The Pat Kenny Show

Cork native and stand-up comedian Chris Kent is performing the biggest gig of his career ‘offline’ at the marquee in cork this July. The show follows the funny stories of how Chris gave up the internet entirely last year.    Additionally, Chris has joined the cohort of Ireland's biggest comedians at cherry comedy’s stand-up for Gaza gig at Dublin's iconic vicar street to kick off 2025. Chris joined Pat on the show today.

The science of sleep and the hidden dangers of sleeping tablets. All up for discussion with Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College Luke O'Neill.

This weekend, the highlight of the Irish basketball season takes place at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght with the National Cup finals down for decision. This year, the finals weekend coincides with the anniversary of the first publication of the rules of the sport back in 1891. Here to tell us more is Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill.

After fifteen months of war, a Gaza Ceasefire deal has finally been reached between Israel and Hamas. This ground-breaking deal could see a halt in fighting and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. We get the latest on this with Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

More than 4,400 fines were issued to motorists by gardaí for parking on footpaths last year. The Dublin Metropolitan Region North had the highest number, with over 1,170 fixed penalty notices issued.  The figures have been obtained from the Minister for Justice through a Sinn Fein Parliamentary question.  Our reporter, Josh Crosbie has been speaking to those who want greater enforcement, and those who are calling for a more localised approach.

Fiona Gratzer is CEO of Unislim, Ireland's longest running slimming and health organisation. She has released a new cookbook called The 30-day Diet, which offers practical advice on healthy eating and gut health. Fiona joined Pat on the show today.

Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology Professor Caitriona Ryan answers all listeners questions for everything dermatology related.

Today, lawyers for Nikita Hand will seek a High Court injunction to stop the release of CCTV footage. Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney previews the case ahead of court proceedings. 

Award winning Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin on the 43ft vertical garden in the shape of a puppy in Spain. 

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, joins us next to discuss the latest health news, from the government calling for the HSE to shift staff working patterns, to the delayed HRT rollout, as he reflects upon his ten-year career.

The practice of returning or refusing major awards, such as the Oscar, Golden Globe, or Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, is rare and typically occurs under extraordinary circumstances. Some individuals have returned their awards in protest or as a personal or political statement, while others have been forced to return awards due to controversies or issues related to their conduct. Lisa Canon brings us more on Inside Hollywood. 

Danish officials fear Trump is much more serious about acquiring Greenland than in first term. The concerns come after Trump warned he has not ruled out military invasion of Greenland if necessary. 

Does Veganuary put people off meat for life and the running abilities of modern humans, and how we compare to our ancestors? All up for discussion on this week's 'Green Scene' with Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to AIB Ireland.

2024 saw a number of high profile criminal and civil cases that all had one thing in common: the victim was a woman.  We may have had an increase in media attention with a number of victims in cases waiving their rights to anonymity throughout the past year, but the fact of the matter is the issue of violence against women remains a significantly prevalent problem in Ireland. To discuss what can be done about this we are joined by Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid and Frank Greaney, our Courts Correspondent. 

In this week’s Commuter Slot, Transport Consultant  Conor Faughnan looks at the waiting times for a driving test with nearly 70,000 registered and how to stop a hit and run. 

Fingal County Council says it will not consider an application to lift the passenger cap that limits numbers at Dublin Airport to 32 million a year, saying the application from the DAA is invalid. Speaking to Pat this morning with more on this was Councilor Cathal Boland, former mayor and deputy mayor of Fingal Co. Council  and former Vice President of the Airport Regional Council of Europe. 

TikTok says reports of possible sale to Elon Musk are ‘pure fiction’ We get the latest on this with Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

It might be the busiest month of the year for gyms, but not everyone is rushing to sign up.  Infact, according to recent UK research, a quarter of people are too embarrassed to work out in a gym, 27 per cent worry what regular members will think of them, while 28 per cent fear they wouldn't use the equipment properly. So, is gym culture as judgmental as we perceive it to be? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is concerned over the use of online advertisements in Ireland. Social media platforms are advertising AI undress apps, so called nuidify apps allow users to create deepfake naked images of any woman.Speaking to Pat this morning about this concern was Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

A new register of builders has been set up by construction industry regulation Ireland to crackdown on cowboy builders – but who does it work? The Construction Industry Federation explains how this will give home buyers more confidence. Speaking to Pat this morning on the show was Hubert Fitzpatrick Director General of the Construction Industry Federation. 

Last week the UK introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation for visitors from non-European countries. There is significant concern on the impact this could have on the Northern Irish tourism industry. We hear from Joanne Stuart, CEO of the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance.

US President Joe Biden has said that Israel and Hamas are “on the brink” of a ceasefire deal that would bring peace to Gaza which has been under relentless attack by Israel since the October 7th 2023 attacks. For analysis we are joined by Gershon Baskin, former Israeli hostage negotiator.

The HSE have launched a new campaign which addresses misconceptions surrounding HIV and helps reduce the stigma that still exists in Ireland. The campaign is called 'You, Me and HIV'. It was developed in collaboration with HIV activists, HIV community groups, sexual health services and NGOS.  To tell us more about the campaign Pat was joined in studio by Professor Fiona Lyons, HSE clinical lead of the sexual health and crisis pregnancy program and consultant in genitourinary medicine at saint James’ hospital Dublin and also Dr Robbie Lawlor, a HIV activist.

We speak to Newstalk Political correspondent Sean Defoe as talks between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independent TDs are set to continue today amidst growing expectation that the sides will reach an agreement by January 22nd. 

It’s the new year so that means its time to freshen up your home. Interior designer Avril Murphy Allen looks at everything you need to know when renovating your kitchen.

Many of you will be collecting your turkey tomorrow and getting ready for midnight mass.But not everyone celebrates Christmas the same way, and some people will not be celebrating at all.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been speaking to people of multiple cultures and religions to find out how they will spend this time of year.

Our resident psychotherapist Stephanie Regan dissects the issues surrounding comparison, what it does for us and the dynamics of it.  

Increasing number of flu cases are putting massive pressure on hospitals. This winter, previously healthy people are also making up a significant portion of hospital admissions. We ask is there a rise in healthy people admitted to hospital for the flu?To discuss with Pat was Dr Patrick Mitchell, Specialist in Respiratory and Internal Medicine at Tallaght University Hospital.

24 people are now dead in the wildfires that are sweeping Los Angeles, with concern for further spreading as winds pick up. We get the latest on the fires and plenty more besides from J.D. Capelouto, Lead Writer of Semafor’s Flagship Newsletter.

Parents from more than 30 primary and secondary in south Dublin have come together to attend events which are focused on safeguarding children online.  One event titled help protect your children online', involved leading experts from child protection, education, and politics discussing the urgent need for stronger online protection legislation.Speaking to Pat this morning on the show was Mary Lovegrove, Co-organiser of Delay Smart Phones And Or Social Media into Secondary School and also Eoghan Cleary, teacher and assistant principal, keynote speaker of the Gen Free: Free To Be Kids Campaign. 

Man United have another successful weekend following their game against Arsenal and Leinster manage to secure win over La Rochelle in the Champion Cup.  Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off The Ball looks back on the weekend of sport.

Ukraine has captured two North Korean soldiers and says it is willing to exchange them in a prisoner swap. On the front lines, Russia is making advances in eastern Ukraine. We get the latest on the war and life on the ground with Emmanuelle Chaze, who joinrf us live in studio.

After 3 months in a courtroom battle,  Gisele Pelicot’s Criminal Defence lawyer Stéphane Babonneau talks about how she is doing now that the trial is over. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of drugging  and raping his wife Gisèle as well as recruiting dozens of men to rape her over a decade. 

A new register of builders has been set up by Construction Industry Regulation Ireland to crackdown on cowboy builders and give home buyers more confidence in the industry. We discuss this incentive with Peter Finn (Pete The Builder) of MDS Construction. 

Friday Forum looks back on the news stories of the week! Joining Pat today was Emer Higgins TD, Fine Gael, Dublin Mid West, Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Gary Gannon TD, Social Democrats, Dublin Central. Also joining Pat in studio was Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at MediaHuis and Executive Editor of The Irish Independent.

There is concern for Northern Ireland tourism as the UK has introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all visitors from countries outside of Europe. Sorcha Eastwood MP joins us to discuss the impact.

Over 10,000 structures are likely to be destroyed and at least ten people have been killed as five wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles. We get the latest on this and more USA news with J.D. Capelouto, Lead Writer of Semafor’s Flagship Newsletter.

From today, there will be a broadcasting ban for tv and radio on the advertising of alcohol. Dr Sheila Gilheany, Ceo of Alcohol Action Ireland joins as her organsiation welcomes the measure. Dr Sheila what exactly this measure means, and the positive impact it hopes to have.   

The number of students caught cheating in 2024 State exams was more than double that of 2023 but  what’s behind the spike in cheating and what happens to those caught in the act? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden found out. 

Colm Boohig of Off the Ball discusses the weekend sport as the Champions Cup is back. Leinster will travel to France for a pivotal match against their rivals la Rochelle. Connacht hosts Lyon, but without Mack Hansen, as he has been banned for three games, over comments he made following Connacht's defeat to Leinster in the URC in December. 

Gareth Mullins brings us a fantastic flavour packed recipe that is comforting and easy on the pocket, dahl with Naan breads. 

As the cold weather continues and people are advised to stay indoors, the hospitality industry says they have taken a hit with restaurants facing mass cancellations. To discuss further Pat was joined on the show by Adrian Cummins, CEO, Restaurants Association of Ireland.

Sinéad Burke, advocate and CEO will discuss growing up in Ireland with a disability, her business and the plans for 2025, tackling systemic issues that need to be addressed in relation to disability in Ireland and her new home.

With a spike of flu cases across the country, is it time to increase paid sick leave. But in a time where remote working has become the norm, should people just opt to work from home. We discuss with Brenda Power, Columnist for Sunday Times and Irish Daily Mail and also Dr Laura Bambrick, Head of Social Policy and Employment Affairs at the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Mark Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that Meta is scrapping factchecking in the U.S. across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has drawn widespread criticism from lawmakers, experts, and human rights advocates. David Robert Grimes discusses the significant concerns about the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and harmful content globally.

Over the past few months, Ukraine have been making positive military gains in the Kursk region. Over the weekend, Ukrainian forces intensified their offensive in the region, gaining tactical advances in multiple sectors.  Ukrainian forces appear to have maintained the pressure.  While Ukraine earns military advances, the Russian economy is worsening because of high inflation and interest rates.  Patrick Bury joined Pat to discuss.

John Fardy reviews explosive Netflix show that documents controversial 90’s presenter Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action in this weeks 'Boxed'. 

Luke O’Neill, Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College discuss a break through in type 1 diabetes and also fascinating facts about the body's cell atlas.

Everything you need to know about investing. If you want to take the leap and invest your money. CEOof Fairstone Ireland Paul Merriman gives the best tips to start your investment journey.

Temperatures as low as -7.5C were recorded last night, with the coldest temperature recorded in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. A status orange warning was in effect for the entire country overnight, except Donegal. We get updates from our reporters across the country.