Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

More than 300 children in Ireland are currently waiting for life-changing wishes. The figure comes as Make-A-Wish continues to expand its reach, granting 229 wishes in 2025 - its highest number to date - thanks to the generosity of the Irish public and corporate partners. This year's nationwide fundraising campaign is now up and running, which will culminate in a dedicated donation day on Friday, April 17th. To discuss, Pat is joined by Susan McQuaid O'Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish & Emma Dempsey, Make-A-Wish fundraiser.

Even if a fragile peace holds, Lebanon now faces a long and deeply uncertain road to reconstruction, against the backdrop of wider regional tensions involving Iran and a ceasefire that many fear could still collapse. Joining Pat to discuss is Fawaz Gerges, professor of international relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

One of the world’s leading AI companies has abruptly withdrawn a powerful new tool over concerns it could be exploited for large-scale hacking. It’s the latest sign of just how quickly this technology is advancing, and the risks that come with it. So what exactly triggered this decision, and how seriously is the cybersecurity world taking it? I'm joined now by Kevin O’Loughlin of Nostra, one of Ireland’s leading cyber security firms, to unpack the story and what it could mean for the future of online security.

American Catholics form an important voting bloc in U.S. elections and, as mid-term elections approach, having the church onside is an important strategic goal for Donald Trump. However, in a high-level meeting between US Department of War officials and the Vatican’s U.S. ambassador, a serious fallout appears to have occurred. Joining Pat to discuss is Elise Ann Allen, a senior correspondent in the Vatican for Crux, an independent Catholic news outlet specialising in Vatican and global church news.

Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Sinead O’Carroll, Editor at TheJournal.ie. Also joining Pat to discuss whether fuel protest talks can deliver de-escalation, or whether the crisis is set to deepen, is Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare, Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine.

Hungary goes to the polls today in what many are calling a pivotal moment for the country and for Europe more broadly. The election is being closely watched in Brussels and beyond, with questions around democratic standards, media freedom, and Hungary’s relationship with the European Union all at stake. Joining Pat to discuss is Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator at the Financial Times.

Joining Pat to discuss some of the science that underpins the cold plunge and saunas is Dr Luke O’Neill.

It was a week which began with a foul-mouthed rant threatening the complete destruction of Iranian civilisation but ultimately ended in a ceasefire. But how long will it last, and will Israel go along with it? Joining Pat to discuss is Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin.

Joining Pat to get the latest on the fuel protests taking place around the country are Josh Crosbie, Newstalk reporter in Dublin city centre; Sarah Madden, Newstalk reporter at Dublin Airport; Seamus Whelehan, Producer Reporter with the Neil Prendiville Show on Red FM in Cork; and David Raleigh, Limerick-Based freelance journalist in Foynes.

Joining Pat to discuss the ongoing fuel protests and how we may see a way forward is economist Colm McCarthy.

Gareth Mullins, executive chef at the Anantara Hotel, joins Pat with some mouth-watering burger recipes.

With the Grand National and the Masters well underway, Off the Ball’s John Duggan joins Pat to give him the latest.

Tech Talk’s Jess Kelly joins Pat to go through some of the latest smartphones and laptops coming on the market.

Joining Pat to run through the main stories in the Sunday papers is Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times.

Donald Trump faces a sharp drop in approval amid rising fuel costs, war fatigue, and questions over strategy, all of which could have major implications heading into the midterm elections later this year. Joining Pat to discuss is Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and columnist with thejournal.ie.

Dr Niamh Shaw joins Pat to discuss the crucial next phase in the Artemis II mission to the moon.

“Even if the US president is an idiot… he’s still the most powerful man in the world.” is just one of the sharp-edged insights from Seán Lemass, a leader who believed in decisive action and wasn’t afraid to provoke in the pursuit of progress. Pat is joined by Ronan McGreevy to unpack his book ‘Seán Lemass: The Lost Memoir’, which is a remarkable reconstruction of Lemass’s own voice drawn from 22 hours of recordings.

Nepalese authorities have charged 32 people over an alleged $20 million insurance scam involving helicopter rescues, hospital workers, and mountain workers on Everest trekking routes. Joining Pat to go through the details of the case is Simon Calder.

Joining Pat to talk about the ins and outs of the Government’s new savings scheme is Kathleen Gallagher, Markets Correspondent at the Business Post.

This week, the Italians missed out on a spot at the finals for the third successive tournament, meaning the World Cup will once again be without those famous blue shirts. But why do Italy wear blue? It’s one of the questions that Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill has been exploring, and he joins Pat to discuss.