The Pat Kenny Show

Task is an American crime drama television miniseries created and written by Brad Ingelsby for HBO starring Mark Gruffalo. John Fardy gives us his take o the series.

In the late 1950s the greatest all-round athlete on the planet was a college kid called Dave Sime, from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. After high school he knocked back a $65,000 offer to join Major League Baseball’s New York Giants so he could go to Duke, where he played centre field and led the league’s batting averages. While he was there he took up track and field, and set world records over 100 yards, 220 yards and the low hurdles. Cameron Hill from Off The Ball tell us all about Dave Sime.

The rabbit-hole of wellness conspiracy theories of harmless hacks that quickly became dangerous in this week's disinformation slot.  All to discuss with David Robert Grimes.

70 per cent of young adults want to learn a trade, but almost half have not had the opportunity to learn one in school.  That’s according to new research from Chadwick's which looked at views on careers in construction. Shauna Doyle went from beautician to tarmac contractor and is involved in this initiative helping to spread the message that it’s open for everyone. 

On Wednesday, Poland shot down suspected Russian drones in its airspace with the backing of aircraft from its NATO allies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says “we are the closest we have been to open conflict since World War 2”. Pat discusses this in details with Kira Rudik, Ukrainian MP and Leader of Holos Party and Duncan Bullivant, CEO, Henderson Group .

AI- generated beer and the first AI- enabled drug reaches a clinical milestone. Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College  Luke O’Neill has all the latest science next.

This week marks palliative care week. highlighting the importance of being able to care for loved ones at home. Three out of four people say they’d like to die at home, yet only about one in four do. Most still die in hospital. One person who can speak to that in a very real way is Damien Bradley, a HSE paramedic from Donegal who cared for his mam at home in her final weeks. he used a palliative care app developed in Galway by symphysis medical to help manage her care. Pat was also joined by Tim Jones, CEO of Galway medtech start-up SymPhysis Medical.

Tidy Towns used to be all about hanging baskets and the generous use of round up, but nowadays a town is more likely to win for their circular economy strategies than their perfectly manicured lawns.  So, just how has the countrywide competition developed, and who are the runners and riders for this years top prize? Our reporter Sarah Madden found out.

Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah Valley University and, manhunt is underway following the arrest of two people who have since been released with police saying the had "no current ties" to the shooting.We get reaction to the killing of American political activist Charlie Kirk with Greg Swenson, Chair of the Republicans Overseas UK.

Office of the Ombudsman marks 40 years in service handling complaints against public bodies. Ombudsman Ger Deering takes us through some of the cases in the office’s history.

We have the 10 things to know about the new BMW and China’s Changan enters the UK to take on Tesla. All to discuss with Geraldine Herbert Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent.

A film that broke every rule, confused the critics, and made John Travolta cool again. Pulp Fiction didn’t just hit cinemas — it detonated like dynamite, rewriting the language of modern film. It was violent, it was funny, it was shocking, and it was… cool.? It was made for peanuts and almost didn’t get made at all.”Lisa Cannon tells us all about Pulp Fiction.

Economist David McWilliams has warned that advertisements on social media platforms for “get rich quick schemes” centred around crypto currency investments featuring him are not real.  David spoke to Pat this morning about these fake investments and their impact.

British Ambassador Paul Johnston will retire from the UK Civil Service next week after 35 years in the Foreign Office. In his final broadcast interview he takes us through his work here and across the other countries he has served.

A new study shows how orangutans in Indonesia learn how to build their nests by closely watching their peers. Also scientists have discovered that a common type of ant breaks the rules of biology. Ant queens of one species can produce male offspring of a whole other species to breed armies of hybrids. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland in this week's Green Scene.All with thanks to Repak.

Danny McConnell, Editor of the Business Post brings us the latest on the presidential race.

Israel strikes Hamas in Qatar while Poland defends itself from Russian attacks. We get reaction with Asher Freedman Former Israeli Strategic Affairs Official & Executive Director of the Misgav Institute for National Security and also Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

14 would be presidential candidates pitched themselves to Kerry County Council yesterday and Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin battle it out for the Fianna Fáil nomination later today.Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent for Newstalk and Host of the 'Let Me Explain' Podcast joined Pat to bring us the latest on the Presidential race.

For the fourth consecutive month, work on the countries' housing projects has declined. According to AIB’s latest construction purchasing managers index, construction activity fell to 45.9 in August, which is quite below the key breakeven level of 50. It comes as housing targets will be missed for every year of government, according to officials from the Department of Housing.Pat Kenny was joined by Conor O’Connell, Director of Housing and Planning, Construction Industry Federation (CIF) to discuss.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent and Presenter of Tech Talk joined Pat Kenny with the latest on all things tech and answered listeners questions.

Hundreds of Chinese millionaires have been approved for Irish “golden visas” since the scheme was shut two years ago, after applications in train at the time of closure were kept open despite concern about weak controls. Arthur Beesley is current affairs editor of the Irish Times and joined Pat with the story.

Israel’s defence minister warns Gaza city about the subject of “mighty hurricane”. Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Angela Rayner last week resigned as deputy leader of the UK Labour party along with her government positions following revelations that she underpaid stamp duty. The race to succeed her as deputy leader is now underway. George Parker, Political Editor, Financial Times joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Most famously known for her debut novel ‘P.S I love you’. ‘Paper Hearts’ is set in rural Ballybeg in County Wicklow. The main character Pip feels like she’ll never be able to reach her dreams again when she becomes pregnant at sixteen during a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable. After years of shame and neglect, her world opens up again, but first, there are a few major plot twists that she has to get through first to find her happy ending. Author Cecila Ahern joined Pat on the show to discuss her latest novel.

School principals have to face budgeting decisions every school year… but what if you were faced with the decision between free school meals or two new teachers, which would you choose?Well, that is one decision that has been taken out of the hands of Robert White, principal of Scoil Íde Naofa in Kildare, who has lost a teacher in this year’s allocation — a teacher he says he would prioritise over the allocation of free school meals in his school.Robert White, Principal, Scoil Íde Naofa, Kildare joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.

Ireland is one of the fastest-growing ageing countries in Europe but new research highlights how we lack in social and health care needs for older people. That’s according to TILDA, the Irish longitudinal study on ageing which found that many older adults remain undiagnosed for conditions and depression is nearly not reported at all but loneliness levels have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels.  Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA joined Pat Kenny on the show to tell us more about the report. 

Why are there so many foxes running wild in our urban areas and what should we do when we see them? Dr Colin Lawton from the University of Galway joined Pat on the show to discuss how foxes are getting more and more comfortable in our towns and cities. 

Traditionally, vision correction surgery has been seen as a permanent change, you do LASIK, PRK, or lens replacement, and that’s your new visual baseline. But more and more, people want to know they have an “exit strategy” if they’re not happy with the outcome. It’s not that they expect to be unhappy, in fact, outcomes are excellent, but the idea that there’s a safety net makes them more comfortable moving forward. Our expert today was Dr Arthur Cummings, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon and Medical Director at the Wellington Eye Clinic.

Well, it didn’t take long for autumn to be in the air. Though summer is behind us, the changing season throws up some great travel opportunities too. Pól Ó Conghaile, Irish Independent travel editor, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

US President Donald Trump has said he hopes to get the war in Ukraine solved as European leaders come to meet him today and tomorrow. It comes after the largest aerial bombardment of Ukraine over the weekend. Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News WSHU Public Radio brings us the latest along with a look at a threat of “war” on Chicago and a Senator having an oversight visit cancelled. 

Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss trust and group dynamics in light of Traitors.

Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times, joined Pat to discuss Presidential hopefuls asking for parties not to block their route to entering the election via the local authorities and the continued threats to Simon Harris.

It was eight years ago since the EU and Canada signed a comprehensive economic trade agreement, otherwise known as CETA, however Ireland is yet to ratify this agreement. In a time when Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to bring uncertainty and upheaval to the global economy, resulting in countries seeking trade outside of the US. Tánaiste Simon Harris has secured cabinet approval for the drafting of legislation which will allow for the ratification of the CETA. Dennis King, Canadian ambassador to Ireland, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Have you ever heard of a biobank? Well, this morning, we find out exactly what a biobank is and why they form such an important part of disease research. Biobank Ireland is a trust dedicated to expanding a network of biobanks across Ireland with a specific focus on cancer research.  Professor Seán Hynes, Professor in Pathology and Consultant Histopathologist at University Hospital Galway joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.

Rory McIlroy wins his second Amgen Irish Open and Ireland fought back to claim a draw with Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers. Cathal Muulaney, Broadcaster with Off the Ball, joined Pat Kenny to look back at the weekend in sport.

Today is the first day back at university for many students across the country. But many will have, and continue, to struggle to find accommodation for the year ahead and questions remain over what college fees will be set as in this year’s budget.James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Chef of The Anantara Marker Hotel  Gareth Mullins talks through seasonal soups and Guinness bread for you to try this weekend.

Our Friday Forum look back on the news stories of the week. Joining Pat this morning was Robert Troy TD, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Fianna Fáil, Longford-Westmeath, Eoin Ó Broin TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Sinn Féin, Dublin Mid-West and also Dr Jennifer Kavanagh, Law Lecturer, South East Technological University.

President Trump is seeking a Nobel Peace Prize and he orders the Defence Department to be renamed the Department of War. To discuss this and more Pat spoke to Larry Donnelly Larry Donnelly Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The journal.

Israeli forces are intensifying their attacks on the outskirts of Gaza city. It is estimated 370 Palestinians deaths from starvation in Gaza since the start of Israel's war in October 2023, including 131 children. We get the latest on the situation there with UNICEF spokesperson in Gaza Tess Ingram.

The latest figures from the CSO show consumers are paying five percent more on their groceries now than this time last year. Our reporter, Josh Crosbie has been following our food from farm to fork to examine the different costs, that are adding to these prices. 

Shane Lowry had a strong first day for at the Irish Open as he leads the home challenge after the opening round of the at the K Club. Its also big weekend for Ireland as the women’s rugby team take on New Zealand in the rugby world cup.  Irish football fans will descend upon the Aviva Stadium as the Republic of Ireland team will begin its world cup campaign as they face off Hungary this weekend.All the weekend sport with Shane Hannon from Off The Ball.

As caretakers and secretaries across the country continue to strike, schools are struggling to deal with the fallout. The indefinite strike is resulting in piles of rubbish on school grounds and has reached a tipping point for one school in Dublin. St Joseph's in Fairview has warned that it may have to shut its doors come Monday over fears of rat infestation along with a number of health and safety issues.Pat spoke to Principal at St Joesph’s Fairview Alexandra Duane.

The first trailer has been released for Saipan, a new film exploring the explosive fallout between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy during Ireland's 2002 World Cup preparations. Éanna Hardwicke stars as Keane, with Steve Coogan taking on the role of McCarthy in the drama, which captures one of the most talked-about moments in Irish sporting history. Presenter of Screentime has seen the movie and tells us all about it. 

It's been over seven years since the education act was written into law requiring all schools to publish an admission policy. The law was implemented to prevent discrimination in admission which includes removing religion as a selection criterion for most schools. However, there are growing concerns that some schools are still trying to seek such data from families before their child is enrolled.   Pat heard from David Graham, Communications Officer at Education Equality.

Minister for Arts, Culture and Sports Patrick O’Donovan has accused hotels of “robbing people up to their eyeballs” especially around the times of major events, saying that dynamic pricing is unacceptable. He also issued a warning that hotel bosses need to be “very careful” before the budget ahead of planned VAT reduction for the sector, but does not include hotel beds.We get reaction to his comments with Michael Magner, National President Irish Hotels Federation and Owner of Cork Vienna Woods Hotel.

It’s Day One of the Irish Open at The K Club, with Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Padraig Harrington and Brooks Koepka among the stars teeing off on the Straffan course. But with the Ryder Cup on the horizon, memories of the late great Seve Ballesteros come flooding back for golf fans of a certain vintage. But Ireland had a special place in El Niño’s heart. Cameron Hill from Off The Ball can tell us more.’

“Daddy, is Maradona in Heaven?” This is what 7-year-old Michael Horgan asked his father Conor one night about life after death one night.  Michael unfortunately passed away from cancer in October 2023. Since then, his father Conor has published a book, called Is Maradona in Heaven?, which documents Michael’s cancer battle, and the final days of adventure Conor and his wife Anne provided for Michael.  Conor joined Pat in studio to talk about Michael and the new book.

French actor Gerard Depardieu will stand trial for the alleged rape of fellow actor Charlotte Arnould in 2018. The movie star has been under investigation for this case since 2020, but is facing over 20 public allegations of assault and misconduct, all of which he has denied. We get the latest on this with Elaine Cobb, Paris based journalist.

Anna Wintour has ended weeks of industry speculation by naming Chloe Malle as her successor as the new editor of Vogue. Just who is Chloe Malle? To tell us more was Gina London Sunday Independent columnist and former CNN Correspondent.