Rephonic
Artwork for Pirate Predator
Ireland
Jón Jónsson
Elizabeth Plunkett
Joe Maloney
Eamon Cooke
Dublin
Samantha Cookes
Female Genital Mutilation
Domestic Violence
Radio Dublin
30 Acres
John Shaw
Geoffrey Evans
June Maloney
Michael O'shea
Rochester, New York
Joseph Maloney
RTÉ
Mary Duffy
Dublin Poker Festival

Pirate Predator tells the story of Eamon Cooke, a man of many faces who, on one hand, became a cult like figure - filling a void for disillusioned youth through Radio Dublin in the 1970s and 1980s- while on the other became one of Ireland's most prolific child sexual abusers.

Narrated by Peter Mulryan, who encountered Cooke in the 1980s, Pirate Predator uncovers the chilling true story of 'Captai... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes97Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
True CrimeDocumentarySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Pirate Predator

Latest Episodes

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 spea... more

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... more

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 s... more

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... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Peter Mulryan
Narrator and producer of Pirate Predator, RTÉ Doc on One
RTÉ
Episode: Unsolved: Philip Cairns New Development
James McGill
Solicitor practicing in criminal defense
Episode: First Conviction: 05 - 750 days
Mary Feehlin
Chairperson of the Association of Translators and Interpreters Ireland and an expert in translation, particularly in legal settings.
Dublin City University
Episode: First Conviction: 02 - Waiting & Hoping
Shane Dunphy
Child protection expert.
Episode: First Conviction: 02 - Waiting & Hoping
Tim Desmond
Producer and writer of the series.
RTÉ Investigates
Episode: First Conviction: 02 - Waiting & Hoping
Amy McComiskey
Solicitor with James McGill and Company
James McGill and Company
Episode: Stolen Sister: 06 - Irrelevant Victims
Dr. Sean Nixon
Coroner for Wexford who oversaw the inquest into Elizabeth's death
Wexford Coroner's Office
Episode: Stolen Sister: 06 - Irrelevant Victims
Bernie Plunkett
Sister of Elizabeth Plunkett, sharing personal accounts and emotions regarding the tragedy.
Episode: Stolen Sister: 05 - The Trials
Kathleen Plunkett
Sister of Elizabeth Plunkett, discussing family dynamics and the impact of their sister's murder.
Episode: Stolen Sister: 05 - The Trials

Hosts

Peter Mulryan
Host and narrator associated with RTÉ Documentary On One; leads investigative storytelling for the series
Colm Tobin
Host and narrator for RTÉ Documentary On One projects; contributes to investigative storytelling

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 3.3k ratings
  • Excellent documentary

    Best wishes to the brave girls/ladies

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jolliepops
    Ireland2 months ago
  • Excellent documentary

    Excellent documentary, essential listening for all of us who grew up in 70 s and 80 s Ireland. An important tribute to the brave survivors who are the true heroes of this sad tale.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annasweety2002
    Ireland4 months ago
  • Vital investigative journalism.

    *update* 18/6/26

    Pirate Predator is another great piece of investigative journalism. However, please please use less sound effects. The broken glass sound in Episode 5 made me jump out of my skin. I find the sound effects very distracting and even overwhelming, making it hard to listen to despite the excellent content.

    ‘Stolen Sister’, like all the RTÉ documentaries, does very important work in investigating the case of Elizabeth Plunkett and the other women who sadly fell victim to those heino... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    labonneétoile
    Ireland4 months ago
  • Wish this was a film.

    30 Acres just had me roaring with laughter. A wonderful twist from the usual (also superb) podcasts from the RTE Documentary series.

    I genuinely hope someone picks this up and makes a film from it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JonFreemanPhoto
    United Kingdom10 months ago
  • FGM story is appalling. Trying to cover up FGM by unemployed African immigrant Muslim couple.

    Total garbage. A child suffers FGM and the excuse by the parents is laughable. this podcast is definitely on the side of the unemployed African immigrants. Man “I was about to go to Friday prayers” ie does not work.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Axzunhdsgur
    United Kingdoma year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some feedback calls for fewer sound effects to improve immersion while preserving content.
Excellent documentary; Best wishes to the brave girls/ladies.
Vital investigative journalism with strong survivor focus and sensitive storytelling.
Listeners appreciate the balance of thorough investigation and respectful treatment of victims.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#219
United Kingdom/True Crime
Spotify
#57
Ireland/Top Podcasts
Spotify
#118
Ireland/Trending
Apple Podcasts
#115
Ireland/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#18
Ireland/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#195
United Arab Emirates/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance
Q: What does the rise of Radio Dublin tell us about pirate radio and the environment it created for young listeners?
It shows how pirate radio can grow rapidly by appealing to youth culture while enabling abuse through isolation, control, and a lack of oversight, highlighting the need for safeguarding and accountability.
Where is Jón? - 06. The Notes
Q: How unusual is it for you to get a tip or indications like that from the general public?
It's probably unusual; in the speaker's career, they haven't encountered it before.
Where is Jón? - 06. The Notes
Q: Did it feel like you were deciding that he was dead or that you were deciding to break up?
The guest expressed that it felt more like breaking up with him, as they haven't decided he is dead yet.
Runaway Joe: 09 - Within Sight
Q: Did Joe Maloney reach out to you throughout the years?
He never tried to contact me at all after he went on the run.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Pirate Predator

What is Pirate Predator about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A rigorous true-crime documentary series focusing on a notorious Dublin pirate radio figure who used a public platform to groom and abuse vulnerable youths, exposing decades of harm hidden in plain sight. Across episodes, the narrative centers survivor accounts, archival material, and investigative reporting to reveal manipulation, community impact, and the ongoing quest for accountability. Recent installments extend the investigation to new developments in related cases and tease forthcoming material, offering a careful balance of sensitive testimony and sober journalism that aims to inform and advocate for justice.

What stands out is the dual lens of public fascination with pirate radio history and the gravity of ongoing abuses, with a s... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Pirate Predator?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Pirate Predator:

1. Lines of Enquiry
2. Ireland Crimes and Mysteries
3. Shattered Lives
4. Documentary on One Podcast
5. Crime World

How many episodes of Pirate Predator are there?

Pirate Predator launched 7 years ago and published 97 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Pirate Predator?

Recent guests on Pirate Predator include:

1. Peter Mulryan
2. James McGill
3. Mary Feehlin
4. Shane Dunphy
5. Tim Desmond
6. Amy McComiskey
7. Dr. Sean Nixon
8. Bernie Plunkett

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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