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’t a one-trick pony; he’s a two-show powerhouse. On Fridays at 3 PM, he kicks off the weekend with a weekly theme, a "mystery year" with actual prizes (yes, real ones!), and a half-hour kitchen disco segment geniusly titled Cheese and Crackers.

"If the name doesn't tell you everything you need to know about the music selection, the songs will," Tony jokes.

But come Sunday at noon, the vibe shifts. It’s time for Dootsie Sundays, featuring golden oldies and local classics. According to Tony, it’s the ultimate soundtrack for your weekend chores: "It’s the kind of music you can really peel yer spuds to!"

The Ultimate Radio Prankster

Tony loves listener interaction, but sometimes he uses his powers for mischief. When asked about his funniest on-air moment, Tony confessed to a bit of "newbie hazing."

During former presenter Una Dunne’s very first live show, Tony sent in a fake request for a certain "Mike Hunt" celebrating his 40th birthday. Poor Una read the name out six times before the penny finally dropped. (We’re told she has since forgiven him, but we’re checking the records).

The Secret Life of a Tulip Enthusiast

When he isn't trying to trick his colleagues or spinning the Pogues, Tony can be found at Malin Head. But he’s not just there for the views—he’s a man of the soil.

"Gardening is very therapeutic," Tony says, "And very thirsty work as well." We can only assume the "thirst" is quenched with something a bit stronger than tulip water once the gardening gloves come off.

A Final Thought

Whether he’s hunting for the "mystery year" or tending to his tulips, Tony is all about the community. Just maybe double-check the names on his request list before you read them out loud.