Full recordings Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

6th May 20263rd May 2026

Chris Cary on KISS FM

KISS FM (1982-1984) was one of several offshoots of the large Dublin pirate radio Nova. In this recording, Nova founder and boss Chris Cary is on air using the name Harry Cary. He is followed by Chris Barry with a late-night programme. The final part of the recording switches from KISS FM to Nova itself for a few minutes. ‘Independent Radio News from Ireland’ on both services is read by Ken Hammond, who would go on to have a career in RTÉ.

The recording was made from from 102.7 FM and then 88.2 FM on Sunday 10^th April 1983 between 2040-2114. It is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

4th May 20261st May 2026

Border series: Country requests on Misty Mountain Radio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Misty Mountain Radio broadcast from the Cavan border region in the 2000s, specialising in show bands and country and Irish music. In this recording, DJ Mark Gregory has a CD to giveaway and there are requests from listeners around the county. The recording was made between from 106.2 FM between 2056-2200 on 15^th January 2007.

Thanks to Ian Biggar for donating the tape, which was recorded originally by Brian Johnson. There is no known link between this station and the shortwave pirate Misty Mountain Radio that broadcast from the border region in the 1980s.

1st May 202629th April 2026

Early Cork series: more summer sounds on Radio City

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This is another recording of Cork pirate Radio City in summer 1981. First up is the end of the community association programme with Seán Collins, followed by Alan Edwards with his weekly early Saturday evening slot. Alan plays mostly chart hits including plenty of Irish tunes and some oldies thrown in. There are plenty of requests from listeners but few adverts. He is followed by Steve Douglas.

The recording was made from approximately 1700-1900 (with some edits) from 88.4 FM on Saturday 13^th June 1981. Radio City also broadcast on 1512 kHz, announcing 199 metres. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue.

27th April 202626th April 2026

Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio in 1982

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This recording of popular DJ Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio was made in summer 1982, as the north Dublin station approached its second birthday. Along with the usual mixture of contemporary hits and oldies, there’s mention of the ongoing World Cup tournament and the Sunshine Radio rock concert in Malahide Castle that evening. Commercial breaks include an advert for Tamango’s nightclub in the Sands Hotel in Portmarnock where Sunshine was based. There’s also a cash prize giveaway based on a car registration number. News is read by Siobhán Walls, who had previously worked in pirate radio in Cork. Declan Meehan would move to Sunshine’s great rival Radio Nova the following month.

The recording was made from 531 kHz between 1642-1727 on Friday 18^th June 1982. After a wobbly start, audio quality is good. Thanks to Ian Biggar for the donation.

14th April 202614th April 2026

Early Cork series: summer Saturday on Radio City

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This recording of Cork pirate Radio City features Pat O’Rourke (Smurf) on a Saturday morning in summer 1981, followed by the start of Paul Cassidy’s show. The recording begins around 1020 but is partially airchecked. Paul announces 189 metres (1584 kHz) but this is likely to be a mistake as there is no log of Radio City on that frequency although by July 1981 it had moved to 1243 kHz, announcing 240 metres. The second half features Jamie Roberts with his Midnight Serenade show.

The tape was made from 88.4 FM on 13^th June 1981 and is courtesy of Lilian O’Donoghue.