"It will appeal to all ages," said John Harrold chairman of Ballyhoura Community Radio Ltd. "The franchise area is within an eight-kilometre radius Charleville, depending on terrain. It will very much have a community focus," he added.

Over the past six years, the volunteers of Ballyhoura Community Radio have been working to secure a radio licence to broadcast to Charleville and the surrounding communities. "Originally, Charleville Chamber of Commerce came up with the idea. A sub-committee was set up to have a look at the feasibility of setting up a radio station to cover the area. We looked at various models and the community model was the one that we felt would work best," said Mr Harrold.

BCR FM will initially broadcast at weekends, with plans to extend the broadcast schedule further during 2011. The service will be available on 92.6FM. The studio is in Smith's Lane, Charleville.

"We will start with weekends, nine to nine. The hope is that by the end of 2011 it will be built up to a full schedule," continued Mr Harrold.

Ciarán Kissane, head of contract awards BAI, congratulated Ballyhoura Community Radio on their contract signing and wished them every success over the term of the licence.

"Community Radio is an important element of local media, and I am confident the service can add to the sense of community in the Charleville area," he said.

BCR FM was represented at the signing by Mr Harrold and treasurer PJ O'Gorman. Michael Moriarty, authority member, and Mr Kissane signed on behalf of BAI.

There are around 50 volunteers already involved in the radio station. Public funding through the Pobal Community Services has been secured for a manager, Deralee Collins, and support staff. 

According to Mr Harrold, the station is always open to more volunteers.

Ballyhoura Community Radio joins 20 other fully licenced stations nationwide and Craol congratulates everyone involved. Well done!