Sir, – On November 29th I was part of a group from the Irish Vintage Radio and Sound Society that visited the decommissioned RTÉ Radio station in Athlone.
We were flabbergasted to see the full 1932 100kW Marconi transmitter in pristine condition and looking like it had just been switched off the day before. We believe that this is the only intact transmitter of its type still existing on its original site anywhere in the world. In Britain there were about 20 stations similar to the Athlone one but unfortunately none has been preserved. This is a very important part of the radio heritage of Ireland and is a true gem that must be cherished.
It was truly fantastic to discover what was hiding behind the “Athlone” on the radio dial. – Yours, etc,
RUDIE DORREPAAL,
Firhouse,
Dublin 24.