
This is Chris Barry on the Cork pirate station Radio ERI from January 14th 1987. The recording starts at 10am.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish Radio recordings since 2002
This is Chris Barry on the Cork pirate station Radio ERI from January 14th 1987. The recording starts at 10am.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish Radio recordings since 2002
John O’Hara for Dublin pirate station Energy 103 from January 19th 1987. This FM recording starts at 7.27pm.
This is a recording of Heady Eddie on air for Boyneside Radio in Drogheda, Co Louth from 4pm on January 23rd 1987
This recording comes from West Coast Radio in Sligo and is taken off 1143kHz on January 24th 1987 at lunchtime.
While you’re listening you are invited to visit the West Coast Radio station page and if there’s anything you can add to it please get in touch.
Radio Retro, archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Gary Hogg
This is a very lively edition of Radio West’s Anorak Show from January 25th 1987.
Seán Coyne and Don Allen deal with the biggest radio industry stories of the week and on this particular show took a phone-call from a bad-tempered Hugh Hardy (pictured) of Radio Carousel.
The show ran from 11am to midday and although this recording is edited it shouldn’t spoil your enjoyment.
This is a recording of Crystal City Sound, the Waterford pirate station, from January 28th 1987. Crystal City Sound was the relaunched Suirside Radio, which had closed in 1985.
First, from just after 9am, we have Martin Hart.
Later, from around midday, it’s Eddie Coady.
Martin Hart
Eddie Coady
This recording is with thanks to Ian Biggar / DX Archive
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
From Mullingar in Co Westmeath this is Dave Murphy (pictured) on Midway Radio, recorded from 104.7MHz FM.
We join Dave as the midday news, read by Anne Dwyer, approaches.
Listen or download here:
This recording and image is by very kind courtesy of Jess Codd.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
This recording is free to download for personal use only.
If you have any Midway Radio recordings or memorabilia that we can share, please contact us at recordings@radiowaves.fm
From February 20th 1987 this is a recording of WBEN off 98FM. Rob Allen is on air from 6.25pm.
Radio Retro – archiving Irish Radio broadcasts in collaboration with Ian Biggar
This is Brian Matthews (pictured) on the north Co. Dublin pirate Pulsar 98, which was also identifying as sister station Community Radio Fingal.
This afternoon recording was made off 98.8MHz FM on February 22nd 1987.
Listen or download
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
From February 23rd 1987 this is LLCR, the Dublin pirate based in the heart of the Liberties area of the city centre. The recording runs from 4.30pm through to 11pm and features ‘Tony’ at 4.30pm; Eddie O’Neill from 5pm; Tony Allan from 7pm and Derek Evans from 9pm.
Listen to ‘Tony’ from 4.30pm
Listen to Eddie O’Neill from 5pm
Listen to Tony Allan from 7pm
Listen to Derek Evans from 9pm
Listen to the whole evening with the music stripped out
Radio Retro – archiving Irish Radio broadcasts since 2002
This is Dublin station Energy 103 with Pat Courtenay sitting in on Drive from 6.15pm, and he’s followed by John O’Hara with School’s Out after the 7pm News. The recording, off 103FM, dates from February 24th 1987.
Pat Courtenay
John O’Hara
This recording is with thanks to Gary Hogg
Radio Retro – archiving Irish Radio broadcasts since 2002
More from Energy 103; Pat Courtenay or John O’Hara
Recorded from the Louth station’s 105.5MHz Dublin relay, this is Boyneside Radio on the afternoon of February 25th 1987 with Ian Scott on the air from 4.25pm.
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
More from Boyneside Radio or Ian Scott
This is a recording of Energy 103 from February 26th 1987, taken from 103.0MHz.
First, we hear from Colm Hayes on the Breakfast Show with News headlines on the half-hour and full news on the hour from George Long.
7.25am Colm Hayes
Colm is followed by Tony McKenzie from 10am through to the afternoon.
10am Tony McKenzie
Later in the day we join Pat Courtenay from 6pm. Pat was sitting in for Gareth O’Callaghan. Sybil Fennell reads the News.
6pm Pat Courtenay
From 7pm it’s John O’Hara with Schools Out.
7pm John O’Hara
This recording is with thanks to Gary Hogg
Radio Retro – archiving Irish Radio broadcasts since 2002
More from Energy 103; Colm Hayes; Tony McKenzie; Pat Courtenay, John O’Hara, Sybil Fennell or George Long
This is a recording of the pirate station Tallaght Community Radio from February 26th 1987 taken off 1359kHz.
First, we hear from Annette Murray on ‘Good Morning Tallaght’ from 11.20am.
She’s followed by Mick Smith from midday.
Annette Murray
Mick Smith
We hope you’ve enjoyed this Radio Retro recording which was kindly donated to us by Chris Ridley.
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
This is a recording of Barbara O’Toole on the religious Dublin pirate station Irish Christian Broadcasting Service from February 1987.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Gary Hogg
From February 1987 this is a recording of Nitesky 96, the alter-ego of nighttime service from Dublin’s aternative music pirate Capitol Radio, broadcasting on 95.8MHz. Nick Carney is on air with his early evening show.
Listen as broadcast
Listen airchecked
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Gary Hogg
This is edition 45 of Kieran Murray’s Free Radio Show on the SW station Radio Rainbow International from March 22nd 1987. It was recorded from their local 1521kHz MW outlet based in Louth.
This recording is with thanks to Gary Hogg
This is a recording of Donegal Community Radio from April 8th 1987 which was recorded off 99.8MHz FM. Based in Letterkenny, they were also on 103MHz, and 945kHz MW.
Pat McGrath is on air from 5pm.
While you’re listening you are invited to visit the Donegal Community Radio station page and if there’s anything you can add to it please get in touch
Radio Retro, archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Gary Hogg
Kerry pirate Rocky 103 on April 17th – Good Friday 1987.
An edition of Radio West’s Anorak Show with Captain West and Don Allen hosting. This episode features an extensive interview with Heddy Eddie who talks about a raid on Radio Boyneside which had taken place earlier in the week.
From Drogheda in Louth this is Boyneside Radio on 1305kHz with Dermot Kearns asking the questions days after the station was raided. This recording starts at 12.05pm.
Following DK Asks The Questions, Heddy Eddie presents the Double Top 10 Show from 1.30pm.
These recordings are with kind courtesy of Gary Hogg
From May 4th 1987 this is Pat Courtenay’s debut on Energy 103’s breakfast show. We join just as the 7am news, read by Lisa Moore, comes to an end.
Listen here
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Gary Hogg and the photo is thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103 or Pat Courtenay
This is programming from Dublin’s Energy 103 from May 5th 1987. The station found itself affected by power cuts thanks to the start of an ESB strike that morning.
First, from 7am, we hear from the Breakfast Show with Pat Courtenay and Lisa Moore.
From 9.30am we join Alan Burns until 10am and then from midday to 1pm…
From 3.20pm this is Tony Allan. Teena Gates reads the News.
Darad commented on the above Tony Allan recording:
Check out that audio. I am pretty sure that was me that put in that request for us down at Fast Food Ranelagh as that’s where I worked at the time and we always phoned in requests to Energy. Sometimes I’d cycle down there and get goodies thrown down to me from the third floor whilst Rick Dees was on!
This is a recording of Pat Courtenay on Dublin station Energy 103. Dated May 6th 1987 we join him on the breakfast show during the 7am news, which is read by Lisa Moore.
Listen here
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Ian Biggar and the photo is thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103 or Pat Courtenay
This is a selection of programming from the Dublin pirate Energy 103 on May 7th 1987.
We start with a short clip from the breakfast programme with Pat Courtenay. The show was obliterated by an ESB strike, which meant a late start for the 7am News, read by Lisa Moore. It wasn’t long before they were knocked off again…
7.06am
Power was eventually restored to ‘the power station’ and this segment is from Alan Burns.
10.20am
We catch the end of Alan Burns as he makes way for Tony Allan at 3pm.
2.54pm
During Tony’s show, we switch from medium wave to 103FM, in stereo…
3.15pm
Again, during Tony’s show, we switch back to medium wave…
5.46pm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Gary Hogg, with extra thanks to Dave Small for the FM broadcast
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay, Alan Burns or Tony Allan.
Here’s a morning’s worth of programmes from the Dublin pirate, Energy 103. The recording is from May 8th 1987 and features Pat Courtenay on Breakfast, who is followed by Alan Burns at 9.35am.
Pat Courtenay as broadcast
Pat Courtenay airchecked
Alan Burns as broadcast
Alan Burns airchecked
This is Kieran Murray’s Free Radio Show on the SW station Radio Rainbow International from May 10th 1987. It was recorded from their local 1521kHz MW outlet based in Louth.
This is edition number 49 and features an interview with Heddy Eddie about the raid on Boyneside Radio which had happened a few weeks earlier.
This recording is with thanks to Gary Hogg
Morning programmes from Dublin superpirate Energy 103 on May 13th 1987, starting at 6.50am.
First on air is Pat Courtenay, with Lisa Moore on news. At 9.30am Alan Burns takes over and at midday Tony McKenzie kicks off the afternoon.
Morning programmes on Energy 103, who broadcast to Dublin from 1986-1988.
From May 14th 1987 this is Pat Courtenay (right, in the Energy production studio) on Breakfast, ably assisted by Lisa Moore.
Alan Burns follows from 9.35am.
Pat Courtenay
Alan Burns
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Gary Hogg and the photo is thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay or Alan Burns
This is edition 51 of Kieran Murray’s Free Radio Show on the SW station Radio Rainbow International which was broadcast on May 24th 1987. It was recorded from their local 1521kHz MW outlet based in Louth.
This recording is with kind courtesy of Gary Hogg
This recording is from the morning that Bob Gallico (pictured) made his debut on Energy 103. Bob defected from Q102 to join Pat Courtenay and Lisa Moore for Energy’s Breakfast programme, which we join at 6.40am.
The first part of the programme was taken from medium wave…
6.40am
Just before the headlines at 7.30am we switch to FM in stereo…
7.28am
Here’s the full show with the music stripped out..
Airchecked
Here’s the full show on medium wave
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Gary Hogg; photo of Bob is thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103 or Pat Courtenay
From June 19th 1987 this recording is from the day that Alan Burns presented his final show on Energy 103.
The recording starts with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore on the Breakfast programme from 8.20am.
Then it’s over to Alan at 9.30am.
Breakfast
Alan Burns
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Gary Hogg; photo of Alan is thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico or Alan Burns
This is a recording of the Louth pirate radio station Zee 103 from June 27th 1987.
The station was based in Omeath, very close to the Northern Irish border, and was specifically aimed at a mid-Ulster audience.
This recording was off 103.25MHz and starts at 5pm.
This is a recording of Energy 103’s Breakfast Club with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore from 7.34am on July 31st 1987.
Listen
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Jess Codd
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay or Bob Gallico
This is a recording of Mike Richardson on his last mid-morning show for Horizon Radio in Kerry.
It is dated July 10th 1987 and starts at 9.48am.
As you’re listening you are invited to visit the Horizon Radio station page and if you can add to the history (factually or anecdotally) or if there’s anything else you can contribute such as photos or recordings, please get in touch.
This Radio Retro recording is by kind courtesy of Michael Richardson
From July 23rd 1987 this is Limerick pop music pirate Hits 954.
In the first recording, Dave Shearer is on the air from 8.40am and Kevin Nelson reads the 9am News.
And from later that day, starting at just after midday, Mark Warner is the afternoon presenter.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Ian Biggar
From July 26th 1987 this is Signal 102, broadcasting from Athlone in Co Westmeath. Paul McKenna (pictured) is on the air from midday. He follows Liam Lennon.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
This recording is from Chris Ridley’s collection
Image courtesy of Barry Flynn
This is a recording of Sound Channel FM, the Limerick pirate radio station, from September 1987.
Starting at 1.20pm, Darren O’Brien – who was also the station’s Programme Controler – is at the mic.
Then from 2pm, there’s a debut show from Frank Johnson.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
This recording is courtesy of Ian Biggar
This is edition 53 of Kieran Murray’s Free Radio Show on the SW station Radio Rainbow International which was broadcast on September 6th 1987. It was recorded from their local 1521kHz MW outlet based in Louth.
This recording is with thanks to Gary Hogg
From September 9th 1987 this is a selection of clips from Energy 103’s Breakfast Club with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore.
There’s also a collection of Gareth O’Callaghan’s phone call sketches from his afternoon show.
Breakfast Club
Gareth O’Callaghan
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay, Gareth O’Callaghan or Bob Gallico
From September 10th 1987 this is a selection of clips from Energy 103’s Breakfast Club with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore.
Breakfast Club
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay or Bob Gallico
From September 11th 1987 this is a selection of clips from Energy 103’s Breakfast Club with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore.
Breakfast Club
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay or Bob Gallico
This is a recording of Independent Radio Mayo from the afternoon of September 11th 1987.
Taken from 96MHz FM in Castlebar, Kevin Maque is on air from 4pm.
Radio Radio: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
This recording is by kind courtesy of Ian Biggar
This is a recording of Raidió Luimní (Radio Limerick) from September 1987.
It features John ‘The Man’ Frawley on his lunchtime show from 1pm
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Ian Biggar
This is a recording of WBEN off 98FM. from the start of October 1987.
Radio Retro – archiving Irish Radio broadcasts in collaboration with Gary Hogg
From October 7th 1987 this is a recording of Energy 103’s Breakfast Club with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore from 8.15am.
Listen
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Ian Biggar
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay or Bob Gallico
This is Cara 95FM, the Dublin love songs station which was a rebrand of Heartbeat FM. This recording features the last few minutes of Brendan Ryan’s late night show leading up to midnight.
Brendan Ryan
This recording is courtesy of Ian Biggar
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Tap for more from Heartbeat/Cara
From October 9th 1987 this is the Dublin love songs station Cara 95FM. This recording features Chris Martin on the air from midnight; and then later the breakfast programme with Lawrence John.
Cara 95 was a short-lived rebrand of Heartbeat FM.
Chris Martin
Lawrence John
This recording is courtesy of Ian Biggar
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Tap for more from Heartbeat/Cara; Chris Martin or Lawrence John
This is Energy 103’s Breakfast Club with Pat Courtenay, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore.
The recording was made from 8.30am on November 11th 1987 off 103FM.
Listen
If you have any recordings on cassette or mp3 that you’d like to donate to our Irish Radio Recordings Archive please drop a line to recordings@radiowaves.fm
This recording is by very kind courtesy of Jess Codd
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Click on the name to hear lots more from Energy 103, Pat Courtenay or Bob Gallico
From November 18th 1987 this is a recording of a brand new but very familiar radio station in Dublin. Radio Nova was back from the dead with live programming having commenced earlier.
We join Niall McGowan from 9.15pm.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
November 25th 1987 was a historic day in Irish radio as it seen the merger of Energy 103 with the recently relaunched Radio Nova. Nova had reappeared on the Dublin FM band a couple of weeks earlier – 20 months after the hugely successful station had ceased broadcasting.
Here we have a selection of recordings from the day, starting with Niall McGowan and Cassidy Jones on Energy Power 103FM from 12.30pm leading up to the merger.
We also have a few airchecks from the rest of the day giving a flavour of the mood at the station.
12:30: As broadcast
12: 30 Airchecked
15: 50 Mainly Airchecked
18: 00 Dublin Today – Airchecked
19: 55 John O’Hara
Niall McGowan:-
Wow. Thank you for the memories we were all so happy in those days. “FREE” to play DJ and just have fun. In hindsight, we did not know just how much freedom and fun we had. I have always considered myself to be lucky to be on such great stations with such great people. Thanks.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Following on from the merger between Energy 103 and Radio Nova which took place the day before, this is a selection of recordings from the ‘new’ station’s first full day on the air.
Right: The Evening Herald welcomes Radio Nova back onto the airwaves. Click to read…
From November 26th 1987 we start with the first link from Liam Coburn at midnight.
Then from 6.45am Liam introduces the new look Breakfast Club with Cassidy Jones joining Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore from 7am.
And then we have the former Breakfast Clubber, Pat Courtenay, from 11.11am.
00:00 Liam Coburn opens his show
06:45 Liam Coburn leads in to Breakfast Club
11:11 Pat Courtenay
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Following on from the merger between Energy 103 and Radio Nova which took place two days previous, this is a recording of the Breakfast Club with Cassidy Jones, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore from Friday, November 27th 1987.
The programme is part-airchecked.
08:34 Airchecks
09:07 As broadcast
09:50 Airchecks
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
Main recording by kind courtesy of Jess Codd
This is Pat Courtenay around lunchtime on Nova Power 103FM from December 3rd 1987. Teena Gates and Bob Gallico are on News and also help with comic inserts.
Listen
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
From December 10th 1987, this is Pat Courtenay from 1.30pm on Nova Power 103FM. Teena Gates is on News.
Listen
This recording is courtesy of Jess Codd; photo thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
From Radio Nova’s short-lived return to Dublin’s FM band this is a recording of Rick Dee’s Weekly Top 40 from December 12th 1987. Starting at midday, this episode features Bruce Vidal sitting in for Rick.
Listen
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
From December 14th 1987, this is a recording of…emmm…..Power 103?!! It had previously been called Nova Power 103 following a merger between Energy and Radio Nova on November 25th, just a few weeks earlier.
An injunction had been granted to the receiver of the original Radio Nova restraining the team behind the newly merged station from using the name.
These snippets are from Pat Courtenay’s show which was on air not long after the court decision became effective.
Listen
The photo is with thanks to Mike Mahon
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
This is Energy 103 from December 18th 1987 featuring The Breakfast Club from 9am followed by Pat Courtenay from 11am-2pm.
This recording of The Breakfast Club with Cassidy Jones, Bob Gallico and Lisa Moore was made on the morning Energy 103 restored their old moniker following a month of having an identity crisis which confused listeners and presenters alike!
Energy Power 103 had merged with the new Radio Nova in the last week of November to become Nova Power 103, but a legal challenge over the use of the Nova name forced them to change again so they had been identifying as Power 103 since the start of this particular week.
Breakfast Club as broadcast
Breakfast Club airchecked
Pat Courtenay
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts in collaboration with Gary Hogg / DX Archive
From Monday, December 21st 1987, this recording features a few snippets from Pat Courtenay’s show on Energy 103, which started at 11am.
Listen
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio broadcasts since 2002
From New Year’s Eve in 1987, this recording features Peter Madison on breakfast duty for Southside 95, who were broadcasting on 94.9MHz to Dublin.
This recording is with thanks to Ian Biggar
Radio Retro – archiving Irish Radio broadcasts since 2002
More recordings from Southside 95 or Peter Madison
From May 18th 1988 this is John ‘The Man’ Frawley standing in for Margaret Frawley on the ‘Music While You Work’ lunchtime programme on Raidió Luimní, the Limerick-based pirate station located in the city centre at 1 Upper Gerald Griffin St.
The recording is off 103FM and starts at 12.17pm.
Radio Retro: archiving Irish radio recordings since 2002
Photo of John Frawley is courtesy of Svenn Martinsen