AM Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

27th March 202626th March 2026

Dr Don’s Dinner Spinner on ARD

Don Moore (Dr Don) was one of the pioneers of early pirate radio in Ireland, and developed Alternative Radio Dublin (ARD) into a credible and professional station in an increasingly competitive market at the end of the 1970s. This recording is of Dr Don in the lunchtime slot on ARD, featuring his usual zany and fast-paced style. There’s a listeners’ postal quiz to win cinema tickets and new headlines at half past the hour.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 1151 kHz, announcing 257 metres, between 1304-1334 sometime in 1978.

25th March 202623rd March 2026

Lunchtime on Radio Dublin in 1978

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In January 1978, Radio Dublin began a full daytime schedule, a change that shook up the Dublin radio scene and ushered in a new era of increased competition and rising standards. This recording was made around lunchtime and features DJ Sylvia with good tunes, an album of the week feature and live-read adverts. The iconic 253 jingle is aired a few times and Sylvia is followed by DJ Lee in the afternoon slot.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 1187 kHz, announcing 253 metres, between 1342-1403 sometime in 1978.

16th March 202612th March 2026

Sunday with Tony Dixon on early Sunshine Radio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This is another recording of Dublin pirate Sunshine Radio during its first summer on air in 1981. It begins with Tony Dixon (RIP) with music in the laid-back and soul style that was so associated with him on Sunshine. Tony is followed by what appears to be a live concert by Irish singer Chris de Burgh.

The tape was made from 531 kHz AM, announcing 539 metres, from 1933-2018 on Sunday 19^th July. It is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

13th March 202612th March 2026

Saturday afternoon on early Sunshine Radio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Dublin pirate Sunshine Radio marked its first summer on air in 1981. In this recording from a sunny Saturday afternoon that year, first up is Tom Hardy (RIP) with the Sunshine Survey chart countdown. He is followed by Jim Kenny with the Golden Oldies Session. Radio Nova had just gone on the air, beginning a period of great rivalry between the two big stations. Sunshine would survive until the end, not closing until 30^th December 1988.

The tape was made from 531 kHz AM, announcing 539 metres, from 1443-1529 on Saturday 11^th July. It is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

31st December 202531st December 2025

New Year’s Eve on Sunshine Radio

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Sunshine Radio celebrated its first Christmas and New Year on air in 1980, having begun broadcasting on 13^th September that year, with an official launch on 29^th September. By using high-powered transmitters, professional staff and a commercial model, Sunshine would change the direction of Irish radio in the coming years.

This recording is of Sunshine’s first New Year’s Eve and features Manon Christie, daughter of Robbie Robinson (Robbie Dale), one of Sunshine’s founders. Manon was a DJ in the station’s early period. The other founder was of course Chris Cary, who would leave Sunshine in January 1981 to set up Radio Nova. Manon goes through the headlines of the year and also live-reads some adverts. News at midday is read by Adrian Horsman.

The tape was made in Leeds from 531 kHz AM and suffers from foreign co-channel interference, exacerbated by the time of year. It was recorded between 1157-1333 on 31^st December 1980 and is courtesy of DX Archive. Thanks to Ian Biggar for his assistance.