Former Mayo airport features prominently in new book on the history of radio
Sounding Ireland is a newly released book about the history of radio in Ireland, written by Clíodhna Ní Anluain.
Michael McNamara (aka Micky Mac) remembers the day the photograph on the cover was taken in August 1980.
He recalled: "It was one of my first ever outside broadcasts on the old RTÉ Radio 2. We used to do the programme from events all over the country. This one was from the airfield in Castlebar.
"Hundreds of aircraft were on display with an array of demonstrations. There were lots of helicopters hovering low over the crowd. The runway was just a strip of grass.
"RTÉ broadcast two programmes that day.
"Jimmy Greely and Ruth Buchannan did ‘Poparama’ - a very popular young people's show at the time - and I did my three hour Saturday afternoon programmes playing all the hits and giving sports updates. Kevin Hough was our producer.
"In the years that followed we would broadcast from a specially designed mobile studio called The Roadcaster, but back in 1980 it was much more basic affair.
"Two technicians broadcasting from a caravan. We had just two turntables… a mixer… two microphones and plenty of long cables!
"CD's were not available until the mid-eighties then so we were all worried that the vinyl discs would jump as the crowd starting dancing outside in the field.
"In those days - pre-mobile phones - Posts and Telegraphs had to instal two landlines for us to keep in touch with the main studio in Montrose to cue news and commercials."
Michael does not remember the photograph being taken but he does remember the joy and excitement of all those present of seeing a live radio pop show with requests and local mentions being broadcast to the nation.
"Remember this was before local radio arrived so when Radio 2 came to town everyone came out to welcome us. Indeed I remember by 5.30 p.m. when I was finishing the show and handing over to Pat Kenny for the Outside Track which came from Donnybrook.
"I was asked to remind motorists on the air coming into Castlebar from Claremorris and Breaffy to use other routes and side roads as there was too much traffic in the area.
"What I love about the photo is the look of wonder and excitement on the faces of the kids.
"Back then it was very rare to see live broadcasts, people were amazed to see it all in action."
Michael, who spent 20 years at RTE Radio 2/2FM then went to RTE Lyric, is still on the air with RTE Gold presenting Living in the 70's on Saturday mornings.
"The late 1980's were tough for many young people with high unemployment and few job opportunities so RTE Radio 2 and 2FM organised free events all over the country - including “Beat On The Street” and “Lark In The Park” as well as thousands of outdoor broadcasts from every county in the land - and I was so glad to be part of it."
Writer of the book, Clíodhna Ní Anluain, said: "It was terrific to come across the photograph featuring Michael taken by Des Gaffney in RTÉ Archives.
"I had looked at hundreds of photographs but none would had the reaction that this one has had.
"When I showed it to New Island, the publisher of the book, they said it was spot on to communicate the energy, freshness and message of RTÉ being out there with the public, meeting and enjoying being with the listeners."