Tokyo called, Mid-West amateur radio club answered!

COUNTRIES as far away as Japan were contacted by the Limerick/Clare Amateur Radio Club over the weekend.

500 lighthouses and lightships throughout the world were contacted by the club in Loop Head Lighthouse, as part of the 26th annual International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend (ILLW).

The amateur ham radio enthusiasts from across the Mid-West made contact with 40 countries.

During the 48-hour weekend broadcast, visitors to the lighthouse were able to listen in to communications with amateur radio stations across the world. 

Contact was made with all continents, with operators in Japan and Australia particularly keen to get in touch. Contact was also made with an operator in Alaska, and this was the highlight of the weekend as that location is one of the most sought-after locations worldwide.

Dermot Gleeson, Chairman of the Limerick/Clare Amateur Radio Club, commented, “The Club has always enjoyed its visits to Loop Head and this year was no different, despite the challenging weather! 

“The Club operated two stations, one of which was located at the entrance to the Lighthouse so members of the public could listen to some of the transmissions, and this proved to be popular. 

“We are very grateful to all of the staff of Clare County Council and the Commissioners of Irish Lights for their help in planning this event and for allowing us to use the grounds as part of the International Lighthouse and Lightships Weekend.”

Located at the mouth of the Shannon Estuary with its origins dating back to the 1670s, the lighthouse was first opened to visitors in 2011. It is approximately a one hour 15 minutes car journey from Limerick in neighbouring county, Clare.