Travel back to January 1990 as we revisit a rare, live broadcast from Horizon Radio, where broadcaster Mark Quinn sits down with one of County Wicklow’s most multifaceted personalities: Jim Brophy.

Jim served County Wicklow as a dedicated Assistance Officer, managing the difficult daily balance of granting or denying financial relief to people in deep need. Alongside this, his part-time role as a senior officer in the Wicklow County Civil Defence—which grew to roughly 600 members at its peak—utilised his unique ability to bridge the gap between town and country communities. His deep connections with the GAA meant he personally knew residents in every parish across the county, aiding both his public service and his prominent role as a local GAA administrator.

To the readers of the Wicklow and Bray People, however, Jim was best known as the sharp, observant wit behind the beloved weekly column "The Man On The Corner," as well as the dedicated sports historian who authored the centenary GAA book The Leathers Echo.

In this engaging piece of local broadcasting history, Jim shares fond reflections on his deep roots in County Wicklow. He talks warmly about growing up in his home town of Rathdangan before charting his journey across the county to first arrive in his adopted home of Bray—a town he would come to love deeply and write about extensively.

This unedited conversation captures a distinct moment at the dawn of the 1990s. Featuring original Horizon Radio jingles, time checks and advertisements, it offers a nostalgic look at local broadcasting and a fascinating insight into a man who truly had his finger on the pulse of West, East, and North Wicklow.

Email the producers: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com

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Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!

https://blb.buzzsprout.com

This 1987 'stream of consciousness' was recorded in the home of a man whose name is practically synonymous with the preservation of local heritage in Bray. The writer, historian and true Bray character, Colbert Martin.

If you have ever picked up a book about the history of Bray, chances are you have seen Colbert’s name. In April of 1977, he was one of the key driving forces and founding committee members who established the Bray Cualann Historical Society - an organisation that is still thriving today. Colbert wrote and directed plays, he worked in a variety of jobs, he was a member of the Bray Literary Debating Society and was also a founder member of Bray Credit Union.

Colbert was a storyteller who understood that the real history of a place lives in its people. His celebrated books, like The Bridge Below the Town and his brilliant social history, A Drink from Broderick's Well, captured the folklore, the everyday anecdotes and the unique family nicknames of Little Bray that otherwise would have been lost to time.

Less an interview but more the thoughts of a man reflecting on a full life, well lived. This is Colbert Martin. (First transmitted on the 22nd August 1987 on BLB Radio).

Email Mark: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com

Go on, send us a review text!

Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!

https://blb.buzzsprout.com

A true local legend, a flamboyant, larger-than-life actress, drama teacher and theatre producer; first up in this archive podcast is Gladys Sheehan. Known affectionately to many as the Grande Dame of Bray, Gladys ran renowned drama schools in Bray and Greystones, instilling confidence in generations of local children. She was a veteran of both the stage and screen, appearing as an actress in dozens of films shot right on our doorstep at Ardmore Studios, all while raising her family and being a champion of local arts.

In this interview with Mark Quinn, she talks openly about life as a mother to her children with disabilities, the demands of running theatrical productions and the optimism that helped her keep moving forward. She also tells the story of how a certain part of her anatomy (her bum!) became unexpectedly famous after appearing in a Harp Lager television commercial.

Sitting opposite Gladys in the studio was one of the most recognisable voices and faces in the country at that time (1989) RTÉ broadcaster and producer Mike Murphy. By then, Mike had already cemented his place in Irish broadcasting history, having hosted major flagship shows like The Live Mike and The Arts Programme, bringing a unique blend of sharp wit, warmth and innovation to the national airwaves.

This live radio interview turned out to be a wonderfully open conversation. Recorded on Horizon Radio, Bray more than three decades ago.

A separate interview recorded in December of 1989 is unforgettable because of the sheer force of personality of the guest. In this interview Mark grappled with the ever-opinionated Bill Scott.

Waterford born, Bill’s life was nothing short of remarkable. In his younger years, he served with the Palestine Police and later the London Metropolitan Police. You’ll hear him talk about being shot at, witnessing the actual crucifixion of a man and saving a young Michael Jackson’s life.

Bill was a radio presenter’s dream guest; he held firm views on almost every subject, delivering his thoughts with a level of confidence that made for compelling radio. A great story teller with tales that were very definitely of their time!

Email Mark: radiogenicproductions@gmail.com

Go on, send us a review text!

Bray Talking Heads Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube. Listen now, you'll love it!

https://blb.buzzsprout.com