Artwork for Doc on One Series - Pirate Predator
True Crime

Doc on One Series - Pirate Predator

RTÉ Documentary on One

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. 

  • 95 episodes
  • Updated June 29

Episodes95

  • May 9, 2023 · 31 min

    Finding Samantha: 03 - Samm Az

    A 15 yr old Russian gymnast turns up hoping to be adopted by a new family. A Police Prosecutor in Perth is not quite sure what kind of an individual he's dealing with. One Samantha Azzopardi actually reaches out to us - and we get to meet another. This journey is getting deeper and wilder than we could have ever imagined... (Ep3/7) Credits: Finding Samantha is written, recorded and produced by Sharon Davis in Australia and Tim Desmond and Nicoline Greer in Ireland. Soundtrack composed by Paddy Flynn. Sound Engineer is Damian Chennells. Executive Producer is Liam O’Brien. If you have any information or tips on this story, email us documentaries@rte.ie For further information on the series visit www.rte.ie/findingsamantha Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 2, 2023 · 30 min

    Finding Samantha: 02 - Webs of Deceit

    As we follow the trail of the Girl at the GPO – who we now know is Australian woman Samantha Azzopardi - we dive into a surreal world where fact and fiction are often blurred. Samantha has connections to Ireland and a seemingly long and troubled back history in Australia. To begin to understand where this all started, we travel to Australia, to the suburbs of Sydney, where journalist Sharon Davis comes on board. Samantha’s trail leads us into the Blue Mountains in New South Wales and to a small Christian community. (Ep 2/7) Credits: Finding Samantha is written, recorded and produced by Sharon Davis in Australia and Tim Desmond and Nicoline Greer in Ireland. Soundtrack composed by Paddy Flynn. Sound Engineer is Damian Chennells. Executive Producer is Liam O’Brien. If you have any information or tips on this story, email us documentaries@rte.ie For further information on the series visit www.rte.ie/findingsamantha Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Apr 25, 2023 · 27 min

    Finding Samantha: 01 - GPO Girl

    2013 - A distressed teenage girl is found wandering in front of the General Post Office (GPO) in Dublin city centre. As suspicions rise that she’s the victim of serious crime, everyone scrambles to help her and to get to the bottom of her story. But a massive month long investigation by the Irish authorities reveal nothing about her. In desperation, the Gardaí (Police) release a photograph of the girl to the public with spectacular results. And the story of who the GPO Girl is takes us far beyond the streets of Dublin. (Ep 1/7) Credits: Finding Samantha is written, recorded and produced by Sharon Davis in Australia and Tim Desmond and Nicoline Greer in Ireland. Soundtrack composed by Paddy Flynn. Sound Engineer is Damian Chennells. Executive Producer is Liam O’Brien. If you have any information or tips on this story, email us documentaries@rte.ie For further information on the series visit www.rte.ie/findingsamantha Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Apr 19, 2023 · 30 sec

    Finding Samantha: Trailer

    A woman who has created more than 100 fake identities. A young girl found wandering the streets of Dublin. A teenager deported from Canada. Stories of sustained sexual abuse at the hands of many. Kidnapping charges, prison time, lies, fraud and deceit. Could all of these stories go back to just one person? A new 7-part podcast series from RTÉ Documentary On One unravelling the wild world of Samantha Azzopardi... Previous series from Doc On One include The Nobody Zone, GunPlot and Tiger Roll: The People's Horse Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Mar 3, 2022 · 9 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: Bonus - A Word with Michael O'Leary

    Bonus: Michael O'Leary officially announced on February 27th 2022 that Tiger Roll will be retired after his final race at the Cheltenham Festival on March 16th, 2022. Michael Lawless caught up with Michael shortly after this announcement to see what lies ahead for Tiger Roll after racing. Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Mar 2, 2022 · 40 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: 07 - Horse of a Lifetime

    After his first Grand National win, Tiger attempts a feat not achieved in over 40 years - to win a second Grand National in a row. He's getting older and so much is happening around him. What will it all mean for Tiger? (Ep 7/7). Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Mar 1, 2022 · 28 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: 06 - The National

    The biggest prize in National Hunt racing is the Grand National, and in 2018 Tiger was entered into a race nobody ever thought he could take on. But is he up for the challenge? (Ep 6/7). Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Feb 28, 2022 · 36 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: 05 - Staying The Course

    As Tiger Roll matures, he’s ready for the next step up in jumps racing. But will patience and persistence from his owners and trainer give Tiger Roll a chance to fulfill his destiny as a champion racehorse ? (Ep 5/7) Released daily on weekdays from Feb 22nd-Mar 2nd, 2022. Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Feb 28, 2022 · 30 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: 04 - Triumph

    Tiger Roll gets another new owner, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, a new training yard and a whole new set of challenges. He begins to make new friends for life as he enters his first Cheltenham festival. (Ep4/7) Released daily on weekdays from Feb 22nd-Mar 2nd, 2022. Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Feb 24, 2022 · 34 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: 03 - Up And Over

    Sold on by Godolphin Racing, Tiger Roll is bought by Nigel and Catherine Hawke. With the help of jockey Mark Quinlan, they discover Tiger’s previously unknown ability and love of jumping and enter him into his first ever race. (Ep3/7) Released daily on weekdays from Feb 22nd-Mar 2nd, 2022. Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Feb 23, 2022 · 33 min

    Tiger Roll, The People's Horse: 02 - Good Mover

    Bought by one of the richest men in horseracing, the young Tiger Roll becomes part of a global operation. But as he begins to grow up, and enters training, things don’t go according to plan. (Ep2/7). Released daily on weekdays (Feb 22nd-Mar 2nd 2022). Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Feb 22, 2022 · 30 min

    Tiger Roll , The People's Horse: 01 - A Star Is Born

    A new 7-part series from RTÉ Documentary On One. To listen to all episodes, please subscribe to 'Tiger Roll, The People's Horse' from wherever you get your podcasts. This series tells the remarkable story of Tiger Roll, a racehorse who has won two Aintree Grand Nationals (back-to-back) and five times at the Cheltenham Festival. We follow Tiger's unlikely path to glory, from the very beginning to today, through the people and places that have made him the horse of a lifetime. Episode 1: In March 2010, a foal is born. Growing up on a lake shore farm in Ireland, with his mother and the man who bred him, his whole world changed when he was sold at 8 months old - to begin his journey into the world of horse racing. (Ep1/7). Released daily on weekdays from Feb 22nd-Mar 2nd, 2022. Credits: Tiger Roll The People's Horse was written, recorded and produced by Michael Lawless, Tim Desmond and Liam O'Brien. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, visit www.rte.ie/tigerroll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Jun 17, 2021 · 1 hr 6 min

    GunPlot: Bonus - Appendix Trial Tapes 4

    The fourth and final recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the morning of October 20th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of the closing address to the jury by Niall McCarthy, Charlie Haughey’s Barrister. A masterclass in how to address a jury, Niall McCarthy argues that Charles Haughey should be acquitted. And the defence was successful - Haughey, along with the others accused, was found innocent. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Jun 16, 2021 · 49 min

    GunPlot: Bonus - Appendix Trial Tapes 3

    The third of four recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the morning of October 20th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of a legal argument. This is something you never read about from a trial. Such discussions between the judge and barristers for both sides normally take place in the absence of the jury and are not permitted to be reported on. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Jun 15, 2021 · 45 min

    GunPlot: Bonus - Appendix Trial Tapes 2

    The second of four recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the afternoon of October 16th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of the opening speech by Peter Maguire, Charlie Haughey’s barrister. The case for the defence of Charles Haughey is laid before the jury. This was a preamble to the ‘main event’ of the Arms Crisis: the testimony of the fallen star of the political firmament - Charles Haughey. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Jun 14, 2021 · 1 hr 25 min

    GunPlot: Bonus - Appendix Trial Tapes 1

    The first of four recordings we have from the Arms Trial. Taking place on the morning of October 16th 1970, this is the unedited courtroom tape recording of Captain James Kelly being cross examined by Seamus McKenna, Prosecution Barrister. "Two prize fighters slugging it out on the floor of the Central Criminal Court". That's how this recording is described by historian, Michael Heney. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • Jun 7, 2021 · 40 min

    GunPlot: 09 - Fallout

    More than 50 years after the Arms Crisis of 1970, the effects echo through to today. There was personal fallout, financial fallout, social fallout and political fallout. It was, and continues to be, the biggest political scandal of modern Ireland. So what happened all those involved? Who were the 'winners' and who were the 'losers'? This is where we bring our story to an end. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 31, 2021 · 43 min

    GunPlot: 08 - The Trial

    A stunning period in Irish life comes to a climax. Four men stand before the High Court, charged with conspiring to import arms and ammunition illegally into Ireland. A Government Minister, an Army officer, a Belgian businessman and a proud IRA man. If found guilty, jail beckons. The entire country holds its breath. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 24, 2021 · 44 min

    GunPlot: 07 - Implosion

    The country is about to wake up to some shocking news. The plan to secretly import weapons is blown wide open and the dominoes are about to start falling with devastating consequences for some of those involved. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  • May 17, 2021 · 35 min

    GunPlot: 06 - Closing In

    Attempts continue to bring black market sub-machine guns and pistols into Ireland. But when an Irish policeman is shot on the streets of Dublin, everything changes. And the forces seeking to undo the entire plot to import guns are growing stronger. --- Companion TV documentary to this series, also titled GunPlot, is available via RTÉ Player (Worldwide) Credits: GunPlot was written, recorded and produced by Ronan Kelly and Nicoline Greer. Sound Design by Damian Chennells Production assistance from the RTÉ Documentary On One Team. Special thanks to all our contributors, and to the RTÉ Design, Marketing, Online and Creative Audio departments. For further information, and articles by Anna Joyce to accompany each episode, visit http://www.rte.ie/gunplot Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.