The Pat Kenny Show

The tears, the joy, the medals, the courage and the snow.In March, Team Ireland brought home pride as well as gold, silver and bronze. We bring you their story every step of the way, that’s the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, with Henry McKean.

On Monday, a former mistress of notorious Italian mafia boss, Matteo Messina Denaro, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting him after being implicated in a letter by another of his mistresses. The documentation reveals that one of his mistresses, Laura Bonafede, was intensely jealous of another, Floriana Calcagno. Italy Correspondent, The Telegraph Nick Squires tells us the story.

Chris tells a powerful tale of pulling yourself back from the brink, and escaping even the darkest moments. Chris found himself trapped in a spiral of drink and drugs that led to extreme paranoia and psychosis. Today Chris runs 5km (at least) every day, and he has done that for over 700 days in a row now. The road between these two points was winding, often rough, and ultimately inspiring. Chris told his story to Pat on the show this morning.

After being fired in disgrace, a hedge fund manager resorts to stealing from his neighbours' homes in the affluent Westmont Village, only to discover that the secrets hidden behind the wealthy facades might be more dangerous. John Fardy tell us all about this new Apple TV comedy 'Your Friends and Neighbours' staring Jon Haam and Oliva Munn. 

We look into the blue origins conspiracy theories and a take a deeper dive into how autism misinformation causes serious harm. All to discuss with David Robert Grimes Author and Disinformation Expert.  

Dublin is one step closer to finally getting a tourist tax, but what impact will it have on hotels across the city?  Pat discusses this with Janet Hornet, Green Party Councillor for Dublin City Council and also Eoghan Corry Editor of Air and Travel Magazine.   

The long awaited inquiry into the treatment of a young woman with severe disabilities has published its final report. The Farrelly Commission of investigation found insufficient evidence to support claims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse of this woman, known as Grace, during her time in foster care.  However it did find neglect of grace in relation to her personal and dental hygiene. The eight year investigation brings the issue of adult safeguarding into the spotlight once again.  Our reporter Jessica Woodlock has been looking into adult safeguarding in the wake of this case. 

Fuel prices are failing to fall at the pumps despite crude oil hitting a four year low following Donald Trump’s tariffs. We get more details on this with Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor, Irish Independent.

Fresh from his week long trade trip to the US, Minister for Agriculture Martin discusses the view of American businesses and politicians of Donald Trump’s now paused tariffs.

Jo Linehan brings us tips to have sustainable easter. We hear about sustainable chocolate, the waste that comes with easter. Also just how many eggs will be eaten this year. 

Judge throws out Christian Carter's attempts to use anti-stalking laws to gag journalist Amy Molloy. We get the latest on this with Shane Phelan, The Legal Affairs Editor, at the Irish Independent.

In the heart of Dublin’s bustling city centre lies St Stephen’s Green, a place of calm amid chaos, a patch of peace in a fast-moving metropolis. Known simply as “the Green” to Dubliners, it’s where students loll on sunny afternoons, office workers grab quiet lunch breaks, and tourists pause for breath amid their sightseeing. But behind its ornamental lake, elegant railings and leafy paths lies a fascinating and, at times, fiery history stretching back nearly a millennium. Diarmuid Gavin brings us the story of St Stephen's Green.All with thanks to Tirlán.

We get reaction to the surprising findings in the Grace Case report from Fergus Finlay, Former CEO of Barnados,

We hear how to get the best deal on your travel insurance, the details of what is and isn't covered and in what way and also how best to make a claim, be it for travel disruption, lost luggage or medical expenses. All to discuss with Jason Whelan, MD of Multitrip.com. 

We get an update on the health of Pope Francis and we also hear the story of Carlo Acutis the first millennial saint. Colm Flynn Vatican Correspondent for EWTN News joined us live from Rome.

With Black Mirror returning to our screens Dee Reddy takes a look at the best dystopian movies, from Clockwork Orange to Blade Runner and Idiocracy. 

Threatening to deport us residents to El Salvador, arresting people as they attend citizenship interviews, withdrawing funding for public broadcasting, expecting universities to report students who commit conduct violations All exactly what you’d expect of an authoritarian regime. But all those examples don’t come from Nazi Germany or victor Orbán’s Hungary, they come from Donald Trump’s America. Scott Lucas looks at the Trump administration’s increasing drift towards authoritarianism.

Monkeys choose babysitters based on who has more parenting experience. Young female black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys often want to hold other females’ infants, but mothers are much more permissive of experienced caregivers. A 97- year-old has become the oldest first-time mother with four babies, and potentially more on the way!The mother in question is an endangered Galápagos tortoise and her four hatchlings have become beacons of hope for the species.  All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society on this week's 'Green Scene'.All with thanks to Repak For Research Ireland 

Learning to drive in Ireland involves several stages, each with associated costs. The bottom line is that the realistic cost is about €1,500 if you are lucky enough to have access to a parent or spouse’s car. It is a burden on young people who have plenty of other economic challenges. But it is also an important life skill, worth investing in, and no-one can disagree that a new driver should receive proper training.Pat discusses this and more with Conor Faughnan, Transport commentator. 

Over the past two weeks, Ireland, along with the rest of the European Union, was hit with 20% tariffs by Donald Trump, and then had those same tariffs rescinded to the lower base level of 10% to allow for negotiations. That international turmoil came amidst a continuing row over Dáil speaking rights that was put to bed in a confidence vote in the Ceann Comhairle. So with quite a bit of unrest domestically and internationally, are calmer waters on the horizon? Or is this just the beginning? To discuss all was An Taoiseach Micheál Martin live in studio.

First there was HIIT training, then CrossFit and now there’s Hyrox. Hyrox has quickly become one of the latest fitness trend that is taking the world by storm. To tell us more about this fitness trend was John Belton, Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach.

The importance of wellbeing in the workplace has shifted significantly since the pandemic. That’s according to recent survey which found that more than two-thirds of Irish workers see hybrid or flexible work arrangements as essential to their health and wellbeing. Peter Cosgrove discusses if workplace wellbeing is essential for all companies now.

Managing Director at Alpha Wealth, joins an upcoming show to discuss the viral saving trend Zero-Based Budgeting and how it stacks up against traditional methods. Nick Charalambous, Financial Expert

Meta is announcing plans to train AI at Meta using public content shared by adults on Facebook and Instagram in the EU. Jess Kelly will explain how it will be used to improve their products.

Juliet, Erica and Maeve are the three separate protagonists of Anne Tiernan’s new novel. But as we learn throughout the book, they are not at all separate, but entirely intertwined. ‘The Good Mistress’ follows Anne’s first book, ‘The Last Days of Joy’ in which a personal experience found its way unexpectedly onto the opening pages. Anne Tiernan joined Pat in studio this morning.

Donald Trump once again has suggested that Ukraine started the war with Russia despite the opposite being true. The assertion comes just days after a Russian airstrike killed at least 34 people in Sumy. Pat discusses this and more with John O’Brennan, Professor of European Politics, Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration.

EU trade chief seeks joint effort with U.S. on fair tariff deal. Publication of the final report of an inquiry into the alleged abuse of an intellectually disabled young woman in a foster home setting is expected today. Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will update ministers on the new dedicated Infrastructure Division in his department and a taskforce that will support it. Also Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O'Brien will seek Government approval to publish the Climate Action Plan for 2025.All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent with Newstalk and host of the Let Me Explain podcast. 

According to CSO statistics the number of passengers flying from Dublin airport to Kerry airport has increased four-fold in the past number of years. With trains, buses and a road network available why are commuters and tourists alike choosing to fly over the other options? To discuss with Pat was Padraig Ó Céidigh, Former Senator and Founder of Aer Lingus Regional.

Now that the spring is here, all those renovations you were waited for summer can start now! So whether its fixing the pavement in your garden or cleaning the gutters.Our expert today with loads of tips and advice is Pete The Builder.All with thanks to Hidden Hearing.

After a long eleven year wait, Rory McIlroy finally claimed Masters glory last night to complete the career grand slam. Henry McKean spoke to friends and kids at Holywood Golf Club in Co Down.

The development of artificial intelligence has come fast and has revolution computing.  But with the pressure and demand for ai from developers the need to build and expand data infrastructure is being felt worldwide.  In an effort to solve these problems scientists are considering placing data centers in space ! To explain more Pat was joined in studio by Space Commentator Leo Enright.

Russian military strikes on the city of Sumy in Ukraine, killing over 30 civilians. Trump warns that China isn’t ‘getting off the hook’ when it comes to tariffs following his exemption of smartphones from the increase. All to discuss with Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News, WSHU Public Radio.

Ten years after being fully acquitted of the murder of her housemate Meredith Kercher. Amanda Knox discusses the journey of rebuilding her life amid intense global scrutiny.

Life on the ground in Gaza this year has been split into two parts that during a ceasefire and that after war resumed once more. After the initial reprieve, Gazans are once more running short of food and critical supplies. We hear from John Whyte, Deputy Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, who has just returned from the enclave.

He has done it. he has the green jacket Rory McIlroy is the Master's champion. His win came last night after beating Justin rose in a nail-biting sudden-death play-off in Augusta. We get reaction to this huge moment for Rory with Padraig Harrington, Irish Golf Legend and our own Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off The Ball.

The temporary closure of the nightlife industry during covid may have broken the habit for those in their 20s who were new to the clubbing scene. With some businesses closing for good, what other way is Gen Z socialising?  Bella Finn from the Newsroom has this report.

Ireland will today become a member of a European Naval Intelligence Sharing Network known as the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE). It has 11 other members and will allow the sharing of information of vessels travelling through our waters. Former Member of the Defence Forces Cathal Berry joined Pat to discuss further.

We take a look back on the stories of the week on our Friday Forum. Joining Pat on the show this morning was Malcom Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow/Wexford, Rose Conway-Walsh Sinn Féin TD for Mayo. Also on the forum this morning was Jennifer Bray, Political Editor, The Sunday Times Ireland and Dr Emma Howard, Lecturer in Economics, TU Dublin. 

Balancing being a GP, a mum and an author seems like it would be quite the test, but it’s something that debut novelist Claire Gleeson manages every day as she combines her three loves. Show me where it hurts, takes readers on an intimate journey through the life of Racheal, who suffers unimaginable tragedy when her husband, seeking to end his own life and that of his wife and family, runs the family car off the road, killing her two children.  Dr Claire Gleeson, GP and author of ‘Show Me Where It Hurts’ chatted to Pat this morning on the show.

IBS awareness Month. Irritable bowl syndrome or IBS is a condition that affects around one in five people in this country. but according to a  new survey  of 1,000 adults in Ireland four out of ten  don’t know what to do to support their gut health.To explain all Pat was joined on the show by Dr Deirdre Donovan Consultant Gastroenterologist gastroenterology at Blackrock Health.

As part of National Pet Day, Newstalk reporter Henry McKean reports why pet insurance is important. He also discovers why one in ten have a social media page for their dog. Henry was out and about meeting pet owners and their pets.

 As Easter is just around the corner, Gareth Mullins talks us through how to cool a Roast Leg of New Season Lamb, roasted Wexford rooster with parsley butter, crushed turnips, fresh mint salsa Verde.

Can league Liverpool edge closer to the title ? Women’s Six Nations. Ireland face of against England.  GAA Football Leinster and Ulster Senior Championship and the Bahrain Grand Prix. Colm Boohig from Off The Ball previews a very busy weekend of sport. 

Deportation Orders issued by the State increased three fold in the first three months of the year when compared with 2024. However, just 44% of those issued with orders actually left the state. Pat discusses this further with Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times.

This Sunday the rowers of Oxford and Cambridge will go head-to-head in the Boat Race on the river Thames. For this week’s Quirky Sports, Cameron Hill looks back at the history of the Oxford and Cambridge rowing competition.

This month, Together For Hospice, the national fundraising body for twenty four specialist hospital and palliative care providers, are hoping to raise funds with their ‘Your Finest Hour For Hospice’ Campaign. To explain all about this fundraiser and its importance we are joined by Fintan Fagan, CEO of St Francis Hospice and Seán Graham who’s father was treated in St Francis Hospital.

On a recent trip Luke had met scientists from the US, the main topic of conversation is how the Trump administration is attacking science. They fear for their jobs and the ability to fund their science. This is an unfortunate turn of events. Luke discusses this further with Pat on also how it is distracting researchers.

This week, David Robert Grimes discusses how internal documents and whistleblower revelations show that companies like Facebook had the tools to combat disinformation effectively, but deliberately disabled or ignored to boost their profit. Also Health Secretary RFK Jr spreads measles and fluoride misinformation.   

Despite the exclusion of the pharmaceutical industry from Liberation Day tariffs and the introduction of a 90 day, US President Donald Trump has warned that big pharma is next on the list. As the pharmaceutical industry is the biggest Irish export to the US, what impact will this uncertainty have on our economy and European as a whole?  Pat discusses this and more with Gareth Sheridan, CEO of Nutriband and Billy Kelleher, MEP for Ireland South (part of the health committee on the EP).

What affects your earning potential, your cancer risk and how you look in a dress?  Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on the bizarre importance of height and those who'll do anything for a few extra inches.