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
Dec 1, 2025 • 22min
Ukraine peace plan talks “very productive” says Marco Rubio
Alastair Campbell, former Director of Communications for Tony Blair and co-host of The Rest is Politics, joins the discussion. He and Pat delve into the productive talks regarding Ukraine and the implications of a US financial plan for peace. They critique Trump's transactional foreign policy, exploring its impact on global norms and US credibility. Further, they discuss the challenges Ukraine faces with corruption and credibility, as well as contrasting European perspectives on the conflict, highlighting crucial dynamics at the Florida meeting.
Nov 28, 2025 • 5min
Friday Food with Erica Drumm
This week, chef and author Erica Drumm joins Pat to chat through how to make a Pork Medallions with a Apple and Mustard Cream for the perfect midweek dinner.
Nov 28, 2025 • 3min
All eyes on Liverpool this weekend
In last night’s Europa league, Troy Parrott was denied 20th goal of season but his team Az Alkmaar still came out victorious against Shelbourne. Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot is under pressure to secure a win this weekend as they face west ham in the premier league. The Dutch coach pledged to fight on in the wake of the club's worst run in over 70 years. The URC returns for a new season with Leinster and the Dragons kicking off this evening.Colm Boohig from Off The Ball looks ahead to the weekend of sport.
Nov 28, 2025 • 42min
The Great Gadget Gift Guide 2025
Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly brings us the great gadget gift guide. A great selection of tech gifts in all price ranges.To see all of the gadgets on offer, head to youtube.com/newstalkfm
Nov 28, 2025 • 14min
How will the health system cope this winter season?
The health service is currently facing into its time of greatest pressure with rising flu heading into December. So how will the system cope? Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill discusses this and the launch of the updated Sectoral Plan for Health.
Nov 28, 2025 • 15min
A full review of Irish bail laws has been completed
In 2011 Shane O'Farrell was knocked off his bicycle by a driver who should have been in jail at the time. As part of his public apology to Shane's family in May of this year, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan requested Senior Counsel Lorcan Staines to do a full review of the bail laws in Ireland. Lorcan joined Pat in studio to discuss all 15 of his recommendations.
Nov 28, 2025 • 18min
EU commission recommends an extension to Ireland's nitrates derogation
Michael McGrath has said the European Commission has recommended to extend the nitrates derogation for Ireland. The Nitrates Directive is an EU law for farms that puts limits on the amount of fertiliser including slurry that farmers can use on their land, and effectively the number of livestock that they can have, to protect water from pollution by agriculture.ie.We debate this with Elaine McGoff, Head of Advocacy at An Taisce and also Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP.
Nov 28, 2025 • 16min
Leaked “peace plan” exposes covert US-Russia pressure on Ukraine
Donald Trump's overseas envoy Steve Witkoff will hold talks at the kremlin next week as the us continues to push for a deal to end the war in Ukraine. speaking on last week's 28 point “peace plan”, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, the draft peace plan could serve as a basis for future negotiations to end the war, but insisted Ukraine would have to surrender territory for any deal to be possible. Pat discusses this and more with Lara Marlowe, Paris based Journalist and Author.
Nov 27, 2025 • 12min
Disinformation slot with David Robert Grimes
David Robert Grimes, a physicist and the author of 'The Irrational Ape', dives into the complexities of public information about criminal suspects. He discusses how rumors can spark unrest and reviews the UK's proposed reforms on disclosure to combat misinformation. Grimes highlights how the far right weaponizes speculation online and the impact of motivated reasoning on public beliefs. He also references studies showing people's ideological biases can distort their understanding of facts, especially regarding immigration issues in Ireland.
Nov 27, 2025 • 9min
Did water polo lead to the discovery of penicillin?
Cameron Hill, a journalist and contributor for Off The Ball, dives into the surprising connection between water polo and the discovery of penicillin. He shares the sport's rough origins and its brutal nature, highlighting notorious matches like the 1956 'Blood in the Water.' Cameron reveals that Alexander Fleming's choice of St. Mary's, influenced by his water polo experience, played a pivotal role in this groundbreaking scientific achievement. Expect a blend of sports history and fascinating science!
