101 Hottest Hits of 1987 on Sunshine 101

101 Hottest Hits of 1987 on Sunshine 101

Author: Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive May 15, 2026 Duration: 46:01
On New Year’s Day 1988, Dublin super-pirate Sunshine 101 broadcast the ‘101 Hottest Hits of 1987’ presented by Nails Mahoney. The show was sponsored by the Evening Press newspaper and sounds like it was pre-recorded as there are no time-checks. The recording is from the Anoraks Ireland Collection and was made from 101.5 FM between … Continue reading "101 Hottest Hits of 1987 on Sunshine 101"

Tune into the crackle and hum of Ireland's rebellious airwaves with Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive. This isn't a polished history lesson, but a direct line back to a vibrant, clandestine era of broadcast. Each episode is a carefully preserved recording, pulling you into the makeshift studios and live transmissions that once defied the monopoly of state radio. You'll hear the raw energy of presenters, the eclectic music choices that defined communities, and the very ads and announcements that painted a sonic picture of Ireland from the 1970s through the 1990s. Curated by the Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive, this collection serves as a living museum, offering an unfiltered, atmospheric journey into a foundational chapter of modern Irish culture. The archive speaks for itself; every broadcast is a primary source, letting you experience the texture and spirit of free radio exactly as it was heard. For anyone curious about media history, grassroots broadcasting, or the authentic sound of Ireland's recent past, this podcast is an irreplaceable trove.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 24

Irish Pirate Radio Audio Archive
Podcast Episodes
Early Cork series: more summer sounds on Radio City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:48:50
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…
Test of Radio Dublin Channel 2 and station launch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:18
Radio Dublin Channel 2 was the first such offshoot service by an Irish pirate station, operating initially at weekends and then on a more full-time basis in parallel with the main station. Offering specialist output such…
Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio in 1982 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:46
This recording of popular DJ Declan Meehan on Sunshine Radio was made in summer 1982, as the north Dublin station approached its second birthday. Along with the usual mixture of contemporary hits and oldies, there’s ment…
Early Cork series: summer Saturday on Radio City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:11
This recording of Cork pirate Radio City features Pat O’Rourke (Smurf) on a Saturday morning in summer 1981, followed by the start of Paul Cassidy’s show. The recording begins around 1020 but is partially airchecked. Pau…
Plans for new kids’ programme on Magic 103 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:18
Magic 103 was an offshoot of Dublin super-pirate Radio Nova, set up as an information and easy listening music service for the city. Its first full day was 29th April 1985 but it closed only five months later on 22nd Sep…
First evening on Nova offshoot KISS FM [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:19
KISS FM (1982-1984) was one of many offshoots of Dublin pirate Radio Nova. This recording is from the station’s first evening on air and features the ‘clutterfree’ format of continuous music and limited talk associated w…
Early Cork series: phone-in requests on Radio City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
This is another recording of the Saturday evening show with Alan Edwards on early Cork pirate Radio City. This edition features listeners phoning in requests live on air and is followed by Rock City Review with Luke Ward…
Early Cork series: another test by Radio City 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:57
Radio City 2 appears to have been a short-lived experiment broadcasting in 1981 on a different FM frequency to the main Radio City, one of the early pirates in Cork City. This short recording is of Pete Andrew (O’Neill)…
Afternoon Delights on Radio Vera [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:17
Radio Vera broadcast from Limerick City from 1987-1988. It was linked to another city station, Radio Munster, that focused on older listeners while Radio Vera chased the younger market. Radio Vera claimed to have coverag…
Dr Don’s Dinner Spinner on ARD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Don Moore (Dr Don) was one of the pioneers of early pirate radio in Ireland, and developed Alternative Radio Dublin (ARD) into a credible and professional station in an increasingly competitive market at the end of the 1…