The Pirate

The year is 1934. Extraordinary events are unfolding in Limerick city as a radio pirate takes control of the local airwaves. Jim O’Carroll, an aspiring electrical engineer, became one of the first radio pirates in Ireland when he discovered he could transmit a signal across the city. Broadcasting each night from a friend’s attic, the City Broadcasting Service (CBS) was born. The broadcasts were hosted by Jim, under the moniker Billy Dynamite, his friend Charlie O’Connor aka Al Dubbin, and their pal Mikey Madden. They played records from Jim’s collection, read out the headlines from the newspapers, had a What’s On section, and even gave swimming lessons live on air.

The Pirate (2022) is a radio documentary by Peter Curtin, commissioned on the occasion of Engine of Hell curated by Caimin Walsh at Ormston House. Our thanks to the Arts Council of Ireland. You can read more about The Pirate and Peter Curtin at ormstonhouse.com/programme/the-pirate/