Anoraks Ireland Collection Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

13th April 202612th April 2026

Plans for new kids’ programme on Magic 103

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.

10th April 20265th April 2026

First evening on Nova offshoot KISS FM

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KISS FM (1982-1984) was one of many offshoots of Dublin pirate Radio Nova. This recording is from the station’s first evening on air and features the ‘clutterfree’ format of continuous music and limited talk associated with Nova. DJ Hugh O’Brien reads a reception report from near Belfast, indicating the strength of the transmitter. Nova’s now syndicated service Independent Radio News is read by Siobhán Purcell.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 102.7 FM on Tuesday 7^th September 1982 between 2107-2212.

30th March 202628th March 2026

Afternoon Delights on Radio Vera

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Radio Vera broadcast from Limerick City from 1987-1988. It was linked to another city station, Radio Munster, that focused on older listeners while Radio Vera chased the younger market. Radio Vera claimed to have coverage over a 50-mile radius of Limerick City, including parts of Clare and Kerry.

This recording is of Francis Jones on the Afternoon Delights show, with a solid gold hour, an 80s music spot and a listeners’ quiz. News on the hour is read by Edwina, there are adverts for businesses around the city and county and several requests come from north Kerry. Francis Jones worked previously with Limerick pirate Big L and Horizon Radio in Kerry. After the pirates, he went on to a career with licensed station Radio Kerry.

The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 97.7 FM between 1400-1533 on Monday 14^th November 1988.

27th March 202626th March 2026

Dr Don’s Dinner Spinner on ARD

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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

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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.