Ronan O’Rahilly, the founder of UK pirate station Radio Caroline has died at the age of 79.
The Irishman set about creating the pirate station as early as 1963 from the MV Caroline anchored in international waters off the coast of Essex in England.
He’s been the figurehead of the station ever since it launched during Easter 1964, and the station name continues to this day.
Radio Caroline is paying tribute to Ronan this afternoon (Monday) and has tweeted the news to its listeners and followers.
In 2013 Ronan moved back to Ireland after being diagnosed with advanced vascular dementia.
Very sad news. RONAN O’RAHILLY, Founder of Radio Caroline, passed away today aged 79. A great man who changed the face of popular music. We are currently airing a tribute our main channel. pic.twitter.com/g6RTdZWwEL
— Real Radio Caroline (@TheRadCaroline) April 20, 2020
Sad to learn of the death of Ronan O'Rahilly. The Dubliner was the founder and owner of @TheRadCaroline. He was a legend, a radio pioneer and a visionary who did so much to shape the world of broadcasting. A man I'd have loved to have a pint with. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anim. pic.twitter.com/LVXdvYx59I
— Ger Sweeney (@gersweeney67) April 20, 2020
Very sad Ronan O'Rahilly has passed away. He launched Radio Caroline broadcast from the sea and changed the history of the UK with the first highly popular Radio Caroline ??. UK commercial radio was born and history was made. R.I.P always our dear friend and Love Awareness ❤ pic.twitter.com/ZDlttW0OB0
— Dave Royal ? (@daveroyaldj) April 20, 2020
The radio broadcasting and music industry fam owes him a huge debt of gratitude. RIP Ronan O'Rahilly. #keepitreal #RadioCaroline #RonanORahilly #RIP https://t.co/Ld5KWyoDyL pic.twitter.com/RQPHLXyu7b
— REAL ROCK SHOW (@RealRockShow) April 20, 2020
Sad news indeed. Extremely depressing to hear this. RIP, Ronan O'Rahilly. LA.
Have / had a lot of connections with Radio Caroline, and at one time, even had a bit of a dabble.#RadioCaroline@SealandGov pic.twitter.com/OKVMGS27oh
— ???? Cen L. ???? (@DinasDevil) April 20, 2020
RIP Ronan O'Rahilly, founder of #RadioCaroline @TheRadCaroline 1940-2020. The legacy lives on. pic.twitter.com/0ZK4PMzY0z
— George Bransby (@GeorgeBransby) April 20, 2020
Just heard of Ronan O'Rahilly's sad passing & reflecting on far better times. Is #Sealand & the tower still sound & solid, and is it often occupied these days? Did you ever get to improve access, or is it still that scary swing lift? Kind regards / LA. @SealandGov @sealandprince
— ???? Cen L. ???? (@DinasDevil) April 20, 2020
Sad to hear of the death of the legendary Ronan O’Rahilly, founder of Radio Caroline. A great character whose inspiring radio station lives on. https://t.co/xeLTcU4nIV
— Kevin O'Donnell (@FPT_Kevin) April 20, 2020
Quite literally the man who changed radio in this country single handily forever back in the 60’s and inspired me towards a career in broadcasting. RIP Ronan O’Rahilly https://t.co/UNAhNbrLIy
— Mark Seaman (@markys24) April 20, 2020
David Baker is reporting on Facebook that the death has taken place of Dublin man Ronan O'Rahilly.
He pioneered Radio Caroline which was so popular, it forced the British Govt to create BBC Radio 1,2,3 &, 4.
O'Rahilly was ahead of his time and changed music radio forever. RIP
— Ken Murray (@NewsMurray) April 20, 2020
Very sad news. RONAN O’RAHILLY, Founder of Radio Caroline, passed away today aged 79. A great man who changed the face of popular music. We are currently airing a tribute on our main channel. https://t.co/3GAK9uVXqQ pic.twitter.com/bCw1RND2Ns
— Hans van Dijk (@thevandijks) April 20, 2020
#Saddened to learn of the death of Irish entrepreneur Ronan O'Rahilly, founder of my favourite radio station, the #famous RADIO CAROLINE. He was 79 and had been suffering from dementia for a few years. #RIP Ronan … and #thankyou for creating Caroline. We will not forget you.
— Prince1Keith (@Prince1Keith) April 20, 2020