Louth’s links to pirate station ‘Radio Caroline’ should be honoured with plaque at Greenore

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The golden era of pirate radio should be commemorated in County Louth, according to a local councillor, who called for a plaque to be installed at Greenore Port to celebrate the remarkable story of “Radio Caroline.”

Louth councillor John Reilly raised the request at the October meeting of Louth County Council, where he asked for a plaque – or another suitable form of commemoration — to honour the Louth links to Radio Caroline and its founder, local man Ronan O’Rahilly.

“Ronan O’Rahilly, who grew up in the Greenore area, had the visionary idea in the early 1960s to launch what many regard as the first pirate radio station — Radio Caroline,” said Cllr. Reilly.

"His bold move revolutionised broadcasting, bringing pop music directly to millions of listeners across Ireland and Britain at a time when mainstream radio stations largely ignored emerging artists and youth culture.”

He told the council meeting that the ship which carried the original station, MV Caroline, was fitted out at Greenore Port before setting sail, “making Greenore the birthplace of this broadcasting revolution.”

Radio Caroline went on to shape modern radio and music culture, and its story remains a powerful symbol of creativity, independence, and change. The station’s legacy even inspired films that celebrated the rebellious spirit of that era.

Cllr Reilly said: “Ronan O’Rahilly was a true pioneer whose vision changed the world of radio and music forever. Greenore played a central role in that history, and it’s only fitting that we recognise and commemorate this connection with pride.”

In response, Deputy Chief Executive, Thomas McEvoy, said the council could look at ways in which the local links, or the “narrative” could be “incorporated into our storytelling of the area.”.

Cllr. Reilly said he intends to bring a motion before the November meeting of Louth County Council, where he “hopes to gain support to honour both Ronan O’Rahilly and Greenore’s unique place in broadcasting history.”