Shows
BraytalkingheadsEp. 013. From Roller Disco to local lifesavers and a bridge that changed Bray.Roller-disco mania sweeps Bray, David Edge changes the town forever with the building of Bray Bridge, and we remember the talent and legacy of Fran O’Toole. We also salute Bray’s incredible First Responders - the locals saving locals - plus a few unexpected visitors… spiders on the loose!
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wher...
2025-11-2835 min
BraytalkingheadsEp. 013. From Roller Discos to local lifesavers and a bridge that changed Bray.Roller-disco mania sweeps Bray, David Edge changes the town forever with the building of Bray Bridge, and we remember the talent and legacy of Fran O’Toole. We also salute Bray’s incredible First Responders - the locals saving locals - plus a few unexpected visitors… spiders on the loose!
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wher...
2025-11-2635 min
BraytalkingheadsEp. 012. Record coffee prices!, the Blind Fiddler, the night the Big O rocked Bray, Cliff Walk update, and more old BLB ads.In Episode 12 of Bray Talking Heads, Coffee prices hit a new high! The Blind Fiddler from Kerry who played on the Cliff Walk for 40 years. Remembering the splendour of The Bray Head Hotel and the FIVE dance halls of Bray, and the night the Big O played in Bray.
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life...
2025-11-0534 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 11. Gen Z on Bray, 1930s memories of Wolfe Tone Square, and fiery hotel debatesIn Episode 11 of Bray Talking Heads, Generation Z weighs in on what's great about Bray and what's missing, while the late Colbert Martin takes us back to the 1930s - when families left the slums of Little Bray for new beginnings in Wolfe Tone Square. We revisit the fiery Sunday night debates that once packed the International Hotel and uncover why house prices in 1950s Bray took a surprising dive. It’s Bray then and now - the voices, the stories, and the spirit that make the town tick.
2025-10-2235 min
BraytalkingheadsEp. 10. When Man United came to Bray, nudists went to Naylor's Cove & Liz Anne's heartfelt goodbye.When Man United came to Bray, nudists went to Naylor's Cove and Liz Anne's heartfelt goodbye.
This week we head back to the 1950s when Bray Wanderers took on the mighty Manchester United. We hear from the last surviving member of that Bray team! We also dive into the swimming glory days at Naylor’s Cove, where nudists once braved the outdoor pools, and we recall the curious segregation on Bray beach marked by a flagpole and 150 yards of ‘no man’s land’. Plus, Café owner Liz Anne Molloy bids a warm farewell to the customers she’s cherished for three decad...
2025-10-0236 min
BraytalkingheadsWhen the Busby Babes Played BrayIn 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 W...
2025-09-3008 min
BraytalkingheadsEp. 9. Hot Stuff! From Turkish Baths to seaside saunas, and a seat for Bagatelle on Bray Head!This week, we uncover the story of Bray’s long-lost Turkish Baths – a fleeting glimpse of opulence on Quinsborough Road. Fast forward to today, where saunas dot the seafront, and Bray still knows how to keep things warm. Plus, we join the unveiling of a new commemorative seat with a view for Bagatelle, the band that has a strong association with Bray!
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us f...
2025-09-1638 min
BLB Sounds From The PastBonus Episode: BLB The Last BroadcastBLB - 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 stat...
2025-08-221h 25
BraytalkingheadsEp 8. Things That Go Bump in the Night, Retirement Wisdom, and Art for Art’s Sake.What makes for a long, happy retirement? We hit the streets of Bray to gather tips and reflections from those living it. Leah shares a chilling story of hearing a banshee - and of the friendly ghost she may be sharing her home with! We also stop by the Signal Arts Centre, a vital hub for creativity and community in Bray and Wicklow, offering space and support to emerging artists. And we share the last heartwarming clips from Uncle Bob’s archive - can you recognise the innocent voices of Ravenswell’s seven-year-olds?
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quin...
2025-07-1833 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 7. The People’s Park – A Green Oasis, Skipping Rhymes and Chicken’s Call!We remember a much-loved Bray character who sold newspapers seven days a week in all weathers. Do you recall what he used to shout outside the Royal Cinema and the Holy Redeemer Church? We take a stroll through the People’s Park, a green haven gifted to the town, and hear from Brian White about its rich history, along with voices from the community on why it remains such a special place. Could residents of the Lower Dargle benefit from a local drop-in centre to help combat social isolation? We explore the idea. Finally, we dip back into Freddie’s tape...
2025-07-0537 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 6. Nostalgia, TV Rentals and 'Rabbits Ears', School Kids from the 80s & First RecordsThis episode of Bray Talking Heads is full of nostalgia! We dive into the archives with a charming playback of old interviews recorded by BLB’s Uncle Bob, featuring children from the Holy Communion class at Ravenswell School. Can you recognise any of those young voices?
Remember when Bray had several TV rental shops? Back when a television cost nearly a month's wages, renting was the norm. Malcolm Hill, a former repair engineer, takes us back to those black-and-white days.
And finally, can you remember the first record you ever bought? We take a musical trip down memory lane.
Bray Ta...
2025-06-1932 min
BraytalkingheadsIvanna from Ukraine on having to flee from warIvanna’s Story: From War to Welcome
In this moving extended interview, Ivanna shares her journey of fleeing war-torn Ukraine and the emotional toll of leaving home behind. She reflects on her first impressions of Bray - from the peaceful streets to the wonder of seeing a robin for the first time. With heartfelt gratitude, she speaks about the warm welcome and compassion she received from the people of Bray. Ivanna also opens up about the hidden pain many Ukrainians carry, describing how they continue to smile for the world, even as their hearts remain broken inside.
2025-06-0235 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 5. The Cross, Save Our Rowing Club and from Ukraine to BrayWhen was the iconic cross on Bray Head built - and who was behind it? Local historian Brian White has the answers.
At the Bray Rowing Club, sea spray has taken its toll. With the concrete roof collapsing, the club now faces a tough decision: rebuild or relocate. Meanwhile, their prized racing boats sit exposed to the elements. Leah visits the club to hear more from John Curran and Tony Dutton.
And as the war in Ukraine continues, nearly a thousand Ukrainians have found refuge in Bray. Mark sits down with Ivanna to learn about her journey and what life...
2025-06-0137 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 4. Golf on the Seafront, old radio ads and First DatesJoin us as Anne Mooney shares fond memories of her dad Pat, who once ran the beloved putting green and deckchair rentals on Bray seafront. We rewind to the golden days of BLB Community Radio in the late '70s and '80s, unearthing old ads from local shops that have since disappeared but are far from forgotten. Plus, we take to the Main Street to ask—where would you bring a first date in Bray?
It’s nostalgia, local stories and of course, a bit of conversation.
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hann...
2025-05-1633 min
BLB Sounds From The PastBonus Episode: What Happened After BLB?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.C...
2025-05-0123 min
BLB Sounds From The PastEpisode 6. Closing The Fader on BLBThere 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 ww...
2025-04-0331 min
BLB Sounds From The PastEpisode 5. Authentic LifelineIn 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...
2025-03-2727 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 1. Promenade, Cliff Walk & Opinions on BrayWelcome to Bray Talking Heads! In our first episode we find out about the origins of the mile-long prom, we head to the Cliff Walk to meet the Friends of the Cliff Walk about their campaign to get it reopened, fast; and we ask newcomers to the town 'what's best about Bray?'
Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon.
A podcast celebrating the stories, history and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our...
2025-03-2238 min
BLB Sounds From The PastEpisode 4. Local Politics and Commercial BreaksIn 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.highwi...
2025-03-2027 min
BraytalkingheadsAbout the ShowWelcome to Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town
A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world.
Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon, Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station.
Artwork by Jody Hogg Design https://jodyhogg.com
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and al...
2025-03-1802 min
BraytalkingheadsEp 2. Main Street, Ham, ‘Tackies’ and Necking!Brian White provides the definitive answer on the number of bandstands. Pat Vance shares his experience as the last remaining cobbler in Bray. What’s shopping like on Main Street? What was it like growing up above a family-run store? Leah talks to Kevin Murphy about his father Jack Murphy’s corner shop, famous for its delicious ham.
'Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. History, stories, opinions and conversations – a podcast for Brayites everywhere!
Tell a friend, let them know!
BLB Sounds From the Past https://www.youtube.com/@RadiogenicProductions
Artwork by Jody Hogg D...
2025-03-1846 minBraytalkingheadsTrailerWelcome to Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town.
A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world.
Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon, Bray Talking Heads continues the spirit of local storytelling, following in the footsteps of BLB (Bray Local Broadcasting), the beloved community radio station.
Artwork by Jody Hogg Design https://jodyhogg.com
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and al...
2025-03-1802 min
BLB Sounds From The PastEpisode 3. Voices of BrayIn 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 ab...
2025-03-1333 min
BLB Sounds From The PastEpisode 2. The Sound Way To Spend Your DayIn 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.high...
2025-03-0625 min
BLB Sounds From The PastEpisode 1. From Idea to Airwaves: The BLB OriginsIn this first episode Mark Quinn takes us back to the late 1970’s to explore the origins of pirate radio in Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland. He reveals how Southside Radio, and later BLB, provided exciting and fresh experiences for both the deejays and listeners in Bray. Through this journey, we get a glimpse of life during that time and learn how the story of BLB began.Credits: Sound recording by Mike Quinn Sound mixing by Luke Conlon High Wire Post Production, Dublin, Ireland www.highwire.ie Ar...
2025-02-2730 min