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
Jan 26, 2026 • 15min
Has Micheál Martin spent too much time abroad in his first year as Taoiseach?
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has faced some criticism because of the number of overseas trips he has been on in the last twelve months. But are these trips abroad simply unavoidable when you are the leader of the country? And how beneficial are they? Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been looking into it.
Jan 26, 2026 • 12min
What is contributing to school absenteeism?
Almost a third of primary schools have seen a sharp rise in the number of pupils absent for four weeks or more in the wake of the pandemic. In a new report, patterns around primary and secondary schoolchildren taking days off have grown worse over two recent academic years and show no signs of reversing course. So what is contributing to this? All to discuss with Emer Smyth, Research Professor, ESRI and Anna Moya Ponce, Research Assistant, ESRI.
Jan 26, 2026 • 9min
A 14-year-old girl died after being struck by a scrambler bike
A 14-year-old girl died after being struck by a scrambler bike in Finglas in Dublin yesterday afternoon. With more on this Pat spoke to Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent.
Jan 23, 2026 • 23min
Friday Forum look back on the new stories of the week
The Friday Forum look back on the new stories of the week. Joining Pat this week was John Lahart, Fianna Fáil TD FOR Dublin Southwest AND Spokesperson on The European Union, Jennifer Whitmore Social democrats TD for Wicklow and Spokesperson for Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport and also Tabitha Monahan, Political Reporter with The Irish Independent.
Jan 23, 2026 • 6min
Friday Food with Gareth Mullins
For this week’s Friday Food, Gareth Mullins takes us through some afternoon cake favorites. A carrot cake as well as a lemon drizzle and blueberry cake.
Jan 23, 2026 • 11min
30 years since the Divorce Act
2026 marks 30 years since the Divorce Act (1996) came into effect in Ireland. A milestone that offers a timely opportunity to reflect on how separation, divorce, and family breakdown have changed over the past three decades. We discuss this further with Michelle Browne, Divorce Mediator and family mediation specialist.
Jan 23, 2026 • 11min
Microplastics panic shows the dangers of misinformation
Microplastics panic shows the dangers of misinformation and distortion even in science! All to discuss with David Robert Grimes, Author and disinformation expert.
Jan 23, 2026 • 14min
50 years ago Concorde flew its first commercial flights
It was 50 years ago this week that Concorde flew its first commercial flights, with British Airways flying their aircraft from London to Bahrain and Air France debuting their route from Paris to Rio de Janeiro. Right up until tragedy struck in the early 2000s, Concorde became the personification of high-speed intercontinental travel for the wealthy and business elite. To trace the story of this extraordinary episode in aviation history is reporter Simon Tierney, who has been investigating the archives.
Jan 23, 2026 • 5min
Relief scheme will have taken 30 years ‘if all goes well’!
One of Dublin's busiest roads is set to face a year of major traffic disruptions. Joining Pat to discuss the roadworks, and the disruptions that will follow, is Dublin Editor for the Irish Times, Olivia Kelly.
Jan 23, 2026 • 15min
President Zelensky speech at Davos
After the drama filled week in Davos. President Zelensky launches a scathing attack on European Leaders over their support for Ukraine. We get the latest on this with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews.
