Podcast · True Crime

Pirate Predator

by RTÉ Documentary on One · English · True Crime

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 Mul

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New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 38 min

Karen's Story

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S11 · 23 Sep 2026 · 32 min
Unsolved: Philip Cairns New Development
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…
S11 · E8 · 29 Jun 2026 · 34 min
Pirate Predator: Bonus - Tips and Full Statement
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…
S11 · E7 · 22 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Pirate Predator: 07 - Endgame
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 [email protected] or drop an anonymous tip via…
S11 · E6 · 15 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Pirate Predator: 06 - Duplicity
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 [email protected] or drop an anonymous tip via…
S11 · E5 · 8 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Pirate Predator: 05 - Defiance
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…
S11 · E4 · 1 Jun 2026 · 32 min
Pirate Predator: 04 - Secrets and Lies
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…
S11 · E3 · 25 May 2026 · 33 min
Pirate Predator: 03 - Mutiny
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…
S11 · E2 · 18 May 2026 · 32 min
Pirate Predator: 02 - The Innocent
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,…
S11 · E1 · 11 May 2026 · 31 min
Pirate Predator: 01 - The Electrician
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…
S11 · 29 Apr 2026 · 5 min
Pirate Predator: Trailer
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 Cooke please contact us, in confidence, at [email protected]. Pirate Predator is hosted by Peter Mulryan. The series is written, recorded and produced by Peter Mulryan, Nicoline Greer, Shauna McGreevy…
S10 · 21 Nov 2025 · 48 min
First Conviction: Bonus - Behind the Scenes
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, RTÉ Investigates), Pamela Fraher (Reporter, RTÉ Investigates), David Doran (Editor, RTÉ Investigates) and Liam O’Brien (Series Producer, RTÉ Documentary On One). We also hear from our host Ruth…
S10 · E6 · 12 Nov 2025 · 30 min
First Conviction: 06 - Limbo
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 - and everyone finally starts to believe them… If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us [email protected] or [email protected] or you can give us an anonymous…
S10 · 5 Nov 2025 · 2 min
First Conviction: Update
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 [email protected] or [email protected] or you can leave an anonymous tip on our website www.rte.ie/firstconviction Credits: First Conviction is hosted by Ruth Negga. It's written and produced by Tim Desmond and Liam O’Brien working…
S10 · E5 · 29 Oct 2025 · 28 min
First Conviction: 05 - 750 days
Having been found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in prison, Sayeed and Halawa are taken to separate jails in Ireland to serve out their sentences. Deprived of their freedom, and with their children now placed in the care of relatives, life in prison is hard beyond belief. But they cannot give up hope - and from inside their prison cells, they begin to fight back to get justice… If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us [email protected] or [email protected] or you can give us an anonymous tip via www.rte.ie/firstconviction Credits: First Conviction is…
S10 · E4 · 22 Oct 2025 · 28 min
First Conviction: 04 - Verdict
Sayeed and Halawa are facing two charges in court - an act of FGM against their daughter, and child cruelty. If found guilty, they face up to 14 years in prison. Despite all medical witnesses agreeing FGM did happen, as Sayeed takes the stand to give evidence, he is confident the truth will come out… If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us [email protected] or [email protected] or you can give us an anonymous tip via rte.ie/firstconviction Credits: First Conviction is hosted by Ruth Negga. It's written and produced by Tim Desmond and Liam O’Brien…
S10 · E3 · 15 Oct 2025 · 27 min
First Conviction: 03 - Trial One
Having had their children under supervision and monitored by authorities for three years, and having had to sign on bail twice weekly during that time, Sayeed and Halawa finally face trial, the first of its kind in Ireland. They continue to say the crime never happened and hope that finally, someone will listen… If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us [email protected] or [email protected] or you can give us an anonymous tip via rte.ie/firstconviction Credits: First Conviction is hosted by Ruth Negga. It's written and produced by Tim Desmond and Liam…
S10 · E2 · 8 Oct 2025 · 29 min
First Conviction: 02 - Waiting & Hoping
It’s only after four days in hospital that Sayeed and Halawa begin to understand they’re in real difficulty. No one appears to believe them. Within a week of arriving to hospital with their injured daughter, they’re sitting in a police station, answering questions about what happened. It’s beginning to feel like the entire system is closing in around them… If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us [email protected] or [email protected] or you can give us an anonymous tip via rte.ie/firstconviction - Credits: First Conviction is hosted by Ruth Negga.…
S10 · E1 · 8 Oct 2025 · 29 min
First Conviction: 01 - The Incident
September 2016 is where this story begins. A young married couple are at home in Dublin on a Friday morning with their two young children. Having changed her nappy, their 21 month old daughter turns, runs and falls. Her cries startle her parents who go to comfort her. As they pick her up, they notice she’s bleeding. Panicked, they take her to hospital - where everything begins to spiral out of control… If you have any information or knowledge about this story please email us [email protected] or [email protected] or you can give us an anonymous tip via www.rte.ie/firstconviction…
S10 · 26 Sep 2025 · 4 min
First Conviction: Trailer
An investigation into the case of a couple imprisoned for a crime against their child - that never happened… Publishing weekly from October 8th 2025 - a new 6-part podcast series & TV doc (Nov 12th) from RTÉ Documentary On One and RTÉ Investigates. Previous series include Stolen Sister, Where is Jón?, The Real Carrie Jade, Runaway Joe, Finding Samantha, First Consignment, GunPlot, Tiger Roll and The Nobody Zone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S9 · 18 Jul 2025 · 38 min
Stolen Sister: Bonus - Petition and Witness Accounts
Over the last seven weeks we have heard from many people who have had interactions with John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans. Up to twenty people have provided us with accounts of attempted abductions, sightings and various interactions with Shaw and Evans. In this episode, we bring you these accounts in full. An Garda Síochána have now appealed to anybody with information to report it to any station in the Wexford/Wicklow Garda divisions. And the Plunkett family start a petition with an appeal for people to sign to keep the pressure on for a cold case review into the case of Elizabeth Plunkett.…
S9 · E7 · 11 Jul 2025 · 31 min
Stolen Sister: 07 - A Chance for Justice
As this series has been publishing, we’ve been contacted by many listeners, including about a dozen contacts from people who are new witnesses to events around Ireland in September 1976 - and who it appears could have been potential victims of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans. Even after all these years, new information is still out there on Elizabeth’s story - and with new witnesses stepping forward, the pressure now increases on the authorities to hold a cold case review, maybe even finally put John Shaw on trial for Elizabeth’s murder… If you have any information or knowledge about the…
S9 · E6 · 4 Jul 2025 · 26 min
Stolen Sister: 06 - Irrelevant Victims
Having lived over 40 years with the loss of Elizabeth, the Plunkett family are taken aback when in 2023, they’re approached by the Parole Board. John Shaw is looking to get out of prison. Elizabeth’s family are invited to submit their views on his potential release. Can they stop him from getting freedom? This process unlocks a series of events where Elizabeth's siblings begin to realise that nothing is as it seems - and that their sister is still awaiting dignity and justice… If you have any information or knowledge about the actions of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans please email us…
S9 · E5 · 27 Jun 2025 · 27 min
Stolen Sister: 05 - The Trials
With the heartbreaking recovery of both Elizabeth and Mary’s remains, the investigation’s focus sharpens. The men, isolated in solitary confinement for months, are finally brought before the courts. But things take a strange twist when Shaw and Evans, once united in their actions, now turn on each other—each blaming the other for the murders. This results in a judge deciding there’ll be four separate trials, ensuring each man faces justice for his actions individually. Shaw is the first to stand trial, accused of the murder of Mary Duffy. As the courtroom waits with bated breath, one…
S9 · E4 · 20 Jun 2025 · 28 min
Stolen Sister: 04 - Confessions
With the nation on high alert, two Gardaí in Galway spot and arrest Ireland’s two most wanted men. Quickly brought in for questioning, Shaw and Evans find themselves at the center of a desperate investigation. Gardaí believe Mary Duffy could still be alive, and now they need the suspects to tell them where Mary and Elizabeth are. As the interrogation unfolds, the entire country waits for news, none more so than the Plunkett and Duffy families, as they cling to hope... If you have any information or knowledge about the actions of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans please email us…
S9 · E3 · 13 Jun 2025 · 27 min
Stolen Sister: 03 - On the Hunt
As suspicions grow around two Englishmen roaming freely around Ireland, Gardaí issue a nationwide alert for their capture. But no one knows these men have already hatched a chilling plan: to abduct, rape, and murder one woman every week. The only question now is can they be stopped before they kill again? If you have any information or knowledge about the actions of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans please email us [email protected] Credits: Stolen Sister is written and produced by Nicoline Greer with production assistance from Shauna McGreevy. Roz Purcell is the host. Original music…
S9 · E2 · 6 Jun 2025 · 27 min
Stolen Sister: 02 - Missing
On Saturday, August 28th, 1976, Elizabeth Plunkett walked out of a pub in Brittas Bay - and vanished without a trace. Over the following week, her distraught family and friends launched a frantic search, desperate for any sign of her. Though they didn’t find Elizabeth, a series of puzzling clues began to emerge. And at the same time, two suspicious men were seen lurking in the area, but within days, they too had disappeared. If you have any information or knowledge about the actions of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans please email us [email protected] Credits: Stolen Sister is written…
S9 · E1 · 30 May 2025 · 28 min
Stolen Sister: 01 - Elizabeth
The summer of 1976 brought an extraordinary three-month heatwave to Ireland. 23yr old Elizabeth Plunkett had just fallen in love and been on holiday to France. On the last weekend in August, Elizabeth headed for an overnight getaway with friends to the beach resort of Brittas Bay to mark the end of that summer. No one could have imagined what happened next… New episodes every Friday. If you have any information or knowledge about the actions of John Shaw and Geoffrey Evans please email us [email protected] Credits: Stolen Sister is written and produced by Nicoline Greer with…
S9 · 16 May 2025 · 4 min
Stolen Sister: Trailer
On the last weekend of the summer of 1976, a young woman named Elizabeth Plunkett went away for a night with friends to Brittas Bay in county Wicklow. Nobody knew it then, but that was the last time she would leave home. Elizabeth was brutally murdered by two men who would go on to continue to rape and kill until they were stopped. Episode 1 available Friday 30th May 2025. Credits: Stolen Sister is hosted by Roz Purcell. It's written and produced by Nicoline Greer. Production assistance is by Shauna McGreevy. Original music soundtrack is performed and composed by Oscar-winning composer…
S8 · E7 · 3 Mar 2025 · 49 min
Where is Jón? - 07. Bring him home
As the search site turns into a dig site, Jón’s family await news of the search. If Jón is found, it will end all hope and a new chapter of grief begins. And as we near the end of this series, new tips continue to emerge. With everything that has been uncovered, Jón’s family ask that his case is now upgraded to a murder inquiry in the hope that they finally get some answers. Credits: Where is Jón? / Hvar er Jón? is written, reported and produced by Liam O’Brien and Anna Marsibil Clausen. Original music soundtrack is performed and composed by Úlfur Eldjárn, with special guest Unnur Jónsdóttir…

About Pirate Predator

Pirate Predator is a English true crime podcast from RTÉ Documentary on One. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: RTÉ Documentary on One
Language: English
Category: True Crime
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 30 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1498583582
Rights: 2026 RTÉ Documentary on One

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