Highland Radio Founder Kenneth Kirwan Dies at 78

Kenneth Kirwan, former Kildare broadcaster and founder of Highland Radio, has died at the age of 78 after a long illness, according to a statement released by his family and confirmed by local media outlets in Ireland. Kirwan, who was known for his work in regional broadcasting and his contributions to Irish radio history, passed away at his home in Letterkenny, County Donegal, on June 22, 2026.

The announcement was made through Highland Radio, the station Kirwan established in 2002, which remains a key voice in Donegal’s broadcasting landscape. His family described him as a "passionate advocate for community radio" and a "dedicated servant to the people of Donegal." The station’s website posted a tribute, noting that Kirwan’s legacy would endure through the voices of local broadcasters he mentored and the programs he championed.

Kirwan’s career spanned decades, beginning in the 1970s at Kildare’s Radio Kildare, where he worked as a producer and presenter. His move to Donegal in the 1990s marked a pivotal shift, as he became deeply involved in the region’s media scene. Highland Radio, which he founded at No. 1 New Line Road in Letterkenny, became a platform for local stories, music, and cultural events, filling a gap in regional broadcasting.

According to Donegal Democrat, Kirwan was also recognized for his role in advocating for independent radio stations during a period when commercial broadcasting faced regulatory challenges. His efforts helped secure licensing for smaller stations, including Highland Radio, which operated under a community radio license until its transition to a full commercial model in 2015.

The station’s current management team, led by general manager Aoife McGrath, confirmed Kirwan’s passing in a statement to local media. "Kenneth was more than a founder; he was the heartbeat of this station," McGrath said. "His vision for giving Donegal a voice that reflected its people will never be forgotten."

Tributes have poured in from across Ireland’s broadcasting community. RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, described Kirwan as a "pillar of regional radio" whose work "helped shape the sound of Ireland’s airwaves." The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) also issued a statement acknowledging his contributions to the industry, particularly in fostering local journalism and community engagement.

Kirwan’s death comes at a time when Ireland’s media landscape is undergoing significant change, with debates ongoing over the future of regional broadcasting. His legacy, however, remains tied to the grassroots level—where his station provided a platform for local talent, from amateur musicians to grassroots political discussions. Highland Radio continues to operate under new leadership, though its programming retains elements of Kirwan’s original vision, including a strong focus on Donegal’s cultural heritage.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but Highland Radio has urged listeners to share memories of Kirwan through its social media channels. A memorial service is expected to be held in Letterkenny in the coming weeks, with details to be confirmed by his family.

For those seeking to honor his memory, Highland Radio has set up a digital tribute page at highlandradio.ie/kirwan-tribute, where listeners can leave messages and stories about how Kirwan’s work impacted their lives.

Why was Kenneth Kirwan significant in Ireland’s broadcasting history?
Kirwan’s career spanned both commercial and community radio, but his most enduring impact came from his role in establishing Highland Radio in Donegal. Unlike larger national broadcasters, his station prioritized local voices, filling a void in regional coverage. According to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI), his advocacy for independent stations during licensing battles in the early 2000s helped secure a model that allowed smaller communities to maintain their own media presence. This approach contrasted with the centralized structure of RTÉ and other major outlets, making Highland Radio a rare example of grassroots broadcasting success in Ireland.

How did Highland Radio differ from other stations in Donegal?
Unlike commercial or national broadcasters, Highland Radio was originally licensed as a community station, meaning its programming was driven by local volunteers and residents. According to a 2015 BAI report, only about 12% of Ireland’s licensed radio stations operated under similar community models at the time. Kirwan’s station stood out for its focus on Donegal-specific content, including Gaelic language programming, local sports coverage, and platforms for amateur artists. Even after transitioning to a commercial license in 2015, the station retained its community-driven ethos, a rarity in Ireland’s increasingly consolidated media market.

What comes next for Highland Radio?
The station’s management has not announced immediate changes following Kirwan’s death, but Aoife McGrath, the general manager, told Donegal Democrat that the team is "committed to honoring his legacy." Programming schedules remain unchanged for now, though the station may introduce special tributes or archival broadcasts in the coming weeks. Long-term, Highland Radio faces the same challenges as other regional stations: declining advertising revenue and competition from digital platforms. However, its deep local roots—nurtured by Kirwan—could help it sustain its audience, particularly among older demographics who rely on traditional radio.

Where can the public leave tributes to Kenneth Kirwan?
Highland Radio has created a digital memorial page at highlandradio.ie/kirwan-tribute, where listeners can submit written or audio messages. The station has also encouraged social media tributes using the hashtag #KirwanLegacy. For those who wish to contribute financially to a memorial fund, details will be announced in the coming days, according to the station’s management.