Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?