Early Cork series: Sunday romantic hour on Radio City

Early Cork series: Sunday romantic hour on Radio City
Susan James (O’Connor) in 1980 (courtesy Lilian O’Donoghue).

This is another example of Sunday programming on Cork pirate Radio City from 1981. On air is Susan James (O’Connor) with the Groove Line, a mixture of slow classic and chart tunes. There are also some adverts for local businesses. Susan is followed by Ronnie Gibson with contemporary album music.

The recording was made from 95.7 FM on Sunday 8th March 1981 from 1900-2005. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

Early Cork series: Sunday lunchtime on Radio City

Early Cork series: Sunday lunchtime on Radio City
Derry O’Callaghan with Lilian McCarthy in 1981 (courtesy Lilian O’Donoghue)

This recording of Cork pirate Radio City features Sunday lunchtime programmes from the spring of 1981. Up first is John Mariner with what appears to be his last show. He is followed by Derry O’Callaghan with the Radio City Top 40. There are some adverts during the broadcast and a charity appeal to listeners. Audio levels are variable with some distortion on the links and adverts.

The tape was made from 95.7 FM on Sunday 8th March 1981 from 1237 to 1402, with an edit in the middle. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.  

Early Cork series: Romantic Hour on Radio City

Early Cork series: Romantic Hour on Radio City
Pat O’Rourke with Lilian McCarthy (O’Donoghue) in 1981 (courtesy of Lilian).

This recording of Cork pirate Radio City was made early in 1981. It features Pat O’Rourke with his Sunday Romantic Hour, wrapping up weekend programmes on the station. The phones are out of order but Pat invites listeners to contact Radio City by post to 27 Parnell Place in Cork.

The tape was made from about 1800 on 25th January 1981 from 95.7 FM and contains some edits. Audio quality is mixed with distortion in places and some cassette wobble. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

Early Cork series: Various show on Radio City

Early Cork series: Various show on Radio City
L-R: Eric Hansen (John Creedon) and Alan Reid (Henry Condon, RIP) at Radio City (courtesy Lilian O’Donoghue)

This recording of Cork pirate Radio City features a variety of presenters and shows from its schedule in spring 1981. First up is Pete Andrews (O’Neill) who reads out a listener’s letter and previews various programmes coming up over the weekend. He is followed by Susan James and Karl Johnson (Dan Noonan). Of interest towards the end is Eric Hansen who under his real name of John Creedon continues to broadcast on RTÉ to this day.

The dates are unclear but we estimate the recording to be from 31st January and 1st and 2nd February 1981. The tape was made from 95.7 FM and although 104 FM is also mentioned, Radio City’s AM transmitter was off the air at the time. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

Early Cork series: The Homerun on Radio City

Early Cork series: The Homerun on Radio City
Noel Evans at Radio City in 1980 (courtesy Lilian O’Donoghue).

This recording of Cork pirate Radio City feastures Noel Evans (Welch) on the daily Homerun programme. It includes traffic updates, a medical advice slot, a charity appeal from a local nun, adverts for local businesses around Cork and a competition. There’s also a letter from super-fan Lilian McCarthy (O’Donoghue), who donated this recording.

The tape was made between 1700-1730 on 2nd February 1981 from 95.5 FM.