Susan James (O'Connor) Archives - Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive

25th December 202511th December 2025

Early Cork series: Christmas 1980 on Radio City

The Cork pirate Radio City celebrated its first Christmas on air in 1980, 4 months after going on the air. This recording from that day features a lively show with Carl Johnson (Dan Noonan) who is joined in studio by John Mariner and Eric Hansen (John Creedon, now of RTÉ). There are plenty of Christmas greetings from listeners, including live callers, some of whom are related to the DJs. Karl and the others are followed by Hospital Radio Special with Pete Andrews (O’Neill) and Susan James (O’Neill), who are joined later by Mike Cagney. The programme includes Christmas music, more requests and pre-recorded interviews.

The airchecked recording was made from 95.7 FM between approximately 1200-1500 on 25^th December 1980. Radio City also broadcast on 1512 kHz AM, announcing 199 metres. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

10th December 20251st December 2025

Early Cork series: Sunday shows on Radio City

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This recording features a selection of Sunday programmes on Cork pirate Radio City from the spring of 1981. Up first is John Rice signing off at the end of his show, followed by Pete Andrews (O’Neill) with the Radio City Top 50 and then Susan James (O’Connor) with the Groove Galaxy. The last segment is from a Sunday morning show presented by John Mariner, possibly from another date.

This airchecked recording was made from 95.7 FM from around 1400 on 22^nd March 1981. Audio quality is generally good but there is some distortion and wobble due to cassette degradation. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

3rd November 202531st October 2025

Early Cork series: Sunday romantic hour on Radio City

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This is another example of Sunday programming on Cork pirate Radio City from 1981. On air is Susan James (O’Connor) with the Groove Line, a mixture of slow classic and chart tunes. There are also some adverts for local businesses. Susan is followed by Ronnie Gibson with contemporary album music.

The recording was made from 95.7 FM on Sunday 8^th March 1981 from 1900-2005. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

8th October 202529th September 2025

Early Cork series: Various show on Radio City

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This recording of Cork pirate Radio City features a variety of presenters and shows from its schedule in spring 1981. First up is Pete Andrews (O’Neill) who reads out a listener’s letter and previews various programmes coming up over the weekend. He is followed by Susan James and Karl Johnson (Dan Noonan). Of interest towards the end is Eric Hansen who under his real name of John Creedon continues to broadcast on RTÉ to this day.

The dates are unclear but we estimate the recording to be from 31^st January and 1^st and 2^nd February 1981. The tape was made from 95.7 FM and although 104 FM is also mentioned, Radio City’s AM transmitter was off the air at the time. Thanks to Lilian O’Donoghue for the donation.

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.