The Pat Kenny Show
News & Politics
About
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.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Down...
Episodes
- Living Lives: A Biographer's Journey by Anne Chambers
Anne Chambers joins Pat Kenny to discuss her career as a biographer and the impact her writing has had on her own life. She has written about figures such as Grace O’Malley and her uncle, Tom Cruise, now she has written her own story.
- Ali Ansari on how we misunderstand Iran and its people
Professor Ali Ansari, a leading authority on modern Iran, discusses how events in Iran are interpreted both within and outside the country. He also talks about the international response to the current conflict.
- Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 10th
Craig Hughes, political editor of the Irish Daily Mail, joins Pat Kenny to review the main stories in the Sunday papers.
- The Age Code: The New Science of Food and How It Can Save Us
On The Pat Kenny Show, Dr. David Cox discusses his book, "The Age Code," which examines the science of food and its impact on cellular aging and organ health. He highlights concerns about rising cancer rates and infertility and how diet ca…
- Shane Ross on his new book - RTÉ: Saints, Scholars and Scandals
Shane Ross joins The Pat Kenny Show to discuss his latest book, 'RTÉ: Saints, Scholars and Scandals'.
- How a conversation 35 years ago saved a Ghanaian rainforest
On The Pat Kenny Show, Pat Kenny learns how a conversation he had 35 years ago with marine biologist Kealan Doyle led to the preservation of a Ghanaian rainforest ecosystem. Kealan Doyle joins Pat in the studio to share the story. This epi…
- In conversation with Horslips
Barry Devlin and Jim Lockhart from the band Horslips join Pat Kenny to discuss their new live album. They also explain how they released a live album after stopping live performances.
- Is Kier Starmer on the precipice?
Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure after significant Labour losses in the UK local elections. Nigel Farage's Reform UK gained ground in traditional Labour and Conservative areas. George Parker, political editor at the Financial Times, joins t…
- The story of the Ouzel Galley
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show tells the story of the Ouzel Galley, a Dublin merchant ship that vanished in 1695 and reappeared five years later. Pat Kenny is joined by historian Jane Casey to discuss this historical event.
- Ireland’s energy security: How do we move forward?
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show discusses two reports from the Irish Academy of Engineering concerning Ireland's energy security planning and the country's commitment to eliminating carbon emissions. Eamonn O’Reilly, a member of the aca…
- Boxed with John Fardy: Legends
John Fardy joins Pat Kenny for a new episode of Boxed. This episode is titled "Legends".
- Luke O’Neill on Hantavirus
Dr. Luke O’Neill joins Pat to discuss the recent outbreak of hantavirus.
- Mark Moriarty on his latest TV show, new book, and podcast ‘Roasted’
Mark Moriarty joins Pat Kenny to discuss his TV show, book, and podcast. He
- What separates a good speech from a bad one?
Pat Kenny and Derek Mooney discuss the components of effective speechwriting, using King Charles's recent address to Congress as a case study. They explore how tone, symbolism, and policy shape UK-US relations and the impact of a well-craf…
- Pat's Sunday Paper Review May 3rd
Gabija Gataveckaite, BBC Dublin Correspondent, joins Pat Kenny to review the main stories from the Sunday papers on May 3rd.
- In review: Pope Leo XIV's first 12 months
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show reviews Pope Leo XIV's first year as pontiff. Massimo Faggioli discusses the headline moments of this period.
- Daire Hennessy, CEO of Citywise Education
Daire Hennessy, CEO of Citywise Education, joins Pat Kenny to discuss the challenges faced by young people in urban neighborhoods. He shares insights on the importance of community support and education as part of the solution.
- Fiacc Ó Brolcháin on his experience on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla
Fiacc Ó Brolcháin describes his experience on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces. He discusses his time in custody and his reasons for undertaking the voyage.
- Ask The Expert: Dermatologist Nikki Ralph
Professor and dermatologist Nikki Ralph joined Pat to answer listeners' skin health questions. She offered advice on how to protect ourselves.
- Interview: Former White House Advisor Richard Haass
Richard Haass, former diplomat and White House advisor, joins Pat Kenny to discuss his career and current US politics. He shares his insights on the political landscape.
- Luke O'Neill Tells Us About Robots wo will be able to Reproduce
Professor Luke O'Neill joins Pat Kenny to discuss the future of robots, specifically focusing on their potential ability to reproduce. They explore when such advancements might be expected.
- Irish Citizens coming home after Flotilla boats seized by Israel
Rachel McNicholl joins Pat Kenny to discuss her husband, Fiach O Braolain, an Irish citizen who was on a Gaza Flotilla that was seized by the Israeli military. The discussion focuses on the return of Irish citizens after the seizure.
- Oliver Sears Discusses Rising Fear in Irish Jewish Community
Oliver Sears, founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland and son of a Holocaust survivor, joins Pat to discuss rising levels of fear in the Irish Jewish community.
- Coming up on The Pat Kenny Show May 2nd & 3rd
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show previews segments for May 2nd and 3rd, including Richard Haass on the Iran war, Anne Chambers discussing her new book, and a reflection on Pope Leo XIV's first year. Luke O'Neill and Paul Harrington are a…
- Shooting at Washington Correspondents’ dinner
Niall Stanage, associate editor at The Hill, joins Pat Kenny to discuss a shooting incident at the Washington Correspondents' dinner.
- Royal visit to the USA
King Charles III is scheduled to visit the United States. This episode of The Pat Kenny Show discusses the visit, including transatlantic tensions. Sean Coughlan from BBC News joins Pat to discuss the details.
- 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. Defence expert Patrick Bury joins Pat Kenny to discuss how Kyiv is reshaping warfare with drone swarms and unmanned ground vehicles.
- Pat’s Sunday Paper Review April 26th
Jack Horgan-Jones, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times, joins Pat Kenny to discuss the main stories from the Sunday papers.
- Children’s Hospital 10 years on
The Pat Kenny Show examines the National Children's Hospital, a decade after planning permission was granted, and the lack of patient treatment. Maeve Jennings, who works on infrastructure projects in France, joins the discussion.
- Are ya Dancin? Reliving Ireland’s Showband Era
Carol Gleeson and Paul Mescal join Pat Kenny to discuss Ireland's showband era and their show 'Are ya Dancin?'. The episode delves into the history of showbands and features discussions about the Hucklebuck.
- Boxed with John Fardy
John Fardy joins Pat Kenny to discuss the new Netflix series Bad Mistakes. They take a dive into the series.
- Dublin City Council CEO, Richard Shakespeare
Richard Shakespeare, CEO of Dublin City Council, joins Pat Kenny to discuss the Dublin City Council's €581 million purchase of the former DIT site on Kevin Street. The development will include a new 14-storey civic headquarters and hundred…
- New battery that can power an EV for about 1,500km on a single charge
On The Pat Kenny Show, Motoring Editor Geraldine Herbert discusses a new electric vehicle battery that can power an EV for approximately 1,500km on a single charge.
- Trump’s War on Science: Vaccines and Renewables
In this episode of The Pat Kenny Show, Professor Luke O’Neill discusses growing concerns about the systematic undermining of science in the US. He addresses funding cuts and the reshaping of advisory committees.
- 40th Anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster
Adi Roche, CEO of Chernobyl Children International, speaks with Pat Kenny about the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. They discuss the ongoing impact of the accident and the organization's work to support affected children.
- A new book argues Roy Keane helped shape modern Ireland itself
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show discusses a new book arguing that Roy Keane helped shape modern Ireland. The author joins Pat to discuss Keane's influence, which extends beyond sport to cultural impact.
- President Catherine Connolly pays tribute to the approximately 20,000 Irish people living in Spain
President Catherine Connolly acknowledged the Irish community in Spain during an event in Barcelona. Tom Douglas reported on President Connolly's visit.
- UK Prime Minister Starmer to face MPs tomorrow as he returns to Parliament
UK Prime Minister Starmer will face MPs following his return to Parliament. The episode, featuring Financial Times Political Editor George Park, discusses the implications of Starmer's appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the…
- From Grief to Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine
Bassam Aramin and Rami Elhanan, fathers impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have found common ground in their shared grief. They now collaborate to promote peace and reconciliation in their region, and their organization, Parents…
- Pat's Sunday Paper Review April 19th
Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times, reviews the main stories in the Sunday papers with Pat Kenny. This episode of The Pat Kenny Show discusses current events.
- Dirty Dancing: The Inside Story of The Irish Dancing Cheating Scandal
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show features journalist Ellen Coyne discussing the Irish dancing cheating scandal. She traces how a "feis-fixing" scandal exposed issues within the competitive world of Irish dance.
- Lebanon & the unfolding humanitarian crisis
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show discusses the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Award-winning journalist Sally Hayden joins Pat to discuss the unfolding situation, including displaced populations, strained infrastructure, and the challeng…
- The Political Week in Review with Kevin Doyle
Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at Mediahuis Ireland, joins Pat Kenny to review the political week. They discuss a tumultuous week for Michael Martin and the government.
- Electricity prices across Europe & Ireland: Why do we pay so much?
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show examines the reasons behind the significant differences in electricity prices across European countries, contrasting Ireland's high costs with Spain's lower prices. Naomi O'Leary and Lisa Ryan join Pat Ke…
- Veil of Silence: How the Irish State Covered Up an IRA Murder & Framed a Garda Whistleblower
This episode of The Pat Kenny Show discusses the alleged cover-up of the murder of John Corcoran, an IRA member and garda informer, 41 years ago. J.P. O’Sullivan, a special branch detective, joins Pat to discuss his book "Veil of Silence"…
- Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin
Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin, joins Pat Kenny to discuss the current state of Dublin's services, including recruitment, route expansion, and fleet capacity. He also addresses challenges such as rising fuel costs, decarbonisation, city congest…
- In Ireland, why do we find it so hard to make progress on infrastructure?
Sinead O'Sullivan discusses Ireland's infrastructure challenges. She explores connections between these issues, fuel protests, and young people emigrating.
- Luke O’Neill with some promising advances in treating pancreatic & ovarian cancer
Dr. Luke O'Neill discusses new developments in pancreatic and ovarian cancer treatment on The Pat Kenny Show.
- Wish Week at Newstalk 2026
This episode discusses Make-A-Wish Ireland's efforts, with over 300 children awaiting wishes and 229 wishes granted in 2025. Susan McQuaid O'Dwyer, CEO, and Emma Dempsey, fundraiser, join Pat to discuss the nationwide fundraising campaign.
- Can Rory McIlroy recover on the final day at Augusta?
Philip Reid, Golf Correspondent of The Irish Times, joins Pat Kenny to discuss Rory McIlroy's chances of recovery on the final day at Augusta after relinquishing his lead. They consider if he can go back-to-back and retain the green jacket.