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Pirate Predator

Pirate Predator

RTÉ Documentary on One 91 Episodes Oct 12, 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

Karen's Story
Karen's Story Oct 12, 2026 2303 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
Unsolved: Philip Cairns New Development
Unsolved: Philip Cairns New Development Sep 23, 2026 1898 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 Co
Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statement
Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statement 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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