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
Oct 16, 2025 • 10min
Ireland has a proud tradition in the hammer throw
Ireland has a proud tradition in the hammer throw dating back to ancient times. Cú Chulainn supposedly invented the sport long before Games took place in the religious sanctuary at Olympia. Ireland’s first-ever back-to-back Olympic champion Pat O’Callaghan claimed his golds in the hammer throw; but perhaps the most extraordinary episode in the sport’s history took place in Cork in 1984. Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill can tell us more:
Oct 16, 2025 • 18min
Are young people less resilient these days than past generations?
Are young people less resilient these days than past generations? Does the increased availability and awareness of mental health support help young people? Or are young people being held back by overbearing adults who are ‘democratising’ parenting? All to discuss with our panel this morning. Joining Pat was Siobhán O’Neil White of Mums.ie, Newstalk researcher Meghan O’Halloran, who’s in her early 20s and also Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, and Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght University Hospital.
Oct 16, 2025 • 14min
The fragile peace in the Middle East
The fragile peace in the Middle East could already be in jeopardy. President Donald Trump has warned Israel could resume fighting if Hamas breaches the ceasefire and neglects to return the bodies of Israeli hostages. Speaking to Pat this morning was military analyst, former fighter pilot, and co-host of the Red Matrix Podcast, Séan Bell, to examine the situation in the Middle East.
Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
Science with Luke: Making a star in a bottle
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a huge amount of energy in the process. It happens naturally in stars under extreme pressure and temperature. Scientists are trying to bottle that same process inside special machines (like tokamaks or stellarators). That’s why people call fusion “making a star in a bottle:. All to chat with Luke O'Neill Professor of Immunology at Trinity College Dublin.
Oct 16, 2025 • 19min
The complicated history of one of Irelands Dunnes Stores
Dunnes Stores is up there with Ryanair and Guinness as one of the most successful Irish enterprises created. Opening its first store in 1944 on Cork’s St. Patricks Street, its success spurred on by cheap clothing grew and grew until eventually in the 1960s it exploded in popularity as it brought the concept of the modern supermarket to Irish shoppers. Joining Pat this morning was Matt Cooper, Today FM presenter and author of a new book ‘Dynasty, Scandals, Triumph, Turmoil, and Succession at the Heart of Dunnes Stores’.
Oct 16, 2025 • 11min
Children’s Rights Alliance rection to death of teen in emergency care facility
Gardaí are investigating the death of a seventeen-year-old at an emergency care facility in Dublin yesterday. In a statement, Tusla confirmed this facility provided care to those seeking international protection. Joining Pat this morning was Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of Children’s Rights Alliance.
Oct 16, 2025 • 11min
Have we dumbed down our maths curriculum too much?
Have we dumbed down our maths curriculum for students too much? And have students lost the ability to do all mental maths as a result of calculators? All to discuss during Maths Week 25 with Oliver Murphy, Author of ‘Fundamental Applied Maths’ and Co-Author Of ‘Active Maths’.
Oct 16, 2025 • 13min
Henry McKean tried some tweakments!
Ireland has seen a 10% boom in men's grooming in 2025. With waxing, laser treatments and anti ageing tweakments (non-surgical cosmetic procedures) taking off. Men want to feel better but is it a vanity move? Henry McKean tried some tweakments, he sent us this report.
Oct 16, 2025 • 6min
Poll shows a commanding lead for Catherine Connolly
The latest Irish Times Ipsos/B&A poll shows a commanding lead for Catherine Connolly in the Presidential Election, but shows a significant number unhappy with the choice for the presidency.All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Host of the 'Let Me Explain' podcast. Political Correspondent for Newstalk.
Oct 15, 2025 • 10min
Autumn and winter gardening tips and advice
As winter is just around the corner, what does that mean for all your plants from the summer? And when is the last time you should cut the grass before the cold kicks in? Gardener and Field Worker at Crûg Farm Plants Paul Smyth joins Pat to answer listener questions.
