Offaly students to take over a radio show on Dublin station later this month!

LOETB Birr’s Music Industry & Event Management students will take over “The Power of Dreams” on Dublin South 93.9 FM on Wednesday January 28th from 11am to 1pm.

This opportunity arose after Marian Shanley, a director at the station, awarded the students certificates last May for their outstanding contribution, creative excellence, and positive social impact following the success of their ‘Dance with Me Tonight’ campaign. The project raised over €2,350 for charity through a single that reached No. 14 in the Top 20 Homegrown IRMA/Official Charts and a concert at Birr Arts Theatre. On the same day, Marian invited the students to collaborate with media professionals to programme, curate, and run a full two-hour broadcast in early 2026.

Commenting on the upcoming takeover, the hosts shared their thoughts and excitement about the opportunity. Molly Kavanagh said “it’s not often you get given the opportunity to take over a radio show especially one as big as Dublin South 93.9 FM”.

While fellow host Kane Shortt added “it means the world to me that Marian would let me come on this show and be a part of this takeover”. Additionally Jack Concannon said “I have a passion for Irish music and getting to share some of my favourite artists music globally through dublinsouthfm.ie is a dream come true”.

Dan Daly who is performing the intro to the show, also speaks about how Metallica first inspired him in Slane. “James Hetfield’s technique and speed in downpicking helped influence my own technique, but for the introduction, I guess Dimebag’s way of playing was more of an influence” and Calum Foy who recorded the introduction with Dan added “I was impressed by Dan’s precision and musicality, I could see his influences, yet in an original way”

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Without giving too much away, Sean Larkin and Senan Grainger will be discussing local, national and global positive news stories. Sean said “I’m shocked and honoured to have this amazing chance to go live on air - something I never imagined, and an experience few people get at a young age. It’s all new to me, but exciting, and I can’t wait to see how it goes.”.

Senan added “I’m thrilled to be on the radio for the first time. This experience will boost my confidence in speaking to a wider audience. As part of Banagher Tidy Towns - a town in Offaly with a unique outdoor swimming pool - I’m excited to share our upcoming projects and my passion for making Banagher an even more special place for visitors to global good news stories.”

Olena Rudyshyna will be announcing the details of an exciting project during her upcoming interview with Calum Foy. “I have a great opportunity to talk about my work experience and the goals I achieved in Ukraine. I’m very glad to share my future plans with Calum, and eventually turn them into an Irish project.”.

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John McFadden, the Music Industry & Event Management teacher added “It’s going to be a lot of fun, but beyond that, there are valuable learning outcomes and educational experiences happening behind the scenes. The students have organised every element of the show. Radio production involves so much - from planning content to creating vox pops, stings, and interviews to promoting the show both locally and globally via online means - and they’ve taken on all of it.”

Enda Kennedy, the Centre Manager in LOETB Birr, said “This radio takeover is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity and professionalism on a national platform. It reflects the hands-on, real-world learning we value at LOETB Birr, and we’re incredibly proud of their dedication and the skills they’ve developed to make this happen. We are deeply thankful to Marian Shanley and Dublin South FM for supporting our students and giving them this incredible chance”.

Tune in on Wednesday, January 28th from 11am to 1pm on 93.9 FM or online at dublinsouthfm.ie to catch all these stories - plus insights into other LOETB Birr highlights, from Sasha Baranok’s speed climbing achievements, updates from former LOETB Birr students and alumni, Clare-Ann Nolan and Melissa Dunne to the great chicken debate!

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