1983 Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

23rd March 202622nd March 2026

Denis Murray plays rock favourites on Super Nova

Super Nova was one of many offshoots of the Dublin pirate Radio Nova. The evening opt-out service was set up not long after Nova returned to the air following the raid of May 1983. It temporarily replaced KISS FM, which closed after the raid, and soaked up Nova’s additional advertising revenue. This recording of Super Nova features Denis Murray playing mostly rock favourites. The many commercial breaks include adverts for brands and larger businesses, including a holiday giveaway sponsored by Nova in association with a travel agency. News is read by David Malone.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 88 FM between 2019-2109 on Thursday 1^st September 1983. The main Nova daytime service broadcast on 88 FM and 828 kHz AM during this time.

9th March 202622nd February 2026

Final hour of BLB before 1983 closedown

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This is part of the final hour of Bray Local Broadcasting (BLB) before it closed voluntarily following the raids on the larger Dublin pirates in 1983. At the microphone is a familiar voice on BLB, Mark Quinn, who is joined by other presenters including Shay Byrne (now with RTÉ), Sally Byrne and Terry Daniels. They reminisce about the station since it began on 22^nd August 1979. There are also calls of support from listeners and messages of goodwill from community groups, showing how respected BLB was in the north Wicklow town.

The recording was made from 96.7 FM between 2255-2341 on 19^th May 1983. BLB also broadcast on 657 kHz, announcing 456 metres. Along with most other pirates, it returned to the airwaves after a short time once the immediate shock of the raids had passed.

30th January 202624th January 2026

Operation Novacare a few days before the Nova raid

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Operation Novacare was one of various charity events organised by large Dublin pirate Radio Nova over its five years on air. Novacare 1983 consisted of an on-air auction of items donated by sponsors in aid of disability organisation the Irish Rehabilitation Institute (now Rehab). The aim was to buy a new minibus for the Institute. This recording features several Nova DJs and presenters such as Tony Garreth (Gareth O’Callaghan), Tom Hardy (RIP), Scott Williams, Bob Gallico (RIP), Greg Gaughren, Declan Meehan, Sybil Fennell, Colm Hayes and station owner Chris Cary (RIP). News is read by Bryan Dobson, who went on to a long career as a journalist with RTÉ.

The recording was made from 88.2 FM between 1404-1537 on Saturday 14^th May 1983. Four days later, Nova was raided by Gardaí and officials from the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. The tape is from the Leon Tipler Collection, donated to us by Steve England.

12th January 202611th January 2026

Early evening shows on Radio Leinster

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This recording of Dublin pirate Radio Leinster was made just over a fortnight before the station closed down suddenly in May 1983. On air is station manager Justin James on the Bumper to Bumper drivetime show with the usual easy-listening, MOR and folk music associated with the station. Justin also has a television preview, traffic reports, sports headlines and a what’s on guide, and news is read by Al Dunne. Adverts are heard for businesses in and around Dublin, including some for larger businesses and brands. Justin is followed by Anna Craig (Chisnall) with the Classical Spot, an example of some of the specialist shows on this innovative and pioneering station.

The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 93 FM on Monday 2^nd May 1983 between 1736-1908. Radio Leinster closed down on 19^th May 1983, following raids on the larger pirates Radio Nova and Sunshine Radio.

9th January 202612th January 2026

Saturday on KISS FM Weekend Radio

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KISS FM Weekend Radio was a short-lived weekend service of the Radio Nova offshoot KISS FM (1982-1984). This recording from late 1983 was made not long after the service was launched and there are a few technical glitches along the way. Liam Young is on air with music, competitions and a promise of local news. Listeners phone in from Dublin and the Isle of Man, reflecting the strong FM signal but ominously there are no adverts. The names of both David Malone and Shane Harrison are heard at the start of the news, which sounds like another glitch. KISS FM closed in January 1984 after a jamming campaign by RTÉ caused turmoil at Nova. Ian Biggar points out that the separate KISS service at the weekend is reminiscent of the Big D Weekend format in the late 1970s.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 1202-1311 on 20th November 1983 from 102.7 FM.