“While deepening links between brands and local communities has been one of the key impacts of recent months, there’s another important dynamic at play when it comes to local radio. Namely, – the bond of trust between listeners and their favourite presenters to keep them informed and engaged with the latest news. That’s why everyone at IRS+ congratulates Alan on for his remarkable coverage of Covid 19, its effect on the people of Co. Wexford and for reporting on the response from frontline services in the county.” That’s according to Peter Smyth CEO of IRS+.
He was commenting on the announcement that Alan Corcoran, the presenter of South East Radio’s flagship Morning Talk Programme has been awarded a prestigious National Services Day Medal.
As such, he is one of only two civilians in Ireland to be honoured with this award by FESSEF – the Frontline Emergency and Security Services Eire Forum ( The only other non-military person to receive this award is the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD).
David O’ Grady, Assistant Commander and Regional Director of the Order of Malta broke the news to Alan live on radio. He said: “This is a national military award for all emergency services personnel but today an exception is being made to award it to a lay person for services above and beyond the call of duty in the South East.”
Alan Corcoran has presented South East Radio’s award winning Morning Mix for over ten years and for the past seven weeks he has presented a specially extended three hour version of the programme with the latest Covid 19 information with health experts, front line workers and listeners effected by the virus across Co. Wexford. While no current listenership figures are available, South East Radio report a significant spike in engagement with the show via emails and calls at the height of the pandemic.
Alan Corcoran said: “I’m accepting this on behalf of the listeners to South East Radio’s Morning Mix, all of the guests who appear on the show and my colleagues here at South East Radio. I’m also thinking of my Granddad today who fought in the War of Independence and I’d love him to be here to show him this but maybe he is looking down on me today – It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
