By the time the show finishes at 12 noon, this presenter would happily welcome another half

Declan and Honor Kelly discussing the show

hour at least to cover all the matters that have arisen since he went on air two hours earlier.

Councillor Liam Kavanagh spoke about plans for a new business park in Rathnew while Councillor Jimmy O'Shaugnessy complained about a treacherous bend in Rathdrum. Then, in contrast, psychotherapist, Kathy Breslin was plugging a week-end workshop on how to feel happy and free (ideal for anyone who has to encounter that bend in Rathdrum).

So the show continued with item after item, Honor Kelly and Sarah Dunne lining up the calls

Declan Working

outside and dropping notes into Declan with the man himself soaking it up as if the show had been rehearsed for days. Kate Egan updated listeners on the latest news from the county while Bronagh Dorian was talking about her next port of call in the county.

Such is the popularity of this morning show that holds its own very well against formidable oppositon like Pat Kenny and Meehan's own former colleague on the national airwaves, Gerry Ryan.

`Most of the time we have a full diary of issues to discuss but it never really matters because each show takes on a life of its own. Public reaction creates new angles on issues and there are times we have to continue discussion on matters on another day', said this cool laid back presenter with nearly as much experience behind the microphone as Gay Byrne.

Declan has been doing this show for six years but openly admits -`In the beginning I did not have a clue because up to that point all my shows were music orientated so I had little or

Kathy Breslin talks to Declan live on-air

no experience in the field of talk shows'. He had to get to know issues affecting Co. Wicklow, familiarise himself with the personalities that make up the county and generally keep in touch with local matters.

Undoubtedly, the person who has helped him most in this respect is Honor Kelly, the lady who is his right arm on the show and who has been with the morning programme since it was first presented by Joe Bollard and later Adrian Kennedy.

Kilcoole lady Honor has her finger on the pulse in the county and always knows who to line up for interview on each issue. Says Honor - `We take the show very seriously. Business comes first but we also have our share of fun'.

Declan has enjoyed a successful, if not somewhat chequered career in broadcasting. He started with the pirates in Dublin and was then drafted into Trinity College radio with Gerry Ryan. He joined the new Radio 2 (now 2FM) in 1979 and presented the Breakfast Show, later going onto the 10 p.m. to midnight slot.

He had his differences with Radio 2 so his contract was not renewed in 1980. He went to Sunshine Radio and later joined Nova in 1982. In July 1984, Declan went to Capital Radio in

Another Day at the office for Declan Meehan

London for three weeks but did not return until 1988. He was invited to join the Century Radio team but, of course, became one of its victims when the station went belly up. He took over the morning show on East Coast Radio but also joined Radio Ireland in 1997. He still has an association with that station which is now known as Today FM.

Even though Declan lives in South Dublin he probably has a greater knowledge about the happenings in Co. Wicklow than most people who live in the county. He has made a point to get to know his subject by acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the county.

Declan is no shrinking violet either when it comes to fighting for people or for issues in the county. He often has head to head battles with people and is never afraid to be the Devil's Advocate. He also has a tendency to ask you the very question you did'nt want him to ask - the sign of a true professional.