The Pat Kenny Show A look back at some of the big news stories that happened over Christmases past
Dec 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, political correspondent Seán Defoe reflects on pivotal historical moments that occurred during Christmas. He shares poignant stories of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the remarkable Irish response. Defoe also dives into the 1914 Christmas Truce, detailing its heartfelt yet fleeting peace. Other highlights include Apollo 8's iconic Christmas Eve broadcast and the dramatic fall of Ceaușescu in Romania. Together, they explore the profound impacts of these events on society and politics.
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Personal Account Of The 2004 Tsunami
- Seán Defoe and Pat Kenny discuss the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and its devastating global impact.
- Seán recalls colleague Bill Malone being in Thailand and nearly dying, underscoring the personal toll and huge aid effort.
Humanity Amid The Trenches
- The 1914 Christmas Truce showed soldiers' shared humanity amid industrial conflict.
- The truce occurred in pockets and was later mythologised, yet many resumed fighting soon after.
Apollo 8’s Christmas Broadcast
- Pat and Seán recount Apollo 8 orbiting the Moon and the crew reading Genesis on Christmas Eve 1968.
- The broadcast beamed Earthrise images and reassured the world with the crew's closing greeting.