The Pat Kenny Show
Newstalk
Pat brings you the sharpest analysis of news and current affairs on the radio and fresh perspectives on the issues that will define a generation. Breaking news is interwoven with reflective news features and reports from a variety of reporters based across the country. Experts are on hand to guide listeners on everything from consumer and employment rights and health issues to savvy holiday options. And Pat is joined by all the best personalities from the entertainment world.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 11, 2025 • 14min
US plans to look at the social media history of visitors
Irish visitors to the US could be required to submit five years worth of social media history in order to enter the country, whether they need a visa or not. The notice from the Trump administration has sparked huge outrage in the international community, with many worried it will further reduce already declining tourist numbers in the US. To discuss this new proposal is Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra and Fianna Fail MEP Barry Andrews.
Dec 11, 2025 • 11min
Today marks 40 years since the first ever mobile phone call in Ireland
Today marks 40 years since the first ever mobile phone call in Ireland which Pat made with former Minister for Communications Jim Mitchell in Dublin in 1985. It was during a time when Ireland had the lowest uptake in landline service to then becoming one of the leaders in mobile phone usage. But how has the mobile phone developed since then and what does the landscape look like now? All to chat about with Derek Cassidy, Founder of the Irish Communications Research Group (ICRG) who is a network technologist and previously worked for BT Ireland and Nicola Cooke, Director Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII).
Dec 11, 2025 • 6min
Sustainable food and drinks to support this Christmas
Jo Linehan Climate Journalist brings us some great suggestions of some sustainable food and drinks to support this Christmas.
Dec 11, 2025 • 7min
Disruptions to the Luas Green line continues
This morning chaos continues for commuters as the Luas Green Line remains out of service following a power outage on the line yesterday. The Luas red line services are operating normally after a disruption on that line yesterday. Emma Tyrrell, Newstalk Reporter give us an update.
Dec 11, 2025 • 12min
Food supplies would run out in the event of an attack on Dublin Port
A new report from the IIEA and Deloitte has said that food supplies could begin to run out within three days in the event of an attack on Dublin Port.Cathal Berry, Former Member of the Defence Forces analyses this further with Pat.
Dec 10, 2025 • 11min
The story of the Christmas tree
The story of the Christmas tree begins with the ancient use of evergreens in midwinter. Long before Christmas existed, people in ancient Egypt, China and among the Hebrews used evergreen plants as symbols of enduring life during the darkest months of the year. Across pre-Christian Europe, evergreens decorated homes and barns, part of long-standing seasonal customs linked to tree worship. When Christianity spread, these older traditions did not vanish but merged into new religious practices, giving a familiar structure to winter feastsDiarmuid Gavin brings us the interesting story of the Christmas tree.
Dec 10, 2025 • 14min
Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros
Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid for Warner Bros at 108 point 4 billion dollars. This challenges Netflix, who reached a 72 billion dollar takeover in an effort to create a media powerhouse that would challenge the dominance of the streaming giant. But what does this actually mean and who is likely to win? All to discuss with Lorcan Nynhan Head Of Training at the The Communications Clinic.
Dec 10, 2025 • 8min
Sperm donor with rare cancer-causing gene fathers almost 200 children across Europe.
A sperm donor who unknowingly carried a rare cancer-causing gene has fathered almost 200 children across Europe. The EBU conducted an investigation into the donor and found his sperm was used in 67 clinics in 14 different countries. It was also sold to Ireland but it hasn’t been used to conceive any babies. The children carrying his DNA now have a 90% chance of developing cancer. We get reaction to this with Dr John Kennedy, Medical Director at Thérapie Fertility.
Dec 10, 2025 • 9min
Home Alone the most watched Christmas movie
When you think of Christmas movies, you’ll get the classics. It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Love Actually but towering above them all, year after year, is a film about an eight-year-old boy, an overlooked plane ticket, and two unlucky burglars. Home Alone isn’t just a holiday favourite it’s the most-watched Christmas movie of all time,Lisa Cannon talks us through this all time Christmas classic movie.
Dec 10, 2025 • 18min
Dr Dominic Green discusses the Herzog park renaming controversy
The Herzog park renaming controversy caught international attention and resulted in widespread accusations that Ireland was antisemitic. However, it is not the Irish people that are antisemitic, argues Dr Dominic Green, but what he calls official Ireland, i.e. our representatives and those in power. Dr Dominic Green, Historian and Columnist with the Wall Street Journal explained why to Pat.
