The Pat Kenny Show

Henry's Christmas Cracker is a 2-hour special with special guests celebrating the festive season! Presented by Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

A trove of newly released Epstein files include emails that appear to involve Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, while another suggests Donald Trump travelled on the billionaire's private jet "many more times than previously has been reported". The US Department of Justice released at least 11,000 more files on Tuesday.  Scott Lucas, Professor and political analyst, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

The robots may be coming for your job but 2026 might finally show signs of what has been predicted for years, truly useful robots but also a new vista for entertainment and museums including plans for Ireland’s first National Children’s Science Centre. 2026 is predicted by several tech experts to be the year when robots truly enter public life. Stories of humanoid robots back flipping, robots playing competitive basketball, expressive theme-park characters and machines capable of walking marathon distances are dominating headlines. At the same time, researchers have pushed the boundaries of what robots can learn, how fast they can adapt and how safely and reliably they can operate in everyday spaces. Professor Luke O’ Neill joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

It has been a very busy year for Irish politics, with our 10th President, Catherine Connolly taking to the Áras amidst the backdrop of a failed Fianna Fáil campaign. A two-finger salute from Michael Lowry while the Dáil rowed over speaking rights and the launching of the government’s National Housing Plan  Pat Kenny was joined by Pat Leahy, Political Editor, Irish Times, to look back on a busy year in Irish politics.

 From duck fat roast potatoes to brussels sprouts and leek gratin, Gareth Mullins Executive Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel on what to cook this Christmas Eve.  

 Amidst the glitz and glamour of the most wonderful time of the year. We must remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves, those who will spend this Christmas sleeping rough on the streets across the country. Alice Leahy, of the Alice Leahy Foundation, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Christmas is a time when many of us will try and take a break from the news and developments around the world, but very often, even at this festive time there are stories that have universal cut through. From the fall of Ceausescu to the enactment of our own constitution, some extremely significant events have happened over the festive period. So myself and our political correspondent Seán Defoe are going to take you on a trip to Christmases past and the news stories that grabbed the headlines like this one from December 26th, 2004…

Despite rising temperatures and changing weather patterns, important climate progress was made in 2025, including renewable energy becoming the source of electricity across the globe. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society for Research Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show for this week’s green scene.

For many people Christmas morning means opening presents, a big breakfast and for thousands around the country, a bracing dip in the sea. From organised charity swims to regular sea swimmers who go in every day of the year, the Christmas Day swim has become a festive tradition. Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been finding out why it’s grown so popular and what people need to know before taking the Christmas Day plunge… 

If you remember the slogan ‘you cannot eat a better sweet’ then you will remember Lemon’s sweet shop on O'Connell Street, The Confectioner’s Hall. Famous for its use of safe, natural ingredients and its magical Christmas decoration window display.  Cormac O’Moore, co-author of the sweetness of lemons, joined Pat Kenny on the show to take a Nostalgic look back at the story of lemons and the history it lived through as it witnessed the famine, the two world wars, the Irish revolution, the Victorian era and the campaign for Home Rule. 

Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator and Host of the Driving Life Podcast, joined Pat Kenny to discuss some of the biggest transport stories of the year.  

There’s been a lot of talk lately about blood on the streets of Silicon Valley and this time, it’s not just hype. Some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence have seen billions wiped off their market value in recent weeks, as investors start asking a blunt question: where’s the money?Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with The Irish Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss all things AI.

 Stephanie Regan, clinical psychotherapist and host of the Tough Love Podcast joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss family rifts at Christmas, when to fix them and when to let them be.

The past twelve months have seen a drastic shift in the Middle East, while focus remains on Gaza and Israel, other parts of the region continue to deal with their own political crisis. Over the past year, the people of Syria continue to rebuild their country after the fall of Assad while in Lebanon marked the anniversary since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. To reflect on all of this Sally Hayden, journalist with the Irish Times who has just arrived back from Lebanon, joined Pat Kenny on the show.  

We all know about the typical Irish traditions at Christmas time like the Late Late Toy Show or maybe heading to mass once a year, but what about those unofficial Christmas traditions? Like the tin of Roses that keeps getting recycled through the parish or the car park ballet that will have you furious trying to figure out whether someone is pulling out of a space or taking forever to straighten up. Comedian, author, and broadcaster Colm O'Regan joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss those unofficial Christmas traditions. 

Christmas, among its joy and happiness, is also a time of health concern. Early next week we are set to reach the peak numbers of what is a severe Flu season. More than 1,000 people expected to spend Christmas in hospital as a result of the flu. As well as this, we must account for lesser injuries like cuts and burns commonly associated with the festive period. Dr Diarmuid Quinlan, GP and Medical Director of the Irish College of General Practitioners joined Pat on the show this morning.

Russia has launched airstrikes on Ukraine's capital early this morning. In response to the attacks, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed. The attacks come just days after US-led peace talks in Miami.  Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for RFI (Radio France Internationale) and France24 joined Pat on the show to discuss the latest on the Ukraine-Russian war as Russia launches airstrikes on Kyiv this morning, post peace talks.

Christmas is here and main streets across the country are flooded with those who have decided tactically or stupidly to leave their present buying to the last minute. But, for the droves who line the shopfronts today and tomorrow, what exactly should they be looking for? Is it too late to pick up something good? Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Journalist, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

 From hotel breaks to retreats, we find out what people who choose to go alone get up to for at Christmas with Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden…

You might know him for being one half of the Rubberbandits or his podcast that has over 90 million listeners worldwide. Award-winning Author and Podcaster Blindboy joined Pat Kenny on the show to chat on what it was like to win a Grierson Documentary Award.

Flu cases are expected to peak this week which was expected and it brings up the question as to why the government decided not to take-up the enhanced jab for over 65’s.  Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Under-recognised, underdiagnosed, undertreated, and under-researched heart health is not the same between men and women, and in turn the differences can often prove costly. When it comes to heart health, women’s bodies tell a different story, and it is time we listened.Dr Róisín Colleran, Consultant cardiologist at the Mater Private Network joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss women’s heart health.

Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon spent long periods of 2024 confined to bunkers as local tensions flared up, particularly between Hezbollah and the IDF.  Has the situation calmed down since then? What are the circumstances on the ground heading into Christmas?   Newstalk's Tom Douglas has travelled to Camp Shamrock to get a feel for the current state of affairs...

Pat Kenny was joined by Scott Lucas, professor and political analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD, Larry Donnolly, law lecturer at NUIG and columnist with the journal.ie and Gina London, Former CNN White House Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist to look back at all the biggest news stories to come out of the US in 2025.

The festive season is in full swing as thousands of people are returning home for Christmas. Many families have their own special traditions or rituals at this time of year. But what about those who are not originally from Ireland, but now call this country home? How will they be spending the 25th of December? Josh Crosbie has been finding out…

Known for their hilarious comedy sketches, over one million followers across their social media platforms and touring worldwide, Sean Finnegan, Conor McKenna and Sean Flanagan or also known as Foil, Arms and Hogs joined Pat Kenny in studio.

Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel & Airport safety & security expert joined Pat to discuss how electric flying taxis may become available to London airport passengers from 2028.

Pat was joined by Kieran Christie, General Secretary of the ASTI to discuss how targeted bursaries could be considered to resolve the teacher recruitment crisis

With the festive period well and truly upon us, many people will be taking a well-deserved rest from the on goings in their busy lives. With many opting to gorge on delicious Christmas food and taking that extra bit of time to sit down and watch that series you have had on your watch list. But how best are we to manage Christmas when it comes to exercise and nutrition? Joey Boland former Dublin hurler and founder of Sports Physio Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Another great day for Aston Villa as they defeat Man Utd 2-1, but how much trouble are the Red Devils in now? Cathal Mullaney, Broadcaster with Off The Ball looks back on the weekend's sporting action.

Pat Shortt, Actor and Comedian, joined Pat Kenny on the show to pay tribute to the late Jon Kenny.

Christina Finn, Polticial Editor with The Journal joined Pat to take a look at how Ireland are preparing for the EU Presidency and the new 400-million-euro equity programme to deliver new homes 

Gareth Mullins rounds out the Christmas dinner with desserts. Gareth features a Christmas pudding baked Alaska, a Christmas pantone trifle and finally a chocolate fondant mixed berry compote and salted caramel ice cream.

Mary O'Rourke was a much-loved politician and prominent public figure in politics. Mary went from teacher to Minister to then becoming an author and presenter of ‘liveline’ and much, much more. Leaving a mark in Irish history while becoming an inspirational figure for women in politics especially.  Well, an episode of Cloch le Charn on RTE will air over the Christmas and it takes a look back at the legacy of the former politician and minister. Joining Pat in studio was Mary’s son, Fergal.

It's the final countdown to Christmas. We visited Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Which is currently 'The European City of Christmas', which expects 1.8 million visitors this Christmas for its international festival Winterval. Henry Mckean meets people behind the festival and he sent this report from Winterval.   

There’s an eventful weekend of sport ahead. Plenty of action in the premier league all weekend with Man City and Arsenal both playing but there is an interesting tie between Liverpool and Spurs.  Tonight, Leinster and Ulster go head-to-head in the united rugby championship in the Aviva but first we speak to Off The Ball’s Colm Boohig in studio now about last night’s final matches for Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in UEFA Conference League. All to chat with Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off The Ball.

A 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine and a postponed Mercosur vote dominated the European Council meeting yesterday. Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg brings us the details from the meeting.

When Krispy Kreme arrived in Blanchardstown in 2018, it had to curtail its twenty four hour drive through after complaints from residents of traffic and beeping throughout the night. Seven years later, three more American outlets have arrived to Irish shores in the past three months: Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Wingstop. All with large queues waiting when they opened. So why do these American outlets draw so much fanfare? And is there more Americanisation of food to come here?All to chat with Damien O’Reilly, Senior Lecturer in Retail Management, TU Dublin

Christmas can be an extremely busy and expensive time for passengers flying across the globe. On Wednesday the 10th of December, Dublin airport said that it expects around 1.8 million passengers to pass through its two terminals over the busy Christmas period. But what exactly can flyers expect this festive season? Graeme McQueen, Head of Media Relations at DAA spoke to Pat this morning.

At a time of year where most of us might be spending in the run up to the big day, it turns out that in the past number of years we have become more a nation of savers rather than spenders.  Since 2016, the savings rate has increased from about twelve and a half percent to thirteen point eight last year and is expected to be closer to fifteen percent this year. So what is behind this rise?

Joining Pat for this week's Friday Forum was Erin McGreehan TD, Fianna Fáil, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Spokesperson on Research and Innovation. Also Cian O’Callaghan TD, Social Democrats, Deputy party leader, Spokesperson for Finance; Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent and Group Head of News at Mediahuis. 

The Revenge Club is entertaining and sharp and occasionally dark. Based on a book and filmed in Ireland a nice 6 episodes on Paramount plus. John Fardy tells us more on this week's 'Boxed'.

Genital skin conditions are often overlooked. gynecologist and urologist waiting lists are long, misdiagnosis is common, and many people are just too embarrassed to seek treatment, even if the condition wasn’t sexually transmitted. All to discuss with Dr. Aisling Loy, Genito-Urinary Medicine Consultant.

Sensitive information might have been taken after a ransomware cyber-attack in the Office of the Ombudsman. Systems have been taken offline while they investigate what’s described as a financially motivated attack. Pat spoke to Ombudsman Ger Deering.

For the festive season Luke O’Neill asks if some types of sugar healthier than others? And is dark chocolate better for you than milk chocolate? 

Over the last 25 years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further. And some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years.Our listeners have picked your winner for best author which we will reveal along with Susan Walsh, Dubray Books and Meghann Scully, Podcaster and Author.

Greta Thunberg visits President Connolly in the Áras, continued fallout for Fianna Fáil. The EU to debate today over the use of frozen Russian assets, and an overwhelming majority decides there is to be no ban for fox hunting. All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.

Are you one of those people who still has to get the last “few bits” for Christmas and buy those last few presents?  Well with some advice on what to purchase is Jo Linehan, Climate Journalist.

As is the now the case in the wake of any tragedy or atrocity, falsehoods on the Bondi Beach shooter were rife. But the sea of contradictory narratives betrays a complex mix of motivations and misunderstandings worth unpacking. Some of these false claims got massive traction. To discuss further with Pat was David Robert Grimes, Disinformation Expert, Author of The Irrational Ape.

Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology joined Pat in studio to answer our listeners skin-related questions.