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
Sep 29, 2025 • 15min
Who actually has what when it comes to military strength?
Declan Power, a Defence and Security Analyst, shares his insights on global military strength. He emphasizes that US military spending and capabilities are crucial, but numbers alone don’t determine power. The conversation touches on the evolving role of drones, stressing that they won't fully replace traditional infantry. Urban warfare in Gaza is dissected, highlighting tactical complexities. Declan also explores Europe's rearmament in response to shifting US support and addresses the insidious nature of Russian hybrid warfare and disinformation tactics.
Sep 29, 2025 • 13min
Public cancer patients being denied new drugs
Dr. Michael McCarthy, a consultant oncologist at Galway University Hospital, discusses the shocking inequality in access to new cancer drugs for public patients compared to those with private insurance. He outlines the regulatory challenges that allow drugs to be approved yet remain unavailable publicly. Dr. McCarthy highlights specific life-saving medications like dostarlimab that are denied to many and proposes a co-funded early-access program to improve patient outcomes. His insights reveal the urgent need for equitable healthcare in cancer treatment.
Sep 29, 2025 • 11min
Europe takes home yet another Ryder Cup win
Europe takes home yet another Ryder Cup win, and England come out on top in the Women’s Rugby World Cup. A look back on the weekend's sporting action with Colm Boohig.
Sep 29, 2025 • 9min
Will new synchronized traffic lights in Copenhagen help cyclists around the city?
Would you cycle across Dublin city if you were met with green lights all the way? Well, cyclists in Copenhagen are about to get just that! A new initiative is set to be launched that will see synchronized traffic lights on key roads, allowing cyclists to travel at about 20km/h. But is this feasible in a city that has cars driving around? Ajit Niranjan, European Environment Correspondent with The Guardian, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss the new initiative.
Sep 29, 2025 • 13min
Apple may stop shipping its products to the EU
Apple is now calling for reforms to EU anti-monopoly legislation and claims they may stop shipping some of their products to the EU if no changes are made. The company is criticising Brussels’ tech regulations and argues that user experience is suffering as a result. Joining us to analyse and discuss this dispute was technology editor with the Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent, Adrian Weckler.
Sep 29, 2025 • 5min
Garda investigation is underway following Finglas deaths
A garda investigation is underway after the bodies of a man and a young child were found in a house on Saturday. Sarah Burns, News Reporter with The Irish Times, joined Pat with the latest on the garda investigation.
Sep 26, 2025 • 11min
What are the biggest barriers facing women in business?
The number of women in the labor market has dramatically increased in the past few years with double the figures in recent times. Despite the increase in women working, a new survey shows that 50% of women have turned down a career or business opportunity due to family responsibilities.We ask what are the biggest barriers facing women in business with Amy O'Sullivan, AOS Consulting and the National President of Network Ireland.
Sep 26, 2025 • 7min
Friday Food with Gareth Mullins
Gareth Mullins talks through classic New York cheesecake and the beloved apple crumble.
Sep 26, 2025 • 18min
A look back on the news stories of the week with our Friday Forum
A look back on the news stories of the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Ciara Doherty was Séan Fleming, Fianna Fáil, Laois TD. Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and NDP Delivery. Spokesperson on Infrastructure Delivery, Duncan Smith, Labour, Dublin Fingal East TD. Party Whip and Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence and Claire Scott, Political Correspondent, The Sunday Times.
Sep 26, 2025 • 12min
Sailing, kayaking and watercycling on the River Liffey
Dublin's city dwellers walk past it every day, workers orient themselves by it's geography, but how many of us in the Capital can actually say we've been in the Liffey, or even thought about jumping in for a quick dip? Well, a new Public Water Sports Centre hopes to turn the rivers lonely tide and get more Dubliners sailing, kayaking and watercycling than ever before. Equipped with a lifejacket, Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports:
