1985 Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

26th June 202623rd June 2026

Morning Magic on Magic 103

This recording features programming from Magic 103, the short-lived easy-listening and talk-based experiment launched by Radio Nova in April 1985. Up first is Chris Barry and George Long (Henry O’Donovan, RIP) with the end of the breakfast show, who is followed by Bob Gallico (RIP) and Peter Madison (RIP) with Morning Magic. There is a television preview, racing results, a competition, news snippets, a nostalgia spot and an interview with an American singer living in Dublin. The music ranges from country and Irish to classical, underlining the lack of clarity about what Magic 103 was supposed to offer listeners. Peter refers to Magic as ‘Europe’s newest easy-listening station’ but the lack of adverts pointed to its growing financial woes.

The recording was made from 103.5 FM on Thursday 23^rd July 1985 between 0950-1122 and is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

25th May 202624th May 2026

Bob Gallico and Peter Madison on Magic 103

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Magic 103 was one of the many offshoots of Radio Nova, broadcasting from April to September 1985. This recording was made on a sunny summer afternoon and features two of the station’s most accomplished presenters, Bob Gallico and Peter Madison, both since deceased. First up is the end of Morning Magic with both presenters, while Peter continues on his own with the Solid Gold slot after 1200. ABC Network News is read by Bob and Mark Weller. The music style includes classical, easy listening, big band and oldies. Listeners are also invited to bid for a rare Beatles picture disc, with the proceeds going to the forthcoming Live Aid concert. Although there is interest from listeners, virtually no adverts are aired, evidence of the financial problems facing Magic 103 throughout its existence.

The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 103.5 FM on Wednesday 24^th July 1985 from 1150-1321. 199 metres (1521 kHz) is also announced.

13th April 202612th April 2026

Plans for new kids’ programme on Magic 103

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Magic 103 was an offshoot of Dublin super-pirate Radio Nova, set up as an information and easy listening music service for the city. Its first full day was 29^th April 1985 but it closed only five months later on 22^nd September, citing financial difficulties. However, the station was also embroiled in the ongoing dispute between Nova boss Chris Cary and the National Union of Journalists, which eventually contributed to Nova’s demise in 1986.

This recording was made shortly after Magic 103 launched and features a lunchtime show presented by Dave Johnson (Andrew Hanlon), who also reads ABC Network News, simulcast on Radio Nova. The music is a mixture of easy listening, oldies and country and listeners call in for chat and requests. There are regular references to an audition for new presenters for a kids’ programme called Magic Hullabaloo taking place at Magic headquarters at 144 Upper Leeson Street. Many of the hopefuls are invited into studio, including one who already hosts a show on Community Radio Fingal in north Dublin. The kids’ enthusiasm and knowledge about radio provides an interesting insight to the popularity of the medium among 1980s teenagers in Dublin, but the music is definitely not aimed at them. The recording also includes sports results read by Aidan Cooney.

The recording was made from 103.5 FM on Saturday 18^th May 1985. Part 1 above is from 1203-1335 and Part 2 below from 1336-1508.

Both recordings are from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

4th March 202614th February 2026

Late night on KISS FM from Foley Street

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This is another recording of the early days of KISS FM from Foley Street in Dublin’s north inner city (1985-86). Our recording features Clem Francis in a late-night slot not long after the station was launched. It is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 104.2 FM (announcing 105) between 2242-2328 on 18^th May 1985.

2nd March 202614th February 2026

Breakfast on the new KISS FM from Foley Street

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KISS FM from Foley Street in Dublin’s north inner city was one of several pirates using that name over the decades. This KISS FM (1985-86) emerged from the second iteration of Dublin Community Radio (DCR), was owned by two German businessmen and managed by David Baker. This recording was made not long after the station’s launch and features Peter Collins on the breakfast programme. Despite the time of day, adverts are scarce and there are some technical issues with the music, so the station was clearly still finding its feet.

The tape was made from 104.2 FM (announcing 105) between 0830-0915 on 7^th May 1985. It is from the Skywave Tapes Collection. Radio Skywave International was a 1980s shortwave station broadcasting from Baldoyle in northeast Dublin.