David McCullagh and Pat Kenny Dominate Irish Radio Landscape
Ireland’s radio scene continues to be shaped by established broadcasters, with David McCullagh’s versatile approach on RTÉ Radio 1’s Today and Pat Kenny’s seamless return to Newstalk garnering attention. Both presenters demonstrate a knack for engaging listeners with a mix of current affairs, lifestyle segments, and sharp interviewing techniques.
David McCullagh’s ‘Today’ Show: Balancing News and Everyday Life
Since taking the helm of Today in November 2025, David McCullagh has successfully navigated the show’s diverse content, moving comfortably between serious news stories and lighter lifestyle topics. He recently addressed the rising cost of home heating oil, questioning Fuels for Ireland’s Kevin McPartland on the significant price increases compared to other EU countries [RTÉ Radio 1]. McCullagh challenged explanations regarding refining costs and carbon taxes, expressing skepticism about potential price gouging.
The impact of the Iran war on oil prices was a recurring theme, with McCullagh pressing Ger Hyland of the Irish Road Haulage Association on proposed protests and seeking a personal perspective from Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill on consumer support measures. He also engaged in a discussion with motoring journalist Geraldine Herbert about the potential distractions posed by modern car touchscreens.
Beyond current affairs, McCullagh’s personal interests occasionally surface, such as his enthusiastic endorsement of traditional Irish chip shops, sparking a lively conversation about the nation’s favorite takeaway food.
Pat Kenny’s Return to Newstalk: A Seamless Transition
Pat Kenny recently returned to the airwaves with The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk, maintaining a similar format to his previous weekday morning slot. He continues to feature familiar voices, including biochemistry professor Luke O’Neill, discussing topics like stress [Apple Podcasts].
Kenny’s interviewing skills were on display in a compelling conversation with Anthony Scaramucci, Donald Trump’s former White House communications director, who offered critical insights into the former president’s personality. He also interviewed actor Barry Keoghan, though the conversation focused more on professional achievements than personal details.
The show’s success remains to be seen in relation to Brendan O’Connor’s popular weekend show on RTÉ Radio 1, particularly given the overlap in scheduling for key interviews like the one with Scaramucci.
Moment of the Week: Energy Consumption in the Kitchen
On RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime, Katie Hannon and Colm Ó Mongáin investigated the energy consumption of common kitchen appliances, revealing that refrigerators are significant energy users while microwaves are relatively efficient. The discussion highlighted the energy demands of air fryers, described as “small fan ovens,” prompting Ó Mongáin to jokingly acknowledge the influence of the “air fryer industrial complex” [RTÉ Radio 1].
Both McCullagh and Kenny continue to be influential figures in Irish radio, demonstrating the enduring appeal of experienced broadcasters who can connect with audiences on a variety of levels.