Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Few films have left as indelible a mark on the horror genre as The Exorcist. Released in 1973 and directed by William Friedkin, it remains one of the most terrifying cinematic experiences ever created. Based on William Peter Blatty’s novel, which itself was inspired by a real-life exorcism of a 13-year-old boy in Maryland, the film shocked audiences with its visceral depiction of demonic possession and spiritual warfare. But what happened behind the scenes was arguably even more chilling. Lisa Cannon tells us all about this Halloween horror.

The clocks have gone back and we are back to commuting in darkness. Add in poor weather and  unsurprisingly this makes roads more dangerous especially for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users. Pat discusses this and more with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant.

From pumpkin patches, to haunted houses, Samhain celebrations and puca parades. There's more to do this Halloween than ever before. But just what does the spooky season mean in 2025? Is commercial creepiness, or a Celtic comeback on the cards? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza following Israeli strikes last night. Is the Gaza ceasefire at risk? Pat discussed this and more with Professor Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University.

This week on the Green Scene how coral reefs have reached a tipping point, and new research on how burying wood could be an unexpected low-tech solution to capture carbon. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak.  

In August, Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was moved from a Florida prison to a minimum security facility in Texas. So how might this have come about and what is life like inside the facility in Bryan, Texas where Maxwell is now held? All to discuss with Sam Mangel, Federal Prison Consultant.

Two thirds of hospital waiting list targets are missed despite a 420-million-euro investment and a pledge to reduce it by the end of this year, according to the Irish Daily Mail.  While over in Limerick, doctors are warning that a ‘capacity emergency’ should be declared at UHL. All to discuss with Steve McMahon from the Irish Patients’ Association.

Jess Kelly Newstalk's Technology Correspondent reviews reviews the OneSonic Studio Pro headphones, from the independent Irish audio brand OneSonic.

Neutrality has been a long-standing position of Irish foreign policy but is it performative?  Pat asked two guests, Colin Sheridan, is an Irish Examiner journalist and a former UN Peacekeeper and also Daniel Mulhall, Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

Christmas hotel breaks are still popular, despite costs and inflation. Dozens of hotels do them, and some have even sold out for 2025. This week Pol O'Conghaile takes a look at some of the breaks on offer this Christmas season.All with thanks to Ryanair.

Hurricane Melissa is slowly inching its way towards the island as a category five hurricane with sustained winds of up 282km/h. Residents have been urged to get to higher ground to shelter ahead of the expected landfall today. Terry Sheridan brings us up to date on this and more news from across the pond including Donald Trump floating a third term once more.

A new political figure is making headlines all across the UK and its not Nigel Farage.  Zack Polanski is the new leader of the Green party and for a political party that rarely made a splash in the ocean are now making waves. We look at the rising popularity of the new leader of UK Green party with Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary, University of London.

With the cost of living rising more and more people are turning to buy now, pay later options. Shoppers can purchase anything from a takeaway to a new couch and delay payments or pay in installments. But what are the risks and is it going to grow in popularity? Our reporter, Josh Crosbie found out. 

Hate speech is “fuelling hatred and escalating tensions” in Ireland and some politician's reactions to events are partly to blame as well. That’s according to a new report by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance which says new legislative measures punishing hate speech must be introduced as a matter of priority. Pat discusses this further with Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri Chairperson, Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council.

In Madrid in March 2005, the career of David Gillick was put under a new spotlight – he had just become the European 400m Indoor Champion. A feet he would go on to repeat two years later in Birmingham. But a career on the world stage of athletics is always much more than the medals  we may be aware of – the good days. ‘The Race’ is David Gillick’s account of his rise in athletics to where he is today on our TV screens and all that happened in between. David chatted to Pat on the show this morning.

The first recorded powered flight lasted for 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet. ICAO and IATA define ultra long-haul flights as routes lasting more than 16 hours, often spanning 13,000 kms or more. These nonstop journeys connect cities such as Singapore and New York or Perth and London  During World War II, Qantas operated the aptly named “Double Sunrise” route, connecting Perth with Sri Lanka in a time of between 27 and 33 hours. We hear about the ultra long-haul flights with Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel.

Though the presidential election is over, government parties are still feeling the fallout of their loss. With Fianna Fáil attempting to quell a confidence motion against Micheál Martin, and Seán Kelly accusing Fine Gael of ‘shafting’ him, what’s next for the government after this defeat? Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent and Host of Let me Explain Podcast, joined Pat to discuss.

Henry McKean looks back at the biggest events and meet the people who made a huge impact in the year 1997!From the death of Princess Diana to Michael Flatley's massive Riverdance success to the band Steps being established, there is plenty to look back on!

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.

Four our Friday Forum Pat was joined by Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway, Christina Finn, political editor with The Journal, and Naomi O’Leary, Europe Correspondent for the Irish Times to discuss the week’s biggest headlines.