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 19, 2025 • 5min
There’s an eventful weekend of sport ahead
There’s an eventful weekend of sport ahead. Plenty of action in the premier league all weekend with Man City and Arsenal both playing but there is an interesting tie between Liverpool and Spurs. Tonight, Leinster and Ulster go head-to-head in the united rugby championship in the Aviva but first we speak to Off The Ball’s Colm Boohig in studio now about last night’s final matches for Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers in UEFA Conference League. All to chat with Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off The Ball.
Dec 19, 2025 • 14min
Cloch le Carn: Mary O’Rourke
Mary O'Rourke was a much-loved politician and prominent public figure in politics. Mary went from teacher to Minister to then becoming an author and presenter of ‘liveline’ and much, much more. Leaving a mark in Irish history while becoming an inspirational figure for women in politics especially. Well, an episode of Cloch le Charn on RTE will air over the Christmas and it takes a look back at the legacy of the former politician and minister. Joining Pat in studio was Mary’s son, Fergal.
Dec 19, 2025 • 18min
The outcome of the European Council meeting yesterday
A 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine and a postponed Mercosur vote dominated the European Council meeting yesterday. Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg brings us the details from the meeting.
Dec 19, 2025 • 11min
The Americanisation of food here in Ireland
When Krispy Kreme arrived in Blanchardstown in 2018, it had to curtail its twenty four hour drive through after complaints from residents of traffic and beeping throughout the night. Seven years later, three more American outlets have arrived to Irish shores in the past three months: Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Wingstop. All with large queues waiting when they opened. So why do these American outlets draw so much fanfare? And is there more Americanisation of food to come here?All to chat with Damien O’Reilly, Senior Lecturer in Retail Management, TU Dublin
Dec 19, 2025 • 9min
Dublin airport at Christmas!
Christmas can be an extremely busy and expensive time for passengers flying across the globe. On Wednesday the 10th of December, Dublin airport said that it expects around 1.8 million passengers to pass through its two terminals over the busy Christmas period. But what exactly can flyers expect this festive season? Graeme McQueen, Head of Media Relations at DAA spoke to Pat this morning.
Dec 19, 2025 • 12min
It turns out we are more a nation of savers
At a time of year where most of us might be spending in the run up to the big day, it turns out that in the past number of years we have become more a nation of savers rather than spenders. Since 2016, the savings rate has increased from about twelve and a half percent to thirteen point eight last year and is expected to be closer to fifteen percent this year. So what is behind this rise?
Dec 19, 2025 • 22min
Friday Forum look back on the news stories of the week
Joining Pat for this week's Friday Forum was Erin McGreehan TD, Fianna Fáil, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Spokesperson on Research and Innovation. Also Cian O’Callaghan TD, Social Democrats, Deputy party leader, Spokesperson for Finance; Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent and Group Head of News at Mediahuis.
Dec 18, 2025 • 9min
Boxed With John Fardy:
The Revenge Club is entertaining and sharp and occasionally dark. Based on a book and filmed in Ireland a nice 6 episodes on Paramount plus. John Fardy tells us more on this week's 'Boxed'.
Dec 18, 2025 • 13min
Genital skin conditions the most commonly overlooked skin issues
Genital skin conditions are often overlooked. gynecologist and urologist waiting lists are long, misdiagnosis is common, and many people are just too embarrassed to seek treatment, even if the condition wasn’t sexually transmitted. All to discuss with Dr. Aisling Loy, Genito-Urinary Medicine Consultant.
Dec 18, 2025 • 10min
Is dark chocolate better for you?
For the festive season Luke O’Neill asks if some types of sugar healthier than others? And is dark chocolate better for you than milk chocolate?
