Sad to hear the news of the death of one time Radio Caroline DJ, John Cronnelly.
Barry Lewis, on the MV Ross Revenge FB page writes:
"Such awful news, John was a great guy. He did so much on the Ross Revenge when she arrived in Dover. He was supportive and kind to all us penniless deejays, and would happily buy us beer all night at the local pub. He always refused our money. A lovely, generous guy. Having spoken with him in more recent times, he was still enthusiastic about the Ross Revenge, and also did regular shows for Quasar. I will miss John...definitely one of the good guys."
This tribute by Pete Godzicz is on Roland Beaney's Woodleynet site: "I have just heard the sad news of the passing of former Radio Caroline DJ, one of the Ross Revenge maintenance crew, and one of the founder members of the Radio Caroline Northern Support Group, John Cronnolley.
John was born in North Manchester & for over 20 years he helped to paint the Ross Revenge. In 2010 he fulfilled a lifetime ambition to broadcast on Radio Caroline."
The Bolton News
By Harriet Heywood
4 July 2023
Tributes have been paid to a volunteer, PA announcer and broadcaster remembered for his "friendly and informative Bolton accent".
Described as “one of life’s good guys”, former councillor John Cronnolley, 67, died after he was admitted to hospital following a battle with cancer, which lasted for several years.
John, who was born in the North area of Manchester in 1955, became a fan of Heys around the time they entered the North West Counties League, while also following FC United.
Heys soon became his team and his "warm, friendly character" saw him soon become a firm part of the Heys Family.
A spokesperson from the club said: “John had time for everyone, always approachable, friendly and good company.
"He was genuinely one of life’s good guys. He will be sadly missed.
“John became one of our volunteers, helping around the club in various ways while also showing his support with player and match sponsorship.
“Last season, his voice became the accompaniment to matchdays at Adie Moran Park as our PA announcer.
“John had experience of radio broadcasting and he brought those skills to the fore to keep everyone informed and entertained.”
John also worked on national newspapers, in a call centre for a national energy company and as a councillor at the turn of the century.
For more than 20 years he helped to paint the pirate radio base Ross Revenge, which was one of Radio Caroline's ships in the 1980s.
And in 2010 he was able to fulfil a lifetime ambition to broadcast on Caroline.
Radio presenters at The Flash, based in Portsmouth, have also paid tributes to the John who became an instant hit with their listeners after his first show on July 9, 2020.
In a tribute on social media, a spokesperson said: “In July 2020 when we were all enduring Covid lockdowns, many of our presenters were unable to come to our studio to present shows, so I was looking for anyone who could bring us shows from their own homes.
“John presented his first show for us on the evening of Thursday, July 9, 2020 and became an instant hit with our listeners."
He soon contributed to a weekly Motown show before taking over it.
But he had to stop broadcasting in October 2021 as he battled with cancer but his "friendly and informative Bolton accent continued to feature on The Flash via his back catalogue of shows".
The spokesperson added: “John not only brought us brilliant radio shows, but was very generous to The Flash in many other ways.
“He was proud to be a member of our team, and boy were we proud to have him.
"Even with his health problems he would often travel 250 miles to come to our get togethers, and the last time we saw him was at one such event at The Red Lion in Cosham in May of this year.
“As a tribute to our friend John Cronnolley we will continue to broadcast his programmes on The Flash, so he can continue to bring us joy from above!”
https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/23630505.tributes-presenter-friendly-informative-bolton-accent/
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