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
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.
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.
Pat's Sunday Paper Review June 7th
Join Pat to run through the main stories from the Sunday papers !
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
What should Leaving Cert Students be eating during their exams ?
While exams often represent a significant shift in routine, they don’t necessarily need to be accompanied by a drastic change in diet. Simple, efficient ways to introduce nutrients and key sugars to ensure brain function throughout are more than enough. Joining Pat to discuss the dos and don'ts of exam dieting and wellbeing is registered dietician and nutritionist Sarah Keogh.
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
Icon, Star, Myth: Marilyn Monroe at 100
She remains one of the most recognisable and fascinating figures of the 20th century - a Hollywood icon whose image has endured for generations, but whose real life was far more complex than the ‘blonde bombshell’ persona the world came to know. Bestselling author and biographer, Michelle Morgan, joins Pat to discuss Marilyn Monroe’s life, legacy, and why the world remains so fascinated by her a c
The DNA trail in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier case expands
Nearly 30 years on from one of the most notorious murders in modern Irish history, the investigation into the killing of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has taken a new turn. Gardaí are now seeking assistance from police forces across Europe and beyond, in an effort to identify a DNA trace found on the victim’s boot - evidence that could yet reshape understanding of a case that has long confounded autho
Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 31st
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Mark Hennessy, the Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times.
Georgina Davis, the newly-retired house manager of Farmleigh House
Farmleigh House is the nation’s guest house, hosting dignitaries from around the world when they come to stay. With such a high-powered guest list, the person managing the house must have an eye for detail, a knowledge of the finer things in life, and a love for the job. For the past 25 years that role has been undertaken by Georgina Davis - she joins Pat to talk about her life at Farmleigh.
Juvenile sentencing for serious sexual offences: Where do we stand?
Juvenile sentencing for sex offences and rape hit the headlines in the UK this week when it came to light that a judge had given three boys convicted of the rape and serious sexual assault of two underage girls rehabilitation orders, rather than prison sentences. Noeline Blackwell, Online Safety Co-ordinator with The Children’s Rights Alliance joins Pat to discuss.
What is a presidential library, and will Trump build his own ?
After years of construction, almost a billion dollars in costs and controversy over the design, the Obama Presidential Library is set to open in just a few weeks’ time in Chicago. Never to be outdone by his longtime Democratic rival, Donald Trump is also currently pushing ahead with his own library in Miami, setting up a battle of architectural vanity, legacy and fundraising capacity. But how has
The dangers of buying weight-loss injections online, and why your pharmacist may now be your first stop for healthcare advice.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and wegovy are seeing a massive surge in popularity, but concerns are growing about people buying them online without proper medical supervision. at the same time, new figures show huge pressure on gp services, with more patients than ever turning to pharmacists for frontline healthcare advice. Joining Pat to discuss this as part of our ‘ask the expert’ s
Why do rich countries continue to fail in delivering infrastructure and services for their citizens?
Now John Kampfner has had a long career as a broadcaster and author. Starting as a foreign correspondent in Moscow with Reuters, John has worked for the Daily Telegraph, The Financial Times, the BBC and moreHe has also written several books, made award-winning documentaries and is a regular columnist in political and The Guardian He Joined Pat to dicuss his new book ‘BRAVER NEW WORLD’.
Is AI coming for your job ?
As AI growth and development continues how many jobs might it replace in the future ? This week, as another college year draws to a close, Professor Luke O'Neill is looking at AI, and the threat it poses to the graduate jobs market.
Gareth Mullens makes us a Victoria sponge cake with Wexford strawberries
Gareth Mullins, executive chef at the Anantara Hotel, joins Pat with a recipe for a special Victoria sponge with those ever-amazing Wexford Strawberries!
With the Leaving Cert around the corner how can students stay sane, and what can parents do to support them ?
As students careen towards the leaving cert, they may feel overwhelmed by what they know, what they have yet to learn and the impact the exam has on their lives. Years of schooling have prepared them for this and yet, as the date inches closer, it is up to them and their families to ensure they perform at their best. counsellor and education columnist for the irish times brian mooney j
'Super Garden' season 17 finale
Now in its 17th series, Super Garden is one of Ireland’s favourite television programmes, and once again, viewers have enjoyed seeing five talented designers transforming ordinary gardens in just a few weeks with the winning design set to be revealed this week. Pat is joined by two of the judges on the programme - former super garden winner, Brian Burke, and Bord Bia Bloom’s show gardens manager,
“There was real talk about the possibility of fatalities” - Mikey Cullen on his Gaza flotilla experience
International attention has been on Gaza again after a flotilla of activists attempting to deliver aid was intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces, with hundreds detained and later deported via Turkey. Several of the Irish participants have now returned home, and some have spoken about what they describe as violent and degrading treatment while in custody. One of those on board was D
The week in US politics
It's been another big week in the world of US politics including fresh corruption allegations swirling around president Trump, confusion over American troop movements in Europe, a gunman shot dead near the White House lawn, and growing unease among NATO allies. Joining Pat to discuss the biggest stories of the week is Professor in International politics at the University of Birmingham David
Sporting idioms and where they come from
From being “on your tod” to “bringing home the bacon,” these are expressions we use all the time, often without thinking twice about their origins. As it turns out, many of them have fascinating backstories rooted in the world of sport, from horse racing and boxing to cricket and even chess. Joining Pat to go through the stories behind the sayings, and the colourful characters who helped coin them
Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster
Alan bradley’s new book, ‘Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster’, tells the extraordinary true story of a serial fraudster who moved between Ireland and the UK for more than a decade, assuming multiple identities, and leaving a trail of devastated families, duped institutions, and exploited charities in her wake. Through meticulous investigation and first-hand testimony,
Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 24th
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at Mediahuis Ireland.
By-election update: What’s the latest?
Joining Pat to get the latest as the count continues in the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections is Newstalk Reporter, Emily Keegan; Barry Whyte, Chief Reporter Bauer Media Audio Ireland; Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent; and Gary Gannon, Social Democrat TD for Dublin Central.
Luke O’Neill: Could the shingles vaccine help to fight against Dementia?
Dr Luke O’Neill joins Pat to discuss the possible link between reduced rates of dementia in certain cohorts when they are administered the vaccine for shingles.
Gaza Flotilla: What happened & what are the wider political and humanitarian implications?
Irish activists who set out to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza are now on their way home, after a mission that sparked strong reaction both here and internationally. But, what exactly happened, and what are the wider political and humanitarian implications? Pat gets the latest from Maureen Almai, Flotilla Activist and Retired Doctor; Fianna Fáil MEP, Barry Andrews & Euronews Europe Corresp
Champions Cup Final: Can Leinster get over the line?
As the sporting weekend builds to a crescendo, the premier league prepares for a final weekend that will decide survival at the bottom, while in Bilbao, Leinster once again chase European glory against a formidable Bordeaux side. Joining Pat to discuss the key storylines, from relegation drama to Champions Cup ambition, is Off the Ball’s John Duggan
Summer BBQ inspiration with Gareth Mullins
With the current spell of nice weather Gareth Mullins, Executive Chef at the Anantara Hotel felt it was a must to chat all things BBQ this week.
Justin Kelly on the ‘Arms Crisis’ of 1970 and its aftermath
Even the greatest political scandals have a lifespan, and after a brief public display of remorse, the key players often get on with their careers, but for others, their worlds are permanently changed. Justin Kelly was 11 years old when his father, Captain James Kelly, became embroiled in the infamous ‘Arms Crisis’ of 1970. Family life was changed forever but, as he tells it, not necessarily for t
By-election update: What do we know?
Joining Pat to get the latest in the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections is Newstalk Reporter, Emily Keegan; Barry Whyte, Chief Reporter Bauer Media Audio Ireland; Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent; and Éamon Ó Cuiv, Former Fianna Fáil Minister.
Count day! Dublin Central and Galway West By-Election with Sean Defoe
After weeks of campaigning, boxes are set to open in Dublin Central and Galway West bye-elections. Joining Sean Defoe from 9-10am for analysis of this by-election are Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan, Deputy Leader of the Social Democrats Cian O’Callaghan, Political Editor of the Irish Daily Mail Craig Hughes Minister Peter Burke, Labour Party TD for Dublin Central Marie Sherlock, Former Fine G
Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 17th
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Gina London, CEO of Language of Leadership, Sunday Independent Columnist, and former CNN Correspondent.
Henry McKean on the pressures that come with Holy Communions
One third of Irish children are not making their first holy communion, according to some parishes. So, with the cost of living crisis biting across Ireland, how are parents affording communion this year and are they cutting back? Henry McKean has this report.
100 Years of Fianna Fáil
Yesterday’s Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis celebrated the centenary of the founding of the party. While it was once guaranteed that the leader of Fianna Fáil would become Taoiseach, the fractured nature of contemporary politics may make that less and less certain. Joining Pat to reflect on the legacy of the party is Ronan Mc Greavy, journalist with The Irish Times and author of ‘Sean Lemass: The Lost Memoi
Totalitarian architecture: How buildings are used as a statement of power, control & ideology
From the grand boulevards of fascist Italy and nazi Germany’s monumental plans to the symbolism behind modern political projects like Donald Trump’s White House ballroom, architecture has long been used as a statement of power, control, and ideology. But how do buildings and monuments influence the way citizens see themselves in relation to the State? Joining Pat to discuss is Dr Hannah Malone, As
Dublin Central & Galway West by-elections: Who are the frontrunners?
Two by-elections, two very different political tests for the government parties. In Dublin Central, Fianna Fáil is under real pressure, while in Galway West the contest remains wide open. Joining Pat to discuss is Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent.
Ebola outbreak a global health emergency: What do we need to know?
The World Health Organisation has declared the Ebola outbreak in the Congo and Uganda an international public health emergency, amid fears the virus could spread further across the region. Kingston Mills, Professor of Experimental Immunology in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, joins Pat to discuss.
Russia’s renewed bombardment of Ukraine: What’s the latest?
Joining Pat to discuss the collapse of the short-lived ceasefire between Ukraine adn Russia is Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for France 24.
“This is a new low for the United States” - Brett Bruen
Following Donald Trump's high-profile visit to China, political tensions back home have been intensifying over claims of election fairness and redistricting. The U.S. Supreme Court is now being asked to intervene in a bitter legal battle in Virginia, after millions of votes tied to a controversial redistricting referendum were effectively thrown out. The case could have major implications ahead of
Motoring with Geraldine Herbert
Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent, joins Pat to chat about the latest in the car market and motor industry.
The history & power of the Boycott
While many Irish viewers have welcomed RTE’s decision to boycott the Eurovision due to Israel’s participation, what role does ‘not’ doing something have in today’s world? Pat is joined by Clare Moriarity, enterprise postdoctoral fellow working at UCD and the National Library of Ireland, to discuss.
A celebration of springtime flavours with Gareth Mullins
Gareth Mullins, executive chef at the Anantara Hotel, joins Pat with some mouth-watering spring-inspired recipes.
Prof. Luke O’Neill on Parkinson's disease
Joining Pat to discuss Parkinson's disease is Professor Luke O'Neill from Trinity College Dublin.
Micheál Martin on Fianna Fáil at 100, the economy, immigration, and more
One hundred years on from the foundation of Fianna Fáil, the party faces difficult polling, internal criticism, rising populism, and questions over Ireland’s economic future, with national debt heading towards €230 billion. An Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, joins Pat in studio to discuss.
Ali Ansari on how we misunderstand Iran and its people
Ali Ansari is Professor of Iranian history and director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews. He’s one of the leading authorities on modern Iran and has written widely on Iranian politics, history, and relations with the West. He joins Pat to discuss the current conflict, the international response, and how events are being interpreted both inside and outside Iran.
Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 10th
Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Craig Hughes, political editor of the Irish Daily Mail.
Shane Ross on his new book - RTÉ: Saints, Scholars and Scandals
Shane Ross joins Pat to chat about his latest book ‘RTÉ: Saints, Scholars and Scandals’.
The Age Code: The New Science of Food and How It Can Save Us
From rising cancer rates in younger people to increasing infertility, scientists are warning that many of us may be ageing faster than we should, and our diet could be a major factor. In his new book ‘The Age Code’, Dr David Cox explores the emerging science showing how what we eat can influence the ageing process at a cellular level, and even determine the age of our organs - he joins Pat to disc
Living Lives: A Biographer's Journey by Anne Chambers
Anne Chambers is a celebrated biographer, having written about lives as diverse as pirate Queen Grace O’Malley and Tom Cruise -not the actor - but her own, unknown uncle. Now she has written her own story, which looks at how her writing has impacted her own life. She joins Pat to discuss.
How a conversation 35 years ago saved a Ghanaian rainforest
Pat had a chance encounter with a man he had last interviewed 35 years ago, and recently learned that their chat back then helped preserve a delicate ecosystem in a National Park in Ghana. Marine Biologist, Kealan Doyle, joins Pat in studio to tell him all about it.
Luke O’Neill on Hantavirus
Joining Pat to discuss the recent outbreak of hantavirus is Dr Luke O’Neill.
The story of the Ouzel Galley
In 1695, a Dublin merchant ship set sail from Ringsend to Smyrna on what should have been a routine trading mission. It didn’t return within three years of its departure, and so the ship was presumed lost. Insurance was paid out, and life moved on until two years later, when the ship reappeared. Joining Pat to tell the story of the Ouzel Galley is historian and content creator Jane Casey.
Boxed with John Fardy: Legends
Screentime’s John Fardy joins Pat for another instalment of Boxed.
Ireland’s energy security: How do we move forward?
The Irish Academy of Engineering has just published two reports calling for significant changes to our energy security planning, which fly in the face of our legally-binding commitment to eliminate carbon emissions. To discuss this, Pat is joined by a member of the academy, Eamonn O’Reilly.
Is Kier Starmer on the precipice?
Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure after Labour suffered heavy losses in the UK’s local elections, with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK making major gains across traditional Labour and Conservative strongholds. As the political map shifts dramatically, and with key results still to come, George Parker, Financial Times political editor, joins Pat to sift through the wreckage.
In conversation with Horslips
Horslips were the original Celtic rockers back in the 1970s, and they have just released a new live album, although they have stopped playing live gigs. How does that work? Barry Devlin and Jim Lockhart join Pat to explain everything.
Mark Moriarty on his latest TV show, new book, and podcast ‘Roasted’
For many people, cooking at home can feel repetitive - using the same ingredients, the same recipes and the same routines. But Chef Mark Moriarty says understanding just a few simple techniques can completely change the way we cook and eat. He’s built a career around making high-level cooking practical and accessible - he joins Pat to talk about it all.
Daire Hennessy, CEO of Citywise Education
This week’s news of drug gangs and related gun culture was a stark reminder of the challenges facing young people and their parents living in some of the tougher neighbourhoods in our cities. The problems are complex, and the answers are not simple, but community support and a solid education are undoubtedly an important part of any solution. Daire Hennessy, CEO of Citywise Education, is living p
What separates a good speech from a bad one?
King Charles’ address to Congress this week landed at a delicate moment in UK‑US relations - a relationship that’s close, occasionally strained, and shaped as much by tone and symbolism as by policy. The speech was widely seen as an attempt to strike the right balance, and it raises an interesting question: what actually makes a speech work? Joining Pat to discuss is Derek Mooney, a former minist
In review: Pope Leo XIV's first 12 months
This week marks the end of the first year in the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, and it has not been without its headline moments. Massimo Faggioli, Professor in Historical and Contemporary Ecclesiology at the Loyola Institute in the School of Religion, Theology and Peace Studies at Trinity College, Dublin, joins Pat to discuss.
Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 3rd
Joining Pat to run through the main stories from the Sunday papers is Gabija Gataveckaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent.
Fiacc Ó Brolcháin on his experience on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla
Yesterday on the programme, we heard from Rachel McNicholl, whose husband Fiacc Ó Brolcháin was among the Irish citizens on board the latest Gaza-bound aid flotilla, intercepted by Israeli forces as it attempted to sail humanitarian supplies toward Gaza. The vessel was stopped at sea, those on board were detained, and the mission was cut short. This morning, Fiacc joined Pat to describe what happe
Ask The Expert: Dermatologist Nikki Ralph
Professor and dermatologist Nikki Ralph joined Pat to answer all your skin health questions and offer some advice on how to protect ourselves
Interview: Former White House Advisor Richard Haass
Former diplomat and White House advisor sits down with Pat to discuss his career and what he thinks of US politics at the moment
Luke O'Neill Tells Us About Robots wo will be able to Reproduce
Professor Luke O'Neill sits down with Pat to discuss the future of robots and when we might be able to see them with the ability to reproduce
Irish Citizens coming home after Flotilla boats seized by Israel
Rachel McNicholl joins Pat to talk about her husband Fiach O Braolain who was aboard the latest Flotilla to be seized by the Israeli military as they sailed to Gaza
Oliver Sears Discusses Rising Fear in Irish Jewish Community
Founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland and son of a Holocaust survivor Oliver Sears joins Pat to discuss rising levels of fear in the Irish Jewish community.
Coming up on The Pat Kenny Show May 2nd & 3rd
Coming up on the Pat Kenny Show this Saturday & Sunday between 10am and 12 noon:The man who coined the term “war of choice”, Richard Haass, will be giving us his assessment of where the US stands now as we enter the third month of the Iran warAntisemitism is on the rise in the UK, but what is the situation here in Ireland?Anne Chambers joins us to talk about her own story and her new book ‘Liv
Shooting at Washington Correspondents’ dinner
Associate editor at The Hill, Niall Stanage joins Pat to discuss an overnight shooting at the Washington Correspondents' dinner
The War in Ukraine is entering a new phase
The war in Ukraine is entering a new phase where technology is increasingly defining the fight. from drone swarms to unmanned ground vehicles, Kyiv is reshaping how wars are waged in real time. Pat was joined by Defence expert at the University of Bath, Patrick Bury to discuss
Royal visit to the USA
King Charles III is to head to the United States on Monday for a landmark visit, amid transatlantic tensions over the Iran war and the fallout of the Epstein scandal BBC News’ Royal Correspondent, Sean Coughlan joined Pat to discuss
Children’s Hospital 10 years on
This weekend marks the tenth anniversary since the national children’s hospital was granted planning permission, and not a single child patient has yet been treated there. why is it seemingly impossible to get big infrastructure projects done in this country, and how do other countries manage it? Maeve Jennings was head of development at temple bar properties and now work
