Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance

June 8, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

The episode explores the rise of super pirate radio stations in the 1980s and the dark life of Eamon Cooke.

As the 1980s dawn, a new breed of super pirate radio stations arrive to rewrite the Irish rulebook, leaving authorities scrambling to respond. But as the decade progresses, Eamon Cooke’s dark, hidden double life continues in the shadows. The only question is how far will he go to maintain control? If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Peter Mulryan

Topics covered

pirate radio
Irish history
Eamon Cooke
1980s
media control
defiance

Keywords

pirate radio
Eamon Cooke
1980s
Irish media
defiance
super pirate stations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RTÉ