He’s got it down Pat: Broadcaster Pat Kenny on radio and switching off

As Pat Kenny prepares to return to TV screens this week with The Big Debate, Elaine Prendeville finds a man who has figured out how to stay at the top of his game while also keeping his cool: the key, it seems, is not to do too much

Pat Kenny: ‘The thing with media today is trying to sort out the opinion from the analysis. I figure my opinion on something is as good as anybody else’s, but the facts-driven analysis, that’s what we need. Opinion I can take or leave. Facts, I want’ Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

‘Toon-berrrry. My name is Greta Toon-berry.” Pat Kenny is teaching me how to pronounce the activist Greta Thunberg’s name. We’re sitting in a Dublin hotel a quick shuffle from the Newstalk headquarters as rain pours down outside. It’s Monday afternoon, and Kenny is fresh from his radio show. Fresh is also the word for his appearance. At 71, the trademark Pat Kenny ensemble – good hair, smart blazer, smart-casual shoes – is going ...