The restrictive broadcasting rules in place at the time meant that the Turtles were downgraded to the role of mere "Teenage Mutant Heroes" when they first came to Ireland (and Britain).
But the cartoon was a massive hit here regardless, so much so that it even prompted fears for the safety of real-life reptiles:
Watch: RTÉ's 'Look Here' on the boom in terrapin sales in 1990
But the cartoon's importance to Ireland went beyond its audience appeal - it also played a pivotal role in the first major animation boom here, and helped plant the seeds for the globally renowned industry that exists today.
Watch: The Turtles' role in Ireland's animation industry
Read: Multimedia report on the Turtles' role in Irish animation:
The Turtles even paid a visit to Ireland in a later series of the cartoon. Production had moved from the country at this time, however, which might help explain some of the more historically-questionable references that the episode featured.
