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The Wednesday Wake-Up Call: Meet Phily-It O’Kane 🎙️
If your Wednesday mornings feel like a slow-motion car crash, we’ve got a solution—or at least a very loud distraction. Meet Phily-It O’Kane, the man brave (or crazy) enough to man the decks every Wednesday from 8 am to 10 am. He’s high-energy, he’s fueled by a questionable amount of caffeine, and he’s obsessed with American Country. We sat down with him to find out why he does what he does. The Show: Not Your Average Commute Phily describes his show as "lively," which is rad

Drive105
6 days ago2 min read


Derry City- the 2026 story so far
Second place in the table last season, proven quality brought in to add to areas which were felt to need strengthening - in the attacking department entered the mercurial talents of James Clarke and Darragh Markey to assist Michael Duffy, the energy filled and goalscoring potential of Joshua Thomas to complement the powerfully built and aerially dominant Dipo Akinyemi and Liam Boyce. At the back, Rob Slevin's versatility and proven League of Ireland standing brought a new sen

Tom O'Connor
Apr 43 min read


Council changes services to Summer Opening Hours
Derry City and Strabane District Council has confirmed it will introduce its summer opening hours across some of its services next week. For Cemeteries, including the City, Ballyoan and Altnagelvin, the new extended opening times will see sites remain open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, running from Monday 30th March 2026. In line with the clocks going forward this weekend, Recycling Centres will also change to their summer opening times from Monday 30th March. Several

Drive105
Mar 271 min read


Celebration of Culture at CultĂşrlann
Last Tuesday, the energy at Cultúrlann Uà Chanáin was absolutely infectious. We took our studio on the road for Saint Patrick’s Day, and what we found was a beautiful, shared celebration that brought people from all corners of the community together. It wasn’t just about the date on the calendar; it was about the vibrant, inclusive atmosphere that filled the Great Hall and spilled out into the streets. A Shared Space for Everyone Cultúrlann has always been a hub for creativit

Drive105 Community
Mar 192 min read


The 96-Hour Spike: Why NI is Feeling the Burn at the Pump
​In the space of just four days, the price of fuel in Northern Ireland has "rocketed" by over 20p per litre, leaving motorists in a state of sticker shock. What was a manageable expense last week has become a financial emergency, as global volatility hits local forecourts with brutal speed. ​The Global Spark ​The catalyst for this sudden surge is the dramatic military escalation in the Middle East. With the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for 20% of the world’s oil—effectively

Drive105
Mar 42 min read


Mayor encourages people to get fit for a good cause this Easter
Chocolate and fitness may not be the most obvious combination, but this Easter the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor RuairĂ McHugh, is inviting local residents to strike the perfect balance by supporting a special Easter Egg Swap campaign across Council leisure centres. The initiative encourages people to donate an Easter egg at participating Council facilities in exchange for a complimentary fitness class pass. All donated eggs will be gifted to young patients in the C

Drive105
Feb 252 min read


Over 1,000 saplings planted at Bay Road Tree Planting Day
Over 1,200 baby sapling trees were planted by volunteers at Bay Road Park at the weekend as part of Council’s Life Project Initiative. Families, community groups and local businesses came together for the Tree Planting Day on Saturday morning in a collective effort to enhance the local green space and celebrate the initiative that marks significant life moments across the City and District. A mixture of native species including Oak, Willow, Mountain Ash, Alder and Wild Pear i

Drive105 Community
Feb 242 min read


Good News for Derry City Fans: Celtic Park Gets the Green Light
It is official: Derry City FC will be playing their home games at Celtic Park this April and May. The GAA Central Council granted permission this weekend, a decision that comes as a massive relief to thousands of supporters. It is a victory for common sense that keeps Friday night football exactly where it belongs—on the Lone Moor Road. Why the Move? The move is happening because the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium  is undergoing some major—and much-needed—upgrades. The club

Drive105 Match Night Live
Jan 241 min read


Substance Over Spectacle: The Independent Value of Patrick McClean
While the fanfare surrounding James McClean’s return has captivated the Brandywell faithful, it is vital that the narrative does not obscure the critical importance of his brother Patrick’s arrival. This is not a sentimental reunion; it is a calculated reinforcement. During Saturday’s press event, where he spoke with various media outlets including Drive105 Radio’s Dermot Liddy, Patrick cut a focused figure. His interactions highlighted a player intent on letting his football

Drive105 Match Night Live
Jan 181 min read


Supervalu Northside Closure - Devastating loss for local community.
The Supervalu at Derry's Northside Shopping Centre closes by end of March 2026. Manager Declan Corry cited soaring rates, insurance, and competition after 16 tough years as unavoidable reasons. Generations relied on this spot for daily essentials, quick chats, and neighborhood ties since its Wellworths days. Shoppers from Shantallow, Galliagh, and Carnhill now face longer treks amid retail shifts shaking Northside. Up to 30 staff members confront redundancy, many with decade

Drive105
Jan 161 min read


The Man, The Myth, The Mic: Meet Tony "Conka" McBride
If you hear a voice on the radio that sounds suspiciously like an 8-year-old boy who never stopped pretending to be Tony Blackburn, don’t adjust your dial. That’s just Tony McBride  (better known to his fans as Conka ), and he’s been preparing for this gig since he was old enough to hijack his da’s vintage microphone and spin the family vinyl. We caught up with the man who brings the "Cheese" to your Friday and the "Golden" to your Sunday. Friday Fever & Sunday Spuds Tony isn

Drive105
Jan 112 min read


Comedy, Chords, and the "Royal" Blunder: Meet Margo Carr
If you’re looking for a way to escape the mundane, look no further than Tuneful Tuesday . Hosted by the multi-talented Margo Carr , the show is a vibrant mix of local legends, international stars, and a healthy dose of Derry humor. For Margo, music and singing aren't just hobbies; they are essential for mental health. Her mission every Tuesday is to transport her listeners to a "better place" through songs, stories, and the refreshing power of a good laugh. A Couch Full of Lu

Drive105
Jan 62 min read


Service update for Monday, 05 January - Bin collections suspended
⚠️ Service Update – Monday, 05 January 2026 ⚠️ Due to ongoing snow and icy conditions, a number of Council services across Derry City and Strabane District continue to be impacted today. Please note that 🗑️ Household Bin Collections for today have been SUSPENDED. Arrangements will be made to collect them as soon as it is safe to do so. 🌹Cemeteries All Council cemeteries remain closed this morning and will only reopen once it is safe to do so. Burials will continue to be

Drive105 Community
Jan 51 min read


Sunday Morning ice Warning for the North-West
Good morning, everyone. ​If you’re just waking up and looking out the window this Sunday, it might not look too dramatic out there. It just looks a bit grey, damp, and standard for January. ​But don't let appearances fool you. ​Temperatures took a significant dip across the North West overnight. All that dampness on the ground has frozen solid, meaning we are waking up to widespread and hazardous icy conditions right across the area. ​Before you head out for the papers or sta

Drive105
Jan 42 min read


Sunrise and Superpowers: Meet the Voice of Monday Mornings, Ronan O’Flaherty
Move over, sunset—there’s a new dawn in town. If you’ve been reaching for the radio dial on your Monday commute and noticed things sounding a bit more energetic (and significantly more "Trekkie"), there’s a reason. The man who once drove you home has officially flipped the switch. Ronan O’Flaherty  has moved from the evening slot to host the brand-new Ronan 'O' Breakfast Show , airing every Monday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM . Goodbye Drive Time, Hello Breakfast For a long time,

Drive105
Dec 29, 20252 min read


BITTER SWEET END TO 2025
​It has been a week of mixed emotions in the world of entertainment. From heartbreaking tributes to rock legends to rare glimpses into private celebrity lives, here is what is making noise right now. ​🎸 Music News: The Cure Mourns Perry Bamonte ​The music world is in mourning following the sad news that Perry Bamonte, former guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, has died at the age of 65. Passing away after a short illness over Christmas, Bamonte was a key figure during th

Drive105
Dec 29, 20252 min read


Listen to the best of Drive105 Radio Anywhere
Here is a brief, engaging section tailored for a blog post or an app landing page: Take the Sound of Drive105 Radio Anywhere Click on the image Never miss a beat with the official Drive105 Streaming App. Whether you’re at home, on the commute, or anywhere in the world, you can now tune into your favorite local station with crystal-clear audio at the touch of a button. From the latest community news and local talk to a non-stop mix of the tracks you love—including featured loc

Drive105
Dec 25, 20251 min read


From Dialing In to Delivering the Hits: Meet Dee Curran
If you spent your childhood calling up local radio stations to demand 2 Unlimited or D:ream, you have a lot in common with Dee Curran . The only difference? Dee actually made it behind the microphone. After starting as a volunteer in 2010 during a quiet spell for work, Dee has become a staple of the airwaves. Today, he’s the man responsible for curing the Monday blues with Mid-Morning Monday , broadcasting every week from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM . The Monday Motivator Dee’s show

Drive105
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Registrations open for 2026 Waterside and Strabane Lifford Half Marathons
Runners planning their 2026 race calendar can now secure their place for two of the hottest tickets in North West athletics as registrations officially opened this week for the Waterside Half Marathon and the Strabane Lifford Half Marathons. Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, while the Waterside Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026. Festival and Events Manager w

Drive105
Dec 18, 20252 min read


The Sound of the Shifting Sands: Why We Still Can’t Quit the Noughties
If you grew up in the 2000s, your musical identity was likely a chaotic mosaic. One minute you were adjusting your trucker hat to a Pharrell-produced beat, and the next you were side-fringing your hair to an emo anthem. The "Noughties" (2000–2009) was more than just a decade of low-rise jeans and Motorola Razrs; it was the last era where music felt like a shared cultural event before the streaming algorithms took over. It was the decade where the digital revolution met the an

Drive105
Dec 18, 20253 min read
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