Seán Collins Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

13th May 202611th May 2026

Early Cork Series: Radio City on new frequency

Radio City changed AM frequencies in summer 1981, moving from 1512 kHz (announcing 199 metres) to the slightly off-channel 1243 kHz (announcing 240 metres). This recording begins at the end of Seán Collins’s Saturday afternoon show with laid-back tunes and a listeners’ competition. He is followed by Alan Edwards who is running late for his weekly slot. Alan plays chart hits with some oldies and there are requests from listeners and plenty of adverts but also a break in transmission for a few minutes.

The tape was made from 95.5 FM from 1655-1852 (with an edit in the middle) on 18^th July 1981 and is courtesy of Lilian O’Donoghue. Audio quality is fair to good, with some wobble on the cassette in places due to the passage of time.

1st May 202629th April 2026

Early Cork series: more summer sounds on Radio City

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This is another recording of Cork pirate Radio City in summer 1981. First up is the end of the community association programme with Seán Collins, followed by Alan Edwards with his weekly early Saturday evening slot. Alan plays mostly chart hits including plenty of Irish tunes and some oldies thrown in. There are plenty of requests from listeners but few adverts. He is followed by Steve Douglas.

The recording was made from approximately 1700-1900 (with some edits) from 88.4 FM on Saturday 13^th June 1981. Radio City also broadcast on 1512 kHz, announcing 199 metres. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue.

30th September 202527th August 2026

Early Cork series: More of the launch of Radio City

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This recording features more of the launch broadcast of Cork pirate Radio City at the end of August 1980. Pete Andrews (O’Neill) is in the chair with music and a preview of the planned programmes with various DJs including Susan James, Seán Collins, Derry O’Callaghan, Dave Johnson, Steve Douglas, John Marner and Dave Powell. There’s a cryptic reference to DJs from rival station Capital Radio who are said to be outside but not invited to the launch. Full programming on Radio City began the following day.

This recording was made from 1512 kHz, announcing 199 metres between 1634-1711 on Sunday 31^st August 1980 and is courtesy of Ken Baird. Audio quality is fair with variable levels.