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
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.
Jul 31, 2025 • 18min
What exactly is 'moral injury'?
Every day we are engrossed with more imagery of starving, injured and dying children in Gaza. We are often left helpless and are unsure of what to do after viewing these images. That feeling is called ‘moral injury’. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent with The Economist and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 31, 2025 • 6min
Jo Linehan gives us tips and advice on plastic packaging
Pat Kenny was joined by Jo Linehan, editor of the climate supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland to discuss a survey that came out this week about plastic packaging in Ireland and how most of it is linked to our supermarket purchases.
Jul 31, 2025 • 12min
The latest in modern cardiologic technology
Leadless pacemakers are a significant development in cardiac care. Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers are implanted directly into the heart via a minor procedure. These pacemakers improve overall patient comfort. Doctor Jim O’Brien, Consultant Cardiologist at Mater Private Network, discusses the latest in modern cardiologic technology as the Mater Private now offers leadless pacemakers.
Jul 31, 2025 • 15min
We get a grammar lesson
From using ‘well’ incorrectly to those misplaced apostrophes we get a grammar lesson with Oliver Murphy, Author of Grasping Grammar.
Jul 31, 2025 • 14min
Drug searches fall across the country
New figures supplied to the Minister for Justice have shown a 15% drop in drug searches across the country last year compared with 2022. However, certain regions suffered much larger drops, including the southern region which saw 30% fewer searches. It comes as the Garda Representative Association is sounding the alarm once more about the number of Gardaí retiring in the coming years. Cllr Janet Horner, Cathaoirleach, Green Party joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
