The Pat Kenny Show

It’s Wish Day here at Newstalk! Sarah Barnes speaks to Pat about her family’s experience with Make A Wish following her son’s Kian battle with cancer. Kian Barnes Abo was diagnosed with acute onset cancer at the age of two. After living in a hospital for nearly two years, Kian was finally released home to his family and last year was the year that Kian's wish was granted. Kian and his family went to the UK in collaboration with Disney to recreate a Disneyland theme park that was accessible for children with chronic illnesses.Let’s make 2025 the biggest Wish Week yet. Every cent matters. Donate online at makeawish.ie/donate.  

Gareth Mullins talks us through some cheap but delicious classic pasta recipes, these use store cupboard ingredients that will give you super midweek quick recipes that we should all have in our culinary repertoire,  as always with good cooking it will rely on high quality ingredients and a little bit of knowledge. 

While Donald Trump continues to test the limits of his constitutional power, one particular assertion has raised the hackles of democratic observers. In an interview with NBC News, the President insisted that he is “not joking” as he apparently contemplates the idea of a third term in office, despite term limits being written into law. So, is this yet more bombastic nonsense or should the idea be taken seriously? Newstalk reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating the restrictions and loopholes that would prevent or allow such a scenario from playing out.

Gardaí have seized a number of items from a cave on land belonging to the missing farmer Michael Gaine. The items were found during searches of high land on Mr Gaine’s 1,000-acre farm and are being “retained” as the investigation into his disappearance continues.We get the latest on this with Ralph Riegel, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent. 

As the world continues to grapple following President Trump’s announcement on tariffs, businesses are scrambling to keep customers and investors happy during the chaos. Tom Keogh, CEO of Keogh’s Crisps urges that companies' businesses will need to look at other markets, but Government support is needed. Tom joined Pat on the show along with Darragh Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development the Gaeltacht and Social Protection. 

This week on Boxed, John Fardy takes us to the new comic world of Seth Rogan – The Studio. Starring Seth himself and numerous Hollywood faces playing themselves, it is out now Apple TV+. 

Yesterday was the birthday of the first Irish-ever player to play Major League Baseball. Tommy Bond was born in Granard, Co. Longford, and is the starting point for a long and interesting relationship between America’s national pastime, and Ireland. To tell us more Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill.

Donald Trump last night announced a raft of new tariffs as part of his ‘Liberation Day’. Among those tariffs announced were 10% worldwide tariffs and 20% on the EU. We ask how how will companies change in response to tariffs. All to discus with Founder, Clonakilty Whiskey Michael Scully along with Mairead McGuiness, Fine Gael, former Vice President of the European Parliament and EU Commissioner.

April is Earth month. Editor of CLIMATE, Sunday Times Ireland and Sustainability columnist Irish Country Magazine Jo Linehan tells us what that means and what practical things you can do in the coming weeks to leave a positive mark.

If vaccines don’t cause Autism. What Does? The risk of autism develops before we are even born. All to discuss with Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Immunology, Trinity College Luke O'Neill.

Gardai patrolling the streets in Dublin have been told to get tough on crime. A new policy of increased Garda visibility has been introduced in the capital in recent weeks with a focus on tackling anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, aggressive begging, thefts and shoplifting.Foot patrols will be concentrated on O’Connell St, Henry St, Talbot St and Bachelor Quay in particular. But is the new policing policy a short term measure or will it be permanent? And will it make a difference?Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been finding out…

It is Communion season once again. We talk about the effort that goes into a communion, the fashion, family dynamics, the cash in the card, the ceremony and where you go to celebrate. All to discuss with mum of two and Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly.

Donald Trump last night announced a raft of new tariffs as part of his ‘Liberation Day’. Among those tariffs announced were a 10% worldwide tariff and 20% on the European Union.We get reaction to these tariffs with Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD, Dr Nora Strecker, Assistant Professor in Economics, UCD and also Bertie Ahern, Former Taoiseach.

At 9pm tonight, Donald Trump will announce his raft of new tariffs, expected to take effect from tomorrow. So what should we be looking out for this evening from President Trump. To discuss with Pat was Sean Defoe, Political Correspondent, Newstalk and Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist, IIEA.

Garden Stories: Mount Congreve, the Magnate, the Magnolias, and the Masterpiece. Today on Garden Stories, we return to one of the greatest gardens in the world and the singular man behind it. Diarmuid Gavin tells us all.All with thanks to Tirlán CountryLife.

Some Cork households, schools and businesses have now been under a boil water notice for 15 years. Many are spending a fortune on bottled water. Henry McKean visited East Cork and sent this report. 

Neuroscientist and resilience coach Dr. Brian Pennie explains how he hopes the new docuseries Hooked helps “break the stigma of addiction”. Also how it is “a great opportunity to help people understand the truth of addiction”.The three-part series, which begins at 9.35pm on Wednesday on RTE One, looks into the science of addiction and recovery. whether phones, alcohol, gambling, or hard drugs.

As two Irish actors are cast in Sam Mendes four Beatles movies, we take a look at some iconic casting decisions of the past. We pay tribute to Val Kilmer. Inside Hollywood with Dee Reddy, Podcaster and Cultural Commentator.

E-bikes are both popular and controversial in Australia. In fact, it is striking how similar the conversation is to the one in Ireland. We ask should we be looking to Australia for how we deal with e-bikes with Transport Commentator Conor Faughnan.

On this week's Green Scene, we hear about research confirming the role of humans in biodiversity loss. Also how some trees are adapted so that lightening strikes might be an advantage. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society for Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.ie

When the European Central Bank meets this month to discuss a potential interest rates cut this month, Donald’s Trump tariffs will be front and centre along with Russia’s war with Ukraine. So how will the ECB deal with these issues? To discuss this and much more was the President of the European Central Bank Christine Lagarde who joined Pat in studio this morning.

Could the occupied territories bill could be put off to keep the US happy. But is this the right move? Pat discusses this further with  Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire and also Craig Hughes, Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail.

Today Meta AI has launched in Europe and is now accessible for free across Europe through the messaging apps people already know and love. It's is available across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly brings us the details.

It's 60 years since the Irish blood transfusion board was set up. With 1 in 4 of us needing a donation at some point or other, countless lives have been saved and shaped by the service. But what is the history of the IBTS and whose stories are inextricably linked to it? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

Today, Donald Trump faces two electoral tests in both Wisconsin and Florida with two state elections taking place. It comes against his planned ‘liberation day’ tomorrow with significant tariff announcements expected. We get the latest from Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News at WSHU Public Radio.

Weapons flights over Ireland have increased almost 70% in a decade, hitting their highest level in 13 years last year. Senators will propose a bill on Wednesday to ensure none of these flights are destined for Israel. One of those Senators, Alice Mary Higgins joined Pat on the show.

Vacant and derelict properties have long been floated as one part of a solution to the housing crisis. But how easy would it be to bring those vacant properties on stream and do the various schemes work as intended?Pat discussed this with Dr Cian O’Callaghan, Assistant Professor of Urban Geography at Trinity College Dublin and also Cllr Fiona Bonfield, Labour, Tipperary County Council.

The True Story of Ireland’s Mafia’ is landmark television Kinahan: The True Story of Ireland’s Mafia started last night on BBC – its a four part series that looks into the rise of the Dublin crime gang to global power. Pat spoke to Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor, Sunday World. Author, producer, podcaster about what is featured in the series.

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy faces a vote on motion of confidence in the Dáil today, Barry Heneghan has asked for a seat swap to get away from Michael Lowry and of course tariffs will be on todays agenda too.To look ahead to a busy day in the Dáil was Fionnan Sheahan, Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent. 

Peter Cosgrove joined us for this week’s Ask the Expert slot. Peter discussed the skills auditing and upskilling, how to broadening your interests and how to best to search for a job. All with thanks to Hidden Hearing.

In-laws, potential in–laws, the challenges for parents, and big relationships with breakups and when new ones begin. But there is a third group, and it is the parents of adult children who split with their significant long-term partners. Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, joined Pat on the show.

Journalist and Author Lara Marlowe, who will deliver the annual lecture to the arts and humanities faculty of University College Dublin on Wednesday evening, joined Pat on the show this morning.

It was a weekend of celebrations for Aston Villa, who are off to the FA Cup semi-finals. They secured against Preston's north end following two strikes from Marcus Rashford, who is on loan from Manchester United.  Meanwhile, Ireland's women’s rugby team dominated Italy in their second game of the 6 nations. Colm Boohig from Off the Ball joined us on the show this morning.

All this week Newstalk is teaming up with Make a Wish to raise money for children with critical illness. Make A Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. Ruth McDonnell Mum of Ruairi (RIP) & Fionn McDonnell had the same genetic illness, and both have been granted a wish by Make a Wish. Ruairi’s illness was caught late and sadly Ruairi passed away. Fionn’s was caught early and thankfully he is doing well after a long journey. Ruairi’s wish was to have sensory equipment and Fionn’s wish was to have football goals. Ruth McDonnell Mother of Ruairi (RIP) & Fionn McDonnell joined Pat Kenny on the show.   

The Government is considering legislation to exclude decisions on the Dublin Airport passenger cap from the planning system. It comes as the passenger cap risks being dragged into the EU-US trade war. Kenny Jacobs, Group CEO of the DAA joined Pat on the show.

The head of Roundtower Capital, a leading alternative funder of housebuilders, has claimed a “culture of silence” among developers over infrastructure bottlenecks. Developers refrain from criticising utility delays in housing developments for fears that they will be blacklisted, leading to further delays in generating housing. Ian Lawlor, Managing Director of Roundtower Capital joined Pat on the show this morning.

 Almost one year since taking over as Taoiseach, Simon Harris is now two months into his new role as Tánaiste, along with two ministerial portfolios in Foreign Affairs & Trade and Defence. Both portfolios have not been quiet in his first two months and neither has domestic politics. Simon Harris, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister for Defence and Leader of Fine Gael, joined Pat Kenny on the show.

If you have any little people in your life, it is not uncommon for them to pick up swear words. Kids can often blurt out a curse or two.But what if some of the words they have picked up are very offensive curse words.Iseult White, Psychotherapist and Author joins The Pat Kenny Show to talk us through what we can do when our little ones pick up curse words.

Maeve O’Connell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Eoin Ó Broin Sinn Féin TD Spokesperson on Housing and Lorcan Nyhan, Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Head of Training at the Communications Clinic, are on the Friday Forum.From the Dáil speaking row and no-confidence motion in the Ceann Comhairle to the Government plan to allow developers invest less and borrow more, get all the best discussion from the week’s stories here.

A group of academics writing in the British Medical Journal has found that blanket smartphone bans do not prepare children for a healthy relationship with technology. Professor James O’Higgins-Norman, is the Director of the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre and joins the Pat Kenny Show to discuss.

Gareth Mullins joins The Pat Kenny Show to talk through us how to make Roast Striploin of Irish beef with hassle back potatoes and proper gravy ahead of Mother's Day.  

Shane Hannon from Off The Ball joins The Pat Kenny Show to go through all the weekend’s sporting action.The Allianz League football final is set to take place between Mayo and Kerry, the clash of Cork and Tipperary in the Hurling final and Ireland plan to secure a Women’s Six Nations.

Donald Trump on Wednesday announced 25% tariffs on auto imports to the United States.One country that will be particularly affected is Germany, which is the centre of the auto market in Europe. But Ireland will soon be impacted by these tariffs, so what could that mean for the country.Koen Verhelst of Politico and Economist Colm McCarthy join The Pat Kenny Show to discuss these fears further.

From a Milka Chocolate crossover with Tuc Crackers to a pink lemonade flavoured Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, the appetite for unusual food combinations has exploded.Reporter Simon Tierney has taken a deep dive into the treat cupboard of yore.

Many forms of violent crime reduced last year but the number of incidents of shop theft rose by 6 per cent compared to 2023, according to the CSOWith this increase, the promise of 1000 extra garda in the Dublin City Taskforce report would be welcome to retailers, pubs and other industries in the city centre, But city centre businesses are still waiting on the report to be implemented.Donal O’Keefe CEO of Licensed Vinters Association and Nikki Murran Director of retail at Excel Recruitment join The Pat Kenny Show to discuss the impact on Dublin businesses.

Calls have been made by road safety campaigners for real-time drivers information to be made available to Gardaí at checkpoints.This would allow them to see driver’s disqualifications if stopped, as well as their driver number and insurance. Mark O’Meara, President of the Garda Representative Association, joins The Pat Kenny Show to discuss.

David Robert Grimes joins The Pat Kenny Show for our weekly disinformation awareness slot.This week, the impact of vaccine hesitancy and disinformation on people.

Southern Correspondent, Jamie O'Hara, joins The Pat Kenny Show to give us the latest in the missing Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine.

EU crisis management commissioner, Hadja Lahbib, as part of the blocs wider 'preparedness strategy' is urging citizens to prepare 72-hour survival kits.  It comes with the backdrop of increased geopolitical tension and risk of environmental disasters.So, should we be getting survival kits ready in our homes?Shayne Phelan, survival instructor at Eagle Ridge Survival joins The Pat Kenny Show to discuss.

Buddhism was founded 2 and a half thousand years ago in ancient India, but it’s only in recent years that Irish people have turned to the buddha in numbers.So, what is an Irish Buddhist and what do they know that we don’t?Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports.