The Pat Kenny Show

Just over 6,000 housing commencement notices were issued by builders in the first six months of the year. That is less than half of the notices issued in the last comparable year, 2023. Director of Housing, Planning and Development at the Irish Homeowners Association Conor O’Connell explains why that may be.

Donal Trump receives a health diagnosis, threatens to sue the Wall Street Journal, and caves on the release of Epstein files. All to discuss with Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD.

Emmy winner Rosie O'Donnell joined Pat in studio to chat about her new life in Ireland, and her new stand-up show which will debut in 3olympia Theatre.

Catherine Wrightstone was just 13 years old when she disclosed that her brother Richard was sexually abusing her. While Catherine believed she was a lone victim it was later revealed that her two other sisters Paula and Yvonne also suffered abuse at the hands of their brother.  Now over 40 years later, justice prevailed for the three sisters as their brother Richard Brennan was jailed for 8 years earlier this week. Catherine and Paula spoke to Pat this morning.  

Author and documentary-maker, Manchán Magan, is starring in the two-episode documentary Listen to the Land Speak. This progamme sees Manchán Magan reveal the profound knowledge and wisdom contained in our landscape and myths and explore how they have shaped the way we look at the world. The first episode is set to air today on RTÉ One. Manchán joins us on the show today to discuss the award-winning programme, which just won the Best Cinematography in an Irish Film award at the Galway Film Fleadh over the weekend.

One year on from its €1.4bn cleanup for the Olympic Games, Paris’ River Seine has reopened for swimming at three sites across the city. But what is it actually like to take a dip in the river? Catherine Porter of the New York Times took a swim to find out. 

In the morning of the 28th of October 1996, Michael Gallagher and Mary Attenborough were awoken by armed police in their London home. Michael was arrested, and later charged and convicted, for conspiring to cause explosions in connection with the Heathrow mortar attacks of 1994. Mary held the belief he was innocent? But was that true? Mary and Michael tell Pat the story. 

With the All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Tipperary this weekend, now is as good a time as any to explore the rich sporting histories of both counties. It’s well-known that Cork has produced a number of iconic names in football: Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, and now, Caoimhín Kelleher. But what about the Tipp man who is believed to have helped found one of the most famous football clubs in the world? Cameron Hill from Off The Ball tells us about him.

US President Donald Trump continues to deflect questions on the Epstein files, but as he feels the pressure from his own party and supporters. We get the latest on all the news stateside with Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News, WSHU Public Radio.

Ireland is facing a ‘perfect storm’ when it comes to cocaine according to new research. The drug’s wide availability and affordability is contributing to this storm which has led to an increase in hospitalisations and overdoses. Speaking to Pat to discuss was Dr Garrett McGovern, Addiction Specialist and Medical Director, Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum.  

As the number of fines issued to motorists for unlawfully using bus lanes increased by 34% in the capital last year. Are motorists taking the law seriously when it comes to driving in bus lanes? Is more enforcement needed and do we need more or less bus lanes to help tackle the problem and efficiency of bus services in Dublin? Joining Pat to discuss further was Gwen Morgan, Director of Service Operations at Dublin Bus

Fungi gave us penicillin, a hugely beneficial antibiotic that has saved millions of lives. Cholesterol lowering statins had their origins in fungi, as did the immunosuppressant cyclosporin used in transplantation. These results show that many more medicines derived from fungi remain to be found. All to discuss with Professor Luke O’Neill Professor of Immunology at Trinity College Dublin.

Jo Linehan, editor of the climate supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland joined Pat this morning to give some tips and advice on sustainable pet solutions.

Newstalk's political correspondent Sean Defoe is handing out his Dáil star awards as politicians get ready for their summer holidays. From the newcomer of the year to the biggest political cowardice moment, Sean has all the prizes. 

Irish cyclist, Ben Healy is wearing the yellow jersey in today’s stage of the Tour de France. Declan Quigley, Cycling Commentator with Europsort joins us for a review on what we can expect later today. 

Minister of Defense, Israel Katz has begun drawing up operative plans for the construction of the ‘humanitarian city’ on the ruins of southern Gaza. This will initially house 600,000 people and eventually the entire Palestinian population.We discuss all this with Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at The London School of Economics and Political Science. Also speaking to Pat was Paul Kearns, Dublin born journalist living in Tel Aviv. 

Central Park was designed to be an integral part of the city. To understand how Central Park came to be, we need to know the history of Manhattan and of New York City. New York, originally settled by the Dutch and called New Amsterdam, was chosen because of its excellent location.To tell us all about the history of Central Park was award winning garden designer Diarmuid Gavin.All with thanks to Tirlán

As An Coimisiún Pleanála continues to debate a decision on night time flight restrictions at Dublin Airport, local residents are continuing to voice their concerns about any potential changes to night time flight restrictions. Those potential issues, they say, would only worsen the current situation with overflights during daytime hours. David Walton Spokesperson on Aircraft Noise Pollution, Ballyboughal Community Council spoke to Pat.

On this week’s slot of Inside Hollywood, we are looking at Directors sharing their experience on what it is like to work with legendary actors. From Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks and Greta Gerwig and Meryl Streep. We take a look at the greats with Lisa Cannon TV Host and Head of Studio at DMG Media.

Rowena Quinn, Managing Partner of Hunters Estate Agents joined Pat to discuss the many mistakes can be made when selling a house. Such as overpricing the property, poor presentation and inflexible viewings. 

An Post is facing an alarming financial situation as its cash reserves have dropped below €1 million for the first time.  Despite its financial decline, there is expected to be no bailout for the postal network.  Minister of State and Independent TD, Michael Healy Rae, who is also a postmaster, is advocating for more funding for the postal service and spoke to Pat this morning along with Craig Hughes, Political Editor, Irish Daily Mail.

In the Green Scene this week, new discoveries that fig trees are converting carbon dioxide (and parts of themselves) to stone, and contagious yawning in fish. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Frank Greaney is in pre-production of the fourth season of his true crime podcast, Inside the Crime. In the previous season, Frank told the story of the unsolved murder of Una Lynskey, a 19-year-old girl in County Meath, 1971. Now, Frank is appealing to the public to help find his next cold case, to shine a light on another victim overlooked by traditional media and help bring justice to them and their loved ones.

The Government is expected to defer the implementation of health warning labels on alcohol products until 2029. Alcohol Action Ireland urgers the Government to resist calls to delay health labelling on alcohol products. For more on this Pat spoke to Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.

Now summer is often the time when many of us decide to tackle the chores we forgot during the year. Rather than reaching for supermarket cleaning product, it might be worth checking your cupboard! Vinegar and baking soda are just some the most effective cleaning agents you can use. Laura de Barra, Author of the Gaff Goddess tell us all.

Five EU states to test age verification app to protect children. Also Elon Musk's Grok signs $200m deal with Pentagon days after antisemitism row k, as part of a wider rollout of AI tools for government use, the Department of Defence confirmed. All to discuss in our tech slot with Jess Kelly,

The €44 million redevelopment of Dublin’s Northside Historic Victorian fruit and vegetable market is underway. The two-year project will bring new life to the 127-year-old market on Mary’s Lane, restoring the site and adding new structures to accommodate around 80 stalls, a restaurant, a food demonstration. We get the details from Olivia Kelly Dublin Editor of the Irish Time

Fox News rages that the new Superman film has ‘pro-immigrant themes’. Jumping on board the latest MAGA outrage, Fox News took aim at director James Gunn. To discuss further Pat was joined in the show by Lorcan Nyhan, Head of training at the Communications Clinic and Sunday Independent Columnist.

With the announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump to send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, we are left asking what happens next. According to a report by the UN, June was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians in nearly three years of the Russo-Ukranian war, with 232 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries. With no end in sight, Ukrainian officials have urged allies for support to defend themselves from Russian attack. We are joined by Emmanuelle Chaze, a French journalist living and reporting in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine to discuss this.

Officials have stopped finalizing arrangements for an excess water use charge amid furore over the proposal. The Department of Housing said on Monday it was working out the last details of the household water conservation charge. We ask should we be paying for excess water use? All to discuss with Dr Jenny Lawler Assistant Professor in Bioprocess Engineering, DCU Water Institute and also Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD.

An Tánaiste Simon Harris will this morning warn the cabinet that if 30% tariffs with the US materialise, job losses would accelerate here at a faster rate than expected. An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris spoke to Pat to discuss and we got more analysis from John O’Loughlin of PWC.

Mortgage approval figures have reached a new high as new mortgage lenders are disrupting the market by offering loans to borrowers who would usually be rejected by banks.  Pat was joined on the show by The Chief Executive of Broker Doddl.ie, Martina Hennessy.

Oasis Brothers reunion reminds us all of sibling fallouts and how tense they are for everyone around those siblings. Stephanie Regan shares why siblings fall out, the emotional impact on Family, the ways to repair the relationship. Finally how how others can support. 

There are growing concerns that the United States could remove financial backing from the UNIFIL mission in Lebanon this august. The Irish government are in talks with us officials to dissuade them from withdrawing their funding. Pat discusses this further with Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst.   

Solicitor Keith Walsh joins us live in the studio for our Monday Ask the Expert. Keith specializes in family law and will be answering listeners' questions about divorce, civil separation and domestic disputes. He also teases out “big-money” divorce and why it made headlines last week.

Donald Trump announces plans to sell military defence weapons to Ukraine.He has not specified the type of weapons or the amount, but he did warn the EU that they will cover the cost. We get the latest on this and more with Scott Lucas Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

Travel with Pol Ó Conghaile Irish Independent Travel Editor tells us about the delights of Madeira and the new route from Shannon.All with thanks to Ryanair.

At the peak of the Irish missionary movement, in the 1960s, over 6,000 Irish Catholic missionaries were dispersed over 80 countries. Today, there are only about 450 Irish missionaries still scattered around the world and by the end of this decade, that number is likely to fall below 200.A new two part series on RTE called The Last Irish Missionaries with former RTE Presenter Bryan Dobson and Dearbhail MacDonald explore the history of Ireland's missions. Bryan and Fr Shay Cullen, founder the PREDA Foundation joined Pat on the show.

Today, approximately 25,000 French people living in Ireland will be celebrating Bastille Day. We are joined live in the studio by the French Ambassador to Ireland, Céline Place, to discuss the holiday and relationship between both countries. We will also discuss Franco-Irish relations, French defence and migration policies, and much more

Over the next three months we will hear pitches from candidates as to why they believe they should be the next Uachtaráin na hÉireann.  But when it comes to those pitches…what can a President of Ireland actually achieve? What are their powers? PhD candidate at the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University Seán Rainford and , Law Lecturer, South East Technological University Dr Jennifer Kavanagh explained to Pat this morning.

EU ministers are to debate the bloc's approach to trade talks with the United States.  With Brussels scrambling to head off 30% tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. Pat discusses this and more with  Nora Strecker, Associate Professor of Economics at UCD and also Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euro News.

As the government is expected to launch a new tax on vapes, will this actually lead to a decline in usage? There have been a number of measures introduced to help curb the number of people using vapes. Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden finds out if these measures really do act as a deterrent or are they simply ignored.

The government has spent 20 bn on walking and cycling projects since 2020. However, many people are still reluctant to cycle around the city.  Melanie Finn of the Irish Independent is one of those people and explained why to Pat this morning.

Joining Ivan for the Friday Forum today was Robert Troy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Fianna Fáil, Longford-Westmeath. Gary Gannon TD, Spokesperson for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Social Democrats, Dublin Central. Also on the panel was Jane Matthews, Political Correspondent, at the Journal. 

Gareth Mullins talks through barbequed beef burgers with crispy bacon, cheese, egg and tomato relish  and bbq chicken and pepper kebab, flat breads, garlic mayo and tomato salad.  

All this week we have been looking at how young people in Ireland socialise in 2025. With more people reducing their alcohol consumption and the cost of going out gen z are changing the way they socialise. But how is this impacting the nighttime industry in Ireland?  We discuss with Nialler9, DJ and Donal O’Keefe, CEO of Vinters Association.

As temperatures are set to hit the late 20s today, does the workplace need a maximum temperature limit? All to discuss with Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise. 

A new documentary airing this week This is Open Country, coming to Sky Sports Golf and NOW. Ahead of the Open arriving into Portrush next week, this one-hour special feature examines just how golfers from the island of Ireland have proved to be undeniably successful at this great tournament.  For the first time within one film, we hear from Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington and Darren Clarke, to understand what transformed these four men from young boys on the golf course to Major success. Ivan spoke to its Director Ross Whitaker.

Parades will take place across Northern Ireland this weekend to mark the 12th July. However, there has been significant controversy around some of the bonfires set up in advance of the parades. Amanda Ferguson brings us the latest with reaction from SDLP Leader Claire Hanna.

Djokovic and Jannik go head-to-head in the Wimbledon Semifinals this afternoon and the All-Ireland Football semifinals take place.  Shane Hannon looks a head to the weekend of sport.