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.Listen and subscribe to The Pat Kenny Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 18, 2025 • 23min
Zelensky heads to the White House today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will today, along with a host of European leaders, meet with Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a potential path to peace. It follows Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. We discuss this further with Rosie Birchard, Brussels Correspondent, DW News and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway, Columnist with The Journal.
Aug 18, 2025 • 8min
One-third of insects are under threat of extinction
David Attenborough once said the world’s ecosystem would collapse if all the bees, wasps, ants and flies were to disappear. So why are we allowing one third of them to be under threat of extinction? Without insects, we wouldn’t have decomposition, nutrient recycling, seed spreading or pollination. But pollution, intensive farming and habitat loss are causing that to suffer. All to discuss with Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin.
Aug 18, 2025 • 15min
More than 600 vacant teaching posts are still vacant!
According to a survey released this week, almost 70% of school leaders reported that they had unfilled vacancies due to difficulties recruiting staff. More than 600 vacant teaching posts are still vacant. Pat discusses this issue with Teachers Union of Ireland President Anthony Quinn and also Principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís Aaron Wolfe.
Aug 18, 2025 • 16min
The latest on the race to the Áras
A presidential race that was shaping up to be relatively uneventful has been shaken up by the surprise withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness due to health issues. Heather Humphries and Sean Kelly are potential nominees from Fine Gael. While pharma tycoon Gareth Sheridan attempts to secure a spot on the ticket, Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only official candidate at this stage. All to discuss with Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent.
Aug 15, 2025 • 22min
The Friday Forum look back on the news stories of the week
We take a look back on the main news stories on the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Christina Finn, Political Editor, The Journal, Darren O’Rourke TD, Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Meath East, Sinn Féin and Aisling Dempsey TD, Spokesperson on Children, Meath West, Fianna Fáil.
Aug 15, 2025 • 6min
Friday Food with Gareth Mullins
Gareth Mullins talks through an Irish Lamb, grilled on the barbeque served with this flavor packed green sauce, beef nachos and a panzaella salad for entertaining this summer
Aug 15, 2025 • 8min
Why don’t we swim in the Liffey?
The river seine, which carves its way through the heart of Paris has lifted a ban on bathing, which was in effect since 1923. This has been motivated of course by the sweltering heatwave which is eclipsing Europe at the moment. Aside from Paris, many other major cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam actually encourage their locals to swim in their rivers. But not in Dublin, as many know the River Liffey is not exactly a hotspot for local swimming enthusiasts, but why is that?
Aug 15, 2025 • 15min
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Alaska
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Alaska later today, with the US President's hopes of sealing a ceasefire agreement on Ukraine uncertain. We discuss this further with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews.
Aug 15, 2025 • 13min
Oasis weekend is here !
The weekend is finally here, and that of course is the highly anticipated Oasis concert. The Manchester brothers will pay two sold-out reunion shows at Croke Park this weekend. the last time the band were together in Ireland was in Slane in 2009, just weeks before they split. Since the announcement of the tour last year, they’ve had collaborations with fashion brands, pop-up merch stores in cities across the UK and Ireland, partnerships with football teams and even a museum tour dedicated to the brothers. Newstalk reporter Alex Rowley got an exclusive look at one of these tours.
Aug 15, 2025 • 19min
Presidential Election 2025 the latest news
As Mairéad McGuinness drops out of the Presidential Race for health reasons, where does Fine Gael and the race go from here? Barry McLoughlin, Head of Client Engagement at the Communications Clinic and Sean Defoe Newstalk's Political Correspondent discuss that and the official launch of Gareth Sheridan’s campaign.
