The Pat Kenny Show

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.

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.

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.   

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.

Johnny Smacks and Johnny B, who together, of course, are The 2 Johnnies. They’ve just announced they’re return to St. Anne’s Park in Dublin for ‘Pints in a Field 4’ on Saturday the 6th of June 2026, with tickets going on sale tomorrow. Johnny and Johnny joined Pat in studio this morning

As President Trump signed a bill last night reopening the government, a tranche of documents released yesterday further implicated the president with the deceased sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein. Joining us to discuss is Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at University of Galway, and a columnist with the Journal.ie.

The Gardai have charged 29 people as part of a major clampdown on retail crime. Operation Táirge is a garda investigation into theft, handling stolen goods, criminal damage and assaults on shop staff in Dubin's north inner city. In the face of this  'Dublin Town' are switching on their Christmas Lights tonight across 24 streets. Henry McKean reports on shoplifting and what shops have to cope with. He sent us this report.   

What are the health conditions women need to look out for at every stage of life? Dr Caoimhe Hartley takes us through the conditions to be aware of and tells us about Blackrock Health’s new women’s health clinic.

New speed limits are set to be introduced across Dublin city in an attempt to make the city safer. The 30kmh speed limit currently applies in parts of the city centre in Dublin 1, Dublin 2, Marino in Dublin 3 and Irishtown and Ballsbridge in Dublin 4. But will this work across our capital city?All to discuss with Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of The Irish Times.

Cooking healthy, balanced meals everyday can take up a lot of time for people, especially when you’ve a busy schedule. But Clodagh McKenna's new cookbook, Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100 Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food, includes easy recipes with ingredients that you can find in your cupboard. From juices and teas, soups and breads to snacks and treats. 

A Garden from Ireland for the White House, a proposal for a symbolic gift from Ireland to the United States. It would celebrate the friendship between the two countries, their shared history. Diarmuid developed the idea while the US was enjoying the Obama administration, but President Joe Biden’s Irish heritage added an extra layer of possibility.Diarmuid told Pat all about this idea and journey.

Professor Nick Maynard has spent 15 years engaging in surgical volunteering in Gaza, including during the most recent conflict. Professor Maynard leading consultant Upper GI Surgeon based in Oxford, with more than 25 years of experience in his field. He is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Oxford University joins Pat this morning discuss his work in Gaza, and an upcoming fundraising talk for the Medical Aid for Palestinians Charity.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has privately vowed to fight any challenge to his leadership that may come after this month’s budget or next May’s local election. For more on this Pat was joined by Tim Bale, Professor of Politics, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London.

In 2019 a couple were found guilty of procuring female genital mutilation, otherwise known as FGM, sentenced to prison and their children removed from their care. Now, they are fighting to clear their name. First Conviction from RTÉ Documentary on One and RTÉ Investigates chronicles their quest for justice. Joining Pat in studio to discuss the details was Pamela Fraher, Reporter, RTÉ Investigates and also James McGuill, Solicitor.

As COP-30 takes place in Brazil, scientists there detail what happened in the heart of the Amazon Basin in 2023. We hear how lake temperatures surged past 40 °C. Also, researchers in Kansas have been researching what is know as the legacy effect in microbes. They found microbes in soil were able to remember past drought and share properties with new plants to make them better equipped to survive similar conditions. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland on this week's 'Green Scene'All with thanks to Repak.

With restrictions on vapes such as banning single use vapes, mandating that vapes be hidden in shops,  and restriction on flavoured vapes, are we doing enough, or too much, to tackle vaping? All to discuss with John Crown Consultant medical oncologist St Vincents Hospital Group, Professor of Translational Cancer Research DCU & UCD Professor.

There’s a whole graveyard of badly handled remakes and “reimagining’s” of beloved classics that just didn’t live up to their legacy. Some weren’t disasters exactly, but they lost the sparkle, magic, or wit that made the originals timeless.  All to chat about with Lisa Cannon, Head of Studio at DMG Media.

Catherine Connolly Inauguration, Party leadership criticised for focus on ‘parachuting in’ famous names .Fine Gael spin doctors got €1,000 ‘gifts’ for election campaign volunteer work .Housing plan aims to deliver 90,000 ‘starter homes’ over five years Government has pledged overall delivery of more than 300,000 new homes by end of 2030.All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent and Host of Let me Explain Podcast.

New car buyers are placing their 2026 orders now. Why does January matter so much, and is it worth buying new at all? All to chat with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant. 

Aviva are going to renew their sponsorship of the Aviva stadium by another five years. It will bring their sponsorship of the stadium to 20 years. We hear about the legacy 15 years of great sporting and cultural moments especially as the home of Irish Soccer and Rugby. The evolution into a world class sporting venue and what the future brings.All to discuss with Declan O’ Rourke, Aviva Insurance Ireland CEO.

On this week’s Tech Slot, Jess Kelly will review the brand new Google Pixel4 Watch and also answers listener's tech queries.All with thanks to Renault.

In 2020, 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson was murdered by her sister’s abusive partner. Yet it took 5 months of persistence from suspicious nurses, Katie’s concerned family and friends, and an investigative journalist for the PSNI to open an investigation into her death. Nicola Tallant discusses her new book on the murder of Katie Simpson with Pat on the show.

In 1974, then Assistant National Director for Simon Ireland, nurse Alice Leahy authored a comprehensive study entitled ‘Medical Care for the Vagrant in Ireland’ where she noted the gaps that separated medical staff from the socially deprived group, resulting in medical problems going untreated. This report led to the founding of ‘Trust’, now known as Alice Leahy Trust which is now marking its 50th Anniversary.All to chat with its founder Alice Leahy.

What can we do to protect our children from bullying? Does the rise of cyberbullying mean that children can never truly be safe? To mark Anti Bullying week this week. Pat was joined on the show by by Rena Maycock, the founder and CEO of Chirp, an anti-cyberbullying software, to discuss what we can do about bullying.

Catherine Connolly’s inauguration takes place today in Dublin Castle. Catherine Connolly will be Ireland’s tenth president, and the third woman to serve in the role, following her victory over Heather Humphreys in October.   Joining us live from Dublin Castle is Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent and host of the ‘Let me Explain’ Podcast, to give us a closer look. 

Dana Abu Koash, is the International Humanitarian Law coordinator with the Palestine Red Crescent Society, based in Ramallah, the West Bank. Dana is in Dublin for the Irish Red Cross, International Humanitarian Law Conference, ‘From Commitments to Action: Protecting Humanity in Crisis’ which took place on Thursday. Dana discusses the perspective of someone working on the ground in Palestine.

Over 150 motorists avoided penalty points last year by making a charity donation. This is according to figures from the Courts Service. That is despite a 2014 High Court ruling saying this approach is inappropriate and circumvents legislation. Pat discusses this further with Michael Murphy TD, Chair, Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tipperary South, Fine Gael and also Susan Gray, Founder and Chairperson, Parc Road Safety Group.