Birthday cake on South Coast Radio

Birthday cake on South Coast Radio
Pete O’Neill blows out the candles on his birthday cake (courtesy Lillian O’Donoghue)

Today we feature three hours of afternoon programming on Cork super-pirate South Coast Radio from 1982, not long after it was launched. Pete O’Neill is on air with his usual mix of music and requests, including the Listener’s Top 5 after the 2pm news, the ‘3 at 3’ after the 3pm news and oldies spot ‘South Coast Supergold’. Station staff and loyal fan Lillian McCarthy (O’Donoghue) sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Pete who is presented with a cake in studio. The voice of legendary DJ Tony Allan is heard on ads and on a promo for South Coast Radio ‘jobline’, a service to advertise job vacancies. There’s also a promo for the American Country Countdown, a syndicated programme from the US, and Pete announces a new events spot ‘What’s on in Munster’ that will air every weekday afternoon.

The recording is divided into four segments, running from 1305-1610 on 25th March 1982. News on the hour is read by Mark Lawrence and Pete’s show is followed by the late Keith York.

Part 2 from 1353
Part 3 from 1440
Part 4 from 1525

The recording was made from 104 FM but is in mono. South Coast also broadcast on 1557 kHz AM, announcing 194 metres. Thanks to Lillian O’Donoghue for the recording and photo.