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. Her powerful testimony offers a deep insight into the lasting impact of his actions. If you have been affected by any issues in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines. 


Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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. Her powerful testimony offers a deep insight into the lasting impact of his actions.&nbsp;If you have been affected by any issues in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines.&nbsp;<div> Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.</div>

Karen's Story

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 Cooke when he picked up a boy she identified as Philip Cairns in his car, brought him to the radio Dublin studios and physically assaulted him. Her witness statement was not pursued by Gardai in 2016 due to questions about her witness timeline.

As the 40th anniversary of Philip's disappearance approaches this October, Doc on One have unearthed new information which could provide new leads in Philip's case and Pirate Predator producer/presenter Peter Mulryan joins us in today's special episode of Unsolved to talk us through them.  As part of her statement, the witness alleged that missing schoolboy Philip Cairns was in the company of Eamon Cooke the day of his disappearance.  The new evidence supports a crucial detail provided by a witness, whose account had previously been dismissed by investigators.

Get in touch at unsolved@rte.ie 

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 Cooke when he picked up a boy she identified as Philip Cairns in his car, brought him to the radio Dublin studios and physically assaulted him. Her witness statement was not pursued by Gardai in 2016 due to questions about her witness timeline.As the 40th anniversary of Philip's disappearance approaches this October, Doc on One have unearthed new information which could provide new leads in Philip's case and Pirate Predator producer/presenter Peter Mulryan joins us in today's special episode of Unsolved to talk us through them.&nbsp; As part of her statement, the witness alleged that missing schoolboy Philip Cairns was in the company of Eamon Cooke the day of his disappearance.&nbsp; The new evidence supports a crucial detail provided by a witness, whose account had previously been dismissed by investigators.Get in touch at unsolved@rte.ie&nbsp;

Philip Cairns - New Development

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 accounts from some of Cooke’s own children.If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredator


Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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 accounts from some of Cooke’s own children.If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredator<div> <div>Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.</div></div>

Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statements

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've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredator

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredatorCredits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 07 - Endgame

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 you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredator

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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 you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines and if you’ve any information on Eamon Cooke, please email documentaries@rte.ie or drop an anonymous tip via rte.ie/piratepredatorCredits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 06 - Duplicity

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/helplines

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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?&nbsp;&nbsp;If you've been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplinesCredits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance

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/helplines

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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/helplinesCredits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 04 - Secrets and Lies

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/helplines

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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 is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Legal advice from Trish Whelan and Deirdre Kelly. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 03 - Mutiny

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 been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplines

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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 been affected by any issues raised in this episode, please visit rte.ie/helplinesCredits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 02 - The Innocent

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.ie/helplines

Credits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

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.ie/helplinesCredits: Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy and Liam O'Brien. Original music soundtrack is composed and performed by Alma Kelliher with Ste Carolan on guitars. Sound design is by Damian Chennells. Audio Product Support is by Nigel Wheatley and Áine McManus. Design and creatives by Sorcha Kelly and Mark Hennessy. Marketing by Christopher Hayes, Maria Buckley and Hilary O'Callaghan. Promos by Liz Ivory. Publicity by Kate Smyth. Additional online editorial content by Anna Joyce.

Pirate Predator: 01 - The Electrician

Multi award winning documentaries from Ireland and beyond telling real life stories. With over 1,800 documentaries on offer, the Documentary On One Podcast has the largest archive of documentaries available in the world, dating as far back as 1954, right up to the present day. Winner of over 400 national and international awards. Producer of podcast series 'Where is Jón?', ‘The Real Carrie Jade’, 'Runaway Joe', 'Finding Samantha', 'Tiger Roll', 'GunPlot' and 'The Nobody Zone'. Immerse yourself in a world of sound, story and character.

Multi award winning documentaries from Ireland and beyond telling real life stories. With over 1,800 documentaries on offer, the Documentary On One Podcast has the largest archive of documentaries available in the world, dating as far back as 1954, right up to the present day. Winner of over 400 national and international awards. Producer of podcast series 'Where is J&oacute;n?', &lsquo;The Real Carrie Jade&rsquo;, 'Runaway Joe', 'Finding Samantha', 'Tiger Roll', 'GunPlot' and 'The Nobody Zone'. Immerse yourself in a world of sound, story and character.

Multi award winning documentaries from Ireland and beyond telling real life stories. With over 1,800 documentaries on offer, RTÉ Documentary On One has the largest archive of documentaries available in the world, from 1954, to today.

Documentary on One Podcast

Multi award winning documentaries from Ireland and beyond telling real life stories. With over 1,900 documentaries on offer, the Documentary On One Podcast has the largest archive of documentaries available in the world, dating as far back as 1954, right up to the present day. Winner of over 400 national and international awards. Producer of podcast series 'Where is Jón?', 'The Real Carrie Jade', 'Runaway Joe', 'Finding Samantha', 'Tiger Roll', 'GunPlot' and 'The Nobody Zone'. Immerse yourself in a world of sound, story and character.

Multi award winning documentaries from Ireland and beyond telling real life stories. With over 1,900 documentaries on offer, the Documentary On One Podcast has the largest archive of documentaries available in the world, dating as far back as 1954, right up to the present day. Winner of over 400 national and international awards. Producer of podcast series 'Where is Jón?', 'The Real Carrie Jade', 'Runaway Joe', 'Finding Samantha', 'Tiger Roll', 'GunPlot' and 'The Nobody Zone'. Immerse yourself in a world of sound, story and character.

Documentary on One Podcast

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

1,957 clip(s)