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.
What this show covers
Eamon Cooketrue crimeIrelandsurvivor testimonychild abusePirate radiofamily traumaMedia historyjusticecriminal investigationwitness statementcold caseIrish true crimenew evidencePhilip Cairns
What listeners will find here
Karen speaks publicly about surviving abuse by Eamon Cooke
This episode centers on Karen, a daughter of Eamon Cooke, as she speaks publicly for the first time about the abuse she endured as a child. Her interview explores what it was like growing up with Cooke and the lasting impact of his crimes.
Pirate radio’s defiant holdout meets a darker story of power and abuse
This episode follows Ireland’s 1980s pirate radio crackdown and the exception of Radio Dublin under Eamon Cooke. As stations closed under new laws, Cooke kept broadcasting while his abuse of children continued and he began planning a family life.
The final push to bring Eamon Cooke to justice
This episode follows the long legal reckoning that finally closed in on Eamon Cooke. It centers on Siobháin’s decision to go to the Gardaí and the eight-year battle that turned into Detective Inspector Gerry Kelly’s defining case.
A fresh lead reopens questions in Philip Cairns’ 1986 disappearance
Philip Cairns’ disappearance is revisited through a newly revealed development tied to a witness statement that had previously been dismissed. Peter Mulryan joins Barry and Katja to explain evidence that may support a crucial detail and point to new leads.
Pirate radio booms as Eamon Cooke’s grip turns darker
This episode follows Ireland’s pirate radio explosion in the 1980s as powerful new stations upend the old order. At the same time, it tracks the hidden double life of Eamon Cooke and asks how far he will go to keep control.
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