Billy Mac bids an emotional farewell to listeners after 30 years at the mic

Mullingar native Billy McCauley, or Billy Mac, as he is better known, has retired from broadcasting after 30 years.

His Sunday evening Rock ‘n’ Roll Show on Midlands 103 has been running for the last 20 years, but he had been previously involved for a decade and he hosted his final show at the weekend.

Appropriately, Billy Mac signed off on Sunday with a hit from Australia singer-songwriter Kevin Johnson and said, “goodnight, God bless and we will see you around. Rock and roll has given me the best years of my life.”

Billy is a well known figure in musical circles for 60 years and has raised tens of thousands of euro for Family Carers Ireland through his annual concerts at the Greville.

In total, Billy organised 16 concerts, guaranteed full houses each year, thanks in no small part to the high quality of the line-ups he put together. Billy Mac estimates that the concerts raised in the region of €160,000 for Family Carers Ireland.

The CEO of Family Carers Ireland John Dunne praised Billy for his support, and he thanked Billy’s wife Margaret for her support behind the scenes.

Sunday’s final radio show was tinged with emotion as Billy Mac recalled his decades of involvement in local broadcasting. For fans, Sunday evening will not be the same again.

“On this programme it was 20 years, but I enjoyed the support of the public for 30 years in total,” he said.

“The last 20 years have really flown, but I have enjoyed every show and I’d like to thank the listeners for their great support. The messages of support have been overwhelming. I hope you enjoyed my selection and thanks for all requests,” he told listeners.

“Thanks to the girls in Tullamore (Midlands 103 headquarters) especially Rebecca, who was always there to support the show. Without her it wouldn’t have been possible.”

Seán and Bernie Tone of The Coal Bunker, Mullingar were among those to send good wishes.

“I really enjoyed it and even on Sunday, the final show, it felt like it was only the first. I hope I lifted people’s spirits,” said Billy.

His outstanding fundraising efforts for Family Carers Ireland were recognised at a function in The Greville Arms Hotel last September.