The Pat Kenny Show

Mary O'Rourke was a much-loved politician and prominent public figure in politics. Mary went from teacher to Minister to then becoming an author and presenter of ‘liveline’ and much, much more. Leaving a mark in Irish history while becoming an inspirational figure for women in politics especially.  Well, an episode of Cloch le Charn on RTE will air over the Christmas and it takes a look back at the legacy of the former politician and minister. Joining Pat in studio was Mary’s son, Fergal.

Gareth Mullins rounds out the Christmas dinner with desserts. Gareth features a Christmas pudding baked Alaska, a Christmas pantone trifle and finally a chocolate fondant mixed berry compote and salted caramel ice cream.

It's the final countdown to Christmas. We visited Ireland's oldest city, Waterford. Which is currently 'The European City of Christmas', which expects 1.8 million visitors this Christmas for its international festival Winterval. Henry Mckean meets people behind the festival and he sent this report from Winterval.   

A 90-billion-euro loan to Ukraine and a postponed Mercosur vote dominated the European Council meeting yesterday. Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief, Bloomberg brings us the details from the meeting.

When Krispy Kreme arrived in Blanchardstown in 2018, it had to curtail its twenty four hour drive through after complaints from residents of traffic and beeping throughout the night. Seven years later, three more American outlets have arrived to Irish shores in the past three months: Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Wingstop. All with large queues waiting when they opened. So why do these American outlets draw so much fanfare? And is there more Americanisation of food to come here?All to chat with Damien O’Reilly, Senior Lecturer in Retail Management, TU Dublin

Christmas can be an extremely busy and expensive time for passengers flying across the globe. On Wednesday the 10th of December, Dublin airport said that it expects around 1.8 million passengers to pass through its two terminals over the busy Christmas period. But what exactly can flyers expect this festive season? Graeme McQueen, Head of Media Relations at DAA spoke to Pat this morning.

At a time of year where most of us might be spending in the run up to the big day, it turns out that in the past number of years we have become more a nation of savers rather than spenders.  Since 2016, the savings rate has increased from about twelve and a half percent to thirteen point eight last year and is expected to be closer to fifteen percent this year. So what is behind this rise?

Joining Pat for this week's Friday Forum was Erin McGreehan TD, Fianna Fáil, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Spokesperson on Research and Innovation. Also Cian O’Callaghan TD, Social Democrats, Deputy party leader, Spokesperson for Finance; Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Kevin Doyle, Executive Editor of the Irish Independent and Group Head of News at Mediahuis. 

The Revenge Club is entertaining and sharp and occasionally dark. Based on a book and filmed in Ireland a nice 6 episodes on Paramount plus. John Fardy tells us more on this week's 'Boxed'.

Genital skin conditions are often overlooked. gynecologist and urologist waiting lists are long, misdiagnosis is common, and many people are just too embarrassed to seek treatment, even if the condition wasn’t sexually transmitted. All to discuss with Dr. Aisling Loy, Genito-Urinary Medicine Consultant.

Sensitive information might have been taken after a ransomware cyber-attack in the Office of the Ombudsman. Systems have been taken offline while they investigate what’s described as a financially motivated attack. Pat spoke to Ombudsman Ger Deering.

For the festive season Luke O’Neill asks if some types of sugar healthier than others? And is dark chocolate better for you than milk chocolate? 

Over the last 25 years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further. And some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years.Our listeners have picked your winner for best author which we will reveal along with Susan Walsh, Dubray Books and Meghann Scully, Podcaster and Author.

Greta Thunberg visits President Connolly in the Áras, continued fallout for Fianna Fáil. The EU to debate today over the use of frozen Russian assets, and an overwhelming majority decides there is to be no ban for fox hunting. All to discuss with Sean Defoe, Newstalk Political Correspondent.

Are you one of those people who still has to get the last “few bits” for Christmas and buy those last few presents?  Well with some advice on what to purchase is Jo Linehan, Climate Journalist.

As is the now the case in the wake of any tragedy or atrocity, falsehoods on the Bondi Beach shooter were rife. But the sea of contradictory narratives betrays a complex mix of motivations and misunderstandings worth unpacking. Some of these false claims got massive traction. To discuss further with Pat was David Robert Grimes, Disinformation Expert, Author of The Irrational Ape.

Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatology joined Pat in studio to answer our listeners skin-related questions.

An estimated 10,000 farmers are expected to descend on Brussels today for one of the largest Europe-wide farmer protests this century. IFA President Francie Gorman has been travelling to Brussels with his son since the start of the week and gives us an update from outside Brussels.

We are counting down the Top 10 Alternative Christmas Movies the ones that sneak Christmas into the frame and still make December feel special. Joining Pat was Lisa Cannon Head of Studio at DMG Media.

On this week's Garden Stories with Diarmuid Gavin, we about how County Offaly’s Lough Boora Sculpture Park was transformed from a working bog to a place of art and reflection.

We now live in an era of dating apps, mixed signals, situationships, and the constant pressure to figure out who you are while also figuring out who you’re seeing. We discuss this morning what dating looks like for young people today.Pat spoke to our panel this morning, all in their twenties.  Dylan Hand, Newstalk Reporter , Ella Anderson, Newstalk Reporter and Katie Gallagher, Spin 1038 and Spin Southwest News Anchor.

As the nation prepares for warm fires, good food, and time with loved ones, 16,614 people across Ireland, including over 5,000 children, will spend the festive season in emergency accommodation. Sarah Madden reports on those without a place to call home this Christmas.  

Sculpted by Aimee is one of the country’s leading beauty brands. Starting with just two products, the business has grown enormously now selling well over one hundred products in hundreds of locations across Ireland and the UK. Sculpted founder and CEO Aimee Connolly

Nick Reiner could face the death penalty and the white house backs Susie Wiles after her Vanity Fair interview. Professor and Political Analyst at Clinton Institution, UCD Scott Lucas brings us the latest news stateside.

Imagine a future where the walls of your home don’t just hold up the roof they store electricity. Researchers at MIT have created a new type of concrete that acts as a battery, capable of powering everyday household needs. Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland tells us more.All with thanks to Repak.

There has been much debate in recent years about the state of our country’s capital city, Dublin. With many city dwellers debating whether the day-to-day experience is diminishing in terms of safety and crime. We ask is Is Dublin city in decline? To discuss with Pat was Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor and Martin Harte, CEO of Temple Bar company & Spokesperson for Dubin Business Alliance.

Last night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in defence of his leadership at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, following the publishing of the Gavin report. Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke to Pat on the show this morning.

With Christmas just around the corner. Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly takes us through a last minute tech gift guide for any presents you need.All with thanks to Renault.

As Health Insurance renewal time looms for many, Dermot Goode Health Insurance Expert with HealthInsuranceIreland.ie brings us advice on your search for the best health insurance policy for you and your family.

Selene Daly is our residence expert when it comes to anything and everything dermatology related however. Today she is opening up about her experience with weight loss jabs. She has been on a medicated weight-loss journey with Mounjaro since June. Now approaching a four-stone loss. But the medication is only one element of a much longer, more complex story. Selene told Pat her story.

US President Donald Trump has suggested that Rob Reiner’s criticism of him may have led to his death. In a post on Truth Social he called the late director “tortured and struggling”, comments which he later defended. He also announced he is suing the BBC for $10bn following their edit of his January 6th speech.All to discuss with Dr Harry Browne, Senior Lecturer, School of Media, TU Dublin.

Yesterday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy resumed talks with U.S. president Donald trump's envoys in Berlin. The talks come after the U.S. side said a "lot of progress" had been made on ending Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two. But will this be enough to secure a peace deal for Ukraine and bring an end to this war? 

<ore news is coming out about the two gunmen who opened fire at a Hannukah celebration on Bondi beach, killing 15 people. The shooters are believed to be influenced by the Islamic State, and a recent trip they made to the Philippines is currently under investigation.Pat gets the latest on this with Jean Kennedy, Journalist with ABC News.

Described as a “game changer” in terms of helping people currently priced out of the housing market to get a foot on the property ladder. A 50-year mortgage would allow someone to borrow for a longer term, which would mean lower monthly repayments, which, in turn, could make housing more affordable. Is this the solution to the housing crisis or does it cause more problems than it brings solutions? All to discuss with Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Navigating Mortgages.

This morning we heard about Walks you can do with Christmas that have a connection to a good story. Joining Pat will all the suggestions was John G Dwyer, Chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland  and author of "50 Best Irish Walks" is out now from publishers, Currach Books.

The Dáil is set to break for winter recess at the end of this week, but there's plenty on the agenda to get done. A decision on the Mercosur deal and a cut to childcare costs are all on the agenda. There are also calls for the Fianna fail review of Jim Gavin’s campaign to be published before the end of Christmas. Pat discuss all this and more with Christina Finn, Political Editor with TheJournal.ie.  

Pilates is the newest viral fitness trend. created in the early 20th century by a German PT who used the method to keep him fit while he was a prisoner of war, Pilates has since grown in popularity. Our expert today is Lowry O’Mahony, chartered Physiotherapist and explains how pilates  can help prevent falls.

We’re about ten days out from Christmas now, and for many people this is the point where the pressure really ramps up emotionally, socially, and mentally. Research consistently shows that most adults feel more stressed at Christmas than at any other time of year, and that’s not because people are doing it wrong it’s because there’s a lot going on.How to protect your wellbeing at Christmas? Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, and host of the Tough Love Podcast advises up.

Talks will continue in Berlin today between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. They will be joined by European leaders later in the day. We get the latest with Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

In 2016, former RTÉ2 presenter Niamh Devine set out backpacking in Asia. Following a sexual assault, she went straight to Australia but there she found herself having to return to Ireland with what she thought was a medical issue. Since then, Niamh has been on a journey leading her to learn about somatic illnesses and becoming a mind body mentor and somatic based practitioner. Niamh spoke to Pat this morning.

It seems to be common enough for tourists to ride these public e-scooters coming home from bars and clubs while on holidays. We’ve found that people have been caught riding them under the influence in Germany, where you can expect to receive a fine  of up to 1,500 euro if you’re caught.People also mentioned getting caught by police in Greece for reckless e –scooter driving. Joining Pat with more on this was Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor for Sunday Independent. 

Good news for Ireland at the European cross-country championships while Celtic lose the league cup final. Colm Boohig looks back on the weekend of sport.

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself.” Those are the immortal words of Charles Dickens, a man who has become synonymous with Christmas. While we take many of our Christmas traditions for granted, Christmas cards, Christmas trees, etc - where and when did they actually originate? Reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating.

As Australia continues to mourn the loss of the victims shot at the Bondi beach terror attack, focus is now shifting to strengthen Australia's gun laws. All to discuss with Hamish McDonald, Presenter of Mornings on ABC Radio Sydney,

Taoiseach’s leadership comes under further pressure as Fianna Fáil TDs and senators demand to know when the party first heard about Jim Gavin's issue with a former tenant. All to discuss with Louise Burne Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner  

Irish Farmers Association President Francie Gorman is about to hit the road in his tractor this morning. He is on the way to brussels alongside thousands of farmers from across the European Union.   Those making the journey are set to protest on Thursday against various issues farmers are facing including the concerns around the quality of Brazilian meat. Speaking to Pat was Francie Gorman, IFA President.

A total of Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, following a mass shooting at Bondi beach. We get the latest on this with Isobel Roe, Journalist with ABC News. 

On our Friday Forum panel this week was Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil, Spokesperson on Artificial Intelligence and Gaeltacht Affairs, Claire Kerrane TD, Sinn Féin, Spokesperson on Children, Disability and Equality and Flor MacCarthy, Journalist and broadcaster.

Uisce Éireann have today announced they are to lodge a planning application for the largest-ever water project in Irish history. Maria O’dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director At Uisce Éireann brings us the details.

There an been increase in scam calls from UK-registered numbers in recent weeks. We find out what is being done to tackle them with Adrian Weckler Technology Editor with the Irish Independent.