In these Radiowaves-exclusive articles, legendary presenter Pat Courtenay shares his views, ideas, experience, and tips with our visitors. Stay tuned also for some behind the scenes tales and antics from the various stations on which he has been a presenter.
Born in Auckland to an Irish dad and an Kiwi/Irish/Scots mum, Pat Courtenay became well-known to Irish radio listeners in the ’80s and ’90s through starring on major pirate stations such as Sunshine Radio, Energy 103 & on the innovative satellite version of Radio Nova. His sharp wit and unique approach to broadcasting quickly made him a favourite with listeners.
Following the overhaul in which Irish radio went legal, he took the Breakfast Show reins at top Dublin station Classic Hits 98FM but ended up departing in controversial circumstances.
Since then, he has appeared on Auckland’s Classic Hits in his native New Zealand and on Hot 100 in Darwin, Australia.
Following the original publication of these articles he returned to Ireland to work on the newly-launched Dublin rock music station Nova 100. He is still there to this day (July 2026).
Photo of Pat in Energy Production Studio with thanks to Mike Mahon