Pirate Radio
Pirate radio in Ireland was quite unique. A few enthusiasts were engaged in broadcasting prior to the major upsurge in the 70’s, but were on a very short fuse. The Irish government never catered adequately for on shore Broadcasting, simply because no one would dare!
The Marine Offences act made law in UK waters in August of 1967, didn’t cover Irish waters, and once again the attitude was who would bother anyway. They didn’t see that RTE(originally starting as a pirate) had become so archaic and patronising that it’s monopoly days were numbered.
Big L Radio London was the first of the UK pirates to shut down on the 14th August 1967 at 3 pm. and being an avid fan of the original Big L it was only natural that Limerick’s radio history would sport the “Big L” logo. It had nothing to do with Big D in Dublin or any other station,in fact had I started in Newcastle West or Rathkeal it would still have been called Big L. So here’s the story not only of Big L but numerous off shoots and affiliates, such as Rocky 103 which was originally Big L Radio Kerry, also Horizon and Mid West Radio, not forgetting Twiggs FM, and NCW 106. I added some audio bites for your enjoyment, in both the ‘Book’, and the last hour of Big L Radio London, pts 1 & 2. Thanks for tuning our way
Michael Richardson
aka Jack Moriarty on Rocky 103
Pirate Radio
Pirate Radio
Pirate Radio
Pirate Radio