CHALK TALK: TY students take over the LMFM airwaves for Easter Monday broadcast
A group of Transition Year students from schools across Meath had the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes at LMFM during their TY Media Week, running twice yearly in March and November in conjunction with Learning Waves and Coimisiún na Mean.
The programme, coordinated by Chris Murray, LMFM presenter Michael Gerrard, and the TY coordinators from Learning Waves, selects 8–10 students each session (a mix of boys and girls from different schools) to explore the world of radio broadcasting from every angle.
Over five full days, students learned that radio is much more than just the presenter on air. They explored the newsroom, production studios, advertising, sound decks, and transmitters, gaining insight into the full process behind creating a show. They practised presenting, mastering voice projection, pacing, and “radio voice” skills, while linking their social media knowledge to radio content, reflecting how young audiences consume media today.
The week also featured exciting interviews. Daniel Gallagher, a keen rugby player from Ashbourne, spoke with Rob Kearney, while Mia Fitzpatrick from Scoil Mhuire, Dunleer, interviewed Niall McDonald about Gaelic sports. Other students explored music, arts, and even animation. One student shared how his uncle, Paul Gillette, built and sold an animation company in Australia for €550 million - an inspiring story of following passions and creating opportunities abroad.
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Evan from Ashbourne CS spoke to his Uncle in Australia about how he made his millions.Image 2 of 6
Isabella Waters from St. Oliver Plunkett Community College, Duleek, sang and read a poem on air.Image 3 of 6
Callum Lillis from Ashbourne CS interviewed legend of the airwaves Michael Gerrard and his midnight Radio Romance show.Image 4 of 6
Daniel Gallagher from Ashbourne CS talking about his passion for Rugby and getting to speak to Rob Kearney.Image 5 of 6
Students with presenters Michael Gerrard and Chris Murray, and Teresa Hanratty, TY coordinator from Learning Waves.Image 6 of 6
TY students in the LMFM studio learning the tricks of the trade.Students also brought their own creativity to the airwaves. Isabella Waters from St. Oliver Plunkett Community College, Duleek, sang a song and read a poem, while Callum Lillis from Ashbourne CS discussed Oasis with Michael Gerrard, sharing insights from his long radio career.
Their two-hour Easter Monday special, airing 7–9 pm on 7 April, promises a mix of interviews, music, and special guests - a show for young and old alike.