Twin communities radio station releases new app

BALLINA Killaloe Local Radio has announced the release of a new app to access the online station’s content.

Ronan Ryan, the DJ behind the new app, believes this initiative will allow listeners to be entertained on the move while they also keep up to date on a variety of subjects.

The app will be available free in Google Play and the iTunes App Store, allowing users who download it to listen to music around the clock, non-stop.

It was created to include push notification functionalities, which allows users to be notified when their favourite show or DJ is broadcasting live.

Aside from the basic radio functions, the app will also allow listeners to check out DJ profiles and learn more about them.

Listeners will also be able to create an account for the app and check out the programme schedule to see what shows are the most appealing for them.

The live chat feature will allow radio users to discuss with the DJs and the guests, to connect and express their opinions and ideas, together with other users.

The radio station is available in very high quality sound for all English speakers who can access the internet on their mobile devices.

“We have put a lot of thought and passion into this project. We think there is a wide audience out there who will love it. Our radio app is aimed at English speakers from Ireland, Canada and other countries and it also targets a wide range of users,” said Ronan.

“This app brings the radio into a new age – one that is not only available on the go, but is also fully interactive,” he said.

Recently, the station won an EU Enterprise award for the Best Irish Internet Radio Platform 2022. It received an official licence to broadcast on the internet from PPL in 2017.

Over the years, DJs have attracted listeners all over the world even as far as Texas, Canada and closer to home in the United Kingdom.

The station is also streaming on Dab Plus, which is like FM, in Dublin, Cork and Waterford and this service is due to be available in Limerick shortly, allowing people to tune in from their cars.

People can also listen to a repeat of shows on Sundays on the mixed cloud platform.

Covering all types of music including pop, disco and folk, it also has different personalities that keep listeners entertained.

DJs include Maurice Walsh on dance music, Mike Hackett on folk and trad and Bridget Kelleher on good memories and signature tunes from the past and present both, creating
an environment where listeners can tune in and indulge in a bit of healthy nostalgia.

Ronan Maher, who broadcasts country and Irish music, is an entertainer and long-time member of The Rakish Paddies with his brother and cousins.

They enjoy playing Irish traditional and folk music in various venues in Ballina, Ballinahinch and Kiloscully.

From the Ballina side of the river, Mr Maher plays multiple instruments – guitar, tin whistle, banjo – and wishes to share his passion for music with the wider world, excited to be able to bring a blend of things old and new to the listeners.

The station works hard to keep itself diverse and engaging, working in new and exciting shows or segments on a regular basis.

As the online station continues to develop and grow, Mr Maher hopes it might be the catalyst to set up a community radio station over the coming years.

In 1987, Ballina had a community licence to broadcast on a particular weekend on FM.