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
Mar 29, 2026 • 16min
Pat's Sunday Paper Review March 29th
Joining Pat to chat through some of the main stories in the Sunday papers is journalist Brenda Power.
Mar 29, 2026 • 10min
A history of train travel in Ireland with Turtle Bunbury
Turtle Bunbury, historian and broadcaster known for making Irish history lively, traces the rise of rail in Ireland. He covers the first passenger line, the navvies and engineering marvels. He explores how rail created seaside resorts, boosted rural trade, declined with cars, and looks at whether modern tech could spark a rail revival.
Mar 29, 2026 • 15min
The Limerick Gardaí Trial: What was the root of the case & why did it collapse?
Mick Clifford, special correspondent at The Irish Examiner, gives concise investigative reporting on the Limerick Gardaí probe. He traces the NBCI origins, arrests of senior Gardaí, and how phone evidence shifted the focus to quashed penalty notices. He discusses the sprawling criminal prosecution, reputational fallout, and the collapse of charges and resulting calls for an inquiry.
Mar 29, 2026 • 9min
Google & Meta have been found liable in social media addiction case: What next?
Google and Meta have been ruled liable for creating platforms that pose risks to children and teenagers, in a landmark decision that could compel tech companies to reconsider how they respond to safety-related claims. Joining Pat to discuss is Dr Johnny Ryan, Senior Fellow at the Irish Council of Civil Liberties.
Mar 28, 2026 • 11min
Simon Tierney on pre-Castro Cuba
Simon Tierney, journalist who researched pre-revolutionary Cuba, paints a vivid picture of 1950s Havana. He recalls frozen-in-time streets, classic cars and Hollywood glamour. He talks about Batista-era US business ties, casinos and rumoured mob links. He also traces cultural touchstones like Hemingway and vintage travel promos.
Mar 28, 2026 • 11min
Ben de Pear on the normalisation of war crimes
Ben de Pear, BAFTA-, Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary producer known for Gaza films like For Sama, discusses the normalisation of war crimes. He talks about alleged impunity for strikes, patterns of attacks on hospitals and medical staff, media choices and censorship, and how historical narratives shape accountability. Short, sharp and unflinching.
Mar 28, 2026 • 12min
The state is failing some of its most vulnerable children - what can be done?
Dr Niall Muldoon, Children’s Ombudsman for Ireland who champions children in care, outlines a care system under strain. He discusses unregulated emergency placements and rising use of private residential care. He highlights falling foster numbers, kinship carers lacking legal recognition, social worker turnover, and gaps in aftercare and funding.
Mar 28, 2026 • 16min
Leo Varadkar on life after politics, Irish-US relations & more
Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach now focused on writing, teaching and public speaking. He reflects on life after office and enjoying newfound freedom. He discusses Irish–US relations, concerns about US democracy and midterms. He explores modern security threats like cyber and undersea cables and the challenges facing defence and recruitment.
Mar 28, 2026 • 9min
Gareth Mullins on cooking with fish
Spring fish cooking ideas for Easter, from crispy panko haddock goujons to roasted sea trout with spring vegetables. Techniques for checking doneness, resting fish and keeping coatings crisp. Air fryer and oven alternatives plus steaming with Asian greens. Quick green egg fried rice and practical tips on mise en place and affordable equipment.
Mar 28, 2026 • 9min
Boxed with John Fardy - The Pitt
John Fardy, Screen Time presenter and film/TV commentator, previews HBO Max highlights. He introduces The Pit, a real-time medical drama set in Pittsburgh. He outlines the tense ER scenes, key characters like Dr. Robbie and nurse Dana, and touches on medical realism, streaming catalogues, and upcoming TV announcements.
