The Pat Kenny Show

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.

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.

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

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. 

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?

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.

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? 

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.

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.

An estimated 10,000 farmers are expected to descend on Brussels today for one of the largest Europe-wide farmer protests this century. IFA President Francie Gorman has been travelling to Brussels with his son since the start of the week and gives us an update from outside Brussels.

We are counting down the Top 10 Alternative Christmas Movies the ones that sneak Christmas into the frame and still make December feel special. Joining Pat was Lisa Cannon Head of Studio at DMG Media.

On this week's Garden Stories with Diarmuid Gavin, we about how County Offaly’s Lough Boora Sculpture Park was transformed from a working bog to a place of art and reflection.

We now live in an era of dating apps, mixed signals, situationships, and the constant pressure to figure out who you are while also figuring out who you’re seeing. We discuss this morning what dating looks like for young people today.Pat spoke to our panel this morning, all in their twenties.  Dylan Hand, Newstalk Reporter , Ella Anderson, Newstalk Reporter and Katie Gallagher, Spin 1038 and Spin Southwest News Anchor.

As the nation prepares for warm fires, good food, and time with loved ones, 16,614 people across Ireland, including over 5,000 children, will spend the festive season in emergency accommodation. Sarah Madden reports on those without a place to call home this Christmas.  

Sculpted by Aimee is one of the country’s leading beauty brands. Starting with just two products, the business has grown enormously now selling well over one hundred products in hundreds of locations across Ireland and the UK. Sculpted founder and CEO Aimee Connolly

Nick Reiner could face the death penalty and the white house backs Susie Wiles after her Vanity Fair interview. Professor and Political Analyst at Clinton Institution, UCD Scott Lucas brings us the latest news stateside.

Imagine a future where the walls of your home don’t just hold up the roof they store electricity. Researchers at MIT have created a new type of concrete that acts as a battery, capable of powering everyday household needs. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland tells us more.All with thanks to Repak.

There has been much debate in recent years about the state of our country’s capital city, Dublin. With many city dwellers debating whether the day-to-day experience is diminishing in terms of safety and crime. We ask is Is Dublin city in decline? To discuss with Pat was Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor and Martin Harte, CEO of Temple Bar company & Spokesperson for Dubin Business Alliance.

Last night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in defence of his leadership at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, following the publishing of the Gavin report. Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke to Pat on the show this morning.

With Christmas just around the corner. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly takes us through a last minute tech gift guide for any presents you need.All with thanks to Renault.

As Health Insurance renewal time looms for many, Dermot Goode Health Insurance Expert with HealthInsuranceIreland.ie brings us advice on your search for the best health insurance policy for you and your family.

Selene Daly is our residence expert when it comes to anything and everything dermatology related however. Today she is opening up about her experience with weight loss jabs. She has been on a medicated weight-loss journey with Mounjaro since June. Now approaching a four-stone loss. But the medication is only one element of a much longer, more complex story. Selene told Pat her story.

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Rob Reiner’s criticism of him may have led to his death. In a post on Truth Social he called the late director “tortured and struggling”, comments which he later defended. He also announced he is suing the BBC for $10bn following their edit of his January 6th speech.All to discuss with Dr Harry Browne, Senior Lecturer, School of Media, TU Dublin.

Yesterday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy resumed talks with U.S. president Donald trump's envoys in Berlin. The talks come after the U.S. side said a "lot of progress" had been made on ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. But will this be enough to secure a peace deal for Ukraine and bring an end to this war? 

<ore news is coming out about the two gunmen who opened fire at a Hannukah celebration on Bondi beach, killing 15 people. The shooters are believed to be influenced by the Islamic State, and a recent trip they made to the Philippines is currently under investigation.Pat gets the latest on this with Jean Kennedy, Journalist with ABC News.

Described as a “game changer” in terms of helping people currently priced out of the housing market to get a foot on the property ladder. A 50-year mortgage would allow someone to borrow for a longer term, which would mean lower monthly repayments, which, in turn, could make housing more affordable. Is this the solution to the housing crisis or does it cause more problems than it brings solutions? All to discuss with Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Navigating Mortgages.

This morning we heard about Walks you can do with Christmas that have a connection to a good story. Joining Pat will all the suggestions was John G Dwyer, Chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland  and author of "50 Best Irish Walks" is out now from publishers, Currach Books.

The Dáil is set to break for winter recess at the end of this week, but there's plenty on the agenda to get done. A decision on the Mercosur deal and a cut to childcare costs are all on the agenda. There are also calls for the Fianna fail review of Jim Gavin’s campaign to be published before the end of Christmas. Pat discuss all this and more with Christina Finn, Political Editor with TheJournal.ie.  

Pilates is the newest viral fitness trend. created in the early 20th century by a German PT who used the method to keep him fit while he was a prisoner of war, Pilates has since grown in popularity. Our expert today is Lowry O’Mahony, chartered Physiotherapist and explains how pilates  can help prevent falls.

We’re about ten days out from Christmas now, and for many people this is the point where the pressure really ramps up emotionally, socially, and mentally. Research consistently shows that most adults feel more stressed at Christmas than at any other time of year, and that’s not because people are doing it wrong it’s because there’s a lot going on.How to protect your wellbeing at Christmas? Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, and host of the Tough Love Podcast advises up.

Talks will continue in Berlin today between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. They will be joined by European leaders later in the day. We get the latest with Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.