The Pat Kenny Show
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.
Episodes
Pat's Sunday Paper Review July 12th
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor for The Irish Times.
Author Jane Casey on ‘Everything She Didn’t Say’
Jane Casey has garnered millions of fans for her detective fiction series of books featuring the character Meave Kerrigan but her new novel ‘Everything She Didn’t Say’, which hits the bookshops on July 16th, steps away from Meave’s world. Jane joins Pat to discuss.
What does the future hold for Unionism?
It’s July 12th, the highlight of Northern Ireland’s marching season. Traditionally it is a day of celebration for the loyalist community, but following a tumultuous couple of years, culminating in last month’s conviction of former DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson for the gravest of sex offences, many unionists feel they have little reason this year to bang the drum. To consider what this all means for
The sporting weekend with OTB’s John Duggan
The World Cup semi-finals are now set after a weekend packed with drama, Mayo are through to the All-Ireland Football Final with Dublin and Kerry still to battle for the other spot this afternoon, and Ireland continue their Nations Championship campaign with another bonus-point win. To look back on another packed sporting weekend, Pat is joined by Off the Ball's John Duggan.
Ukraine War: Is Russia finally on the backfoot?
Russian advances on the battlefield are slowing, casualties are mounting, Ukrainian drones are striking deep inside Russia, and even Moscow’s ability to sustain the war effort is being questioned. So, is the momentum beginning to shift against Putin, or is this simply another chapter in a long and brutal war of attrition? Joining Pat to discuss is Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for France
Irish Gardaí on peacekeeping duty in Cyprus
Newstalk reporter Alex Rowley reports from the UN “Green Line”, the buffer zone that still separates the Greek Cypriot south from the Turkish-controlled north, and explains how the crossing points work and what life is like along the line.
What is killing Dungarvan Bay’s Oysters each August?
Water is central to life in Ireland but keeping it clean is proving a growing challenge. Pat speaks to Cliona Mhic Giolla Chuda, general manager of Waterford Oysters in Dungarvan & Caroline Doherty, Irish Times Science and Climate Correspondent, as the industry faces possible ruin after three catastrophic die-offs in the last seven years.
US-Iran ceasefire in limbo: What happens next?
The ceasefire that ended the U.S.-Iran war now appears to be hanging by a thread after fresh American strikes, Iranian retaliation, and president Trump's suggestion that the peace agreement may be dead, all of which comes as Washington also faces a political battle over funding the conflict and questions about whether the United States can avoid being drawn into another prolonged Middle East crisi
Luke O’Neill on Gastritis
Joining Pat to discuss the auto-immune disease ‘Gastritis’ is Dr Luke O’Neill.
Ryanair window blowout: How did it happen?
What began as a routine Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany turned into a mid-air emergency when a cabin window was dislodged after an apparent engine failure, causing rapid decompression and leaving one passenger partially sucked out of the aircraft before fellow travellers pulled him back to safety. The incident has raised fresh questions about aircraft safety, maintenance, and just how close
Neither Confirm Nor Deny: British Intelligence, Lawless Agent Running and the Suppression of Truth
John Ware’s introduction to the Troubles in Northern Ireland was as a local newspaper reporter from Worcester in the 70s, sent to report on the ‘local lads’ stationed in Ulster. Over the years his reports on BBC’s Panorama delved into the darker side of the war. His new book 'Neither Confirm Nor Deny: British Intelligence, Lawless Agent Running and the Suppression of Truth' focuses on th
Gareth Mullins with some zesty lemon-inspired summer recipes
From a wonderfully simple lemon posset that’s perfect for feeding a crowd at a garden party to a beautifully light and zesty lemon cake that’s always guaranteed to go down well, Gareth Mullins, Executive Chef at the Anantara Hotel joins Pat with some beautiful lemon-inspired recipes.
Boxed with John Fardy: Alice & Steve
Screentime’s John Fardy joins Pat to talk about the new comedy series, Alice & Steve.
Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: What do we know?
The shocking death of former Conservative cabinet minister, broadcaster, and Reform UK figure Ann Whitticombe has sent shockwaves through British politics, with police treating the case as murder while stressing there’s no evidence of a terrorist or political motive. Pat is joined by Financial Times political editor George Parker with the latest on what’s known so far.
Coming up on The Pat Kenny Show July 11th & 12th
This weekend on the Pat Kenny Show: Scott Lucas makes sense of events in Washington, Ankara, and IranWhat is killing millions of euros’ worth of oysters in Dungarvan? What was British intelligence really up to in the north? On the 12th of July, what is the future for Unionism following the Donaldson conviction?Luke O’Neill on the billionaire trying to cure his own fatal autoimmune diseaseAlex Rowl
The weekend of sport with OTB’s John Duggan
From VAR controversy and England facing a hostile atmosphere at the Azteca tonight to Paraguay's ill-tempered treatment of France and the opening weekend of rugby's new Nations Championship, not to mention Galway's stunning demolition of Cork to book an All-Ireland Hurling Final spot, it's been another packed sporting weekend. Joining Pat to discuss is Off the Ball's John Duggan.
“Every international legal norm has been violated by the actions of the Israeli authorities”
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory released its report on June 23, 2026, titled "The essence of childhood has been destroyed: Israel's deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October 2023" Speaking at a press conference, United Nations Commissioner, Chris Sidoti, summarised the report’s fin
Pat's Sunday Paper Review July 5th
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Brenda Power, Columnist with The Irish Independent & The Daily Mail
Motoring with Geraldine Herbert
The 262 registration period has begun and there is a lot of activity in the car-buying market. New car registrations are falling, EV sales are booming and the number of used imports is soaring. Joining Pat to make sense of it all is Sunday Independent motoring editor, Geraldine Herbert.
Europe’s relentless heatwaves: What’s next?
Europe has barely emerged from one of the most intense heatwaves ever recorded, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees and thousands of excess deaths now being counted with forecasters already warning another spell of extreme heat is on the way. Pat is joined from Spain by Naomi O’Leary, Europe Correspondent with The Irish Times, to unpack what’s happening on the ground.
USA at 250: Henry McKean reports
This week the US Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court ruled that babies born in the US have a constitutional right to citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump's bid to end the 150-year-old policy. With America being built on immigration what does this all mean for average American families celebrating the 4th of July? Henry McKean joins Pat from New York to discuss.
Dr. Róisín Colleran on heart health & cholesterol
When it comes to preventing heart disease, one of the most important factors is cholesterol and new international guidelines are rewriting how we think about it. Experts now say the focus should be on lifetime exposure to ldl cholesterol (the “Bad” cholesterol) and on lowering it earlier, for longer. That shift has led to a major update in global guidelines, including new risk calculators, lower t
Gareth Mullins with some sumptuous salad recipes
During the summer months, many people gravitate towards ordering salads when out, but they are actually dishes that can easily be made at home and with choosing good quality ingredients can make a delicious and filling meal. Gareth Mullins, Executive Chef at the Anantara Hotel joins Pat with some fabulous salad suggestions for the summer months ahead.
Taylor & Travis get married: Henry McKean reports from New York
Taylor Swift married Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden in New York last night but did it hold up to all the hype and did the ‘wedding of the century’ overshadow America turning 250 today? Henry McKean reports from New York.
Luke O’Neill on the benefits of listening to music
Joining Pat to discuss the benefits that listening to music can have on the brain is Dr Luke O’Neill.
Jonathan Coe on a tumultuous period in UK politics
UK politics has entered a new phase of volatility following Keir Starmer’s resignation, leaving Labour in a leadership contest and raising immediate questions about direction and stability. Andy Burnham has quickly become a focal point in the realignment, while Nigel Farage continues to reshape and upend the traditional two-party duopoly. What emerges is a political landscape that remains institut
USA at 250: A legacy of war & conflict
As Americans celebrate the 4th of July and the many events marking the 250th anniversary of creation of the United States, the country's founding ideals of liberty, democracy, and freedom are once again taking centre stage. But there's another story running through America's history - one not of peace interrupted by war, but of a nation shaped by almost continuous conflict. David Vine, author of t
Coming up on The Pat Kenny Show July 4th & 5th
This weekend on the Pat Kenny Show: As the US celebrates 250 years, Pat asks why so many of them have been spent at war Dr Roisin Colleran answers your heart health questionsMotoring correspondent Ger Herbert on the best EV for youPaul Harrington is here with a stone-cold Elton John classicProfessor Luke O’Neill on how music changes our brainsA UN commissioner on its latest report into Israel’s ta
Pat's Sunday Paper Review June 28th
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Reporter at The Irish Times.
Can Europe balance China’s money and US security?
As relations between the US, China and Europe keep shifting, Pat Kenny asks what it means for the EU’s balance between security ties with Washington and economic links to Beijing. He is joined by George Yin, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China Studies at National Taiwan University, to unpack China’s strategy for Europe, the race for dominance in key technologies like AI, and why “reliab
Karen Slaughter on her new novel 'The Secrets We Hide'
Bestselling thriller writer Karin Slaughter joins Pat to talk about her new novel, The Secrets We Hide, set in the small-town world of North Falls. With more than 40 million books sold and TV hits like Will Trent and The Good Daughter, she explains why she loves writing rural America and more.
Looking ahead to the World Cup knockout stages
The group stages of the FIFA World Cup are complete and the knockout picture is finally taking shape, with the last 32 promising some fascinating ties and potential heavyweight clashes further down the road. Joining Pat to look back on a busy sporting weekend and ahead to what's coming next is Off the Ball's John Duggan.
John Suchet on going from war zones to 24/7 news to classical radio
Pat is joined by broadcaster and author John Suchet, who looks back on his years reporting for ITN and News at Ten, covering stories from Iran to Afghanistan, and how television news has been transformed by satellites, 24-hour rolling coverage, and the mobile phone.
Michelle McDonagh's new book 'If These Walls Could Talk'
What would you do if your husband rang you from the motorway, you heard the sound of a crash, and then he simply vanished?That's the gripping premise of 'If These Walls Could Talk', the new novel from author and co-host of the 'Natter' podcast Michelle McDonagh. Michelle joins Pat to discuss the book and her inspirations for it.
Fintan Drury on his new book 'Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine'
Author Fintan Drury has just published 'Genocide: Sponsoring the Destruction of Palestine'. In it, the reader is left in no doubt that all the major states in the West have been complicit in aiding and abetting Israel's total destruction of Palestine and its people.Pat welcomes Fintan, his old colleague, to talk about the book.
Pride 2026
Happy Dublin Pride! Today, a rainbow of colour will be unleashed on the capital's streets as we celebrate the contribution of Ireland's LBGTQ+ community.But 11 years since Ireland's historic marriage equality referendum, just how far have we moved the dial when it comes to discrimination and marginalisation of the LGBT community?Pat is joined by LGBTQ activist James O'Hagan, and Tonie Walsh, foun
Michael O'Leary on the Dublin Airport Passenger Cap
For more than a decade, one of the most contentious issues in Irish aviation has been the Dublin Airport passenger cap.Now as the Government moves legislation to remove the cap, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary joins Pat to discuss what the proposed changes could mean for passengers, airlines and the wider economy.
How do you make the perfect barbecue?
Ireland has been making the most of the sunny weather, and if there's one thing that comes out the minute the sun does, it's the barbecue.Gareth Mullins, Executive Chef at Anantara The Marker, joins Pat with the perfect centrepiece for your next summer cookout.
Luke O'Neill on European Science
In advance of Ireland's upcoming European Presidency, Pat talks to Luke O'Neill, Professor of Biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, about the European Research Council's recent meeting in Dublin, and how Europe compares with the rest of the world in science and technology.
Coming up on The Pat Kenny Show June 27th & 28th
This weekend on the Pat Kenny Show: Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has advice for the Dublin airport authorityJournalist Fintan Drury picks a side in the Israel/Palestine conflict in his new book, ‘Genocide’; Should China be the EU’s new best friend?ITN Foreign Correspondent and News at Ten anchor, John Suchet And best-selling author Karin Slaughter, on the next instalment in her ‘North Falls’ serie
Sunday Papers Review
Pat reviews the latest stories with Gabija Gataveckaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent
Andrew Tate: Heidi Blake Investigates
A major new investigation in The New Yorker examines the world of Andrew and Tristan Tate, their online empire, the criminal allegations they face, and the extraordinary network of political, media, and online influence that has grown around them. Journalist Heidi Blake joins Pat.
The Special Olympics with Henry McKean
Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean attends Ireland's Special Olympics and talks to competitors and their families
Sally Hayden, Award-Winning Journalist and Author
From the prize-winning author of 'My Fourth Time, We Drowned', comes a powerful account of human resilience, capturing our capacity for love and connection against all odds. Sally Hayden discusses her latest work 'THIS IS ALSO A LOVE STORY: SEARCHING FOR LOVE IN A DIVIDED WORLD'.
Ireland's Neutrality and Defence
In a world of cyberattacks, undersea cables, drones, and increasing geopolitical tension, some are asking whether Ireland’s thinking about neutrality and defence has kept pace with the challenges we face.Paul Davis, Associate Professor of Management at DCU, lends his expertise.
Sarah Madden reports from Avondale House & Forest Park
Built by Samuel Hayes in 1779, today, Avondale House is one of Wicklow’s greatest visitor attractions but just what does this piece of Irish history have on offer for those hoping to, reach new heights this summer? Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden has been exploring just that and she joins Pat to discuss.Pat was broadcasting live from Avondale House in Wicklow as part of Newstalk's 2026 Summer Tour.
US-Iran ceasefire: Where do things stand?
A ceasefire between Washington and Tehran has opened the door to fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear programme but can it survive the political pressure building in Israel, Iran, and the United States?Pat is joined by Jerry Arthurs, lecturer in international relations and politics at South East Technological University, to discuss.
Parnell’s Legacy: Disruptor, reformer, enigma
Broadcasting from the stunning surroundings of Avondale, Co. Wicklow for the first stop of Newstalk’s Summer Tour 2026, Pat is joined by historian Patrick Geoghegan to explore the life and legacy of Charles Stewart Parnell.
Tiglin’s Aubrey McCarthy on homelessness in 2026
Housing, homelessness and addiction are now among the most urgent social challenges facing communities across Ireland, and Wicklow is no exception. Broadcasting from Avondale, Pat looks at the pressures on families in emergency accommodation, the rising demand for social housing, and gaps in supports on the ground with Senator Aubrey McCarthy, co-founder of Tiglin.
Kilmacurragh Gardens: Wicklow’s hidden wonderland
Broadcasting from Avondale for the opening stop of Newstalk’s Summer Tour, Pat turns from Wicklow’s famous woodlands to another local treasure: Kilmacurragh Botanic Gardens near Rathdrum with Diarmuid Gavin.
Pat's Saturday paper roundup June 20th
Broadcasting from Avondale in Rathdrum for Newstalk’s Summer Tour, Pat Kenny is joined by Newstalk newsreader and local man Alex Rowley for a lively look at the morning papers.
Coming up on The Pat Kenny Show June 20th & 21st
Coming up on the Pat Kenny Show this Saturday & Sunday between 10am and 12 noon:Newstalk’s Summer Tour kicks off in Avondale House, birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell. Historian Patrick Geoghan looks at the legend and legacy of that great Irishman; Diarmuid Gavin on another Wicklow treasure – the Botanic Gardens at Kilmacuragh. As peace breaks out between the US and Iran, we ask whether it
World Cup Update
Off the Ball's John Duggan joins Ciara, filling in for Pat, to update us on the latest World Cup news.
Ireland's Precarious Energy Infrastructure
With the government releasing 10 days worth of oil from the national reserve, Ciara, filling in for Pat, is joined by data journalist with the Irish Times, Rachel Lavin, to discuss Ireland’s oil reserve and energy security.
Après Match's Risteárd Cooper
Irish comedy legend Risteárd Cooper joins Ciara, filling in for Pat. Best known for his hilarious impressions on Après Match, Risteárd is here to tell us all about his new solo tour, ‘Out Of His Head’.
Sunday Paper Review June 14th
Joining Ciara, filling in for Pat, to take a look at the main stories in the Sunday papers Louise O'Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal West, Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, and Pat Rabbitte, former Labour Party leader.
Children's Reading Has Gotten Worse Since Covid
According to a new report, Irish children’s reading has gotten worse since the pandemic. Joining Ciara, filling in for Pat, to discuss the importance of reading, and how we can help our children discover a love for books, is author and former Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde
Anti-Tourist Protests in Majorca
An anti-tourist protest planned for next month aim to bring the island of Majorca to a halt. To explain the root of the protests, and how it could affect your holiday, travel correspondent with the London Independent Simon Calder.
Mark Carney Visits Mayo
Mark Carney continues his Irish tour in earnest today with the residents of Mayo eagerly anticipating his arrival. Newstalk reporter Maggie Chambers was no hand to capture a bit of the excitement
Belfast Riots: How Do People Become Radicalised?
Now, following the stabbing incident in Belfast and the subsequent disorder and far-right mobilization we’ve seen on the streets including here in Dublin, questions are being raised about how violence is amplified and turned into political flashpoints. To help us understand the dynamics at play, from a culture of violence to online escalation, Ciara, filling in for Pat, is joined
Iran Ceasefire
Reports suggest a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be signed within days. We'll get the latest from Mark Weiss of The Irish Times.
Ask The Expert: GP Eleanor Galvin
Time for Ask the Expert and joining Ciara, filling in for Pat, this morning to answer your medical questions is Dr. Eleanor Galvin.
Summer Food with Gerry Devlin
Owner of the Dublin Cookery School, Gerry Devlin joins Ciara, filling in for Pat, with some vibrant summer dishes to make us feel like it’s 25 degrees and sunny.
Mark Carney in Ireland
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Ireland this weekend as a major Canadian tech firm announces a €105 million investment and 400 new jobs here - so what does it all mean for Ireland's relationship with Canada and the US?Chief Reporter with Bauer Media Audio Ireland, Barry Whyte, joins Ciara, filling in for Pat, to discuss.
Miguel Delaney On The World Cup
Miguel Delaney joins Ciara, filling in for Pat, to discuss the World Cup, and some of its shortcomings.
Dánfhocail with Dr Ken Ó Donnchú
Dr Ken Ó Donnchú joins Ciara, filling in for Pat, to discuss his new book on Irish sayings dating back centuries.
20 Years Since Charles Haughey's Death
It’s twenty years since the death of Charlie Haughey. We review his legacy with his biographer, Professor Gary Murphy.
The Spat between the government and the Rotunda continues.
The spat between the government and the board of the Rotunda is continuing as Taoiseach Micheal Martin warned the board to reflect on its decision. The spat originates from the hospital's decision not to fully implement the public-only consultant contract. Allowing a small number of consultants on public contracts to provide private maternity care. It is reported that the
Pat's Sunday Paper Review June 7th
Join Pat to run through the main stories from the Sunday papers !
Was Maths Paper One a stinker ?
With leaving cert students in the middle of their exams. Math's Paper one on Friday was, from all accounts a very difficult exam. Students and their teachers reported that the wording around the questions was confusing and time-consuming to comprehend. So was Math's Paper one a stinker, and should students be worrying following the exam ? Pat was joined by Eoghan O’Leary, Head of Maths at the tui
Controversy continues over Russian Links to Aughinish alumina refinery.
Since its construction in 1978, Aughinish has been the largest alumina refinery in Europe and one of the largest employers in the Limerick area. In recent weeks, reporting from The Irish Times and the organised crime and corruption reporting project has shown that alumina refined in Aughinish is being sent to Russia. From there, their investigation shows aluminum once refined in Aughin
Holocaust scholar on why Israeli actions must be described as genocide.
Pat was joined by one of the world’s prominent scholars of the holocaust. Born and raised in a kibutz, Omer Bartov also served as an officer in the Israeli army. His new book, Israel: What Went Wrong, focuses on the tragedy besetting Israel and Palestine. it pulls no punches as it sets out how Israeli actions can only be described as genocide.
We hear from the defence forces as they prepare for deployment to Lebanon.
Over 40 members of the defence forces recently took part in an intensive four-day training exercise at Fort Davis in County Cork as part of a programme to develop them into the next leaders of the defence forces. Our southern reporter, Jamie O'hara went to Fort Davis to meet with some of those taking part.
What our Google searches reveal about us
Are you one of those people who look forward to the annual release of the top ten things we searched Google for?Simon Rogers is Google’s data editor, and his new book what we ask google offers an insight into how good or bad humanity could be doing based on what it searches for, and he joined Pat to explain.
A chicken sandwich, which has an Asian twist, Gareth Mullens joins us !
Gareth Mullins, executive chef at the Anantara Hotel, joins Pat with a recipe for a Asian Flavored Chicken Sandwich as well as his favourite salad to make this time of year, the panzanella !
Luke O’Neil, live from Sarajevo on a breakthrough in treating pancreatic cancer
Luke O’Neil, professor of biochemistry in the school of biochemistry and immunology at Trinity College Dublin Joined Pat as always on a Saturday, but this time from Sarajevo. This week Luke spoke to Pat about a major conference happening in Chicago, where the world's leading cancer specialists and researchers are coming together to share how they are working to fight the disease.
How likely is it that hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East will cease ?
It’s been a week where both the conflict in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine offered both horror as attacks continue, and hope as there are talks of ceasefires and talks about talks in both conflicts. To make sense of what may be happening and to discuss the role US President Trump wants to play Pat was joined by Scott Lucas, professor and political analyst at the Clinton Institute in
Music in times of war
Music and war may seem poles apart, but the suffering caused by conflict is sometimes best captured in the music of a great composer. Music in time of war is the theme of this year’s West Cork Chamber Music Festival, which runs from 26th June until the 5th July. The festival director joined Pat to talk us through some of the music and why it was chosen as this year's theme.
Hamnet, author Maggie O’Farrell on her latest novel !
After an awards-laden spring which brought acclaim to the film adaptation of her novel Hamnet, she has a new novel, which was published on the 2nd of June. Pat was joined by the great Maggie O’Farrell to talk about why her family history was the inspiration behind the book, aswell as to talk around the huge success of Hamnet.
Dispute between Rotunda Hospital and HSE escalates over public consultants contracts.
Yesterday, board members of the Rotunda Hospital defied the Health minster by refusing to accept a government order to halt public-only consultants caring for private patients. The number of consultant obstetricians on public contracts at the hospitals is small, but it is reported that the hospital wishes to make a stand as a matter of principle. The dispute could see HSE
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