The Pat Kenny Show

Adapted from the best-selling novel by Irish Author Andrea Mara, new thriller series "All Her Fault" opens on a terrifying situation that eventually unearths the deep secrets of a community. We hear more in Boxed with John Fardy.

Exit Strategy is the thirtieth thriller in the Jack Reacher novels and once again this addictive series continues. Some of us, just cannot get enough of Reacher, the all-American hero created and written by a bloke from Coventry. Guests Lee and Andrew Child chatted to Pat about the new book.

“Before Amelia Earhart’s famous exploits and her infamous disappearance. A Limerick woman was the first true female trailblazer in aviation. The life of Mary, Lady Heath was both extraordinary and tragic, but her efforts to further the cause of female pilots, and women in sport, mark her as a true pioneer. Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can tell us more:

Are kids better off being looked after at home or in afterschool care? Research from the ESRI shows that kids in afterschool are more likely to partake in sport and have better reading scores.

A recent study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US suggests that using AI makes students less smart. Pat discuss these findings with Professor Luke O Neill , Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College.

We hear about the new digital product passport that’s going to help consumers check where a product is made. We ask will this effort help people shop more sustainably? All to chat with Jo Linehan Climate Journalist.

A Russian spy ship is on course for Irish waters. But what do we know about the ship and its intentions in Irish Water. Pat discusses this with Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times and Commander Caoimhin MacUnfraidh Retired, 29 years with the Irish Naval Service.

Ireland's drinking rate has been steadily declining for decades now - in fact, according to recent OECD data, Irish people aren't even in the top third of drinkers globally.  But as alcohol use has trended down, loneliness has trended up particularly among young people. So is there a social toll to be paid for our increasingly sober society and is there a defence to be made for moderate drinking? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

For anyone who isn’t aware it’s national healthy skin month this November. Joining Pat to discuss how we can keep our skin healthy during the cold winter months is Consultant dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists Professor Nicola ralph.

Next year the short-term letting industry is expected to get a massive overhaul in an attempt to combat the housing crisis. New rules are set to be introduced on May 20, 2026, and yesterday legislation faced pre-legislative scrutiny at the Oireachtas committee on enterprise, tourism and employment.  As reported by the Irish Independent, one woman spoke at the committee about how these new rules will cripple her income as it has been a lifeline for her family. Lorna Cahill has been renting out a granny flat in Co Clare for the last nine years and she joined Pat on the show.

Edward James was one of the most enigmatic figures of the twentieth century, a poet, collector, patron and visionary whose life blurred the boundaries between art and dream. He was born in 1907 into immense privilege, the only son of William James, an American millionaire whose fortune had grown out of the railway industry, and Evelyn Forbes, a Scottish aristocrat celebrated for her beauty.Diarmuid Gavin tell us about most enigmatic figures of the twentieth century.

It’s International Fraud Awareness Week, and we’ve teamed up with Bank of Ireland to help educate and inform how to protect our online profiles and land the simple message: Stop Think. Check. To discuss this Pat was joined on the show by Dr Mary Aiken, Professor of Cyberpsychology.  For more information check out Security Zone - Bank of Ireland Group Website.

From 25 years in the Garda Technical Bureau, former Detective John Sweetman has now launched a new GoLoud original podcast, Lines of Enquiry, detailing some of the cases he worked on including as a handwriting expert.  John joined Pat on the show to chat all about his work and the new podcast.

Name calling and tense press conferences. President Trump reacts to the release of the Epstein files. We discuss this and more with Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer with the University of Galway and Columnist with TheJournal.ie.

We hear about in use in both Australia and Sweden, a smart speed bump only deploys when a car is actually speeding.AI is getting smarter, both for the good guys and the bad guys. There is something of an AI arms race going on at the moment between fraudsters and those in the detection industry like insurers who are trying to stop them. All to discuss with Transport Consultant Conor Faughnan. 

Australia’s last native shrew has been officially declared extinct, and it’s a sobering reminder of how human actions ripple through ecosystems. Also For months, eerie scenes have haunted South Australia's beaches dead sea creatures, foam-covered waters, and residents with breathing problems. Now, scientists have found the surprising culprit. A little-known algal species unleashing a powerful neurotoxin. But what triggered this deadly bloom and could it happen elsewhere? All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak. 

Paschal Donohoe, Incoming Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, World Bank joined Pat in studio to chat about his new job and move to Washington.

You normally hear Joe Lynam bright and early at 6:30am on Breakfast Business, but recently he has been off the air following a very unexpected health event. Joe joined Pat to his story and talk about the importance of heart health.

Paschal Donohoe’s departure for the world bank may leave a significant leadership gap in Fine Gael, so does Simon Harris now have to watch his back? and will Gerry the Monk Hutch run in the by-election in Dublin Central?  All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of the Let me Explain Podcast.  

On this week’s technology slot, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly talks about resetting the algorithm as we face into a busy few weeks on social media. All with thanks to Renault.

As Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe announces his resignation, who are the runners and riders to replace him? Sean Defoe takes us through the possible replacements and Robert Troy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance discusses working with Pascal Donohoe.

Christmas is about connection, not perfection. But then December shows up and we all start sprinting and getting stressed. If Christmas is really about connection, how do we actually build that starting right now November is your secret weapon.Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist explains.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to overhaul state energy companies following a corruption scandal that has rocked his government.But corruption scandals are not anything new to Ukraine having been a feature of its prewar history. corruption was, however, something Zelensky promised to clean up during the 2019 election. So how much of a feature has corruption been to Ukraine's recent history? All to discuss with Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent, France24 and RFI.

Dublin Lord Mayor Ray McAdam reacts to the news that Pascal Donohoe, Minister for Finance is to resign to take up a position at the World Bank.

In 2026, Dr Norah Patten will become the first Irish person in space. Joining her on that mission is crewmate Dr Shawna Pandya where they will complete a research mission and travel on-board the Virgin Galactic's commercial spacecraft Delta. The two astronauts have taken time out of their busy schedule as they prepare for this mission to chat to Pat this morning.

A 60-year-old woman has died and her husband is in a serious condition in hospital, after they were stabbed near their home in Cork city last night. We get the latest on this with Ralph Reigel, Southern Correspondent for the Irish Independent.

Minister for Finance Pascal Donohoe is to resign from Government to take up a position at the World Bank. Jack Horgan-Jones brings us the breaking news. 

Our expert this morning Margaret Barrett of Mortgage Navigators who took a look at the hidden costs of buying a home and answers listener’s mortgage questions.

Last night, a fire was started in Kilmore West playground. The newly opened playground saw parts of it burnt out. After at least six years of pushing for this playground, it now has to close until it can be safely repaired and reopened. We heard from Cllr Alison Field Dublin Bay North The Labour Party.

Here to take us through an inside look at some of the biggest crime stories and scandals in Irish history is crime journalist and author Paul Williams. Paul has a brand-new book out now, titled ‘Crooks 2’, a sequel to his previous bestseller ‘Crooks’. ‘Crooks 2’ chronicles some of Paul’s most notorious exposés.  

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Ireland with an estimated 1900 deaths per annum and its the second most common cancer in Ireland for women. While many associate this type of cancer with smokers, one in five diagnosed people have never smoked in their lives.  One of these people is Susan Leatham who was diagnosed in 2021 and Susan spoke to Pat this morning along with Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing with the Marie Keating Foundation.

Trump says he “has nothing to hide” as he calls for a vote to release Epstein files. Pat discusses this and more with Brett Bruen, President of the global situation room and a former U.S. Diplomat.

Communities in Ardee, Carrickmacross, Drumconrath and Lanarkshire in Scotland have been devastated following a car crash which claimed the lives of five young people this weekend. Speaking to Pat on the tragedy was Mgr Shane McCaughey, Parish Priest, Carrickmacross and Paula Butterly TD, Fine Gael, Louth. 

here were scenes of joy and jubilation in Budapest last night as Ireland defeated Hungary 3 nil. Ireland’s world cup dream remains alive and well after Ireland forward Troy Parrott proved to be a hat trick hero. However, Parrott wasn’t the only sportsman to hit a hat trick for Ireland as Mack Hansen's return resulted in a three-try hit against Australia. It was a successful day for Andy Farrell's side as they dominated the Wallabies with a 46–19 win. And Rory McIlroy ended the golf season by clinching a seventh race to Dubai title, his fourth in succession.All to chat with Colm Boohig from Off The Ball and Keith Tracey, former Republic of Ireland winger.

Last night people all around Ireland were celebrating Ireland's win against Hungary and the man of the moment Troy Parrott!Henry McKean met Troy Parrott's friends and family at the Bridge Tavern in Portland Row after they watched Troy's hat-trick, beating Hungry 3-2 in Budapest and getting Ireland to The World Cup play offs in March.

A new report has found that Ireland's energy policy needs to be rebalanced to meet the needs of its citizens. With rising costs in electricity prices and the growing concerns of energy security, how can Ireland better look after the needs of consumers as well as ensure energy security?  Pat discusses this and more with Eamonn O’Reilly, Chairman of the Energy and Climate Action Committee.

A Garda investigation is continuing into a car crash which claimed the lives of five young people in County Louth over the weekend. Three people remain in hospital being treated for their injuries. Barry Whyte, Chief Reporter Newstalk reported for us from Couty Louth on the impact and reaction to this tragedy.

Séamus McGrath TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Fianna Fáil, Cork South-Central, Kathleen Funchion MEP, Sinn Féin, Ireland South, and Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News, Irish Independent were our Friday Forum today.

This week, Kevin Dundon is here to chat through three delicious dishes for the perfect weekend meal with Curried Sweet Potato & Coconut Soup, a beef Bourguignon and a bread and butter pudding. 

A new national centre for inclusive higher education has officially opened at Maynooth University. This is Ireland's first national centre dedicated to inclusion, and access in higher education. Joining Pat the woman leading the centre is award-winning academic and author of the bestselling memoir 'Poor', Professor Katriona O'Sullivan. 

With the housing market ever-present in the news, we ask Rowena Quinn, managing partner at Hunters Estate Agents, when is the right time to sell and to buy a house? Rowena joined Pat in the studio now to discuss.

Have you paid your motor tax for this year? Well whether you have or not, the department of transport doesn’t even know.  Yesterday during a Public Accounts Committee, the department of transport admitted that there is no current system to check if drivers have paid their motor tax.  It was also revealed that the department received thirty-five million in surcharges.   

It’s no secret that anti-social behaviour is a problem here in Ireland. But over the last two months, a spate of vandalism and arson at Dublin’s parks and playgrounds have shocked locals and cost the council dearly. So, is anti-social behaviour really getting worse, and how can we stop it's escalation getting further out of hand?Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports.

Ireland’s world cup dream remains alive as the Heimer Hallgrimsson's side defeat Portugal two nil last night. It was a drama filled game as Cristiano Ronaldo was given his first ever red card for Portugal. Meanwhile, it's the return of the Mack as Andy Farrell names his squads ahead of Ireland's game against Australia in the Aviva stadium this weekend.  And in golf, Rory McIlroy is hoping for a fourth consecutive race to Dubai title as he trails behind Michael Kim.All the sport with Shane Hannon and Keith Treacy, former Ireland International footballer.

Bestselling author and television presenter Dermot O'Leary joined Pat to chat about his new children’s book, ‘Toto The Ninja Cat, And The Pirate Treasure Hunt’. The book is the sixth in the series and follows Toto and her friends on their way to Ireland where the hunt for the a mythical pirate treasure is about to begin.

The BBC has apologized to Donald Trump over an episode of Panorama which edited his January 6th 2021 speech but will not pay compensation. More details are also emerging from the tranche of emails relating to Jeffery Epstein released this week.  Pat discusses this and more with Gina London, Former CNN White House Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist. 

The government is set to launch a statutory inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care at children's health Ireland. Yesterday the health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Tánaiste Simon Harris announced they would be recommending the inquiry to cabinet next week. The announcement came after they met with Gillian and Stephen Morrison Sherratt, the parents of Harvey Morrison.  Harvey, who had scoliosis and other health issues tragically died in July after facing long delays for surgery. Gillian Sheratt, Mum of Harvey Morrison  spoke to Pat this morning.

The Government, this morning, launched its new housing plan: Delivering Homes, Building Communities’. The plan commits to over 300,000 new homes by 2030 and increasing social and affordable homes. James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Fianna Fáil joined Pat to discuss the new housing plan.

Ruth Lawrence was yesterday found guilty of the murders of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor between April and May 20214. Following the murders, Lawrence spent eight years under the radar in South Africa. She was arrested by an elite South African police unit in 2023 before being extradited in May 2024.Frank Greaney, our Courts Correspondent was covering the trial and joined Pat to discuss this further

The appetite for weight-loss drugs, known as glp-1 agonists, has been insatiable since they hit the market a decade ago. In 2024 global spending on them reached $54bn, a figure that is sure to rise in the coming years. As pharmaceutical firms elbow each other for a slice of the pie, the number of options will grow in 2026 All to discuss with Professor Luke O Neill , Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College.