Early Cork series: Various Saturday shows on Radio City

Early Cork series: Various Saturday shows on Radio City
Dave Johnson in the Radio City Studio in 1980 (courtesy Lilian O’Donoghue).

This recording of Cork pirate Radio City was made on a Saturday evening in spring 1981. Up first is the final part of Dave Johnson’s sports results programme. He is followed by Alan Edwards with his popular early evening show, complete with plenty of requests, a notice about a lost dog, adverts and mashed-up station idents. Among the hits played is Ireland’s entry to the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest, which is to be held that evening in Dublin. After Alan we hear the first few minutes of Luke Ward’s Rock City Interviews show.  

Audio quality is poor in the first half, possibly because the receiver was slightly off channel, but it improves in the final hour. The recording was made on 4th April 1981 from 1654-1906 from 95.5 FM. Radio City also broadcast on 199 metres medium wave (1512 kHz). Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

Early Cork series: More Saturday evening shows on Radio City

Early Cork series: More Saturday evening shows on Radio City
L-R Luke Ward and Alan Edwards at Radio City in 1981 (courtesy Lilian O’Donoghue).

This is another example of Saturday evening shows on Cork pirate Radio City from spring 1981. First up is the final part of Alan Edwards’ programme with a mixture of chart music and classics. He is followed by Luke Ward with his Rock City Interviews show. There are also adverts for local businesses and station jingles. Audio quality is generally good, but there is some wobble towards the end due to cassette degradation.  

The recording was made from 95.5 FM between 1808-1905 on 21st March 1981 and is courtesy of Lilian O’Donoghue. At this time Radio City also broadcast on 1512 kHz, announcing 199 metres. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

Cork’s Top 40 on CBC

Cork's Top 40 on CBC
Lillian McCarthy with Luke Ward in August 1979 (courtesy of Lillian).

This recording of the Cork Broadcasting Company (CBC) was made on 24th July 1979 and features various DJs. Luke Ward is heard first, inviting entries into his quiz and signing off at the end of his show. The station is located in Patrick’s Quay at this time.

Luke is followed by the lunchtime show with Pete Andrews (O’Neill) who introduces Cork’s Top 40. The number one record is ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ by the Boomtown Rats. The final DJ is Ed Harris.

Thanks again to Lillian O’Donoghue for the donation.