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 1, 2025 • 19min
Advice on ‘festivalling’ ahead of the bank holiday weekend
The Bank Holiday weekend always brings an increase in attendances to our Emergency Departments and Hospitals, so where do you go if you need care? We get advice from the HSE with Grace Rothwell, National Director for HSE Access and Integration with all options available to you over the weekend and JJ Clarke Columnist with the Irish Independent brings us ‘festivalling’ advice ahead of All Together Now.
Aug 1, 2025 • 12min
Have celebrities taken baby names too far?
Famous youtuber Trisha Paytas has sparked controversy as she named her son Aquaman Moses. The social media star said she chose the name as she admits to being a big fan of the Aquaman comics and the accompanying movie. The question is, are celebrities taking baby names too far? Jen Hogan, Irish Times Journalist and Host of the Conversations with Parents Podcast and Brenda Power, Columnist with The Sunday Times and Irish Daily Mail joined Pat Kenny to discuss.
Aug 1, 2025 • 8min
A look ahead to the weekend in sporting action
This weekend will mark the final test for the British and Irish Lions who have dominated against Australia this tournament. Andy Farrell has named nine Irish players in the starting side, with Rónan Kelleher the only Irish player on the bench. In football Meath will face off Dublin in the All-Ireland women’s final as the royals hope to make a repeat of their 2022 win. Cathal Mullaney , Broadcaster with Off the Ball joined Pat Kenny to preview the weekend in sport.
Aug 1, 2025 • 10min
Can Volodymir Zelensky regain public support?
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Volodymir Zelensky has maintained a high levels of support from Ukrainians. However, in recent days there has been public outrage with the president. Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days as his party was set to push through a law to strip two anti-corruption bodies of their independence. However just yesterday Ukraine's parliament has approved a bill restoring the independence of the country's two main anti-corruption agencies. Mr Zelensky changed course after the public outcry and under pressure from European officials. So will this regain support from the people of Ukraine? Emmanuelle Chaze Ukraine correspondent for france24 joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Aug 1, 2025 • 14min
US company Lyft has bought FREENOW
US transport company Lyft is to enter the Europe ride-hailing market as it is buying transport mobility rival, FREENOW for €175 million. FREENOW is the leading taxi platform in several European cities, including Dublin. The deal is closing in the coming weeks. Danny O'Gorman, FREENOW Ireland General Manager joined Pat Kenny to discuss.
Jul 31, 2025 • 11min
Momentous decline in the use of restrictive practices in mental health services
The Mental Health Commission has published a report signifying a noteworthy decline in the use of restrictive practices, such as seclusion and physical restraint, across Irish mental health services in the past seven years. The report highlights how the MHC adopted a human rights-based approach to result in the declining trend in these types of practices. Professor Jim Lucey, at Trinity College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Inspector of Mental Health Services joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Jul 31, 2025 • 12min
Quirky Sports: Ireland’s first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1994
Ireland’s first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1994 where the tournament wasn’t sanctioned by World Rugby, and Ireland and the other countries defied the higher powers to host and play this tournament, it’s a good story. Cameron Hill from OTB joined Pat Kenny to discuss.
Jul 31, 2025 • 19min
A look behind the scenes at the C.I.A. since 9/11
You may know the CIA from fiction, but how does the actual agency work around the world? Tim Weiner has reported on the agency around the world and joins us to discuss the work of the agency in the 21st century which he details in his new book ‘The Mission’. Tim Weiner, Pulitzer Prize-winning author joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 31, 2025 • 11min
Is remote working the most systematic way to work?
According to new research from LinkedIn, Ireland has been ranked highest for the availability of remote jobs in Europe. The data shows that in Ireland, 9.4% of all job listings offer remote work options, which is almost double the European average of 5.2%. But is remote working really the most efficient form of work? Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise and Mary Connaughton, Strategic and Engagement Director of CIPD joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 31, 2025 • 16min
Hear from survivors of the Miami Show massacre 50 years on
Today marks 50 years since the Miami Showband Massacre which saw the murder of singer Fran O'Toole, guitarist Tony Geraghty and trumpeter Brian McCoy. Two other band members, Des McAlea and Stephen Travers, were also injured but survived the atrocity. The band was travelling home to Dublin after a gig in Banbridge when they were stopped by a fake Army patrol involving Ulster Defence Regiment and Ulster Volunteer Force members. Half a century later, Stephen and Des want to celebrate the lives of their bandmates. Josh Crosbie, Newstalk Reporter has been meeting with those who survived the attack.
