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 29, 2025 • 12min
Jess Kelly on VPN's
The UK has introduced age verification requirements online, but users are finding workarounds. VPNs top download charts as UK age verification law kicks in. Virtual private network (VPN) apps have become the most downloaded on Apple's App Store in the UK after sites such as PornHub, Reddit and X began requiring age verification of users. Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent, joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 29, 2025 • 8min
Travel expert on some holiday hacks
Megan Virgo, a Travel Writer for The Irish Daily Mail and Image Magazine, shares her top holiday hacks. She reveals how to prevent tangled necklaces using drinking straws and suggests labeling luggage as 'fragile' for quicker handling. Megan also discusses the benefits of multi-port adapters for charging devices and efficient packing methods like using packing cubes and solar-powered chargers. Her practical tips promise to streamline your travel experience and enhance your next adventure!
Jul 29, 2025 • 7min
New Garda commissioner is set to be appointed today
A new garda commissioner is set to be appointed today. The new appointment follows garda commissioner Drew Harris’ seven-year role. The new garda commissioner will face challenges surrounding Garda retirement as a decade-long increase in resignation is expected. Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 29, 2025 • 13min
Latest on Trump's visit to Scotland
President Donald trump hosted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at his Scottish golf club for a press conference yesterday. The conference had some remarkable moments as trump made comments on Starmer's ‘friend’ Sir Saqid Khan, London mayor, and trump noticed from the ‘television’ that Palestinian children are ‘terribly hungry.’ Enda Brady, International TV News Anchor at TRT World joined Pat Kenny to discuss the visit.
Jul 29, 2025 • 9min
Is today’s political situation making dating harder for Gen Z?
Today’s political context is making dating more difficult for young people, studies show. This is partly because there is strong political divide between young men and women. Some young men and women view gender equality differently which also makes dating challenging. Dr Jenny Van Hooff, Reader in the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Jul 29, 2025 • 11min
Is it worth investing in handbags, whiskey and watches?
Investing used to be a case of pension funds, equities, and perhaps some stocks and shares. Lately, though, the whole area has become a lot less boring and far more luxurious. But is it wise to put all your savings in a Rolex watch or bag from jimmy choo, or when it comes to luxury investments, should the price tag say buyer beware? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports…
Jul 29, 2025 • 13min
Salim Oweis of UNICEF on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Salim Oweis, UNICEF Communications Specialist for the Middle East and North Africa joined us to discuss the work the body are constantly undergoing in the Gaza strip as Palestinians face widespread malnutrition. As of today, 14 more Palestinians have died from hunger. However, Salim says that UNICEF is running out of supplies of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food. Food could be depleted by August if the current trend continues.
Jul 29, 2025 • 9min
Are the new CAP reforms the chance to bring in young farmers?
Take cuts to farm payments of over €20,000 – proposals are also being made to fully withdraw farm subsidies from about 40,000 Irish farmers. Farmers over 65 in receipt of State pensions will lose their farm supports if the Commission’s plan to reform the CAP is successful. Alan Matthews, Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy, Trinity College Dublin, joined us to discuss.
Jul 29, 2025 • 15min
Calls for prompt redress for victims of historical sexual abuse in schools
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is calling for the Irish Government to ensure that victims of historical sexual abuse in schools are properly and promptly provided with redress. The commission say they fully agree with Minister Helen McEntee that those responsible must pay, but point out that it must include the State. Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Jul 29, 2025 • 20min
Bed in a shed proposals head to cabinet
The much talked about planning exemption for cabins or modular homes in back gardens will head to Cabinet today ahead of a public consultation on the proposal. Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist and Seán Defoe, Political Correspondent brings us the full details of that and other items going to Cabinet today, including confusion over the EU-US tariff agreement.
