2RN covered the World Eucharistic Congress in Dublin in 1932 using the new high-powered 60kw transmitter (later increased to 100 kw) installed at Athlone.
Listeners heard the voice of John McCormack singing at High Mass. The event was also relayed by the BBC and several national stations in continental Europe. This was the largest event broadcast in the early years of Irish radio. By this time over 30,000 licences had been issued in the Irish Free State.
Michael Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore, (Washington) celebrates the Pontifical High Mass in the Phoenix Park during the 31st International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin, 1932.
Production Year
1932
RTÉ 1930S
On 6 February 1933, Taoiseach Eamon de Valera officially opened the new high-powered RTÉ radio station located at Athlone in the centre of the country.
Production Year
1933
RTÉ 1930S
Sponsored Programmes 1930s
Sponsored programmes were the main means of advertising in the early days of radio broadcasting. Here is the closing sequence from the long running 'Irish Hospitals' Sweepstakes' programme.
Production Year
1930's
Contributor
Ian Priestly Mitchell (Presenter)
Bart Bastible (Presenter)
RTÉ 1930S
An Gaedhael agus an Rádíó
Dr T.J. Kiernan, Director of Radio 1935-40 succeeded Séamus Clandillon as Director of Broadcasting. He was transferred from the Department of External Affairs when an interview board failed to agree an appointment.
Kiernan set up local programme committees nationwide and developed talks and drama. During his time the poet W.B. Yeats was interviewed for radio. Sadly this recording does not survive.
Production Year
1936
Publisher Broadcaster
RTÉ & Conradh na Gaeilge
RTÉ 1930S
'O'Donnell Abú' Becomes 2RN Station Identification Signal 1936
Listeners choose 'O'Donnell Abú as the identification tune signal for the Irish national station.
Production Year
1936
RTÉ 1930S
Michael O'Hehir First Broadcast 14 August 1938
Broadcaster and sports commentator, best-known for commentary of GAA games and horse-racing, Michael O'Hehir gave his first commentary when Galway defeated Monaghan in the All-Ireland Senior Football Semi-Final at Cusack Park in Mullingar.
Production Year
1938
Contributor
Michael O'Hehir (Commentator)
RTÉ 1930S
Roibeard Ó Faracháin became the first Talks Officer in 1939, dealing with arts, features and discussion programmes.
Production Year
1963
Contributor
Roy Bedell (Photographer)
RTÉ 1930S
Austin Clarke Poetry On Radio
The poet and playwright Austin Clarke recalls his association with early radio.
Production Year
1965
Contributor
Francis Russell (Presenter)
RTÉ 1930S
Earliest Surviving Recording of Weather Forecast
The earliest surviving Radio Éireann recording of a weather forecast from 1939. Bernadette Plunkett announces that the "...Outlook for Saturday similar."
