As 2022 draws to a close, it’s time to take a breath and look back on another year of highs, lows and memorable moments.

The Pat Kenny Show has been with you through it all – and here are some of the best bits from the show this year:

'When I get uncontrollable crying episodes, he is minding me.' @charliebird49 on the comfort his pet dog has brought him throughout his illness. @PatKennyNT pic.twitter.com/kcJq0BSDjW

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) November 25, 2022

A chat with Charlie Bird

Late last month, Charlie Bird joined Pat to discuss his new book ‘Time and Tide’ and his reliance on his beloved dog Tiger.

The journalist, who is living with motor neurone disease, said he never thought he wanted a dog – but now goes nowhere without his best friend.

Charlie said his wife Claire brought Tiger into their lives when her father was unwell and the dog now offers him a well of strength in his darkest hours.

“When I get the uncontrollable crying episodes, Tiger is there with me; minding me," he said. "I would lose my life if anything ever happened to him.”

Trinity Professor Luke O’Neill in the Newstalk studio. Image: Newstalk

Prof Luke O’Neill on the origin of COVID

Professor Luke O’Neill’s commentary throughout the COVID pandemic has made him a household name in Ireland.

As the virus receded earlier this year, his regular segment branched out into other areas of science and medicine - with the Trinity professor offering fascinating insights on everything from the major breakthroughs in Lupus and MS treatments to the dangers of vacuuming.

Back in March, he joined Pat to discuss the origin of COVID.

He said studies now suggest the virus originated from a single stall at a food market in Wuhan, undermining the theory it leaked from a lab in the Chinese city.

Jarlath Regan on ‘Throwing a Paddy.’

After the BBC apologised for using the phrase ‘throwing a Paddy’ in its Premier League coverage, comedian Jarlath Regan joined Pat to discuss attitudes towards Ireland in the UK.

The expression stems from British dismissal of Irish anger over historical wrongs – and colloquially refers to someone who has an over-the-top reaction.

Regan, who has recently moved home to Ireland from the UK, told Pat his wife had to Google the expression after hearing it several times while working as a teacher.

He suggested most British people who use it are “just oblivious” to what it means.

Bonfires in Belfast

Newstalk’s Chief reporter Barry Whyte this summer attended his first Eleventh Night bonfires – and it was an eye opener.

The massive pyres adorned with Irish flags and effigies of female nationalists left Barry with one abiding impression: This isn’t culture; this is a hate fest.

In his report for Pat Kenny, Barry spoke to people of all ages and, while he found them friendly, few seemed to know what the bonfires stand for.

Brendan Gleeson on the Civil War

Towards the end of the summer, Pat sat down with actor Brendan Gleeson for a chat on everything from the savagery of the civil war to importance of Irish hospices.

The 67-year-old said people all over Ireland must come to terms with the legacy of the civil war as the country marks the 100-year anniversary of Michael Collins’ assassination.

He said his generation was taught very little about the war when he was in school and even today, he finds himself “being infuriated on both sides.”