Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

We take a look back on the main news stories on the week with our Friday Forum. Joining Pat today was Christina Finn, Political Editor, The Journal, Darren O’Rourke TD, Spokesperson on Education and Youth, Meath East, Sinn Féin and Aisling Dempsey TD, Spokesperson on Children, Meath West, Fianna Fáil.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Alaska later today, with the US President's hopes of sealing a ceasefire agreement on Ukraine uncertain. We discuss this further with Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews.

The river seine, which carves its way through the heart of Paris has lifted a ban on bathing, which was in effect since 1923. This has been motivated of course by the sweltering heatwave which is eclipsing Europe at the moment.  Aside from Paris, many other major cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam actually encourage their locals to swim in their rivers.  But not in Dublin, as many know the River Liffey is not exactly a hotspot for local swimming enthusiasts, but why is that? 

Gareth Mullins talks through an Irish Lamb, grilled on the barbeque served with this flavor packed green sauce, beef nachos and a  panzaella salad for entertaining this summer

The weekend is finally here, and that of course is the highly anticipated Oasis concert. The Manchester brothers will pay two sold-out reunion shows at Croke Park this weekend.  the last time the band were together in Ireland was in Slane in 2009, just weeks before they split.  Since the announcement of the tour last year, they’ve had collaborations with fashion brands, pop-up merch stores in cities across the UK and Ireland, partnerships with football teams and even a museum tour dedicated to the brothers. Newstalk reporter Alex Rowley got an exclusive look at one of these tours.  

As Mairéad McGuinness drops out of the Presidential Race for health reasons, where does Fine Gael and the race go from here? Barry McLoughlin, Head of Client Engagement at the Communications Clinic and Sean Defoe Newstalk's Political Correspondent discuss that and the official launch of Gareth Sheridan’s campaign.

There is plenty of sporting action this weekend, with the Premier League season kicking off, round 3 of the FAI cup, and golf’s big hitters taking to Maryland to battle it out, all to look forward to this weekend. Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball previews it all.

TikTok officially launched TikTok Shop in Ireland in late 2024 with 2.2 million monthly users now able to shop directly via videos, livestreams, and product showcases all within the app. Small Irish businesses can reach younger audiences but it how does it work and is it causing an increase in impulse buying. Is TikTok the next getaway for impulse buying? All to discuss with StyleSavvy founder Laura Jordan.

Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of its new Star of the Seas ship. It is the second if its Icon-class ships which are the largest cruise ships in the world. Eoghan Corry is currently aboard the ship on its maiden voyage and told us what the experience is like.

Car loans have hit the highest levels on record. That’s according to new data which shows a year on year increase in the volume and value of the car loan with almost 20,000 of them worth €259 million. Why is Ireland going on a car shopping spree? All to discuss with Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent and Paul Merriman, Financial Advisor and CEO of AskPaul.

We are currently in the midst of what is being termed a “demographic timebomb”. Globally our population is shrinking, but while shrinking, it is also getting older. This is a trend that is likely to have profound consequences for the global economy.  How do falling birth rates effect our global economy? All to discuss with Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics DCU.

The fascinating life and untimely death of Robert Hilliard is the subject of a new book, ‘Swift Blaze of Fire,’ by his granddaughter, Lin Rose Clark. As well as a folk hero, Hilliard was one of Ireland’s first Olympians, and a complicated figure, to say the least. To tell us more about Hilliard, Cameron Hill from Off The Ball.

An Garda Síochána have this morning published the Crowe Report. The report was a review of Roads Policing activity and operations, Pat was joined on the show by Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent, The Irish Times to discuss the findings.

As we know the price of food staples are continuing to rise, so with grocery inflation only going one way, is there anything consumers can do to seek better value? Our Chief Reporter Barry Whyte find out how people are finding the rise of costs and trying to save

Scientists find link between genes and ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, and a disturbance in gut bacteria . Early findings from the world’s largest study into the genetics of the condition pinpointed eight regions of the human genome that were substantially different in people with an ME/CFS diagnosis compared to those without the illness.  All to discuss with Luke O’Neill Professor of Biochemistry at the school of Immunology, Trinity College and host of Show Me The Science podcast.

Next month, Taoiseach Micháel Martin and Canadian Ambassador Dennis King are set to pay tribute to a little-known migration of 2,000 Irish people, who left from the port of Cobh to Canada back in 1825, in what is collectively known as the “Peter Robinson experiment”. To tell us more about this Pat spoke to Amanda Slattery, Development Manager with Ballyhoura Development CLG.

The Stranger Inside is the latest crime novel from Irish Times bestseller Amanda Cassidy. Amanda chatted to Pat this morning all about her writing process and new book.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet tomorrow in Alaska to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump has previously promised to end the war in one day, but has described this meeting as purely a “listening exercise.” Volodimir Zelenskyy is also due to meet Keir Starmer in Downing Street prior to the Alaska summit. Will these meetings prove progressive and could a deal be on the table?  All to discuss with Donnacha Ó’Béachagáin Professor of Politics at DCU and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian imperialism in Ukraine and the near.

Its August, which means families all over the country are gearing up for the return to schools. Uniforms, nametags, pencil cases, school books and school bags, the endless array of items needed to get their little ones through school. Jo Linehan give us advice to help you cut costs and emissions when returning to the classroom this September.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing to expand his friendship with North Korea, just this week reaffirming the relationship with the reclusive nation. But while North Korean soldiers and labourers are sent to Russia, what is in it for them and their nation?All to discuss with Robert E Kelly, Professor of Political Science, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea.