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
Nov 6, 2025 • 10min
The links between Ireland and ice hockey
Cameron Hill, a sports journalist and commentator for Off The Ball, dives into the fascinating links between Ireland and ice hockey. He reveals how ice hockey evolved from an 18th-century form of hurling, thanks to William Cochrane in Nova Scotia. Hill explains the influence of Irish immigrants in shaping the sport and highlights notable figures like Olympic star Geraldine Heaney. The conversation also touches on the formation of the NHL and the cultural ties that continue to connect Irish heritage to this thrilling ice sport.
Nov 6, 2025 • 13min
A new podcast chronicling the serial fraudster, Amy McAuley
Stephen Breen, Crime Editor at the Irish Sun and producer of 'Unravelling Amy,' delves into the bizarre world of Amy McAuley, a serial fraudster. Breen reveals how McAuley scammed a mental health charity and even faked her own death to evade justice. The discussion covers her history of deceit, including a 2018 fraudulent loan application and various smaller scams. Learn how detectives pieced together her trail of lies, leading to her eventual arrest and conviction in 2023 for theft and deception.
Nov 6, 2025 • 9min
Infighting continues in Fianna Fáil
Craig Hughes, Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail, dives into the turbulent waters of Fianna Fáil's internal conflict. He reveals how a controversial list of TDs sparked fresh tensions and how recent electoral losses have empowered rebel factions. Hughes explores potential leadership challengers and the impact of an internal report on party dynamics. He assesses Micheál Martin's resilience amidst the chaos and discusses the unexpected stability brought on by Ireland's upcoming EU presidency.
Nov 6, 2025 • 10min
Bird flu what is the risk posed to the public?
Martin Heydon, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, tackles the recent bird flu outbreaks affecting turkey flocks in Ireland. He explains the reasoning behind the delayed housing order, emphasizing consultations with Northern Ireland. The discussion highlights stringent biosecurity measures needed for poultry and the careful management of culling infected flocks. Heydon reassures listeners that current food safety standards remain intact and emphasizes that Christmas turkey supplies are not immediately at risk despite the outbreaks.
Nov 6, 2025 • 6min
A look take a look at coffee cup waste
Jo Linehan, a climate journalist and sustainability expert, dives deep into the pressing issue of coffee cup waste. She discusses the long-awaited latte levy and its potential impact on consumer behavior. Jo highlights the challenges with reusable keep cups, emphasizing how many uses are needed to offset their environmental cost. She also explores Ireland's innovative to-go cup deposit system and debates the effectiveness of compostable versus recyclable cups. Cultural attitudes toward reusable cups among different demographics are also unpacked, shedding light on consumer habits.
Nov 6, 2025 • 11min
The Movember “Dispose with Dignity” campaign
In this engaging discussion, Marcus Humphries, a former delivery driver and prostate cancer survivor, shares his challenging experience with catheter use and the stigma of disposing incontinence products in public. Owen Foley, managing director of PHS Washrooms, introduces the innovative Dispose With Dignity campaign, advocating for male sanitary bins in public restrooms. Michelle Lonergan, a cancer awareness nurse, emphasizes the prevalence of prostate cancer and the importance of visibility and support in addressing treatment side effects, promoting dignity in disposal.
Nov 6, 2025 • 13min
Funding provided for a pitch at St James’ School in Dublin 8
JJ O’Mahony, Chairperson of Sporting Liberties and a passionate community advocate, shares exciting news about funding for a new all-weather pitch at St James' School in Dublin 8. He discusses the dire need for green spaces and play areas for local children, highlighting the pitch's potential to foster community engagement, mental health support, and sports participation. JJ also reflects on improved collaboration with Dublin City Council and the ongoing challenge of achieving equitable facilities compared to suburban areas.
Nov 5, 2025 • 13min
All you need to know about the new auto-enrolment pension system
Caroline Rowan, Head of Retirement Consulting at Aon Ireland, shares insights on Ireland's auto-enrolment pension system set to launch in 2026. She emphasizes the importance of November for employers preparing their payrolls. Caroline discusses various options for workplace schemes, tax advantages for higher earners, and the implications of opting out. She explains how the system will manage employee transfers and contributions, while addressing concerns about affordability and trust. Perfect for anyone looking to understand their retirement options!
Nov 5, 2025 • 8min
Gardening Stories: Little Sparta gardens in Scotland
In this engaging chat, Diarmuid Gavin, a celebrated horticulturist and Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner, dives into the magical world of Little Sparta, a unique garden created by artist Ian Hamilton Finlay. Gavin reveals how Finlay transformed a bleak stretch of moorland into a mesmerizing landscape filled with art and poetry. He discusses Finlay's tumultuous background, his collaborations with various artists, and the garden's whimsical features. Visitors encounter over 270 artworks that invite reflection, making Little Sparta a true fusion of nature and creativity.
Nov 5, 2025 • 20min
The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal
Eimear Ní Bhraonáin, a journalist and the author of 'The Dodger: DJ Carey And The Great Betrayal', delves into the troubling saga of former hurling star DJ Carey. The conversation reveals his childhood obsession with hurling and hints at early signs of deception in his claimed ailments. Eimear highlights how the Celtic Tiger crash and a shift into business set the stage for his fraudulent cancer claims, exploiting the goodwill of his supporters. The podcast captures the deep betrayal felt in the community and explores the consequences of his actions.
