Archived News Script
IRTS Radio News Bulletin Sunday September 21st, 2025
Silent Key - Brendan Lynch EI6GA
We are saddened to report the death of Brendan Lynch EI6GA. Brendan was one of the society's auditors for many years. He was at sea as a radio officer in his early years and thereafter took a keen interest in amateur radio. He was active on CW on the air up until his death. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his children Ronan EI6GL, Mar, Brenda, Ger, Cindy, and Dermot, extended family, and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. May he rest in peace.
Seeking IRTS HF News Readers
The society is seeking additional HF newsreaders to join our current panel of news readers for the weekly Sunday morning 40m and 80m IRTS news bulletins. There is very little involved in reading a bulletin and no experience is necessary. If any licensed IRTS member living in EI feels like that they would be interested in becoming part of the IRTS newsreaders panel or if you require more information, please get in touch with the IRTS news team via email to newsteam /at/ irts.ie
Kildare Amateur Radio Club Special Event Station Commemorating Arthur Guinness
To mark the 300th birthday of Arthur Guinness, the legendary Irish brewer born in 1725, the Kildare Amateur Radio Club will activate the club callsign EI0K as a special event station between 19th and 21st of September. This commemorative on-air activation celebrated the remarkable legacy of Arthur Guinness, whose name is synonymous with Irish heritage and brewing excellence.
During the event, club members will operate on various HF bands, inviting amateur radio enthusiasts from around the world to connect, exchange greetings, and join in recognising one of Ireland’s most iconic figures. Special QSL cards will be issued to participating stations, making the celebration an engaging experience for both operators and collectors, and strengthening the sense of community in the global amateur radio network.
Further information about the club and their activities may be found at kildarearc.com
Shannon Basin Radio Club SSB Nets
Shannon Basin Radio Club plan to restart their weekly HF SSB DX nets from early October. The 80m net is expected to recommence on Thursday October 2nd. The club has been testing propagation conditions at different parts of the evenings recently and will confirm a start time closer to the date. Information about the club's activities may be found at www.sbrc.ie or via their social media channels.
DX Féile 2025
DX Féile takes place on Saturday October 12th. It is being organised by the EIDX group and will be held in the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis.
Day tickets need to be pre-booked in advance. For further information please contact David, ei9fbb /at/ gmail.com or by telephone at 087 7444777. You are advised to secure your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
ComReg eLicensing Portal News
ComReg announce that they will be upgrading the eLicensing portal interface and making changes to how you access it. They are implementing a user-based login using your email address and password. These changes will go live next Saturday, the 27th of September 2025. They also note that multi-factor authentication, which is an enhanced security feature, will be mandatory from November 1st, 2025.
VHF/Microwave News
Periods of moderate tropospheric ducting may present themselves over the coming days. VHF operators may have the best opportunity for longer distance QSOs from late on Wednesday night next according to the Hepburn Tropospheric Ducting Forecast. According to Met Eireann’s outlook, a high-pressure region will continue to dominate later in the week so favourable propagation conditions may be expected to continue into the weekend.
On Tuesday next, September 23rd, a SHF UK Activity Contest run by the RSGB takes place for 3 hours starting at 18:30 UTC. This uses all modes from 2.3 GHz to 10 GHz.
Contests and Events
Well done to all those who braved the weather and took part in the IRTS 2m and 70cm counties contest last Sunday. The closing date for contest entries is next Sunday, the 28th of September. Please note as well that the closing date for the SSB field day is today, Sunday the 21st. Visit irts.ie/contests for log submission information.
The UKIECC 80m CW contest takes place on Wednesday the 24th of September 2025. You can learn more about this at www.ukeicc.com
In partnership with the IRTS, RSGB, and the GMDX Group, the 2025 UK/EI DX SSB contest will take place on the 1st and 2nd of November 2025. All HF contesters worldwide are invited to take part.
Items for Inclusion in Next Week’s Radio News
That is the news for this week. Thanks to everyone for sending items into the weekly IRTS radio news. They are very much appreciated and are a great way to update the rest of the community about activities. If you have any club events, activities, meetings, or other items of interest, you are very welcome to email newsteam /at/ irts.ie with the details. These will be automatically forwarded to the IRTS radio and printed news services. The deadline each week is midnight on Thursdays.
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