02.08.07
Ray Darcy
Like most people I flick around radio stations manically looking for something that doesn’t irritate me. I must mention for commendation Ray Darcy’s programme on TodayFM. While the content is the usual fluffy rubbish found on another shows, he presents it in a way that makes you smile warmly rather than cringe. I think its because he is totally genuine. He is not adopting a persona that he thinks is suitable to the show – he really is being himself. Sometimes the current affairs programmes have a touch of the “AND NOW I WILL ASK THIS CRUCIAL QUESTION IN THIS SERIOUS TONE OF VOICE BECAUSE I AM REALLY IMPORTANT”. The fluffy shows are the “” HAAAAY WE ARE HAVING SUCH A GREAT TIME IT’S ONE BIG PARTY HERE AND I AM REAAAALLLY HILARIOUS” (and no you’re not actually). He’s often cynical of the material with which he is faced, but in a warm not a sneering way. He can criticise without being mean. (which I can’t do).
Warmth, it’s all about warmth in this cold horrible world.
Conor O'Neill said,
February 8, 2007 at 11:56 am
I sneer about Ray but when I’m driving from Cork to Dublin, I always end up listening and enjoying, despite myself.
liam said,
February 8, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Donal Dineen was my “radio warmth” in this cold horrible world but then todayfm replaced him with some fluffy, smashy n’ nicey idiot and bumped Donal into an after midnight slot – unfortunately way past my bedtime most nights.
He dedicated a whole show to Nina Simone one night shortly after her death and it was the best thing I’ve heard on the radio.
Ronan said,
February 8, 2007 at 12:51 pm
I’m with Liam, a campaign to get Donal back to social hours is needed.
Crocodile said,
February 8, 2007 at 4:54 pm
On a radio-related topic, anyone got any idea where I can buy a dab digital radio in Dublin? There were sets for sale last summer, when there was no digital broadcasting in Ireland. Now the 4 RTE channels and Today FM are available – in the Dublin area at least – but none of the shops has any dab radios.
Sarah said,
February 8, 2007 at 5:19 pm
I wish you luck. I dropped into a Dixons to buy an ordinary radio walkman. Do they sell them? Noooooooooo. Wasn’t I STUPID to assume that an electronic retail shop might sell one…
graham said,
February 8, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Perhaps Ray’s psychology background help him to come across the way he does, which I agree with you Sarah, is totally genuine.
You can get DAB radios. Try harvey norman.
Peats and Maplans both have plain old fashioned personal radios.
Darren Mac an PhrÃora said,
February 8, 2007 at 7:37 pm
He called Enda Kenny a potato a while back. Might be something unconsciously to do with Ray being a former member of the CnaG Ogras clubs.
Btw, look what I found while looking for a gaeilge debate on your site… oh God..
http://www.phrasebase.com/forum/read.php?TID=16167
Don’t worry, Sarah, I’ll stick up for you on any important sites…
Sarah said,
February 9, 2007 at 12:22 am
OMG Darren, that thread is hilarious! Wow, you keep warning me about radicals and I wasn’t taking you seriously. They appear to think that apart from rude and stupid (which is arguable I suppose) I must be English, and sure, if I’m against Irish speakers then I must be against homosexuals too…helllllloooooooooo
Gee, let’s hope none of them turn up at the debate. I had better wear a push up bra or something to distract them.
EJP said,
February 9, 2007 at 9:58 am
“I’m with Liam, a campaign to get Donal back to social hours is needed.”
While Donal’s taste in music is impeccable, he’s never going to regain a slot during social hours if he doesn’t soon learn to speak into the microphone, or raise his voice slightly. It’s like having a conversation with a terminally shy teenage cousin who refuses to make eye contact and delivers every utterance to the ground. Even when he’s excited his delivery is deadpan.
I listen to the show a lot more often when ‘Leagues’ (?) O’Toole stands in for him. Similar music, more engaging presenter.
On D’arcy, I’d agree about his sincerity, and I generally like the show. However I think he’s a bit prone to pontification, such as his recent self-appointment as the only man who can really speak to ‘boy racers’, and does so by cursing out of their over-sized speakers at them.
Darren Mac an PhrÃora said,
February 9, 2007 at 1:33 pm
The marchers are getting ready for your debate Sarah!!!
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/73027
Sarah said,
February 9, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Right, it’s a push-up bra AND time to break out the Prada heels.
Feck, when I used to debate in the GMB I carried a fag in one hand and a drink in the other. Might have to revert to old habits.
Darren Mac an PhrÃora said,
February 11, 2007 at 4:50 pm
For fcuks sake that “Phrasebase” website is slow. I’m afraid you are going to have to look at the debate seriously and jokingly Sarah. BUT, the only serious consideration you may have to give to it is to make sure that your speech is tongue n cheek.
Who is speaking at it- as a matter of interest?
Sarah said,
February 11, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Eamon O’Cuiv, Manchan Magan and somebody else…
Darren Mac an PhrÃora said,
February 11, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Séan O’ hAdmhaill from Na Gaeil Oga.
Who else is proposing the motion?
Darren Mac an PhrÃora said,
February 11, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Don’t tell me there is some extremist with you proposing the motion, is there?
Oh God. Putting myself in your shoes, I cannot help but feel depressed.
Bad news: I may be wrong, but I think that Eamon O’ CuÃv takes all debates about the language seriously and your platform will be destroyed by the fact that he will point out that a voluntary code was in operation.
Seán O’ hAdhmail is from the North, and you will look like a demon saying that he- never mind the rest of us from the ’26- should not be entitiled to deal with State bodies as gaeilge.
Good news: Whatever you say- if you start (certainly finish anyway) saying something in Irish (and a few sentences- not a few words) all will be forgiven.
Also, you can point out the success that Gael-Taca has had. That will surprise people. Say that you know me and that will surprise Seán- and maybe good auld Eamo- and if you mention Pádraig O’ Cuanacháin that will surprise his no. 1 fan Eamo.
Main thing: finish up with some Irish.
Darren Mac an PhrÃora said,
February 11, 2007 at 7:16 pm
If you want me to give you some backup support I will.
Sarah said,
February 11, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Darren, I already have your support
Good tip on starting and finishing in Irish!
Lorenzo said,
February 12, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Random factoid to drop into the debate: According to http://www.nightcourses.com there are more Italian language classes being offered as night courses in Dublin than Irish – 88 versus 71.
I’m not sure what this signifies but I’m sure it will leave your debate opponents reeling.
Jimbo said,
April 27, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Ray Darcy is my new hero after recently declaring on air that he does not believe in god. In a country full of religious zombies Ray must have balls of steal. Ray Darcy I salute you!