The most popular Irish radio program in New York celebrated its 30th anniversary in February, 2004. Ceol na nGael ("Music of the Irish") began as the brainchild of two Fordham students, Gerry Murphy and Mary Maguire, back in 1974. Over the years it has continued to be hosted by students, who have kept the tradition alive.Nearly 75,000 listeners tune in to 90.7 FM every Sunday between 12 noon and 4 pm to hear all kinds of Irish music, often accompanied by dedications, and to stay connected through the community bulletin boards. Two of the program's highlights are the weekly news from Ireland, reported by Declan O'Byrne in Dublin, at 2pm and the sports from Ireland, with Brendan Tier, immediately following.Gerry Murphy had first proposed an Irish music program on WFUV in 1973, but it wasn't until the winter of 1974, when the station needed to fill time during a fundraiser, that he got his chance. The show was an instant hit with listeners. "We were going to give them a slice of the music they loved," says Gerry, who has since served as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County.Ashling Colton and Kevin Quinn, both Fordham University students, are the newest team to host Ceol na nGael.Irish musicians understand just how special Ceol na nGael is. According to singer Cathie Ryan, "Ceol na nGael reconnects us to our roots and reinforces our values as a community. There are millions of us in the tri-state area, but Ceol na nGael, with its music, news reports, and community bulletin boards, makes us a small village."
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