The Pat Kenny Show

Five Al Jazeera journalists have been killed in Gaza City by an Israeli airstrike. One of the reporters who was killed said he had “lived the pain in all its details” in a message left in the event of his death. It followed Benjamin Netanyahu earlier saying that he would allow foreign journalists in to Gaza and ensure their safety. Analysis from Paul Rogers, including the latest on a crucial week for the war in Ukraine.

A new study conducted by the national maxillofacial unit in Saint James hospital has found that more than a third of people injured in e-scooter crashes in Ireland have drugs or drink in their systems. As it stands. The law requires E scooter users to be over 16 years and to abide by a maximum speed limit of 20kmh.  but as the popularity of the e scooter rises do we need to do more to regulate them?  All to discuss with Dr Chris Luke Retired Consultant In Emergency Medicine  Host Of The Irish Medical Lives Podcast and columnist. 

We look back at a busy weekend of sport, with Galway, Offaly and Laois claiming the all-Ireland Camogie titles. Crystal Palace edging out Liverpool in the Community Shield, and Tommy Fleetwood still searching for that elusive PGA win after dropping the ball on the final day at ST Jude. All to discuss with Cathal Mullaney, Broadcaster with Off the Ball.

Last week we found out that the unemployment rate hit its highest peak in the past three years. That was according to a Grant Thornton report. An interesting aspect of said report was that 12.2% of young people are currently unemployed, but why exactly is that the case? Have young people suddenly developed an allergic reaction to work, or is something larger at play? To discuss with Pat was Louis Copeland, Owner of Louis Copeland and sons, Lorraine Sweeney, Hotelier and also Declan Keenan, Youth Worker from Just Ask. 

Our Friday Forum panel this morning was Ciarán Ahern TD, Spokesperson on Climate, Environment and Energy; Transport, Dublin South West, Labour , Senator Dee Ryan, Senator in Limerick City. Seanad Spokesperson on Further & Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science. Former CEO of Limerick Chamber of Commerce. Sarah McGuinness, Political Correspondent, Irish Daily Mail.  

Gareth Mullins talks through two dishes perfect to try over the weekend. Grilled peach with Parma ham, honey goats cheese and basil pesto and mussels with lemon, garlic, parsley and chilli.

Drogheda United play Waterford tonight in the League of Ireland Premier Division at Drogheda United Football Club. Looking ahead to the weekend, the All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final between Galway and Cork is this Sunday at Croke Park. Badminton Ireland 4 Nations Graded International runs Saturday and Sunday at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena. Cathal Mullaney, Broadcaster with Off The Ball looks ahead to the weekend of sport with Pat.

Videos of far-right agitators threatening and attacking homeless asylum seekers are being boosted by social media algorithms, according to a “snapshot” study from The Hope and Courage Collective. We discuss these findings with Niamh McDonald, Director of Community Engagement for the Hope and Courage Collective and Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

How many vitamins do you take a day? Do multivitamins really work? We’ll speak with pharmacist Sheena Mitchell about how supplements can positively or negatively impact our health.

The recent American Eagle ad has received widespread backlash.  However, the campaign has garnered global attention and is the recent focus of Fox news stories in the US.  So, as this ad remains engulfed in controversy what are some of ones that stick with us? All to discuss with Claire Hyland, Thinkhouse Media.   

Israel's political security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza city, as the country expands its military operations despite intensifying criticism at home and abroad over the devastating almost two-year-old war. To discuss this further was Sean Bell, Former fighter pilot, military analyst, and co-host of the red matrix podcast.Also joining Pat was John Bolton, Former National Security Advisor for Trump to discuss the conflicts in Russia and Ukraine, and also Gaza.  

Independent senator Gerard Craughwell has called for TD and Senator perks to be restored to “pre-crash” levels. These perks were reduced in 2009 as part of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act. Gerard joined Pat this morning to discuss further.

According to research by Lidl, only 8% of the population are following expert sun protection advice. additionally, 1 in 6 Irish men aged 55+ admit to never using suncream. Dáithí O’Sé joined Pat this morning as he calls for Irish men to wise up to the dangers of sun exposure.

On this segment, we often rely on science to clear misconceptions and challenge misinformation. But what happens when we cannot rely on science? All to discuss with David Robert Grimes, Disinformation Expert and Author. 

Cameron Hill from Off The Ball tells us story of Peter O’Connor, the Irish Olympian at the 1906 Athens games. He refused to be recognised under the British flag and took matters into his own hands when the Union Jack was raised during his medal ceremony.

Researchers from New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have used artificial intelligence to tackle a critical problem facing the future of energy storage: finding affordable, sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. And another lab has devised an AI-driven system to discover new chemicals ten times faster than current approaches. Luke O’Neill Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College and host of Show Me The Science podcast explains all.

This week marks the 150th anniversary of the Dublin Horse Show in the RDS. Its one of the biggest events of the summer with 1600 horses coming through the RDS during the week, attracting over 120,000 spectators. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie went to the RDS and spoke with people about why they attend.

As the United States moved much of its manufacturing to China, what impact has that had on the Chinese economy? And has it lifted all of Chinese society when the perception is that it only lifts the richest stateside? Dr Yu Jie, Senior Research Fellow on China, Chatham House discusses further with Pat.

A survey came this week that shows that the average BBQ or picnic wastes €21.19 worth of food. So what are the best tips on how to save on food waste this summer? Editor of the Climate Supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland Jo Linehan brings us the advice.

Ireland is on course yet again for another record tax year, this comes despite the threat of US tariffs. We discuss this further with Emma Howard, Economics lecturer at TU Dublin.

We all want to shield children from life’s darker moments, but what happens if something happens to the person who protects them?  Freelance journalist Niamh O’Reilly to share her personal experience, and the steps she has taken to ensure her children are prepared in the case of an emergency. 

Psoriasis impacts about 2% of the Irish population. Professor Niki Ralph joined Pat in studio for Psoriasis Awareness Month. Nicki discusses the types of psoriasis, its triggers, how psoriasis can affect your risk for disease and skin treatment options.

After months of delays, CCTV has finally been installed to catch dumpers in Dublin’s worst litter blackspot, the North Inner City. But will this be enough to stop the persistent litter problems in this area? Pat discussed further with Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of the Irish Times.

Connecting to Nature is an Irish company that specialises in Irish-native wildflower seeds, bulbs, trees, hedge whips and wild bird food, supporting biodiversity and rewilding across Ireland and the UK. Speaking to Pat this morning was Julie Power is Founder and Managing Director of Connecting to Nature.

In 2024, Eurostat compared countries for the mix of prices of their hotels and restaurants. It found that Ireland was 29.3 per cent higher than the EU average. This begs the question has Ireland become too pricey for tourists? All to discuss with David W Higgins, Independent Economist, Paul Gallagher, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation and Sarah Slattery, Travel Expert.

While summer is the time when the evenings get longer, the sky is bluer and of course it's when the jellyfish are out in the Irish water. So, what jellyfish float in the Irish sea and are they as terrifying as some of us think? To tell us all was Dr Tom Doyle is a Lecturer in Zoology in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at UCC.

The countdown to leaving cert results day is on, and before we know it a whole new crop of medical students will be entering their first of many years of training.  But what has the future got in store for the class of 2030?  Sarah Madden reports.

This week Lisa Cannon takes a look at one of the best movies on the silver screen. The Shawshank Redemption starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman.

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump announced that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250%, after starting at a lower level. Trump also added he plans to unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors. Speaking to Pat this morning was Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews  and also Gareth Sheridan, CEO of Nutriband.

On this week's Green Scene we hear about the beached whale in Mayo and other toothed-whale strandings in Europe and a major new study showing how we are losing groundwater at a faster rate than previously known. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.With thanks to Repak.

Have you ever called in sick and felt guilty about it? Have wondered what your working rights actually are when you're unwell? We discuss all with Donal O'Donoghue  Managing Director at Sanderson | Host of Talent Matters Podcast.

Ireland has surpassed the 175,000 EV target for 2025, as contained in the Government’s Climate Action Plan. Driving test wait times reduce again and the new car sales in July. All to discuss with Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent Geraldine Herbert.

The Policing Authority has warned that the Gardaí are unlikely to hit recruitment targets set out in the Programme for Government. To discuss further with Pat was Mark O’Meara, President, Garda Representative Association.

Spotify is increasing prices in several regions outside of the US, just days after posting disappointing earnings. Spotify announced on Monday that Premium subscribers across Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific will be notified about pricing changes “over the next month. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly tells us more.

As the price of food continues to increase, so does the cost of our weekly shop. Kel Galavan, money coach tells us how to how to cut food expenses and budget our meals during the era of inflating prices.

Ireland’s standing within the eu has transformed since joining in 1976. However, the political landscape dramatically changed within that period. From Brexit, the war in Ukraine to tariffs, issues facing the Europe are far greater than before and Ireland now needs to take a bigger stake in the EU's future.  So, for a small country who plays a big part in this economic bloc, is it time we step up our role?  Gerard Howlin, Former Government Advisor.

Texas Republicans voted to arrest more than 50 Democratic legislators who fled the state to stall a redistricting plan. Psychology experts are questioning U.S. President Donald Trump’s mental acuity because of continuous false claims, drifts off topic and difficulties with his memory. All to discuss with Terry Sheridan Senior Director of News, WSHU Public Radio.

Last spring, Dr Morgan McMonagle, a vascular trauma surgeon, returned from Gaza after his second trip there since the war began. Over the following four months has had to look on from a distance as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate inside Gaza. Dr Morgan joined Pat this morning to discuss the situation along with Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst, and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.

Last Wednesday, a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam was hit by serious turbulence, sending 25 passengers to hospitals and forcing the flight to divert to Minnesota, so how does turbulence work? All to discuss with Retired Lieutenant Colonel and Aviation Expert Kevin Byrne.

Diplomats in Dublin, London and Washington are working to secure the release of Irish missionary Gena Heraty after she, along with 7 other people, were kidnapped from an orphanage in the capital of Haiti Port-au-Prince. For more on this Pat spoke to Keira Keogh Fein Gael TD for Mayo.

Women sports continues to reach more widespread media, yet there are still barriers compared to their male counterparts. This morning Pat was joined by a women in Sport panel including Meabh de Burca, Former Ireland player and pundit,  Dr. Ciara Losty, Lecturer SETU, Performance Psychologist in the Institute of Sport and on the Jockey Pathway and Kathleen McNamee, Off The Ball, Host of The COYGIG Pod.

New figures show there are 12 times more properties available for short-term letting, compared to long-term living. We discuss these figures further with Louise Byrne, Irish Examiner Political Correspondent and also Michael Healy Rae, Minister for State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

Henry McKean looks back at the biggest events and meet the people who made a huge impact in the year 1985!From Live Aid with Bob Geldoff and Nik Kershaw, the biggest stories of the year with Jonathan deBurca Butler, activism with Grace O'Sullivan and David O'Callaghan from the Here and Back Again Podcast on pop culture - there is plenty to look back on!

Our Friday Forum looks back on the main new stories of the week. Joining Pat in studio was Grace Boland TD, Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael, Lynn Boylan MEP, Dublin, Sinn Féin and Jennifer Bray, Political Editor with The Sunday Times. 

Endometriosis is a condition that an estimated that 155,000 women in Ireland are affected by. This condition has a massive impact on women as it decreases quality of life due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and infertility. Some individuals with endometriosis experience debilitating pain that prevents them from going to work or school. In Ireland, the government has committed to a national endometriosis framework and endometriosis hubs around the country, but nothing has been published yet. Because of a combination of the lack of endometriosis services in Ireland, lengthy waiting lists, and the cost of going private is forcing women to seek treatment overseas. Sophie King, fitness instructor and who has endometriosis joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

With the bank holiday weekend ahead, Director of Dunbrody House Kevin Dundon takes us through some of the tastiest summer side dishes including a crispy potato salad and a corn on the cob with Gremolata. Kevin Dundon, Director of Dunbrody House joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Roblox, the online game-building platform, which is popular with children and teenagers, is looking to introduce online dating. The move pushed by Roblox CEO occurs after Ireland, the UK, and Australia attempt to implement stricter age verification conditions for online, social media and adult content. Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss. 

We have heard the positives and negatives of drone deliveries, but unmanned aerial vehicles have many more uses than delivering takeaways. One area that is being considered is the monitoring of coastlines to detect drug smuggling. Josh Crosbie has been meeting those who operate drones for many different reasons…

The Bank Holiday weekend always brings an increase in attendances to our Emergency Departments and Hospitals, so where do you go if you need care? We get advice from the HSE with Grace Rothwell, National Director for HSE Access and Integration with all options available to you over the weekend and JJ Clarke Columnist with the Irish Independent brings us ‘festivalling’ advice ahead of All Together Now. 

Famous youtuber Trisha Paytas has sparked controversy as she named her son Aquaman Moses. The social media star said she chose the name as she admits to being a big fan of the Aquaman comics and the accompanying movie. The question is, are celebrities taking baby names too far? Jen Hogan, Irish Times Journalist and Host of the Conversations with Parents Podcast and Brenda Power, Columnist with The Sunday Times and Irish Daily Mail joined Pat Kenny to discuss.