The Pat Kenny Show

Today’s political context is making dating more difficult for young people, studies show. This is partly because there is strong political divide between young men and women. Some young men and women view gender equality differently which also makes dating challenging. Dr Jenny Van Hooff, Reader in the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Investing used to be a case of pension funds, equities, and perhaps some stocks and shares. Lately, though, the whole area has become a lot less boring and far more luxurious. But is it wise to put all your savings in a Rolex watch or bag from jimmy choo, or when it comes to luxury investments, should the price tag say buyer beware? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports…

Salim Oweis, UNICEF Communications Specialist for the Middle East and North Africa joined us to discuss the work the body are constantly undergoing in the Gaza strip as Palestinians face widespread malnutrition. As of today, 14 more Palestinians have died from hunger.  However, Salim says that UNICEF is running out of supplies of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food. Food could be depleted by August if the current trend continues.   

 Take cuts to farm payments of over €20,000 – proposals are also being made to fully withdraw farm subsidies from about 40,000 Irish farmers. Farmers over 65 in receipt of State pensions will lose their farm supports if the Commission’s plan to reform the CAP is successful. Alan Matthews, Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy, Trinity College Dublin, joined us to discuss.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is calling for the Irish Government to ensure that victims of historical sexual abuse in schools are properly and promptly provided with redress. The commission say they fully agree with Minister Helen McEntee that those responsible must pay, but point out that it must include the State. Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

  The much talked about planning exemption for cabins or modular homes in back gardens will head to Cabinet today ahead of a public consultation on the proposal. Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist and Seán Defoe, Political Correspondent  brings us the full details of that and other items going to Cabinet today, including confusion over the EU-US tariff agreement.  

Have you heard about an eye-drop that could let you ditch your reading glasses? Does it sound too good to be true? Our expert this week, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Arthur Cummings provides us with all the information and answers your questions.

There has been a rise in affordable antique shops as new home owners look for a bargain and something with character. Moving away from the Swedish modern flatpack. Henry McKean visited Pete’s Antiques and Macs Warehouse and sent this report. 

Jordan and the United Arab Emirates parachuted 25 tonnes of aid into Gaza today as Israel said it would halt operations for 10 hours a day in parts of the region. However, UN Aid Chief Tom Fletcher has warned more action is needed to prevent a “famine and a catastrophic health crisis". Paul Rogers, Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University  

On the morning of December 4, 2016, 22-year-old Eamonn Dixon collided head-on with a car carrying a family of six. The driver Dixon and his two passengers died at the scene. Mary Bermingham and her family survived but they still bare the physical and psychological scars. Nearly a decade later, impact – anatomy of a car crash revisits the collision, by speaking to the voices of those who survived.  Mary Bermingham joined Pat Kenny on the show.

The envelope-based budgeting method is going viral on TikTok and Reddit, with Gen Z bringing back physical cash as a way to feel more in control of their spending. Some claim it’s the only method that helps them stay disciplined; others call it impractical in a digital world. Nick Charalambous, Financial advisor and Managing Director of Alpha Wealth joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

‘The rounds system needs to be burned to the ground.’ This is what Tanya Sweeney, Irish Independent columnist and journalist, has to say about buying rounds when drinking. She explains why and Henry McKean has been gauging people’s reaction on the street. 

The European Union and United States have agreed to a trade agreement that will avert the threatened 30% tariffs coming into effect this weekend. However, tariffs are now increased to 15% for the entire EU. Suzanne Lynch brings us the latest reaction and analysis. Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg joined us on the show to discuss the deal.

It was a weekend full of excitement for the Kerry football team as the Kingdom took home their 39th All Ireland Football championship. Jack O'Connor led his team to a 1-26 to 0-19 win over Donegal, making it his fifth Sam Maguire. Elsewhere in sport, the British and Irish Lions narrowly beat Australia after a last minute try from Ireland's Hugo Keenan and England's Lionesses were crowned back to back champions at the Women’s Euro finals last night. Tommy Rooney, Off the Ball’s GAA correspondent and Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball joined Pat Kenny to look back on the weekend’s sporting action.

Andy Kelly, Co-founder of Misnaech (A not for profit organization dedicated to helping the people of Ukraine by delivering donated and re-purposed aid to medical and rehabilitation to facilities on the ground there) and Luba Healy, Founder of L.U.B.A. charity joined us on the show this morning.

Weightloss jabs have bursted onto the market, and the demand for these injections has skyrocketed. What started as a solution for those struggling with obesity has now become a quick-fixed solution for those looking to shed a couple of pounds.Some of these drugs are now available in some beauty clinics but what kind of message is this sending and how will those who need it the most lose out? Professor Donal O’Shea, Clinical Director at St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) and Professor at UCD School of Medicine joined Pat Kenny on the show.

The rate of affordability for homes has now reached a new high. Couples now who earn a combined salary of one hundred thousand euro are unable to afford to buy homes across Dublin and commuter counties.  So, will the average working couple continue to be priced out? Karl Deeter, from Irish Mortgage Brokers joined Pat Kenny on the show.

We take a look back at the main news stories of the week in our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Regina Doherty MEP, Dublin, Fine Gael, Michael Fitzmaurice TD, Roscommon-Galway, Independent Ireland and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, Irish Examiner. 

Ahead of the All-Ireland final this weekend. Chef Gary O’Hanlon brings us through the weekend dish of Potato Rosti with Poached Egg.

A groundbreaking fossil discovery is challenging what scientists thought they knew about the origins of feathers. This comes as an international team of researchers uncovered a new species of reptile in France earlier in the week. Among those scientists are three paleontologists from University College Cork. Speaking to Pat on the discovery was Professor Maria McNamara, paleontologist from the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UCC.

Donegal take on Kerry on Sunday, in the All - Ireland Football final. The atmosphere and build up is hitting fever pitch at Downings GAA club (Clg Na Dunaibh) in Donegal, Henry McKean took a trip to Donegal and sent us this report. 

Minister of Education, Helen McEntee has said that changes to the duration of summer holidays will be considered as it presents difficulties for parents. Are the school summer holidays too long? Pat discusses this with Chrissie Russell, Freelance Writer and mother of two and also Siobhan O’Neill White the founder of Mums.ie.

Donegal face off Kerry in the All Ireland Football Final this weekend and the Lions prepare for their second Lions Test against Australia. Colm Boohig from Off The Ball looks ahead to the weekend of sport.

Despite the devastation in Gaza, the Israeli government continues to reject responsibility for its man-made famine. Joining us, is journalist Paul Kearns, based in Tel Aviv, to discuss how the Israeli media and public are reacting to the destruction unfolding in Gaza.

As the country slowly begins to turn its attention towards the next incumbent of Áras an Uachtaráin, how does our presidential system compare to others around the world? Reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating this and why exactly was our current model chosen?

The United Nations' highest court said countries must address the threat of climate change. Countries who fail to meet their climate targets could face legal action. Pat discusses this further with Oisin Coughlan, Policy Advisor for The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition.

Weight based vehicle tax has been mooted by the Tax Strategy Group ahead of Budget 2026. The proposed tax tax that would apply to vehicles with a weight of over 1,600kg. To discuss further we heard from Conor Faughnan, Transport Commentator.

Shelbourne, St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers are in European action over the next few weeks, hoping to qualify for the league phase of their respective competitions for next season. But one European tie made headlines recently, as it took place 65 years after it was due to be played! Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill tells us more

The US President is making a private trip to the UK to visit his luxury golf resorts at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Menie in Aberdeenshire. How do the locals feel about his visit. Pat spoke to Catríona Stewart a Freelance Reporter in Scotland.

We are joined by Dr. David Robert Grimes, Author and Disinformation Expert to discuss two cases of disinformation.  First, how does disinformation impact healthcare? We look at how antivaccine disinformation is putting strain on nurseries in the UK. Als in U.S. politics and the “dangerous disinformation” campaign against former President Barack Obama.

E-scooters could be forced to carry a license and face firmer restrictions in the UK as ministers propose regulation plans. Should Ireland do the same?  To discuss with Pat was Guests: Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor for the Sunday Independent and also Enda Brady, International Tv News Anchor at TRT World. 

John Fardy tell us about a new expansive portrait of the life and music of Billy Joel, exploring the love, loss, and personal struggles that fuel his songwriting. A new two part documentary called Billy Joel and so it goes is featured in this week's Boxed.

Former lawyer and international best-selling author, Steve Cavanagh, joined Pat on the show to chat about his new thriller ‘two kinds of stranger’, the ninth book of Cavanagh's renowned ‘Eddie Flynn’ series. 

As the summer brings sunshine and outdoor adventures, particular skin issues can arise. Strimmer’s rash and horse fly bites can wreak havoc on your outdoor activities. Selene Daly Tarpey, Nurse Tutor, discusses how Strimmer’s rash (phytophotodermatitis) and Horsefly (Clegg) bites appear and what we can do to treat them.  

 We should all go to a 4 day week! Science strongly supports the Four-day work week, benefiting workers and employees  Professor Luke O’Neill Professor of Immunology at Trinity College Dublin tells us all.

When it comes to assessing and reducing the impact of specific sectors, healthcare is rarely on the agenda. Unlike other industries and services, healthcare has traditionally been deemed essential, regardless of the environmental cost.  Jo Linehan, editor of the climate supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland discuss this further with Pat.

Another ten Palestinians have died in the past 24 hours of starvation. That follows yesterdays statement from over 100 aid agencies warning of the risk of mass starvation in Gaza, something the Israeli military has rejected. Irish Times Correspondent Sally Hayden joins us from a lookout over Gaza and war photographer Lynsey Addario tells us of the importance of the harrowing images we are seeing from Gaza.

Are tourists more likely to get ripped off on their travels? A local journalist in Paris went undercover as an American to find out if a cafe was upcharging tourists. Speaking to Pat this morning Air and Travel Magazine Editor, Eoghan Corry to discuss whether it’s a wider issue across the globe. 

It's the 24th of July, 24 / 7, something the Samaritans Helpline knows a thing or two about. The charity is today highlighting the round the clock nature of their vital service. Our reporter Sarah Madden joined Samaritans volunteers on the overnight shift to mark Samaritans 24/7 awareness day.

Pressure is on for EU negotiators as they want to secure a deal with the US before August 1st.. This comes just days after the US struck a similar deal with Japan. All discuss with Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief with Bloomberg.

How is donald trump’s U.S. Performing as a country? Is the U.S. Behaving as a successful country should? All to discuss with Brett Bruen, President of the Global Situation Room and Former Director of Global Engagement at the White House during the Obama Administration.

In a new series we dive into a different title that has stood the test of time for its story, craftsmanship, cultural impact and just how seamlessly every piece fits together. And what better place to begin than with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws – the original summer blockbuster, and a masterclass in suspense, storytelling, and accidental genius.

In the era of modern devices and constant email notifications, it is hard to switch off whether it is in the evening, weekend or on holidays.   Sinead Brady, Career Psychologist, guides us on how to switch off and master that work/ life balance.   

There are some gardens that seem born of imagination rather than geography. Gardens that defy their setting, their time, even their materials. And on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, there’s a garden like that. Isola Bella. The Beautiful Island. It wasn’t always beautiful. Originally it was just a lump of rock. A fishing islet, bleak and stony, known as Isola Inferiore.All with thanks to Tirlán.

A new study by the ESRI has found rural areas and disadvantaged communities were more likely to have negative attitudes towards immigration. the findings also show that rural areas with high proportions of migrants had more positive views. Do disadvantaged areas have a more negative view of immigration? Our reporter Josh Crosbie has been looking into this.

In your 30s, your most valuable asset is not a job title, property, or a savings account it is time. This is because that decade in your life can provide time for financial planning.   Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell Financial guides us on how to set financial foundations in your 30s for the future.

This week on the Green Scene we hear how climate change might impact the nutritional content of our food. It’s Shark Week and to mark the occasion, we’re looking at the blue shark that can change the colour of its skin and how shark science has changed 50 years after Jaws premiered. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Over 100 aid agencies have warned that mass starvation is spreading in Gaza. The 2.1m population are essentially confined to an area less than the size of Galway City and its Suburbs with just under 90% of the territory under evacuation orders. Pat discusses this further with Juliette Tuoma Director of Communications, UNRWA.

We are joined by Award-Winning author Sarah Maria Griffin to discuss the inspiration behind her newest novel, Eat the Ones You Love. It is described as a twisted and tangled story about possession, monstrosity, and working in retail. Fans are calling it a modern spin on Little Shop of Horrors. 

The State’s Competition Watchdog has found several breaches in the retail motor fuel sector. Petrol stations were found not displaying their prices, as the law requires. Conor Faughnan discusses this along with the Government’s latest funding boost for the long-delayed Dublin MetroLink.