The Pat Kenny Show

We all love a good classic the kind of film that defined a decade. But every so often, Hollywood decides to dust one off and remake it for modern audiences and the result doesn’t quite live up to the original. All to chat about with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio at DMG Media.

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected Mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and becoming the first Muslim to ever hold the office. For this and more Pat spoke to Terry Sheridan, a Peabody-nominated, award-winning journalist, and Senior Director of News at WSHU Public Radio.   

Motorways are statistically very safe but they have particular dangers – especially in bad weather, and especially on the hard shoulder. All to discuss with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant. 

The Department of Finance has said that our housing crisis is likely to persist for at least another 15 years. Pent up demand will not be fully eliminated until at least 2040. However, this all depends on housing supply reaching sixty thousand a year by. But is this prediction that things will be better in fifteen years even realistic?Pat discusses this further with Lorcan Sirr, Senior Lecturer in Housing, TU Dublin and also Karl Deeter, Irish Mortgage Brokers.

This week on the Green Scene we take a look at the health benefits of outdoor schools and how stinkbugs coat their eggs in fungus to protect them.All to chat with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland .With thanks to Repak.

Have you ever wondered how the Irish speak English? Or maybe why we say words and phrases like ‘sure look’, ‘what’s the craic’ or ‘gway out of that’.  Colm O'Regan is an author, comedian and broadcaster and his new book called ‘gallivanting with words’ has the answer. 

Coast Guard pilots have said that conditions have worsened since the Rescue 116 tragedy. To discuss the issue with Pat was is Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness from Waterford, who is Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.   

There have been fire safety concerns raised at more than 50 asylum centres according to a review by the Irish Times. Pat discusses this further with Ellen Coyne Political Correspondent.

November is typically marked by some nice new OS updates that add polish and a few minor features to the big release of the year, along with new shows and games on Apple’s services.Occasionally, we’ll get some hardware release in November as well. This year is shaping up to follow the expected pattern. Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly tell us what might be coming this month from Apple.All with thanks for Renault.

Richard Satchwell was found guilty of murdering his wife in May of this year after deliberately lying to Gardaí, investigators and journalists since the day she went missing. Ralph Riegel, who covered this case since the beginning and who is from Youghal in county Cork, the same town as Tina, has told the full story along with co-author Paul Byrne in their new book ‘Beneath The Stairs’.  Ralph joined Pat in studio this morning.

Up to one in five women will experience a mental health problem in pregnancy or in the first year after birth. V-I-G or video intervention guidance is a special therapy for women with perinatal mental health difficulties. We hear about it with Dr Sabrina Coyle, Principal Specialist Psychologist in Perinatal mental health at the Coombe hospital, on the topic of perinatal mental health.

One of the names floated as a potential leader of a future Palestinian state is Marwan Barghouti . A 67 year old currently in Israeli jail following convictions including for murder and membership of a terrorist organisation. But who is Barghouti and why are so many calling for his release? Pat asked Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science.

Claims that exam papers were being sold to electrical apprentices for 50 euro the night before a test have created questions around public safety. The alleged cheating in the trade also raised serious concerns of alleged criminal activity. We get more details on this story with Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times.

President Donald Trump has endorsed former Governor of New York Andrew Cuomo in his bid for mayor, having labelled his main opponent, Zohran Mamdani, a communist. The president has even threatened to cut off funding should Zohran win.Pat discusses this further with Professor and Political Analyst from the Clinton Institute, at University College Dublin, Scott Lucas. 

Sometimes, it happens in whispers, ignored messages, or quiet exclusions and in today’s world of remote work, it’s often just a click away. We discuss workplace bullying with Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist.

Ministers have agreed to reduce the amount of time Ukrainians can stay in state accommodation from 90 days to 30 days. The decision comes as a deportation flight left for Georgia last night. To discuss all this and more Pat was joined by Craig Huges, Political Editor, Irish Daily Mail and alsoColm Brophy TD, Minister of State for Migration, Fine Gael.

Irish people are as afraid of public speaking as they are of death according to a new survey by The Broadcast Institute. 1,000 Irish adults were asked to name their biggest fear. 31 per cent, topping the poll said a fear of heights, with public speaking and death tied for second place at 30 per cent. Henry McKean chatted to people about their worst fear and spoke to Paul Connolly from the Broadcast Institute. He sent this report.  

How can we bring more Irish into our lives? Hector Ó hEochagáin, TV and radio presenter, has a brand-new book out now, called ‘An Irish Word A Day’. The book features an Irish word for every day of the year, to bring more Irish into your life and hopefully contribute to reviving our language.   

Registrations for electric vehicles were up 73 per cent in September and over 20 thousand new EV’s were licensed so far this year.  Joining Pat was Derek Reilly is the founder of NEVO– Ireland's largest EV show dedicated to clean energy and sustainable mobility. Taking place on the It’s on November 7–8 at the RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin.

Looking back over this past weekend in sport. The All Blacks defeat Ireland in Chicago, in the Premier League Arsenal continues their dominance of the tables, Liverpool end their losing streak, Man City rise to second in the standings, and Chelsea victorious in the London Derby. Cathal Mullaney, Broadcaster with Off The Ball l reviews the weekend of sport.

The government plans to charge asylum seekers for accommodation . We get reaction Conor Sheehan TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Labour.

20 years ago Miriam O’Callaghan was asked to write her memoir, but at the time, life, work and everything had got in the way…but after another nudge from penguin in 2023, Miriam took to her desk and wrote about just that. Life, work, everything for her memoir spanning from her childhood in Cornelscourt to her first television appearance on Kenny Live to a regular presence for every major national event.Miriam joined Pat in studio this morning.

One man is in custody after multiple stabbings on a high-speed train on Saturday evening. The Knife attack took place near Peterborough. Enda Brady brings us the latest.

A new report shows how doctors have noticed a change in demographic characteristics in women who attended the Coombe maternity hospital between 2018 and last year. Pat discusses these findings with Donal O’Shea, Clinical Lead for Obesity at the HSE.

On Tuesday, voters in New York City will vote to elect the successor to the incumbent Mayor, Eric Adams. Three candidates remain in the race, after Mr. Adams dropped out: the Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani, the Republican Curtis Sliwa and former Democratic governor and now Independent candidate, Andrew Cuomo.Pat discusses this further with Brett Bruen, President of the Global Situation Room and Former Director of Global Engagement at the White House during the Obama Presidency.

Is the 3I/Atlas that is passing earth a comet or an alien? A Harvard University Professor reckons it could be alien technology because of its brightness, rarity and diameter but only time will tell if is just a natural comet or alien? We asked Frances McCarthy, Education & Outreach at Blackrock Castle Observatory what she thought of it all.

Joining Pat on the Friday Forum was Malcolm Byrne TD, Fianna Fáil, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Spokesperson on Climate, Environment and Energy, Wicklow-Wexford. Also on the panel was Peadar Toibin TD, Leader, Aontú, Meath West and Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent, Irish Times.

For this Halloween weekend Gareth brings us a recipe for a pumpkin soup with parmesan and garlic croutons as well as pork chops with colcannon and kale.

King Charles has formally stripped Andrew of his royal titles, including his royal status as Prince. We get the latest on this with Enda Brady, International TV News anchor with TRT World.

Looking ahead to this weekend in sport, the Premier League returns with an exciting lineup as Chelsea takes on Tottenham in a London derby, in rugby Ireland play the All Blacks, and we look back over this week in soccer, with Shamrock Rovers finally winning the title, and Abbie Larkin securing a promotion for the women’s national team.All to chat with Off The Ball broadcaster, Colm Boohig.

Back at the end of august we revealed on this show that over the past 10 years the Director of Public Prosecutions chose not to prosecute over 67 percent of sexual offence cases submitted to it by gardaí. The information was received under a freedom of information request, and it showcased the burden of proof needed for justice, what it takes to build a case, and importantly, the thousands of people who don’t get the chance to take their attacker to court.Our reporter Jessica Woodlock has been looking into these figures and reported for us.

Despite international pressures, the Irish economy is projected to grow by almost 11% thanks to strong pharma exports and consumer spending. Joining Pat this morning was David McWilliams on Ireland's economic state .

The Dingle Distillery International Film Festival returns this winter to venues around Dingle from 7 – 9 November. Renowned Hollywood screenwriter, director, producer and acclaimed novelist Todd Komarnicki will appear at the festival for ‘Writing and Directing Your Way To Success’. Todd will talk his creative process, pitching tips and working in Tinseltown, from writing the screenplay for Clint Eastwood and Tom Hanks blockbuster Sully, to co-producing Christmas hit Elf, and his most recent Hollywood film in 2024, Bonhoeffer, the true story of pastor turned WW2 spy, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Ahead of his appearance Todd spoke to Pat this morning on the show.

Margie McCarthy, the Director of Research & Policy at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, joined Pat to discuss the increasing investment in energy has been creating innovation jobs in Ireland’s green economy. 

The Deposit Re-turn Scheme. It’s a resounding success. There has been a marked reduction in litter and an unexpected financial boost for community groups, clubs and enterprising individuals who have realised that discarded cans and bottles can be collected and money made.Is the deposit return scheme a success or headache for people? Our reporter Josh Crosbie reports for us.

President Donald Trump has just completed perhaps the most consequential meeting of his Asia tour, a conference with Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping.  Joining Pat with more on this meeting was Professor and Political Analyst from the Clinton Institute, at University College Dublin, Scott Lucas. 

Ireland take on New Zealand this weekend at Soldier Field in Chicago, a city famous for its close association with Ireland and Irish immigration. One of Chicago’s most storied sporting institutions is the White Sox baseball team, founded by Charles Comiskey, the son of an Irish immigrant. But Comiskey’s legacy in baseball is complicated, and he receives at least partial blame for one of the dirtiest scandals in the sport’s history. Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can tell us more:

Former Irish International soccer and rugby player Jackie McCarthy O’Brien’s new memoir ‘We Made It Kid’ is out now.  The book follows Jackie’s journey from the Mount Saint Vincent Industrial school, to growing up mixed race in 1960s and 70s Limerick, to coming out as gay, to representing her country on the pitch in both soccer and rugby. Jackie joined Pat on the show.

Earlier this month, a woman from west London was fined £150 for pouring the dregs of her morning coffee down a street drain! So in this weeks sustainability slot Jo Linehan shares the best way to manage liquids at home, the do’s and don’t of disposal.

A new garda station at Citywest is being considered following the recent riots and violence that’s been happening there. We get the latest on this story with Conor Gallagher – Crime and Security Correspondent of The Irish Times.

Cheryl Fergison Eastenders actress and singer joined Pat in studio this morning to chat about her new memoir ‘Behind The Scenes’. Also we hear about her role in the new social drama series the ‘Centra Deli Drama’.

The Government has spent almost €450,000 on enticing builders back home to Ireland from working in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. But is it worth coming back for? And is it financially feasible for them?Pat discusses this issue further with Peter Flynn, Pete the Builder, Orla Hegarty, Architect & Assistant Professor at UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy and also Sean Downey, Director of Education, Skills, Training, Construction Industry Federation.

Elizabeth Day's new book ‘One of Us’, a sequel to her bestseller ‘The Party’, is a “compulsive story of betrayal, old bonds and buried scandals”. It follows “one British establishment family comes face to face with the consequences of privilege, and the true cost of power.”Elizabeth joined Pat in studio this morning.

The threat of toxic masculinity and the manosphere is really concerning especially when you see research showing how more than a third of young men who watch masculinity influencers, act on their advice.  But what actually is it?  What are the impacts that come with it? And how do we overcome it?  To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Richard Hogan, Author, Family Therapist and Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Dylan Hand, Newstalk Reporter.

Few films have left as indelible a mark on the horror genre as The Exorcist. Released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, it remains one of the most terrifying cinematic experiences ever created. Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, which itself was inspired by a real-life exorcism of a 13-year-old boy in Maryland, the film shocked audiences with its visceral depiction of demonic possession and spiritual warfare. But what happened behind the scenes was arguably even more chilling. Lisa Cannon tells us all about this Halloween horror.

The clocks have gone back and we are back to commuting in darkness. Add in poor weather and  unsurprisingly this makes roads more dangerous especially for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users. Pat discusses this and more with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant.

From pumpkin patches, to haunted houses, Samhain celebrations and puca parades. There's more to do this Halloween than ever before. But just what does the spooky season mean in 2025? Is commercial creepiness, or a Celtic comeback on the cards? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza following Israeli strikes last night. Is the Gaza ceasefire at risk? Pat discussed this and more with Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University.

This week on the Green Scene how coral reefs have reached a tipping point, and new research on how burying wood could be an unexpected low-tech solution to capture carbon. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak.  

In August, Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was moved from a Florida prison to a minimum security facility in Texas. So how might this have come about and what is life like inside the facility in Bryan, Texas where Maxwell is now held? All to discuss with Sam Mangel, Federal Prison Consultant.