Four outstanding figures from Irish radio were inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame at a special ceremony at the IMRO offices today.
The 2026 inductees are
- Michael Crawley - LMFM
- Teena Gates – Bauer Media Ireland
- Helen Ní Shé – RTÉ Raidió Na Gaeltachta
- Marty Whelan – RTÉ lyric fm
Their induction recognises exceptional careers that have shaped Irish radio from very different corners of the sector.
Together, they represent the strength and range of radio across the island of Ireland. From independent radio leadership and sectorial development, to newsroom excellence, Irish-language and public service broadcasting plus one of the country's most loved voices on air, this year’s inductees reflect the craft, commitment and public connection that continue to make radio such an enduring force.
The IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame honours individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to radio, across both on-air and behind-the-scenes roles. This year’s honourees are four distinct figures, each with a career that has helped shape the sound, standards and future of Irish radio.
The Hall of Fame ceremony takes place ahead of the annual IMRO Radio Awards, which will be held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, on Friday, 2nd October 2026.
Chris Doyle, Chair of the IMRO Radio Awards Committee, said, "The IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame is about recognising those whose contribution to radio has stood the test of time. This year's inductees have each made their mark in very different ways, but what unites them is a massive commitment to audiences, to the highest standards of broadcasting, and to the communities they serve. Through leadership, journalism, storytelling and companionship, they have enriched Irish radio and helped shape the medium for future generations. It is a genuine privilege to honour Michael Crawley, Teena Gates, Helen Ní Shé and Marty Whelan, and to welcome them into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame"
Tom Dunne, Chair of IMRO said, "This year's IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame inductees reflect the very heart of Irish radio, from local to national stations, from management to much-loved on-air personalities and broadcasting as Gaeilge agus as Béarla. Their dedication, talent and passion have made a real and lasting contribution not only to the listeners but also to Irish broadcasting."
Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner Coimisiún na Meán said, "Congratulations to today's inductees into IMRO's Hall of Fame. Their dedication and skill as broadcasters makes them very deserving members, and it is wonderful to see their contribution to Irish radio being recognised. Radio is an integral part of Ireland's media landscape. It offers a diversity of voices and viewpoints that inform and entertain listeners across the country. Coimisiún na Meán is delighted to support the Hall of Fame again this year as it marks those who make a positive and lasting impact in the sector, and reminds us more broadly of the enduring relevance of radio in our media ecosystem."
This year’s inductees underline the breadth of the Hall of Fame itself. Michael Crawley represents leadership and sector-building within independent radio. Teena Gates represents trusted journalism, newsroom leadership and training. Helen Ní Shé represents the richness and cultural importance of Irish-language broadcasting. Marty Whelan represents warmth, longevity and the rare ability to become part of listeners’ daily lives.
Marty Whelan – RTÉ lyric fm
Marty Whelan has been one of Ireland's most beloved and enduring radio voices for more than four decades.
His RTÉ radio career began in 1979 and he is now best known to listeners as the presenter of the award-winning Marty in the Morning on RTÉ lyric fm. The programme has become a cherished part of the morning routine for audiences across the country, blending music, warmth, humour and conversation.
Marty’s ability to create a one-to-one connection with listeners is central to his enduring appeal. His audience regard him as a trusted companion, with daily messages into the programme reflecting the strong bond he has built over many years.
His contribution to broadcasting extends beyond the studio. Marty has been the voice of the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland since 2000, a role he has made his own with warmth, wit and deep affection. His connection with audiences has also translated into sell-out live shows, including Marty in the Evening at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and venues around the country.
Marty is also known for his commitment to community and charity work, giving his time to support charitable events throughout the year.
His lasting contribution to radio, his support for music and the arts, and his unmistakable presence in Irish broadcasting make him a fitting inductee into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame.
Michael Crawley - LMFM
Michael Crawley is being inducted into the IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to LMFM and the wider independent radio sector.
Michael joined LMFM as CEO in June 1991, a position he held until June 2026. By the mid-1990s, LMFM had become the most popular radio station in the North East, a position it has maintained to the present day. Throughout his tenure, the station won multiple broadcasting awards for the quality of its service.
Beyond LMFM, Michael has played a major role in the development of independent radio in Ireland. He was instrumental in the establishment of IRS, INN, Learning Waves and Radiocentre Ireland, helping to build structures that continue to support the sector.
Michael’s contribution to Learning Waves has been especially significant. In 2003, he championed the organisation’s application to Skillnet Ireland and volunteered to act as Network Promoter, a move that proved pivotal in securing the support of radio stations and, ultimately, Skillnet funding in 2004.
He went on to lead the establishment of the Learning Waves Board and company, serving as its first Chairperson from 2004 to 2008 and returning to the role in 2011. Across six years as Chairperson, he became the longest-serving Chair in the organisation’s history.
Teena Gates – Bauer Media Ireland
Teena Gates is one of the most recognisable voices in Irish radio news. An award-winning journalist, broadcaster and educator, her career has spanned RTÉ, 98FM, Today FM, Newstalk and Network News across independent radio in Ireland.
Over nearly four decades, Teena’s career has reflected the breadth of radio journalism, from newsroom leadership and trusted broadcasting to training, mentoring and advocacy for responsible storytelling.
She spent two decades as Breakfast News Anchor at 98FM and served as Head of News until December 2013. During that time, she became a trusted voice for listeners while also leading, developing and mentoring news teams.
Teena holds two Radio Awards for News Programme and News Bulletin, reflecting the authority and excellence she has brought to Irish radio journalism throughout her career.
Beyond her work on air, Teena was a founder member of Learning Waves Radio Skillnet and a former board member. She has delivered training in voice, presentation, script writing, interview techniques, social media and newsroom skills, helping to support and shape the next generation of radio professionals.
Her wider public profile as an author, TV presenter, columnist, media trainer, motivational speaker and charity ambassador further reflects a broadcaster whose communication skills and public service ethos extend well beyond the studio.
Helen Ní Shé – RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta
Chuir Helen Ní Shé tús lena gairm craoltóireachta le RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta sa bhliain 1986 agus thug sí beagnach 40 bliain as san go 2024 ag obair mar léiritheoir agus mar láithreoir cumasach, críochnúil le cluais ghéar agus le comhbhá as an gcoitiantacht.
Mar láithreoir ar an gclár irise, An Saol ó Dheas, idir na blianta 2007 agus 2024 a thuill Helen a clú is a cáil. Chruthaigh sí múnla ar leith, tearmann nó gnáthóg don éisteoir idir íochtarán is uachtarán leis an Saol ó Dheas.
Thug sí éisteoirí ar aistear cúig lá na seachtaine. Cuireadh a bhí sa Saol ó Dheas ag Helen. Cuireadh chun goil is gáirí. Cuireadh chun cainte, chun ceoil is chun cadrála. Cuireadh chun do dhá shúil a oscailt agus do dhá chluais a bhioradh don rud logánta, don scéal suaithinseach agus don ndraíocht a bhí le braistint ins an ghnáth shaol.
Bhí macallaí mhuintir na Gaeltachta mogallaithe ins na hiontaisí agus na heolaistí a chuir Helen ós comhair an éisteora agus cuireadh an uile ní i láthair le géarchúis, le greann agus le daonnacht.
Tá aitheantas fachta cheana ag Helen i dtionscal na craoltóireachta. Bronnadh gradam Craoltóir na Bliana an Oireachtais uirthi i 2014 agus 2018, gradaim a léiríonn an urraim agus an meas a bhí ag a comhghleacaithe agus a pobal uirthi mar chraoltóir.
Leis na cláracha a chuir Helen Ní Shé os comhair an phobail, tá a cion féin déanta aici i gcaomhnú agus i gcur chun cinn oidhreacht uasal a muintire. Lena dúthracht is a dícheall ar thóir an scéil, tá éirithe le Helen guthanna, traidisiúin agus tuscintí Gaeltachta a bhuanú mar chuid de thírdhreach na meán in Éirinn.
Tugann Gradam Saoil IMRO onóir dóibh siúd a d’fhág rian buan ar chraoltóireacht raidió sa tír seo. Fágann na blianta seirbhíse, na caighdeáin iriseoireachta agus an dílseacht a bhí aici do chraoltóireacht seirbhíse poiblí agus dá pobal go bhfuil an gradam seo tuillte go hiomlán ag Helen Ní Shé.
The IMRO Radio Awards Hall of Fame continues to honour those whose voices, leadership, craft and commitment have helped shape Irish radio and inspire future generations.
The Awards are proudly sponsored by IMRO with the support of Coimisiún na Meán.