Castlebar's Calculated Calls: Mayo Radio Experimenters Network Combines Contest Prowess with Community Service

CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO – In County Mayo, on Ireland's western seaboard, the Mayo Radio Experimenters Network (MREN), operating under callsigns such as EI7MRE and EJ7MRE, distinguishes itself through a robust engagement in competitive radio sport alongside a strong commitment to local community communication. The club's operational details, freshly updated as of late April 2025, paint a picture of an active and well-organized entity within the Irish amateur radio scene.

MREN convenes its monthly meetings at 9:00 PM on the first Wednesday of each month, with the Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar serving as its regular venue. This gathering provides a focal point for a group keenly involved in diverse on-air activities. These prominently include rigorous contest operations, spanning VHF/UHF Field Days, SSB Field Days, and participation in major global events such as the CQ WW SSB contests. Beyond these competitive endeavours, the club also organises other field days and special event activations, fostering practical skills and camaraderie among its members.

A key asset to the local and visiting amateur radio community is the Mayo 2-meter voice repeater, which MREN operates on the R0 channel (145.600 MHz output, requiring a 77Hz CTCSS tone). This repeater serves not only for general communication but also as the crucial conduit for the club's valuable weekly news service. Every Sunday evening at 9:00 PM local time, MREN broadcasts both the Irish Radio Transmitters Society (IRTS) national news and local radio news, ensuring the regional amateur community remains well-informed and connected.

The Mayo Radio Experimenters Network, an IRTS-affiliated club, also maintains an online presence via its website, www.ei7mre.org. For those wishing to make contact, inquiries can be directed to the club's general contact EI7MRE or to the Club Chairman, Jimmy Kelly (EI2GCB).

Given the recent update of its information, MREN presents as a dynamic force in Irish amateur radio. It adeptly balances the technical demands and thrill of competitive operation with the responsibility of providing essential local repeater services and information broadcasts, underscoring a vibrant and engaged membership in the West of Ireland.