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 5, 2026 • 12min
Chronic kidney disease affects around one in ten people in Ireland
Chronic kidney disease affects around one in ten people in Ireland and is on course to becoming the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040. Despite the opt-out organ donation system, less people donated organs in 2025 compared to the previous year, Adrian Cummins, Head of the Restaurants Association of Ireland was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2019. He spends more than 10 hours a week on dialysis as he waits for a kidney transplant. Adrian joined Pat on the show the show this morning.
Jan 5, 2026 • 21min
The latest from on the ground in Venezuela
Early on Saturday morning, the United States carried out Operation Absolute Resolve, a raid which killed at least forty people and lead to the capture and removal of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. We get the latest from on the ground in Venezuela from Víctor Amaya and analysis from Scott Lucas.
Jan 5, 2026 • 11min
France to prohibit social media for minors
French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing forward with new first-in-Europe legislation to prohibit social media access for minors under 15 and a ban on mobile phone use in secondary schools, with implementation expected for the 2026 school year.Pat discusses this further with Elaine Burke, Host of For Tech’s Sake Podcast and also John Lichfield, Veteran Correspondent based in Paris.
Jan 5, 2026 • 16min
Defence concerns remain firmly atop the national agenda this year
Ireland will be confronted by a different world in 2026. A mixture of under-investment compared to European neighbours and concern over unidentified drones in the airspace, have placed defence atop the national agenda for 2026.Pat discusses this further with Cathal Berry, Former member of the Defence Forces.
Jan 5, 2026 • 5min
The impacts of the cold snap
If you are travelling this morning, you will feel the baltic weather and notice the heavy frost everywhere and if you are in Donegal, then you will be looking out at a blanket of snow. Some schools are set to close, and there could be more snow on the way for other parts of the country. We get the latest on the weather with Holly O’Neill, Meteorologist with Met Eireann.
Jan 2, 2026 • 27min
Friday Forum look back on the news stories of the week
Joining Pat on today's Friday Forum was Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Examiner, Harry Browne, Senior Lecturer in the School of Media at Technological University Dublin and also Eoin O’Malley, Lecturer in Politics at DCU.
Jan 2, 2026 • 13min
The latest news from the US
It’s time to look across the pond for the latest US news. This week saw the new mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, sworn in on New year's Eve. His speech outside city hall signaled his unwavering ambitions for the city. All to chat about with Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News at WSHU Public Radio.
Jan 2, 2026 • 5min
Friday Food with Gary O'Hanlon
For this week’s Friday Food, the K Club's Gary O’Hanlon leaves behind the classic turkey and ham to try a mango chicken and vegetable Curry for your weekend dinner.
4 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 16min
Financing planning for the year and beyond
Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell Financial, dives into post-holiday financial anxiety and offers practical advice to ease the stress. He emphasizes the importance of anticipating costs and setting realistic budgets. Whelan suggests reviewing utility deals and cutting unused subscriptions for quick savings. He also discusses the benefits of switching mortgages and automating savings after payday. With insights on managing credit card debt and the evolving role of neobanks, Whelan equips listeners with strategies to build a healthier financial future.
Jan 2, 2026 • 14min
How has the winter impacted those on the ground in Gaza?
The EU has warned that Israel's threat to suspend aid groups into Gaza under new registration rules would block life-saving aid. What will this mean for the people in Gaza and how has the winter impacted those on the ground? We heard from Kazem Abu, UNICEF spokesperson in Jerusalem.
