The Pat Kenny Show

This weekend will mark the final test for the British and Irish Lions who have dominated against Australia this tournament. Andy Farrell has named nine Irish players in the starting side, with Rónan Kelleher the only Irish player on the bench. In football Meath will face off Dublin in the All-Ireland women’s final as the royals hope to make a repeat of their 2022 win. Cathal Mullaney , Broadcaster with Off the Ball joined Pat Kenny to preview the weekend in sport.

Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Volodymir Zelensky has maintained a high levels of support from Ukrainians. However, in recent days there has been public outrage with the president. Thousands of protesters rallied in Kyiv and other cities in recent days as his party was set to push through a law to strip two anti-corruption bodies of their independence. However just yesterday Ukraine's parliament has approved a bill restoring the independence of the country's two main anti-corruption agencies. Mr Zelensky changed course after the public outcry and under pressure from European officials. So will this regain support from the people of Ukraine? Emmanuelle Chaze Ukraine correspondent for france24 joined Pat Kenny on the show.

US transport company Lyft is to enter the Europe ride-hailing market as it is buying transport mobility rival, FREENOW for €175 million. FREENOW is the leading taxi platform in several European cities, including Dublin. The deal is closing in the coming weeks. Danny O'Gorman, FREENOW Ireland General Manager joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

The Mental Health Commission has published a report signifying a noteworthy decline in the use of restrictive practices, such as seclusion and physical restraint, across Irish mental health services in the past seven years. The report highlights how the MHC adopted a human rights-based approach to result in the declining trend in these types of practices. Professor Jim Lucey, at Trinity College Dublin and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Inspector of Mental Health Services joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

Ireland’s first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1994 where the tournament wasn’t sanctioned by World Rugby, and Ireland and the other countries defied the higher powers to host and play this tournament, it’s a good story. Cameron Hill from OTB joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

You may know the CIA from fiction, but how does the actual agency work around the world? Tim Weiner has reported on the agency around the world and joins us to discuss the work of the agency in the 21st century which he details in his new book ‘The Mission’. Tim Weiner, Pulitzer Prize-winning author joined Pat Kenny on the show.

According to new research from LinkedIn, Ireland has been ranked highest for the availability of remote jobs in Europe. The data shows that in Ireland, 9.4% of all job listings offer remote work options, which is almost double the European average of 5.2%. But is remote working really the most efficient form of work? Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise and Mary Connaughton, Strategic and Engagement Director of CIPD joined Pat Kenny on the show. 

Today marks 50 years since the Miami Showband Massacre which saw the murder of singer Fran O'Toole, guitarist Tony Geraghty and trumpeter Brian McCoy. Two other band members, Des McAlea and Stephen Travers, were also injured but survived the atrocity. The band was travelling home to Dublin after a gig in Banbridge when they were stopped by a fake Army patrol involving Ulster Defence Regiment and Ulster Volunteer Force members. Half a century later, Stephen and Des want to celebrate the lives of their bandmates. Josh Crosbie, Newstalk Reporter has been meeting with those who survived the attack. 

Every day we are engrossed with more imagery of starving, injured and dying children in Gaza. We are often left helpless and are unsure of what to do after viewing these images. That feeling is called ‘moral injury’. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent with The Economist and Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Pat Kenny was joined by Jo Linehan, editor of the climate supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland to discuss a survey that came out this week about plastic packaging in Ireland and how most of it is linked to our supermarket purchases.

Leadless pacemakers are a significant development in cardiac care. Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers are implanted directly into the heart via a minor procedure. These pacemakers improve overall patient comfort. Doctor Jim O’Brien, Consultant Cardiologist at Mater Private Network, discusses the latest in modern cardiologic technology as the Mater Private now offers leadless pacemakers. 

From using ‘well’ incorrectly to those misplaced apostrophes we get a grammar lesson with Oliver Murphy, Author of Grasping Grammar.

 New figures supplied to the Minister for Justice have shown a 15% drop in drug searches across the country last year compared with 2022. However, certain regions suffered much larger drops, including the southern region which saw 30% fewer searches. It comes as the Garda Representative Association is sounding the alarm once more about the number of Gardaí retiring in the coming years. Cllr Janet Horner, Cathaoirleach, Green Party joined Pat Kenny on the show to discuss.

VHI will increase the cost of seven plans. This occurs just weeks after other price surges. However, other health insurers, like Laya and Irish Life Health, are launching new cheaper plans. Dermot Goode, of Total Health Cover, joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

From its blend of comedy, sci-fi and teenage angst, we take a look at why Back to the Future is a perfect movie on this week’s segment from Inside Hollywood with Lisa Cannon, TV Host and Head of Studio at DMG Media.  

Over the past ten years the DPP chose not to prosecute nearly 67 percent of people accused of sexual offences, in files submitted by the gardai. Our reporter Jessica Woodlock has been looking into the data, which was released to Newstalk under a freedom of information request. 

Why do we struggle with compliments? It’s such a common scene, isn't it? Someone says, 'You look great today!' or 'That presentation was brilliant!' And instead of just letting that good feeling in, we often find ourselves deflecting: 'Oh, this old thing?' or 'It was nothing really, I just got lucky.' We even squirm a bit!" Why does it make people uncomfortable- people like to say it's all about self-esteem but actually while people with self-esteem issues can find compliments uncomfortable not everyone who is uncomfortable with compliments has self-esteem issues. It can be a number of things. Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist joined Pat Kenny to discuss.

Diarmuid Gavin, Garden Designer, tells us all about Désert de Retz.All with thanks to Tirlán.

Darragh O’Brien Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment joined Pat Kenny to discuss the future of Irish transport and the government’s climate plans as billions have been committed to both departments under the national development plan. From the supposed commencement of the Metrolink, the slow development of offshore wind resource, to will Irish buses ever see contactless card payments?

This week on the Green Scene we hear how cleaner air might be increasing global warming and new research that shows that we (and dolphins) might be breathing in micro plastics. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist talks all things motoring.

As the dust settles on the trade agreement struck by the European Union and the United States on Sunday…did the EU really eke out a win from the Trump administration? Or was it left with no choice but to bow to his tariff demands? John Clarke, former Director for International Affairs at the European Commission joined Pat Kenny on the show.  

Overnight a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck of Russia’s pacific coast triggering tsunami warnings across the pacific. We get updates from Hawaii, Japan and the US with a full explainer from Professor Chris Bean, Professor of Geophysics at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Pixie Clay, Managing Editor, Hawaii Public Radio, Martin Fackler, acting Tokyo Bureau Chief, New York Times and Steve Futterman, US West Coast Correspondent.

The UK has introduced age verification requirements online, but users are finding workarounds. VPNs top download charts as UK age verification law kicks in. Virtual private network (VPN) apps have become the most downloaded on Apple's App Store in the UK after sites such as PornHub, Reddit and X began requiring age verification of users. Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent, joined Pat Kenny on the show.

Have you ever opened your luggage and found a knot of tangled necklaces? Or rather have you been out for an entire day on holidays, perhaps at the beach, and there are no plugs to be found when your phone is about to die? Megan Virgo, Travel Writer with The Irish Daily Mail and Image joined Pat Kenny on the show.   

A new garda commissioner is set to be appointed today. The new appointment follows garda commissioner Drew Harris’ seven-year role. The new garda commissioner will face challenges surrounding Garda retirement as a decade-long increase in resignation is expected. Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times joined Pat Kenny on the show.

President Donald trump hosted Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at his Scottish golf club for a press conference yesterday. The conference had some remarkable moments as trump made comments on Starmer's ‘friend’ Sir Saqid Khan, London mayor, and trump noticed from the ‘television’ that Palestinian children are ‘terribly hungry.’ Enda Brady, International TV News Anchor at TRT World joined Pat Kenny to discuss the visit.  

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.