Derry's Drive 105 Match Night Live nominated for Sports Show of the Year at UK Community Radio Awards

The prestigious awards celebrate “excellence and innovation across community broadcasting”.

Produced and delivered by volunteers, Match Night Live combines live commentary, analysis, interviews and on-location reporting to bring supporters comprehensive coverage of Derry City FC, both at home and on the road.

That commitment was taken to another level during the club’s European campaign, with volunteers travelling to Bulgaria and Croatia to deliver radio, online and television content from Derry City’s UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League fixtures.

The European coverage came entirely through the dedication of the Match Night Live team, with volunteers giving up their own time and travelling at their own expense to ensure supporters at home could follow Derry City wherever the club was playing.

A delighted Drive 105 Match Night Live producer and lead presenter Dee Curran said it was “a huge pleasure for all of us to be nominated for Sports Show of the Year for a second year running”.

“To be recognised nationally once was fantastic, but to be shortlisted again is a real testament to the commitment of the team behind Match night Live,” he added.

“The programme has changed considerably since the Covid lockdowns. Our Countdown to Kick-Off programme has allowed us to go beyond the football, exploring the history of the club and discussing wider issues within the sport, including men’s mental health, misogyny in the game and faith.

“At its heart, though, Match Night Live remains a labour of love. Everyone involved gives their time because they care about the club, the community and delivering the best service we can. Whether we're broadcasting from the Brandywell or travelling across Europe, we're proud to continue developing and expanding what we do for Derry City supporters,” said Mr Curran.

Richard Moore, Director of Drive 105, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the Match night Live team and for Drive 105 as a whole.

To be nominated for Sports Show of the Year for a second consecutive year is a wonderful recognition of the commitment, creativity and hard work of everyone involved.

“Drive 105 has always been proud to play an important role in the community, and Match night Live is a great example of how our volunteers continue to develop and expand the service we provide. I’m delighted to see their dedication recognised nationally once again, and I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved.”

“This year's national awards ceremony is being held on Saturday 24th of October where the winners will be announced, this is following the national community radio conference hosted by the UK Community Radio Network,” said Mr Moore.

Chair of the Awards, Rebecca Steers, said: "The standard of entries continues to demonstrate the incredible talent, commitment and innovation found throughout community radio.

“Receiving a nomination is something that every station, volunteer and presenter should be proud of. It is recognition from peers across the sector and a testament to the hard work that goes into serving local communities day in and day out."

The Drive 105 Match Nigh Live team consists of Dee Curran, Kevin Moore, Patrick (Packie) Cooke, Eddie Seydak, Paul Doherty, Dermot Liddy, Stephen McClelland, Michael Kealey, Mikhail Kennedy, James O’Toole, Tom O’Connor and Lisa Crampsie.

For more information about the awards, visit: www.communityradioawards.org.uk.