C.R.Y. is a busy, successful and necessary source of entertainment and information for the people of Youghal and East Cork.   From its formation, the Radio Station has gone from strength to strength, and whilst most of the work is done by volunteers, the time has more than arrived when a Station Manager is necessary to improve and extend the scope and efficiency of C.R.Y. Denise FitzGerald Reports/Photo Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Declan Gibbons, a Kilkenny man, saw the advertisement for C.R.Y. on CRAOL website, which is a network for community radio stations.   He was immediately interested and promptly applied for the position.   After interviews, meetings and more interviews, Declan was offered the position which he was delighted to accept.

The East Cork Journal spoke with Declan and asked him how he felt about the relocation from Kilkenny to Youghal.   Declan replied that he and his wife, Christina, know Youghal quite well and have some friends in the area.   This, however, was not the only reason for his interest – in fact, Declan is a total radio buff – with a passion for anything which is broadcast.   Even though he is, as he terms it, a small farmer In Kilkenny (if such a thing as a small farmer exists!), his life revolves around radio and all it represents.   He was involved from 1994 for many years as a volunteer with Radio Kilkenny and enjoyed it immensely.   His forte was sports and current affairs broadcasting, but all aspects of radio interested Declan.   From 1997 to 2000 Declan was the main sports presenter with Radio Kilkenny.    From 2000 to 2004 he was involved with CKR – Carlow Kildare Radio.   He was also head of sport at KCLR 96fm.   Around that time, Declan was approached with a view to setting up a temporary Radio Kilkenny station as only a temporary licence was available at that time.  He was responsible for all aspects of setting up the Station, and such was the success of the temporary station that seventy volunteers came on board, all keen to make a go of it.   Declan told the East Cork Journal that application has now been made for a full licence, and Radio Kilkenny is hoping to go on the airwaves as soon as this is granted, a fact of which Declan is particularly proud.

When asked of his plans with regard to C.R.Y., Declan was very enthusiastic and excited about the challenges ahead of him.  His first step, he said, is to meet with as many people and organisations as possible in the Youghal and surrounding areas to find out what they want from C.R.Y.   He sees the Station as an essential part of people’s lives, and he is determined to achieve this.   All the ingredients are there, and Declan is determined to make a positive and permanent impact on the listening pleasures of all who tune in.   With such enthusiasm and determination, we have no doubt that he will succeed.

Listen to CRY on 104fm or visit their website on www.youghalradio.com- also click on link at the top of this page for direct feed to CRY radio broadcast.