The Pat Kenny Show

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.

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.

“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.

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.’

From a long list of celebrities to those with Irish ancestry, the Irish passport is a highly coveted document. But why is it such a popular passport and what is the process to obtain one? To chat further about this Pat was joined by Carol Sinnott, Principal, Sinnott Solicitors and member of the Irish Immigration Lawyers Association and Eoghan Corry Editor of TravelExtra Magazine.

Countdown to the presidential race is on as people will head to the polls to decide on the 24th of October.  With parties officially declaring their candidate, the pathway for an independent is limited. Bob Geldof, Conor McGregor, Maria Steen and Joanna Donnelly are just some of those independent names hoping to get on the ballot come October.  Pat discusses all with Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and Host of the Let Me Explain Podcast.

Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates among high-income countries, influenced by social, cultural, and systemic factors. Around 60% breast feed early on but this drops to around 40% within 3 months and plummets to less than 10% at 6 months.  How breast feeding provides significant benefits to the baby’s immune system. All to discuss with Professor Luke O Neill , Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College.   

How can you ensure what you put on your plate is not unprocessed food while also keeping it quick and cheap?Health Food Advocate, Food Entrepreneur and Author Sophie Morris tells us all in her book 'Sophie Swaps'.

Today marks the third day of a Garda investigation into missing boy in Donabate. Gardaí are continuing to search for the remains of the child. Minister for Children Norma Foley has now asked Tulsa to conduct well-being checks on cases closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. For the latest on this Pat spoke to Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times.

High in the Andes the mountains rise in sheer ridges, their flanks cut with cliffs and ravines, their summits capped with snow.  To the casual eye they seem forbidding, a landscape of rock and cloud where little could grow. Yet if you follow the river valleys upward into the Sacred Valley of the Incas you begin to see an extraordinary sight. The Inca Gardens of Ancient Peru. To tell us the story of the wonderful sight is Diarmuid Gavin, award winning garden designer.

Intensive Care is the memoir of Dr. Suzanne Crowe, a Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care. Suzanne has spent years caring for children in dire circumstances. Her compassion for them and their parents has grown from the loss of her own daughter, Beatrice.   Suzanne joined Pat this morning to chat about her work and memoir.

You Will Die in Prison, is the new documentary featuring Bernard Phelan, an Irish/French citizen who was wrongfully taken hostage in Mashhad, Iran, in October 2022.   Also his book 'You Will Die In Prison' is being rereleased this week with and documentary of the same title is on RTÉ One tonight.

This week on Inside Hollywood, audiences have been treated to their first look of the trailer for Hamnet. The Chloé Zhao adaptation is based on Maggie O'Farrell's brilliant novel, which is centred around a tragic moment in Shakespeare’s life. We look back at some of the best films that put Shakespeare on screen with Dee Reddy, Podcaster and Pop Culture Journalist.

Searches are continuing this morning at a site in Donabate for a young boy who has been missing from Dublin for up to four years. . Emily Keegan is at the site of the search and gave us this update.

The cost of Dublin city residential parking permits could rise more than threefold to €225. Also today marks the day that children between the age of 5-8 can now go for free on public transport. All this and more to discuss with Conor Faughnan Transport Consultant.

Scientists have uncovered how microbes influence the flavour of chocolate, paving the way for new and novelty flavours in future. Also we hear how sharks, the ocean’s top predators, may lose both their bite and their sleek armour as seas grow more acidic. All to chat with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland  All with thanks to Repak.

Robot wolves", laser weapons, nuclear ballistic missiles and giant water drones are just some of the weapons presented at Chinese military parade. This parade marks 80 years since China's victory over Japan in World War Two.Pat discusses this further with Sean Bell, Former fighter pilot, military analyst, and co-host of the red matrix podcast. 

The European commission will adopt a proposal to ratify the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement. The Irish government is opposed to the agreement and will not support it unless there are assurances to protect Irish farmers and food standards.  The IFA said the deal could 'decimate' the Irish beef and poultry sector.  Pat discusses this further with Francie Gorman the IFA President and Jack Power, Europe Correspondent for The Irish Times.

 More than a quarter of primary school children and over a third of secondary school children have engaged with AI chatbots, according to figures published today in CyberSafeKids’ annual Trends and Usage Report. Pat discusses these findings with Jess along with a review of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

Who is Gavin Newsom and is he the new darling of the Democrats? To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Brett Bruen, President of the Global Situation Room and Former Director of Global Engagement at the White House during the Obama Administration.

As immigration is one of the biggest issues engulfing UK politics. The Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage is hellbent on stopping the small boats and illegal immigration entering the UK. We ask will this plan upset the Good Friday Agreement? All to discuss with Colum Eastwood, MP for Foyle and Former SDLP Leader.

Secretaries and caretakers continue to strike over public service pensions and other entitlements. Is there any resolution in sight? Pat discusses this and more with Andy Pike, Head of Education at FOSRA.

There are growing concerns as powers preventing electoral disinformation are unlikely to be implemented by the presidential election. Stephen McDermott, Editor of FactCheck with TheJournal.ie and also Ciaran O’Connor, Institute for Strategic Dialogue Senior Analyst.

Gardaí are investigating the disappearance of a child who they suspect is dead. The boy has not been seen for at least three years. This morning Gardaí are searching an area of open ground in Donabate. Our reporter Stephanie Rohan, Newstalk Reporteris at the scene. Also talking to Pat was Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Right Alliance.

There is growing demand for workplaces to offer employee assistance programmes. These programmes help tackle issues surrounding mental health and hence improve working environments.  But how do companies go about implementing these programmes, and how can employees open up about their mental health? All to discuss with Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise and Chairman of the mental heath charity Aware and Enda Murphy, Psychotherapist and author. 

‘High’ or ‘added’ protein foods are popping up everywhere from ice cream to pizza and even coffee. The nutrient’s newfound popularity has a lot to do with the fact that it helps our bodies repair and build up muscle. But could these new snacks come with hidden health risks? And are there other nutrients we should be paying more attention to? Pat discusses this and more with Ciara McNulty, Senior Dietitian at The Rotunda and owner of Happy Feet Run Club.

A flotilla of boats destined for Gaza carrying Greta Thunberg has departed from Barcelona. While the world's leading association of genocide scholars has declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. All to discuss with Paul Rogers is Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies at Bradford University.