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1991 was the year that the Donegal pirate WABC closed down for the second time, as station owner Paul Barnett (RIP) moved back to the UK. A reminder of the constant threat to the pirates operating in the new legal landscape came at the end of 1990 when on Wednesday 14th November a team from the Department for Communications was operating in Donegal and visited the studios of North Atlantic Radio and Radio North. Both were told to cease transmissions which they did. On hearing of this, Paul Barnett closed both WABC services and awaited developments. No visit was received, and the transmitters were switched back on two days later. Both Radio North and North Atlantic Radio returned over the following days.
By early 1991, WABC had once again combined the Hot Hits and Gold services and was transmitting on both FM channels. Paul had always hoped to get WABC back on medium wave and in a letter to Ian Biggar dated 28th January 1991, he said a 1 kW rig was ready and would be in use soon on 954 kHz. The transmitter was built in England and shipped across to Donegal. It was on air in late January and February before disappearing. It was believed to have been sold to North Atlantic Radio.
This recording of WABC from 101.7 FM was made on 21st January 1991 and seems to post-date the combination of both services as the music contains both chart hits and oldies. Up first is Happy Harry from 1735-1820 who also shares snippets of news from the evening papers. The second part of the recording runs from 2005-2050 on the same date and features Doctor Pat. The voices of Paul Barnett and his then wife Krissi Carpenter are heard on adverts, mostly from the Coleraine area. News at 1800 is read by Barry Owler. Thanks to Ian Biggar for the recording and for background information.