Roy Connaughton
Director
Meet the Team: Roy Connaughton
At Athlone Community Radio, every voice has a story — and Roy Connaughton’s is one filled with curiosity, community spirit, and a deep love of music. From discovering Ray Charles on an old vinyl to helping shape systems behind the scenes, Roy brings heart, humour, and a lifetime of experiences to the station.
About Roy
Who’s been a mentor or big influence on your radio journey?
That would be Amanda. She has been incredibly patient and taught me how radio works. While I was understanding how nonprofit organizations work, radio was something entirely different. Amanda basically spent a lot of time and patience with me, teaching me how it all comes together and how it really works. So, she’s probably been my biggest influence in that regard.
What would you tell someone thinking about volunteering?
If you want to volunteer in any organization, I would say this is an incredible one — because of the diversity of people you meet. The different people, it’s incredible. I think you learn a lot about yourself, about the community, and about the people you interact with every day.
Radio & Music Vibes
Your first musical love?
I love all sorts of music, but there’s one that sticks out. It was from my uncle’s vinyl record collection. When he got married and moved out, he gave me his collection. One day I picked up a random record, and it turned out to be a Ray Charles album. That was the first time I ever heard Ray Charles, and it had a big impact on me. Years later, I got to see Ray Charles live in Minneapolis — that was really special.
Your favorite track?
I’m drawing a blank. There are so many! I can’t even remember a single one right now — it sounds ridiculous.
Your dream interview, any time in history?
I think I would love to interview Nelson Mandela. I’d like to ask him about forgiveness — after 40 years of imprisonment, how do you come out, lead a country, and still show that kind of forgiveness? The ANC had parts that wanted him to rise up and fight, but he never did. He always took the peaceful option.
Random & Revealing
Tea or coffee?
Tea, absolutely. I can’t function without a cup of tea in the morning. I’ll even be late for a meeting if it means having my tea first.
Milk first or tea first?
Oh, tea first — always. Let it brew. The minute you put the milk in, you stop the brewing. The stronger, the better!
Could you tell us about your biography — interesting facts from your life, traveling, living abroad?
I think travel is probably one of my most favourite things. I’m at a point in my life where my dream is to stop working and just travel. That’s literally what I want to do — that’s my plan for the next few years.
The Wacky Corner
If one day you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Fly. Just imagine being able to fly! That would be the most incredible superpower.
What’s a funny childhood belief you had?
My grandmother used to terrify me with stories of the banshee. Once I bent to pick up a comb on the ground, and she stopped me, saying it belonged to the banshee. To this day, if I see a comb outside, I won’t touch it.
What’s the weirdest thing you believed as a child?
My grandmother used to tell me stories about the banshee. My grandfather would tell her to stop scaring me — some of her stories were about ghosts. One day she brought me for a walk, and there was a hair comb on the ground. I went to pick it up, and she stopped me, saying, “Don’t touch that — it belongs to the banshee.”
I asked what a banshee was, and she said, “If you hear the banshee crying, someone will die in the neighbourhood the next day. She cries and combs her hair, and sometimes she drops her comb.” It frightened the life out of me. To this day, if I see a comb or brush on the ground, I still don’t touch it.
Community & Impact
You lived a long period in the USA — was your job connected to radio or music? How do you find American music in general?
I take a lot from American music — it’s pretty much the backbone of most music around the world. Most of it can be traced back to African American culture — rock and roll, blues, jazz. I like all types of music.
Do you have some favorite bands that you’ve followed through the years?
Oh God, Neil Young would probably be one of them. Eric knows me for a long time, so he’d know that. Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor — the old classics. And in modern music, I think one of the most talented people is Billie Eilish. She’s just incredible.
Favourite time of day?
Probably afternoons… no, actually that’s not true. Depending on the season, in autumn, it’s just as the sun is going down — that five minutes between light and dark. The birds are going to roost, and the world feels calm. That’s probably my favourite time.
Music & More
Do you like to sing?
Yes, I like to sing in private — because I can’t sing! (laughs) I know where my skills are and where they aren’t. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy singing. I did karaoke once in my life and that was a bet.
What was the song?
I met a girl who told me she’d only go on a date with me if I got up and sang karaoke. She picked the song — it was a Bee Gees song. Guess which one? “More Than a Woman.” So, I sang it, we went on the date, and we actually ended up dating for four years.
What is your proudest moment as part of Athlone Community Radio?
I don’t know if there’s one specific moment, but I’m proud of how hard everyone here works. I’m proud that I had a small part in moving things forward — getting us more organized, putting systems in place that will help the station grow for years to come. That’s what I’m most proud of.
Quick Fire
What’s your favorite Irish word?
Not fit for radio. (laughs)
What’s your signature dish?
You mean when I cook? Well, you don’t really want me cooking — I’m a turbo cook! (laughs) But my favorite thing to cook, because I know how to make it well, is Fettuccine Alfredo with blackened chicken. It’s basically pasta with cream, chicken, and a lot of cheese.
What is your most used emoji?
Smiley face.
What’s always in your fridge?
Milk — because I have to have tea with milk!
Text or call?
Call. People get too lost in translation with text. If you want to get to know someone, call them.