Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

The past twelve months have seen a drastic shift in the Middle East, while focus remains on Gaza and Israel, other parts of the region continue to deal with their own political crisis. Over the past year, the people of Syria continue to rebuild their country after the fall of Assad while in Lebanon marked the anniversary since a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. To reflect on all of this Sally Hayden, journalist with the Irish Times who has just arrived back from Lebanon, joined Pat Kenny on the show.  

We all know about the typical Irish traditions at Christmas time like the Late Late Toy Show or maybe heading to mass once a year, but what about those unofficial Christmas traditions? Like the tin of Roses that keeps getting recycled through the parish or the car park ballet that will have you furious trying to figure out whether someone is pulling out of a space or taking forever to straighten up. Comedian, author, and broadcaster Colm O'Regan joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss those unofficial Christmas traditions. 

Christmas, among its joy and happiness, is also a time of health concern. Early next week we are set to reach the peak numbers of what is a severe Flu season. More than 1,000 people expected to spend Christmas in hospital as a result of the flu. As well as this, we must account for lesser injuries like cuts and burns commonly associated with the festive period. Dr Diarmuid Quinlan, GP and Medical Director of the Irish College of General Practitioners joined Pat on the show this morning.

Russia has launched airstrikes on Ukraine's capital early this morning. In response to the attacks, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed. The attacks come just days after US-led peace talks in Miami.  Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for RFI (Radio France Internationale) and France24 joined Pat on the show to discuss the latest on the Ukraine-Russian war as Russia launches airstrikes on Kyiv this morning, post peace talks.

Christmas is here and main streets across the country are flooded with those who have decided tactically or stupidly to leave their present buying to the last minute. But, for the droves who line the shopfronts today and tomorrow, what exactly should they be looking for? Is it too late to pick up something good? Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Journalist, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

 From hotel breaks to retreats, we find out what people who choose to go alone get up to for at Christmas with Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden…

You might know him for being one half of the Rubberbandits or his podcast that has over 90 million listeners worldwide. Award-winning Author and Podcaster Blindboy joined Pat Kenny on the show to chat on what it was like to win a Grierson Documentary Award.

Flu cases are expected to peak this week which was expected and it brings up the question as to why the government decided not to take-up the enhanced jab for over 65’s.  Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Under-recognised, underdiagnosed, undertreated, and under-researched heart health is not the same between men and women, and in turn the differences can often prove costly. When it comes to heart health, women’s bodies tell a different story, and it is time we listened.Dr Róisín Colleran, Consultant cardiologist at the Mater Private Network joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss women’s heart health.

Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon spent long periods of 2024 confined to bunkers as local tensions flared up, particularly between Hezbollah and the IDF.  Has the situation calmed down since then? What are the circumstances on the ground heading into Christmas?   Newstalk's Tom Douglas has travelled to Camp Shamrock to get a feel for the current state of affairs...

Pat Kenny was joined by Scott Lucas, professor and political analyst at the Clinton Institute in UCD, Larry Donnolly, law lecturer at NUIG and columnist with the journal.ie and Gina London, Former CNN White House Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist to look back at all the biggest news stories to come out of the US in 2025.

The festive season is in full swing as thousands of people are returning home for Christmas. Many families have their own special traditions or rituals at this time of year. But what about those who are not originally from Ireland, but now call this country home? How will they be spending the 25th of December? Josh Crosbie has been finding out…

Known for their hilarious comedy sketches, over one million followers across their social media platforms and touring worldwide, Sean Finnegan, Conor McKenna and Sean Flanagan or also known as Foil, Arms and Hogs joined Pat Kenny in studio.

Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel & Airport safety & security expert joined Pat to discuss how electric flying taxis may become available to London airport passengers from 2028.

Pat was joined by Kieran Christie, General Secretary of the ASTI to discuss how targeted bursaries could be considered to resolve the teacher recruitment crisis

With the festive period well and truly upon us, many people will be taking a well-deserved rest from the on goings in their busy lives. With many opting to gorge on delicious Christmas food and taking that extra bit of time to sit down and watch that series you have had on your watch list. But how best are we to manage Christmas when it comes to exercise and nutrition? Joey Boland former Dublin hurler and founder of Sports Physio Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Another great day for Aston Villa as they defeat Man Utd 2-1, but how much trouble are the Red Devils in now? Cathal Mullaney, Broadcaster with Off The Ball looks back on the weekend's sporting action.

Pat Shortt, Actor and Comedian, joined Pat Kenny on the show to pay tribute to the late Jon Kenny.

Christina Finn, Polticial Editor with The Journal joined Pat to take a look at how Ireland are preparing for the EU Presidency and the new 400-million-euro equity programme to deliver new homes 

It's the final countdown to Christmas. We visited Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Which is currently 'The European City of Christmas', which expects 1.8 million visitors this Christmas for its international festival Winterval. Henry Mckean meets people behind the festival and he sent this report from Winterval.