So What'; Ryan Andersen 'Awakening'

Stories about a funeral in Co. Kerry; the young population in Buenos Aires; 93-year-old Josephine Dinan says to put your trust in the Lord; Alpacas in Newtownmountkennedy (the longest town name in Ireland); and the Mountains of Mourne made famous by that Don McLean song (written by Percy French). Instagram @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Music featured (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon'; Blue Dot Sessions 'Cupcake Marshall'; Soft and Furious 'So What'; Ryan Andersen 'Awakening'; John Prine 'When I get to Heaven'

Stories from USA and Spain. Brian Truglio is a TV documentary editor based outside of Boston, Massachusetts in the United States. When he spoke with Mark he was right in the eye of the Coronavirus storm in so far as he is editing, from home, a TV documentary for 'Frontline' which airs on PBS later in April. His parents are in Florida where it's pretty much business as usual. Mariana Moncasi is based in the Spanish capital of Madrid. At the time of recording she was observing the nationwide lock down, although still attending for work each day via the now near empty subway. As of now, over 10,000 Spaniards have died from Covid-19. Mariana speaks with passion and honesty about her country's plight. As with all of our contributors, Mariana is reflecting on life before and after this pandemic and talks about the new people's anthem that communities sing every night at 8.00pm nightly in unison, from their windows and balconies, to pay their gratitude to the frontline healthcare and other essential workers. Instagram @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Music featured (CCC licensed): Christian Bjoerklund 'Hallon'; Blue Dot Sessions 'Cupcake Marshall'; Soft and Furious 'So What'; Ryan Andersen 'Awakening'; Resistiré 2020 from Video Oficial - #Resistiré 2020, el himno grabado por más de 30 artistas para vencer juntos al coronavirus.

What's it like to have the Coronavirus? In this episode Mark Quinn speaks with Jenny Ring a Psychologist who lives and works in Glasgow, Scotland and who, although only diagnosed over the phone, had all the symptoms of Coronavirus. She recounts in measured detail the physical and mental stress the effects the virus had on her and of nine days self isolation. Mark spoke with Jenny on day nine. Clémentine Imperial Legrand is from Bordeaux, France and lives and works as a film maker in Montreal, Canada. She describes the effects of Coronavirus restrictions on the working life and people of the city and of missing her grandmother who only recently lost her husband. Instagram @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Music used by CCC licence: Soft and Furious - So What; Blue Dot Sessions - Cupcake Marshall; Christian Bjorklund - Hallon

In this episode, Mark chats with John Ryan, originally from Bray, in Ireland but now living for the past thirty years in Paris, France; and, to web developer Tim Hennick Heuer, from Germany but for the past twenty years a resident in Palmerstown North in New Zealand. Instagram @StaySafeStaySane. Twitter @StaySafeIRL. Email StaySafeStaySane@gmail.com Music used by CCC licence: Soft and Furious - So What; Blue Dot Sessions - Cupcake Marshall; Christian Bjorklund - Hallon