The Pat Kenny Show

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Apparently most resolutions die off on Jan 19th! So, what are the long-lasting, impactful environmental resolutions we can make (and stick to) this year? Editor of the Climate Supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland  Jo Linehan tells us.

With another day of the cold snap set to hit the country, are the cold temperature warnings too much or just apart of the winter months? Aontu TD Peadar Toibin says that the current weather warnings are catastrophizing normal winter weather. 

Brian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones has written Celtic Exodus The Musical, which opens for a special premiere run from January 22nd – 25th 2025 at the complex arts centre, Smithfield. Brian joins Pat, alongside Irish actress Clelia Murphy, who will play a reading role in the musical. 

Reports show that Tusla placed children with firm blacklisted over vetting concerns. The third party company oversaw supervised visits between parents and children in care. Reporting on this was Jack Power, Europe Correspondent with The Irish Times and he spoke to Pat this morning on the show.

Award winning Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin shares the story of cosmic speculation in Scotland.

Sinead Ryan, Host of The Home Show and journalist with The Independent and Sunday Independent joined Pat this morning with New Year money saving tips.

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer for HSE West Northwest division, discusses how hospitals in severe weather warning areas are coping.

Awards Season kick off we ask what Stars have yet to accept an Oscar even after 40 years in Film. Lisa Cannon, TV Host & Exec Producer ‘SPOTLIGHT’ brings us all the details. 

A woman has been appointed to the number one position in a Vatican office for the first time. Sister Simona Brambilla has been appointed to head the office that oversees religious orders for both men and women. We get the details from Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent in Italy for The Crux.

We get a roundup of weather impacts from our reporters across the country who have also been hearing from locals and frontline workers on the ground.Speaking to Pat this morning wasJamie O’Hara, Charleville on the Cork/Limerick Border, Stephanie Rohan in Kildare and surrounding areas. Also Barry Whyte inClonmel, Tipperary and surrounding areas and Henry McKean reported from how it is in Limerick.

Today on Green Scene we hear how birds are surviving the cold weather and how conservation really works. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.

Meta to abandon third party fact checking for users in the US. CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement that Meta will be adopting a community notes. For more on this Pat spoke to Ciara O’Brien, Technology and Business Reporter with The Irish Times. 

Temperatures reached as low as almost -6C last night with hazardous commuting for many this morning. We get updates on the impact of the weather on the Water and Rail networks and also tips for safe driving in this weather.

A winter storm is sweeping across Central and Eastern US States, bringing up to a foot of snowfall in places. The snowfall did not stop certification of Donald Trump’s election victory, with congress meeting for just 30 minutes to certify his victory. Lead Writer of Semafor’s Flagship Newsletter J.D. Capeluto brings us the latest.

As Justin Trudeau steps down as Prime Minister of Canada, we speak to one of his former government advisors about what is next for the country. Speaking to Pat this morning was Former Government Advisor for Trudeau and Public Policy Specialist.

We go to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics show where Jess Kelly has all the new tech including a  robot vacuum cleaner that has legs!

Have you got any holiday plans for the New Year? January is traditionally a time for travel planning and airlines have already announced several new routes from Ireland. Pól Ó Conghaile, Irish Independent Travel Editor, Pól Ó Conghaile gives us some great travel suggestions.All with thanks to Ryanair.ie

With a budget surplus and the Apple windfall tax. Economist Colm McCarthy warns why the incoming government needs to heed with caution regarding the public purse. 

As deadly Israeli attacks on Gaza continue, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas Resume. We get the latest on what the situation is like on the ground in Gaza from the Director of communications for UNRWA Juliette Tuoma.

We all know that lifestyle changes can help to improve your health, but what specific changes will help our heart health? Professor Professor Robert Kelly, Consultant Cardiologist, Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Health Habits coach, based in Beacon Hospital Dublin  joins us with suggestions.

Half of the vehicles tested failed the NCT last year, figures show. About 1,732,095 vehicles had an NCT in 2024, with 875,901 (50pc) of those failing on their full test, according to figures compiled by cartakeback.ie. Pat discusses these figures with Transport Consultant Conor Faughnan.

Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan talks us through January ‘tweaks’ instead of resolutions, and how to better yourself bit by bit this new year.