Full recordings Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

30th September 202629th September 2026

Border series: Lynsey Shelbourne on KLAS Radio

KLAS Radio began test transmissions in April 1991 on 828 kHz, although initially it announced 819 kHz. The test announcements were made by Lynsey Shelbourne (Dolan), who later went on to present programmes. The station broadcast from Carrickroe, Co. Monaghan, a site that had been used by other local pirate Radio Star Country in the past. The transmitter was said to be that formerly used by Cavan Community Radio running at around 800 watts, and was located in a van next to the aerial mast. The station ran a format of pop, oldies and country music, announcing a correspondence address in Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone.

In a letter in March 1992, presenter Michael Barry stated that the Department of Communications had not bothered the station at that point and that the owner was very careful not to take advertising from County Monaghan which was licensed station Northern Sound’s ‘patch’. As far as we are aware KLAS Radio did not receive any attention from the authorities. The station seemed to be reasonably successful despite the close competition from Radio Star Country.

The Anorak Show on Kiss FM Dundalk on 26^th December 1993 stated that KLAS Radio finally called it a day on Tuesday 22^nd June of that year. It was stated however that there were rumours that the site would reactivate ‘in the next couple of weeks’. The site did reactivate, but not until January 1994 when 828 kHz carried a relay of United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) from satellite. This service seemed to be known as Vision 828. It continued for many years, moving to 864 kHz at some point before finally becoming a high power installation on 549 kHz by the mid 90s. It became clear that 549 was operated by an organisation known as Irish Christian Broadcasters, based in Dundalk and headed by among others the late David Robinson, a former owner of Radio Star Country. The service continued until 2006 when ICB received an instruction from Comreg to cease transmissions on 549 kHz. By that time the power used was reputed to be in the region of 25 kW.

This recording of KLAS Radio was made from 828 kHz between 1419-1552 on Monday 13^th May 1991 and features Lynsey Shelbourne on air. Thanks to Ian Biggar for the station history and recording.

25th September 202629th September 2026

Border series: Test transmission of KLAS Radio from Monaghan

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KLAS Radio (1991-1993) was an example of the many new pirates to defy the new broadcasting laws of 1989 and come on air in the 1990s. It was based on the Monaghan/Tyrone border and broadcast from a site at Carrickroe that would later be used by another local pirate Radio Star Country and for a pirate relay of United Christian Broadcasters (UCB). In more recent years, Carrickroe housed the AM facility of licensed religious station Spirit Radio until 2023 (pictured above).

This recording from spring 1991 is of early test transmissions by KLAS. It begins with a promo for the station using the iconic pirate signature tune Man of Action by the Les Reed Orchestra. KLAS promised Irish, pop and country music, reflecting the mixture that was popular in border areas following the success of the 1980s pirates. Following continuous music at the start, DJ Tony then presents an afternoon show and gives out a contact number for requests and reception reports.

The recording was made from 828 kHz (announcing 819) on Thursday 18^th April from 1420-1435 and Friday 19^th April 1991 from 1400-1500. Audio quality is fair to poor with some cassette wobble at the start. There is also splatter from BBC Radio Scotland on the adjacent frequency of 810 kHz, reflecting the fact that the recording was made in Scotland. Thanks to Ian Biggar for the donation.

23rd September 202620th September 2026

Eclectic musical style on Radio Caroline Dublin

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Radio Caroline Dublin broadcast to the capital between 1989 and 2000, making it one of the longest-running pirates of the post-1989 era. This recording was made towards the end of its run in 2000 and highlights the wide variety of music played and the freewheeling, non-commercial style. It begins with the last few minutes of duo Travis and Tony, who are followed by another double-act, Michelle and Rhonda.

The tape was made on Wednesday 17^th May 2000 from 102.5 FM between 1815-1915 and is courtesy of Ian Biggar.

21st September 202620th September 2026

St. Patrick’s Day on Nova offshoot KISS FM

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This recording of Radio Nova offshoot KISS FM was made on St. Patrick’s Day 1983. First up is the final part of the lunchtime show with Colm Hayes. He is joined in studio by Eurovision winner Johnny Logan, who is due to begin his nationwide tour in Nova Park that night. Colm is followed by John Clarke who continues the Irish musical theme, mixed with oldies. News on the hour is read by Bryan Dobson, who would go on to a long career in RTÉ. A promo for the ‘KISS FM £5,000 pay-off’ is also heard, one of the many extravagant giveaways by the Radio Nova network.

The recording was made from 102.7 FM on Thursday 17^th March 1983 between 1531-1705 and is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

2nd September 202623rd August 2026

Saturday Soul on Sunshine Radio from 1985

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The late Tony Dixon’s 3-hour Saturday Soul slot on Dublin pirate Sunshine Radio gained a big following in the 1980s. Here he is from 1985 with the usual laid-back mix and requests and dedications. News is read by Kate McLean and a commercial break contains a promo for the Sunshine girls who are giving away £25 cash prizes in public places.

The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made on Saturday 2^nd November 1985 from 101.5 FM between 1803-1935.