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 15, 2025 • 9min
Why do girls underperform at Leaving Cert higher level math compared to boys
Since the introduction of project math in 2012, the proportion of females getting a H1 has declined significantly, with roughly two-thirds of H1’s going to males and just one-third to females. New research from the Tuition Centre and the Society Of Actuaries in Ireland found out why girls are underperforming at leaving cert higher level math compared to boys. Joining Pat to discuss these findings further Eoghan O'Leary, Head of Math's at the Tuition Centre.
Sep 15, 2025 • 12min
The impact of the Irish presidency on the international stage
As the campaign for the presidential election begins to heat up, the focus on the office often tends towards the domestic role of An Uachtarain. However, ever since Sean T. O’Kelly became the first Irish president to undertake a state visit abroad, the office has frequently made an impact on the world stage. Reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating and he joined Pat this morning
Sep 15, 2025 • 23min
Leo Varadkar on his book 'Speaking My Mind'
Leo Varadkar, the former Taoiseach of Ireland and writer of the memoir 'Speaking My Mind', shares his fascinating journey from teenage ambition to political leadership. He discusses his early struggles and the mentorship that shaped him. Varadkar also dives into the challenges he faced during his tenure, including Brexit negotiations and social crises, revealing the personal and political controversies that marked his path. His candid reflections provide an enlightening glimpse into the life of a prominent political figure.
Sep 15, 2025 • 11min
Interviewing Pope Leo
Pope Leo criticised corporate pay packages that offer executives much higher salaries than their employees in excerpts from his first media interview released on Sunday, citing Tesla's recent $1 trillion compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk. The Pope was speaking to Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent in Italy for the Crux, for her new book 'Leo The Sixteeth, Citizen Of The World, Missionary Of The Twenty first century'.
Sep 15, 2025 • 8min
We get all the latest on the presidential race!
We take a look into the presidential race as the battle continues this morning for independents as they look for support to become the latest presidential candidate. Today has been described as “super primary” day with eleven councils due to hold special meetings so they can consider nominating another candidate. But the latest news surrounding the presidency is Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from the contest. All to discuss with Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times.
Sep 12, 2025 • 14min
What does the Enhanced Games mean traditional “clean” athletes going forward?
Created by Australian businessman Aron D'Souza, the Enhanced Games, which are set to take place in Las Vegas from the 21st to the 24th of May next year, will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subjected to drug tests. This begs the question, what exactly does this mean for traditional “clean” athletes going forward? All to discuss with Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sportswriter for the Irish Daily Star.
Sep 12, 2025 • 22min
A look back on the news stories of the week in our Friday Forum
Jennifer Whitmore TD, Wicklow, Social Democrats. Spokesperson for Climate, Energy and Biodiversity; and Spokesperson for Agriculture, Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of Irish Independent and also Shay Brennan TD, Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fáil was our Friday Forum today.
Sep 12, 2025 • 8min
A preview of the weekend of sport
We now look ahead to what promises to be a busy weekend of sport, with the Irish women’s rugby team set to take the field for their World Cup Quarter Final, a 28 person strong Irish squad in Tokyo for the World Athletics Championship, and the return of the Premier League with a Manchester derby set for Sunday.Shane Hannon previews all the sport happening this weekend.
Sep 12, 2025 • 7min
Friday Food with Gareth Mullins
Gareth Mullins talks us through two slow-cooked comforting French dishes. On the menu today is Lamb Shank and Duck Leg.
Sep 12, 2025 • 14min
Could we ever end up with a United Ireland?
Philip Stephens, an award-winning journalist and historian, discusses his book 'In These Divided Isles,' shedding light on the tumultuous relationship between Ireland and Britain. He reflects on Ireland's transformation from a rural society to a modern state, influenced by British partitioning. The conversation dives into the complex political landscape surrounding the possibility of a united Ireland, emphasizing the importance of unionist consent and the implications of Brexit on future relations. It's a thought-provoking exploration of identity and reconciliation.
