Newcastle man named as top wedding DJ in Ireland

Newcastle man named as top wedding DJ in Ireland

6 June 2012

NEWCASTLE’S Paul McKenna is the best wedding DJ in Ireland and that’s official.

The disc jockey was awarded the accolade at the recent Wedding Journal Readers awards at Belfast’s Europa Hotel.

Paul, who works for Downtown Radio, has been a wedding DJ for over 15 years and is delighted he’s been recognised for what he describes an “amazing achievement. He has also thanked everyone who voted for him.

“Covering all Ireland, playing to audiences of all ages is something I

love doing and gives me a great buzz to do so,” Paul explained. “My work does involve driving long miles and late nights but it doesn’t bother me at all.”

From a young age, Paul always dreamt of becoming a DJ and from the moment his parents purchased a hi-fi unit, accompanied by a microphone, he became the resident disc jockey in his home.

“Music was always playing in our house and by the time I was 15, I was helping a friend who had a mobile disco roadshow. I remember travelling around gigs to help out where I could.

“My friend was offered a club residency which left me running the mobile roadshow for a short while. I then purchased my own equipment and the rest is history.”

For many years Paul played the pub and club scene in Northern Ireland, building his profile. In November 2006, he got his first break on radio on a new station — Five FM — launching in Newry.

After sending a demo disc he was called to meet with the station manager and offered the job presenting one show per week. By July 2007, Paul was a full-time breakfast presenter at the station and was later appointed operations manager.

In April 2010 he joined Downtown Radio and broadcasts his own show every Sunday between 2pm and 6pm. Although Paul has established himself as a successful pub and club DJ, his focus now lies in his radio career and private functions.