"I retired the day I left the farm and presented that first radio show." Four New Inductees Announced for IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame.

The IMRO Radio Awards inducted four new members to its Hall of Fame 2024. Eddie Caffrey, LMFM, Ray D’Arcy, RTÉ Radio 1, Carol Dooley, Sunshine 106.8, and Hugo Duncan, BBC Northern Ireland, were inducted this morning at a ceremony at the IMRO offices. Selected by a panel of esteemed peers within the Irish radio industry, they have been recognised for their contributions to the radio sector.  

Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive, headline sponsor of the Awards said, “It is a tremendous honour for IMRO to sponsor the prestigious Radio Awards Hall of Fame once again. We are delighted to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions of Hugo Duncan, Carol Dooley, Ray D’Arcy, and Eddie Caffrey. Their legacy within the industry is undeniable, and they now take their well-deserved place among Ireland’s most esteemed broadcasters.” 

Chris Doyle, CEO of Bauer Media Audio Ireland, hosted the event. He welcomed attendees by saying, “You are all very welcome to the offices of IMRO in Dublin to the IMRO Radio Awards 2024 Hall of Fame. The announcement of the new Hall of Fame inductees is an important annual event in the calendar for radio, and it’s great to be able to gather here today with the inductees, their families, and friends, in IMRO to celebrate four legends of the Irish radio industry.” 

Keith Johnson, Director of Marketing and Membership at IMRO, also welcomed attendees to the event. He highlighted radio’s deep connection with Irish people, saying, "Radio has always held a unique place in the hearts of Irish people. It's more than just a medium; it's a lifeline that connects communities, shares stories, and brings music into every corner of the country." Keith also acknowledged radio’s crucial role in promoting gender equality within the Irish music industry, adding, "Radio has a vital role in helping to address gender balance and diversity within the music industry. By consciously supporting and promoting the work of Irish female music creators, radio can help bridge this gap, ensuring that the voices of women are heard loud and clear." 

Eddie Caffrey, LMFM 

Eddie Caffrey's radio career began in the late 1970s with Pirate Radio, where he quickly became a skilled presenter and self-taught engineer. Over the next decade, he built studios and transmission systems for over 15 stations. He was the first voice on Radio Dundalk before moving to Boyneside Radio, where he launched the Greenscene Show. 

In 1989, Eddie joined LMFM as both presenter and station engineer and has been a fixture on the weekday schedule ever since. Now 70, with 46 years in radio, Eddie’s contributions to Irish radio are unmatched.  

Eddie Caffrey’s acceptance speech highlighted the curiosity that sparked his love for radio. He fondly recalled, “My mother would turn on the old radio and you’d hear the Waltons programme... That’s how it all started for me.” Eddie expressed pride in his journey, stating, “I was very lucky to be just in radio at the right time... I’m glad to be here today,” and humorously noted, “I retired the day I left the farm and did that first radio show at four o’clock.” His speech was a heartfelt tribute to his enduring passion for radio and the incredible journey it has taken him on. 

Carol Dooley, Sunshine 106.8 

Carol's radio career began at just 12 years old on a Kilkenny pirate station in 1978. Her unwavering dedication and passion have resonated with audiences in Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the US throughout her distinguished career. 

After returning to Ireland in 2010, Carol became Programme Director at Radio Nova before moving to East Coast FM in 2013. The following year, she joined Sunshine 106.8 as an on-air presenter, where she has consistently delivered top ratings for over a decade. She also hosts shows on KCLR 96FM as part of their Sunday lineup. Spanning four decades, Carol's contributions have left an indelible mark on Irish broadcasting. 

In her acceptance speech, Carol Dooley reflected on her long journey in radio: “I knew instantly and instinctively that this was what I wanted to do.” Carol shared how radio became a comforting presence in her life, saying, “Radio has given me more than a career... it’s like my second home, giving me reassurance.” She emphasised the importance of connection in the industry, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, stating, “We were able to provide this reassuring presence... a place for listeners to come to where they felt safe.” Concluding her heartfelt tribute, Dooley expressed gratitude for her family and mentors, saying, “It hasn’t all been plain sailing, but it’s always been an adventure.” 

Ray D’Arcy, RTÉ Radio 1 

Ray made his radio debut in 1979 and gained national attention at the turn of the century, growing his mid-morning show into the most popular independent programme in the country. Throughout his career, Ray has leveraged his platform to raise awareness about social issues and support charities, becoming a passionate advocate for mental health and helping to raise millions for important causes. He remains a prominent figure on Irish radio today. 

Ray D'Arcy’s acceptance speech was a heartfelt reflection on his 45 years in radio, marked by both humorous anecdotes and emotional moments. Ray reminisced about the wild experiences he shared on-air, recalling, “I climbed into a suitcase and broadcast the link from a suitcase. We had a snail race.” He emphasised the profound connections forged through radio: “Over the years, I’ve cried an awful lot... the brilliant thing about radio is it’s so real.” He expressed gratitude for the people who shaped his journey, saying, “Radio has given me a lot more than just a career... it gave me my wonderful wife, Jenny.” His speech celebrated the magic of radio and the deep connections it fosters within communities. 

Hugo Duncan, BBC Northern Ireland 

In 2024, Hugo Duncan marks 26 years of hosting his popular daytime show on BBC Northern Ireland, where he mixes classic hits with new country music and iconic catchphrases like "Uncle Hugo Loves You" and "Have Your Tea with Hugo D." This year, he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards. 

An Irish showband legend, Hugo continues to perform across Ireland, and his strong bond with listeners is reflected in his high audience figures and daily interactions through calls, texts, and social media. A dedicated supporter of BBC’s Children in Need, Hugo’s annual "Hugo-thons" have raised tens of thousands for charity. He also welcomes adult care home residents to the studio, sharing his love for radio with them through special recordings. 

In his acceptance speech, Hugo shared anecdotes from his journey, including his initial six-month contract that has now lasted 26 years, humorously noting, “It was a good achievement for somebody that couldn’t read.” Duncan highlighted the importance of connecting with his audience, saying, “The radio is about the people. The people are who matter.” He highlighted the joy of outside broadcasts and the strong, friendly listenership he has built. He thanked the BBC for providing him a platform to share Irish country music. Duncan concluded by acknowledging his family, especially his wife Joan, and expressing gratitude for being alive and active in his passion at 74 years old, saying, “I’m very happy today.” 

Concluding the ceremony, Aoife MacEvilly, Commissioner for Broadcasting and Video on Demand in Coimisiún na Meán, said “Congratulations on the award, but congratulations particularly on a lifetime achievement.” MacEvilly acknowledged the profound impact of radio, remarking, “You’ve informed us, educated us, entertained us and sometimes challenged us… that’s represented by the huge level of support that audiences have.” She highlighted the significance of trusted media in today’s landscape, saying, “The idea that people have this trusted, safe space they can go to in radio broadcasting is increasingly important.” Finally, she focused on the importance of supporting initiatives like Learning Waves stating, “Our vision is for a diverse, creative, trusted, safe media landscape, and we support initiatives like Learning Waves that contribute to this goal.” She concluded with hopes for the future: “We hope that you will continue in a very long career.” 

Learning Waves would like to congratulate Eddie Caffrey, Ray D’Arcy, Carol Dooley, and Hugo Duncan on this outstanding achievement. 

For more information on the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame 2024, click here.