Pirate Predator

Latest Episodes:

Karen's Story Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we bring you a deeply personal interview with Karen, a daughter of Eamon Cooke. As a child, Karen was abused by her father, and in 2010, Eamon Cooke was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his crimes against Karen. Now speaking publicly for the first time, Karen courageously recounts her experiences of growing up with Cooke and the horrific abuse she endured at his hands. Her powerful testimony offers a deep insight into the lasting impact of his actions.

If you have been affected by any issues 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.

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Unsolved: Philip Cairns New Development Sep 23, 2026

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In this special episode of Unsolved, documentary maker Peter Mulryan of Pirate Predator joins Barry and Katja to exclusively reveal a new development in the case of missing schoolboy Philip Cairns, who disappeared almost 40 years ago, in October 1986.

In 2016, a female witness gave a statement to Gardai alleging that in October 1986, when she was nine years old, she was in the company of Eamonn Cooke when he picked up a boy she identified as Philip Cairns in his car, brought him to the radio Dublin studios and physically assaulted him. Her witness statement was not pursued by Gardai in 2016 due to questions about her witness timeline.

As the 40th anniversary of Philip's disappearance approaches this October, Doc on One have unearthed new information which could provide new leads in Philip's case and Pirate Predator producer/presenter Peter Mulryan joins us in today's special episode of Unsolved to talk us through them. As part of her statement, the witness alleged that missing schoolboy Philip Cairns was in the company of Eamon Cooke the day of his disappearance. The new evidence supports a crucial detail provided by a witness, whose account had previously been dismissed by investigators.

Get in touch at unsolved@rte.ie

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Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statement Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

Throughout the making of this series, nearly 100 people came forward - by phone, by email, or under the cover of anonymity - all with something to say about Eamon Cooke. This bonus episode features the contacts we just couldn't fit into our initial seven episodes, alongside late-breaking tips that arrived after publication. We also hear full statements sent into us, including deeply personal accounts from some of Cooke’s own children.

If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredator

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pirate Predator: 07 - Endgame Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

After decades of abusing children with apparent impunity, the law was finally catching up with Eamon Cooke. Determined to stop him, Siobháin took her case to Gardaí—sparking what would become the case of Detective Inspector Gerry Kelly’s career. What followed was a grueling eight-year battle that pushed everyone involved to their absolute limits in the fight to finally put Cooke behind bars.

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Pirate Predator: 06 - Duplicity Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

The 1980s was the decade in Ireland in which Pirate Radio hit both its peak, and also its lowest point when legislation enforced blanket closures. Except of course for Radio Dublin – under Eamon Cooke - who kept on broadcasting. He behaved like there was one rule for him, and one rule for everyone else. And his abuse of children continued, even as he began to make plans to start his own family…

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Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

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?