Henry O'Donovan (George Long) Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

22nd July 202620th July 2026

Sunny summer afternoon on Energy 103

This recording of successful Dublin pirate Energy 103 was made on a warm and sunny day in the city in summer 1986. On air is popular DJ Gareth O’Callaghan in the drivetime slot. As well as chart tunes and classics, features include the TV teaser, a review of the evening newspapers, Listeners’ Top 10, traffic news, gig guide, a competition to win a holiday to Yugoslavia and information about upcoming sports events. News on the hour is read by George Long (Henry O’Donovan, RIP).

The recording was made from 103 FM on Wednesday 16^th July 1986 between 1636-1724 and 1740-1828 and is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection.

26th June 202623rd June 2026

Morning Magic on Magic 103

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

6th March 202621st February 2026

The breakfast show on Energy 103

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Alan Burns presented the breakfast show on Dublin station Energy 103 in 1986 and 1987. This recording was made on a cold morning in the autumn of 1986 but despite the weather, there’s plenty to keep listeners engaged including a prize of a food hamper, horoscopes and a ‘beat the intro’ competition. Some well-known voices on adverts include Tony Allan (RIP), Colm Hayes and Pat Courtenay and there’s a recorded insert featuring Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders. News on the half-hour is read by George Long (Henry O’Donovan, RIP), who also presents an idiosyncratic newspaper review that wouldn’t make it on air by today’s standards.

The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 103 FM between 0755-0843 on 23^rd October 1986.

6th January 20253rd January 2025

More Gareth O’Callaghan on Energy 103

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Gareth O’Callaghan was one of the most popular and professional DJs of the pirate era and continues to broadcast on independent radio to this day. In this recording from summer 1986, he winds up his evening drivetime show on Dublin station Energy 103, not long after it emerged from the ashes of Radio Nova in the spring of that year. Gareth has a television teaser for listeners and refers to the Queen concert coming up in Slane that weekend. News is read by George Long (Henry O’Donovan, RIP).

Gareth’s show is followed by Tony McKenzie presenting a syndicated programme in the 7Up Music Machine series, featuring British rock band Supertramp in a live concert in the US. Reflecting the sponsorship deal, many adverts refer to 7Up and the Music Machine albums. The tape is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was recorded from 103 FM from 1834-1922 on Wednesday 2^nd July 1986.

11th September 202422nd September 2024

Gerry Stevens on Energy 103 lunchtime

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Energy 103 was one of the most successful Dublin stations at the end of the pirate era, broadcasting from April 1986 until March 1988. This recording is of a familiar voice on Energy, Gerry Stevens (Lang) with a lunchtime show in the summer of 1986. There are the usual high-level adverts for larger businesses and brands and the slick Energy jingles. News is read by Dave Johnson (Andrew Hanlon) and George Long (Henry O’Donovan, RIP). The daily news quiz attracts many callers during lunch hour.

The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 103 FM on Wednesday 23^rd July 1986 from 1244-1420. Energy 103 also broadcast on 738 kHz AM.