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Pirate Predator podcast artwork
True Crime

Pirate Predator

by RTÉ Documentary on One
True CrimeSociety & CultureDocumentary
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About the show

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 If you have any information or knowledge about this story, please email us documentaries@rte.ie. Previous RTÉ Documentary On One series include Stolen Sister, Where is Jón?, The Real Carrie Jade, Runaway Joe, Finding Samantha, First Consignment, GunPlot, Tiger Roll and The Nobody Zone.

Latest episodes

  • Unsolved: Philip Cairns New Development

    September 23, 2026 · 32 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statement

    June 29, 2026 · 34 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: 07 - Endgame

    June 22, 2026 · 40 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: 06 - Duplicity

    June 15, 2026 · 33 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance

    June 8, 2026 · 33 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: 04 - Secrets and Lies

    June 1, 2026 · 32 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: 03 - Mutiny

    May 25, 2026 · 33 min

    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…

  • Pirate Predator: 02 - The Innocent

    May 18, 2026 · 32 min

    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…