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Pirate Predator

Pirate Predator

RTÉ Documentary on One 91 Episodes Jun 29, 2026

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 'Captain Cooke' and how he used the cover of pirate radio to groom and abuse, hiding a decades-long reign of terror in plain sight. This series features scenes of child sex abuse. If affected by any issues raised, please visit rte.ie/helplines.

Episodes

Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statements Jun 29, 2026 2030 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 accou
Pirate Predator: 07 - Endgame Jun 22, 2026 2419 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.If you
Pirate Predator: 06 - Duplicity Jun 15, 2026 1961 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…If
Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance Jun 8, 2026 1951 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/helplinesCredits: Pi
Pirate Predator: 04 - Secrets and Lies Jun 1, 2026 1941 With Eamon Cooke at the helm of Radio Dublin, his true image begins to emerge. When child abuse allegations are brought to light, it's hoped that will put a stop to his behaviour. But Captain Cooke grows even bolder and sets out to bury the truth. This is also at a time when he begins to befriend Jimmy Saville...If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/help
Pirate Predator: 03 - Mutiny May 25, 2026 2000 In 1978, Radio Dublin made history as Ireland's first 24-hour station. But behind the scenes, a darker story was unfolding. Eamon Cooke, already a convicted criminal, was now in control of the pirate station Radio Dublin and began using his newfound influence to try to insulate himself from suspicion.If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplinesCredits
Pirate Predator: 02 - The Innocent May 18, 2026 1925 Having spent much of his youth and early adult life in some serious tangles with the law, all of a sudden, Eamon Cooke turns the other cheek. It’s as if he was trying to build a shield of protection around himself while at the same time committing the most serious crimes against children. And then he sets his eyes on an even better cover - taking over the pirate station, Radio Dublin.If you've bee
Pirate Predator: 01 - The Electrician May 11, 2026 1859 Long before he ruled the airwaves of Dublin’s pirate radio scene, Eamon Cooke was a man defined by a different kind of interference. His youth wasn't just rebellious; it was at times violent, volatile and unpredictable. These were the first glimpses into someone who was fast growing up into becoming a very dangerous man.If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte
Pirate Predator: Trailer Apr 29, 2026 278 Publishing weekly from May 11th 2026, Pirate Predator is a new series from RTÉ telling the definitive 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.If you have any information about Eamon Co
First Conviction: Bonus - Behind the Scenes Nov 21, 2025 2866 As a combined project of a podcast series and TV documentary, First Conviction was over 15 months in production. In this bonus episode - and in a first for RTÉ - we give an insight into how the entire production was made through all of those involved.Hosted by Aoife Hegarty (Deputy Editor, RTÉ Investigates), we hear from Tim Desmond (Producer, RTÉ Documentary On One), Philip Gallagher (Director, R
First Conviction: 06 - Limbo Nov 12, 2025 1779 Having spent two years in jail, Sayeed and Halawa are relieved when the Court of Appeal make a ruling on their case. As they return home to their children, they hope life might begin to return to normal - but nothing about their lives is now normal. The DPP continues to pursue this case. A second trial takes place, before a third is scheduled - until the moment they’ve waited so long for, arrives
First Conviction: Update Nov 5, 2025 94 Just a quick message to say we’re pausing the release of the concluding episode of this series until this day next week - Wednesday November 12th, the same day on which our TV documentary from RTÉ Investigates airs on RTÉ One at 9.35pm. If you do have any knowledge or information on this story please contact us immediately and in confidence by emailing documentaries@rte.ie or investigations@rte.ie

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