Open Free Radio Archive
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This is another recording of long-time Irish radio DJ Gareth O’Callaghan on Dublin pirate Sunshine Radio. Using the name Tony Garreth by which he was known on air in his early pirate career, Gareth presents a mid-morning show in 1984. News on the hour is read by Cathy Cregan.
The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was recorded from 101.5 FM between 1036-1147 on Monday 27th February 1984.
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This recording of Cork pirate Radio City was made in spring 1981. The early Saturday evening show is presented by Alan Edwards, who was heard on earlier stations such as the Cork Broadcasting Company (CBC). Alan plays hits and memories and plugs discos and gigs around the city and county. Local businesses around Cork are featured in the commercial breaks and for the first time, there are sung station jingles.
The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 95.5 FM on Saturday 14th March 1981 between 1703-1858. There is some distortion on voiceovers and audio levels are variable in places. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.
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Radio Leinster was a talk and specialist station serving Dublin from 1981-1983. This recording of a mid-morning show from autumn 1981 features a charity fundraiser for the Palatine Fathers’ mission in Tanzania. Fr Mike Culloty was a Palatine priest who presented a religious programme every Sunday morning on the station. Encouraging listeners to phone in pledges are Mike Moran and Vinnie Connell. Commercial breaks include adverts for businesses around Dublin and after much excitement at the generous response to the appeal, Mike and Vinnie are followed by the lunchtime programme presented by station manager Justin James.
The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made on Saturday 26th September 1981 from 738 kHz, announcing 406 metres, between 1155-1327.
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The Free Radio Campaign (FRC) show with Gerard Roe on Radio Annabel was a must for radio anoraks in Dublin in the mid-1980s. The weekly show shared news from the pirate radio scene at home and abroad, including recordings shared by listeners. This show from early 1985 begins as usual with news from the same period the previous year, including a new version of the long-promised local radio legislation, the jamming of Radio Nova on FM and the closure of Radio Dublin Channel 2, where Gerard Roe had previously presented his FRC. This show also contains a Sunshine Radio tribute to Radio Caroline on its 20th anniversary and an interview with Chris Cary about Radio Nova. Nova is also reported to be audible on telephones in south Dublin, an issue causing annoyance to certain politicians. There are also promos for Anoraks UK and Anoraks Ireland and UK free radio news including the raids on Radio Jackie.
The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 92 FM on Sunday 17th February 1985 from 1658-1828. Radio Annabel also broadcast on 1323 kHz (227 metres) and a recording of the FRC was relayed every week on shortwave pirate Westside Radio International.
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This recording of early Cork pirate features popular DJ Pete Andrews (O’Neill) with his Lunchtime Special show from 1981. Pete plays a mixture of current hits and oldies, including a new Golden Year feature. News headlines are read by Mark and there are adverts for businesses around Cork City. Pete refers to 95.5 FM but there is no mention of Radio City being on AM at this time.
The recording was made from 95.5 FM on 9th March 1981 between 1159-1244 and is courtesy of Lilian O’Donoghue.