Irish television and radio presenter
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Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator and Host of the Driving Life Podcast, joined Pat Kenny to discuss some of the biggest transport stories of the year.
A trove of newly released Epstein files include emails that appear to involve Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, while another suggests Donald Trump travelled on the billionaire's private jet "many more times than previously has been reported". The US Department of Justice released at least 11,000 more files on Tuesday. Scott Lucas, Professor and political analyst, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.
The robots may be coming for your job but 2026 might finally show signs of what has been predicted for years, truly useful robots but also a new vista for entertainment and museums including plans for Ireland's first National Children's Science Centre. 2026 is predicted by several tech experts to be the year when robots truly enter public life. Stories of humanoid robots back flipping, robots playing competitive basketball, expressive theme-park characters and machines capable of walking marathon distances are dominating headlines. At the same time, researchers have pushed the boundaries of what robots can learn, how fast they can adapt and how safely and reliably they can operate in everyday spaces. Professor Luke O' Neill joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the most wonderful time of the year. We must remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves, those who will spend this Christmas sleeping rough on the streets across the country. Alice Leahy, of the Alice Leahy Foundation, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Despite rising temperatures and changing weather patterns, important climate progress was made in 2025, including renewable energy becoming the source of electricity across the globe. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society for Research Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show for this week's green scene.
If you remember the slogan ‘you cannot eat a better sweet' then you will remember Lemon's sweet shop on O'Connell Street, The Confectioner's Hall. Famous for its use of safe, natural ingredients and its magical Christmas decoration window display. Cormac O'Moore, co-author of the sweetness of lemons, joined Pat Kenny on the show to take a Nostalgic look back at the story of lemons and the history it lived through as it witnessed the famine, the two world wars, the Irish revolution, the Victorian era and the campaign for Home Rule.
Stephanie Regan, clinical psychotherapist and host of the Tough Love Podcast joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss family rifts at Christmas, when to fix them and when to let them be.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There's been a lot of talk lately about blood on the streets of Silicon Valley and this time, it's not just hype. Some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence have seen billions wiped off their market value in recent weeks, as investors start asking a blunt question: where's the money?Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with The Irish Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss all things AI.
Pat Shortt, Actor and Comedian, joined Pat Kenny on the show to pay tribute to the late Jon Kenny.
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.
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.
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.
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.
40 years the first mobile phone call was made in Ireland, a pivotal moment that began one of the most significant technology transformations in the country's history. On December 11, 1985, the then Minister for Communications, Jim Mitchell TD, phoned broadcaster Pat Kenny. The pair had a brief chat about the broadcaster's Best Dressed Man of The Year award. Since that first analogue call, Ireland has become one of Europe's most advanced digital nations, powered by significant industry investment, best-in-class networks and rapidly evolving digital progress. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD - who reenacted the call this week with now broadcasting legend Pat Kenny - said that the evolution of telephony and digital communications had been well embraced by Ireland, with its benefits reaching into almost every corner of the economy and society today: "Given the recessionary environment here in 1985 it was a significant feat for Telecom Éireann to invest into a new telecommunications market, 40 years ago. Within a decade, market competition really grew and now, incredibly, there are five million smartphone users in Ireland. "If we add that to the parallel revolution in broadband - including the State's successful National Broadband Plan rollout - and major investment by the providers themselves, networks and connectivity are really high quality, which enables more innovation and job creation." Four Decades of Progress Telecom Eireann entered the world of mobile telephony in 1984 after receiving a licence from the Department of Communications. Eircell was launched in 1985, and the first mobile call took place on its network. In the years that followed, Ireland moved through major mobile milestones: 1985: Eircell was launched in greater Dublin area only and network had capacity for only 1,000 customers 1987: Expansion of network to Cork and Limerick 1990: Eircell had 11,300 customers approx. with high cost (device, quarterly rental charge, high cost per minute calls, set up and connection fee) 1993: First digital GSM network launches, introducing SMS and SIM cards 1996-1997: Market competition accelerates mobile adoption 2000: Vodafone enters the market and buys Eircell, enabling new technologies and innovative concepts to grow 2001: 3G spectrum licences issued 2008: iPhone launches in Ireland, ushering in the smartphone era 2025: There are three primary Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that own and operate the network infrastructure in Ireland including Three, Eir Mobile and Vodafone. In addition, there are virtual MNOs including Virgin Mobile, Tesco Mobile, An Post Mobile, Sky Mobile, GoMo, Lycamobile, Sky Mobile, Clear Mobile and 48. Telecommunications Industry Ireland (TII) are the Ibec representative body for the sector, that also includes cable and fixed, tower companies, network providers and equipment manufacturers. TII Director Nicola Cooke said a recent economic and social impact study completed by Ibec showed just how dynamic the sector is: "There has been €5bn in network capital investment by the industry over the last eight years, in addition to €2.7bn in annual spend with suppliers in Ireland. The telecoms sector - which provides direct employment to 24,000 people in Ireland - is also a huge enabler of the economy and wider society, bring connectivity across the whole country. "Telecoms is one of the few services where consumer prices are now lower that they were 10 years ago, and that is down to major competition in the market, with a huge range of choice and dozens of packages on offer. The fact that around 99% of the population can avail of 4G and 5G is also testament to the commitment and financing, provided by our members. "Ireland has come a long, long way since that first call 40 years ago, and we are now among the most progressive countries in terms of our digital transformation, sitting in fifth place among 27 countries on the EU digital index." See more stories here. More a...
In big news/a warning to road users Darren reveals the impressive results of his Driver Theory Test and in typical form, he managed to somehow wrangle a free eye test out of it. It's Christmas party season and a glimspe of Pat Kenny in the wild soon descends into imaginary conversations with the great man at the work do and naturally, Christopher Walken presenting the Toy Show.Joe has seen ANOTHER alien conspiracy theory documentary so prepare yourselves for some earth shattering revelations and the boys get into how A.I is going to essentially end the entertainment industry as we know it. WARNING TO ANYONE WITH SMALLIES: THIS EPISODE INCLUDES DISCSSIONS OF SANTA SO PARENTAL GUIDANCE IS ADVISED!!! We'll be bringing a brand new show to Vicar Street on Feb 12th, so get your tickets from Ticketmaster now and join us on the night!Send all of your questions and comments to stallit@goloudnow.com
From over 200,000 Instagram followers and now to an An Post Irish Book Awards-nominated book, Mollie Guidera is on a mission to make our native language fun and invigorating to learn. Mollie Guidera, Creator of Irish with Mollie joined Pat Kenny on the show.
Irish doctors have called for regulations for e-scooters to be prioritized, saying they are causing a growing burden on our emergency care system. Analysis from the Mater Hospital shows there were 380 treated for e-scooter injuries from 2021 to 2023. Dr Chris Luke, Columnist, Host of the Irish Medical Lives Podcast and Retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Ciaran Cuffe, Co-Chair of the European Green Party joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Last night protestors returned to CityWest after two nights of rioting. A smaller crowd attended as Gardaí maintained a significant presence. However, Gardaí are expecting four more nights of disorder at CityWest. Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor with The Irish Times and Dr David Robert Grimes, Author and Disinformation expert joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
An NBA head coach and player are among 31 people who were arrested yesterday in the US in connection with two major federal gambling investigations which include illegal sports betting and allegedly rigged poker games. Terry Sheridan, Senior Director of News, WSHU Public Radio joined Pat Kenny to discuss all news stateside.
You may have been listening to the Pat Kenny show this morning as Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphreys continued to make their respective cases to be Ireland's next President.On Friday the 24th of October, we will go to the polls to elect our 10th Head of State, but how will they compare to their predecessors? Who was our best and who was our worst?Kevin Rafter is Full Professor of Political Communication at DCU and Co-Editor of ‘The Irish Presidency: Power, Ceremony and Politics'. He's been ranking our former presidents from 1 to 9, and joins Seán to discuss.
Presidential candidates Heather Humphreys and Catherine Connolly spoke with Pat Kenny today as part of a Presidential debate ahead of the election on Friday the 24th of October. The two candidates gave their sides to why they should be elected as Ireland's next President.What was the outcome of this debate? Was there anything that stood out to you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk's Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe, as well as listeners.
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly and Fine Gael Candidate Heather Humphreys partake in the first standup debate of the campaign. Moderated by Pat Kenny.
Would you cycle across Dublin city if you were met with green lights all the way? Well, cyclists in Copenhagen are about to get just that! A new initiative is set to be launched that will see synchronized traffic lights on key roads, allowing cyclists to travel at about 20km/h. But is this feasible in a city that has cars driving around? Ajit Niranjan, European Environment Correspondent with The Guardian, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss the new initiative.
A leading oncologist has warned that public patients are being denied powerful new cancer drugs which could keep them alive for longer or in some cases, cure them, while these same drugs are available to people who have health insurance. The oncologist in question, Dr. Michael McCarthy, a cancer specialist in Galway University Hospital, who has long campaigned to end the inequity, is now among a number of senior specialists who are supporting a letter to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill proposing a co-funded early-access programme. Dr. Michael McCarthy, Consultant Oncologist at Galway University Hospital, joined Pat Kenny on the show.
As Zelensky warns of a destructive arms race, just who has what when it comes to military equipment and people? Declan Power, Defence and Security Analyst, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
What started as an empty shop window in Mullingar has now resulted in a thriving business with two locations, and hopefully another bestselling book, good together on the cards. Una Leonard is the successful owner of 2210 Patisserie, and her new book Good Together looks at recipes for the moments that matter. Una Leonard, Author and owner of 2210 Patisserie, joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.
As male social circles shrink, female partners say they have to meet more social and emotional needs. Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Ireland is one of the fastest-growing ageing countries in Europe but new research highlights how we lack in social and health care needs for older people. That's according to TILDA, the Irish longitudinal study on ageing which found that many older adults remain undiagnosed for conditions and depression is nearly not reported at all but loneliness levels have dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA joined Pat Kenny on the show to tell us more about the report.
Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Tech Correspondent and Presenter of Tech Talk joined Pat Kenny with the latest on all things tech and answered listeners questions.
For the fourth consecutive month, work on the countries' housing projects has declined. According to AIB's latest construction purchasing managers index, construction activity fell to 45.9 in August, which is quite below the key breakeven level of 50. It comes as housing targets will be missed for every year of government, according to officials from the Department of Housing.Pat Kenny was joined by Conor O'Connell, Director of Housing and Planning, Construction Industry Federation (CIF) to discuss.
Israel's defence minister warns Gaza city about the subject of “mighty hurricane”. Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Angela Rayner last week resigned as deputy leader of the UK Labour party along with her government positions following revelations that she underpaid stamp duty. The race to succeed her as deputy leader is now underway. George Parker, Political Editor, Financial Times joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
School principals have to face budgeting decisions every school year… but what if you were faced with the decision between free school meals or two new teachers, which would you choose?Well, that is one decision that has been taken out of the hands of Robert White, principal of Scoil Íde Naofa in Kildare, who has lost a teacher in this year's allocation — a teacher he says he would prioritise over the allocation of free school meals in his school.Robert White, Principal, Scoil Íde Naofa, Kildare joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.
Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss trust and group dynamics in light of Traitors.
Well, it didn't take long for autumn to be in the air. Though summer is behind us, the changing season throws up some great travel opportunities too. Pól Ó Conghaile, Irish Independent travel editor, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.
It was eight years ago since the EU and Canada signed a comprehensive economic trade agreement, otherwise known as CETA, however Ireland is yet to ratify this agreement. In a time when Donald Trump's tariffs continue to bring uncertainty and upheaval to the global economy, resulting in countries seeking trade outside of the US. Tánaiste Simon Harris has secured cabinet approval for the drafting of legislation which will allow for the ratification of the CETA. Dennis King, Canadian ambassador to Ireland, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.
Have you ever heard of a biobank? Well, this morning, we find out exactly what a biobank is and why they form such an important part of disease research. Biobank Ireland is a trust dedicated to expanding a network of biobanks across Ireland with a specific focus on cancer research. Professor Seán Hynes, Professor in Pathology and Consultant Histopathologist at University Hospital Galway joined Pat Kenny on the show this morning.
Rory McIlroy wins his second Amgen Irish Open and Ireland fought back to claim a draw with Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers. Cathal Muulaney, Broadcaster with Off the Ball, joined Pat Kenny to look back at the weekend in sport.
Today is the first day back at university for many students across the country. But many will have, and continue, to struggle to find accommodation for the year ahead and questions remain over what college fees will be set as in this year's budget.James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science joined Pat Kenny on the show.
It's the last weekend of August, and big money moves are in play. No, this isn't football transfer deadline day, it's the Irish radio industry. Claire Byrne is to leave RTÉ later this year and will take over the show currently anchored by Pat Kenny, it has been announced. Dave Hanratty is joined by Irish Independent journalists Darragh Nolan and Declan Lynch, to discuss how a dramatic day unfolded at both RTÉ and Newstalk, and ask what comes next for our two national radio broadcasters? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pat Kenny is moving to the weekends on Newstalk and Claire Byrne is taking his morning slot.Jim Gavin is to seek the Fianna Fáil Presidential nomination according to the party's director of elections, Minister Jack Chambers.To discuss the day's news, and other trending stories from the week, Matt was joined by Lise Hand and Joe O'Shea.Hit play on this page to listen now.
Across the country, some parents are being informed at the very last minute that no transport arrangements are in place for their child's school commute next week.That is true in Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow.At the same time, to deal with a lack of bus drivers, Bus Éireann are being called on to change their rules on the age of retirement. Junior Transport Minister Seán Canney this morning on Pat Kenny said drivers who hit 70 should be allowed to continue driving.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrat TD for Wicklow, Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth and Jenny, a parent in Meath.
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell spoke with Pat Kenny this morning about how he feels equality should be given to all members of the public service after The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act (FEMPI) cuts were unwound for all members apart from those in Leinster House.So, should politicians be entitled to more perks, or do they get enough?Joining Andrea to discuss is Pharmacist and former Fine Gael TD, Kate O'Connell and listeners.
With the bank holiday weekend ahead, Director of Dunbrody House Kevin Dundon takes us through some of the tastiest summer side dishes including a crispy potato salad and a corn on the cob with Gremolata. Kevin Dundon, Director of Dunbrody House joined Pat Kenny on the show.
The word 'legend' gets bandied about all too freely these days but it's fair to say that this week Gareth and Gary are joined by a giant of broadcasting that more than fits the bill. The iconic Pat Kenny.Pat joins Gareth and Gary to share his fascinating journey in radio and television. From his surprising start on a children's programme to his incredible career as the host of The Late late and his hugely popular radio shows. They dive into food topics too of course and we get to hear Pat's unique Death Row meal approach. Plus, the duo kicks off the new segment "Cookbook Corner," where Gareth reveals a transformative cookbook that changed his culinary perspective. Stay tuned for listener conundrums, featuring tips on perfecting that rich bolognese and creative barbecue desserts and don't forget to send your Culinary Conundrums to food@goloudnow.com!