Pat Kenny Bio, Age, Height, Family, Career, Salary, Net Worth & More
Pat Kenny is one of Ireland’s most iconic and longest-serving broadcasters. For more than five decades, he has been a trusted voice in Irish media, known for his sharp interviewing style, in-depth current affairs coverage, and hosting the legendary The Late Late Show. In 2026, at the age of 78, Kenny continues to present The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk radio and Pat Kenny Tonight on Virgin Media One, remaining a familiar and respected figure across Irish airwaves and screens.
Quick bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession / Occupation | Broadcaster, Radio & TV Presenter |
| Birth Date | 29 January 1948 |
| Age | 78 |
| Birth Place | Dublin, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Famous For | Hosting The Late Late Show and current affairs programmes |
| Known For | Incisive interviews and long-running radio and television shows |
| Ethnicity | Irish |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Height & Weight | 6’1″ (185 cm) – Weight not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | O’Connell School, Dublin; Chemical Engineering (UCD); Postgraduate studies at Georgia Institute of Technology |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status / Spouse | Married to Kathy Kenny (since 1992) |
| Children | Three daughters |
| Relatives | Parents: Jim and Connie Kenny (both deceased) |
| Hobbies | Family time and broadcasting |
| Employer / Organization | Newstalk (Radio), Virgin Media One (TV) |
| Years Active | 1970s – present |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Several million euros |
Early Life & Education
Patrick Kenny was born on 29 January 1948 in Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in a working-class family near the North Circular Road, with his father working at Dublin Zoo. Kenny attended O’Connell School in Dublin before going on to study Chemical Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD), where he graduated in 1969.
He later pursued postgraduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States. Upon returning to Ireland, he briefly worked as a lecturer at Bolton Street College of Technology while beginning his broadcasting career on a part-time basis.
Career Journey
Pat Kenny’s broadcasting journey began in the 1970s as a continuity announcer on RTÉ Radio. He quickly progressed to presenting roles across both radio and television.
In the 1980s and 1990s, he became a major television personality, hosting popular programmes such as Kenny Live, Prime Time, and The Frontline. He famously hosted RTÉ’s The Late Late Show from 1983 to 1999, one of the longest-running chat shows in Europe. He also presented the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988.
In 2013, after more than 40 years with RTÉ, Kenny made a high-profile move to independent radio station Newstalk, where he presented the flagship mid-morning current affairs show for over a decade. In 2026, he continues his radio work with weekend editions of The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk and remains active on television with Pat Kenny Tonight on Virgin Media One.
Personal Life
Pat Kenny has been married to Kathy Kenny since 1992. The couple lives in Dalkey, one of Dublin’s most affluent suburbs, in a home they built in the early 1990s. They have two daughters together: Kristina and Nicole.
Kenny also has a child from a previous relationship. He values his family life highly and keeps his personal affairs relatively private away from the spotlight. His parents, Jim and Connie Kenny, passed away in 1982 and 2008 respectively.
Awards & Achievements
- Jacob’s Award for excellence in radio presenting (1986)
- Honorary Doctor of Science from University College Dublin (2012)
- Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) Lifetime Achievement recognition
- Recognised as one of Ireland’s most enduring and influential broadcasters
Physical Statistics
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly available |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Not publicly available |
| Build | Tall and slim |
Quotes
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Preparation is everything when you’re interviewing someone important.”
“The job of a broadcaster is to ask the questions the public wants answered.”
Controversies
Throughout his long career, Pat Kenny has occasionally faced criticism for his direct and sometimes stern interviewing style. His high earnings during the RTÉ years, which peaked at nearly €951,000 in 2008, also attracted public attention during Ireland’s economic recession. Despite these discussions, he has maintained a strong professional reputation with no major personal scandals.
Salary & Net Worth
Pat Kenny was once the highest-paid presenter at RTÉ. His earnings have since been managed through his own media company. In 2026, his net worth is estimated to be in the several million euro range, accumulated through decades of high-profile broadcasting work, company profits, and ongoing television and radio contracts.
Interesting Facts
- He originally trained as a chemical engineer before becoming a full-time broadcaster.
- He presented the Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland in 1988.
- He continued working well into his late 70s, showing no signs of full retirement.
- His composed on-air style earned him occasional nicknames in the Irish media.
Social Media Links
Pat Kenny maintains a low personal social media presence. Most updates come through official show channels:
- Newstalk – Official station website and platforms for The Pat Kenny Show
- Virgin Media One – Features and clips for Pat Kenny Tonight
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Pat Kenny in 2026? Pat Kenny is 78 years old in 2026, having been born on 29 January 1948.
What is Pat Kenny’s height? He stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
Who is Pat Kenny’s wife? His wife is Kathy Kenny. The couple has been married since 1992.
What is Pat Kenny famous for? He is best known for hosting The Late Late Show on RTÉ and his long-running current affairs programmes on radio and television.
Is Pat Kenny still working in 2026? Yes, he continues to present weekend shows on Newstalk radio and Pat Kenny Tonight on Virgin Media One.
What is Pat Kenny’s net worth? His net worth is estimated to be several million euros, built over a successful 50-year career in Irish media.
Conclusion
Pat Kenny’s career stands as a testament to professionalism, longevity, and adaptability in the ever-changing world of Irish broadcasting. From his early days as a continuity announcer to becoming a national institution, he has informed and engaged audiences for generations. Even in 2026, his voice remains a steady presence on Irish airwaves.
If you found this biography interesting, feel free to share it with friends or family who enjoy Irish media and current affairs.
