Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Recently football fans were briefly left in the dark at Tolka Park after a floodlight failure during the League of Ireland Premier Division opener between Shelbourne and Derry City. With a growing fear that the match could be abandoned, power was thankfully restored after 45 minutes, allowing play to continue. But floodlights have long held a curious and often controversial place in history, as Off The Ball’s Cameron Hill explain.

Since going to eFlow in 2008, motorists have paid over 2.1 billion euro in tolls on the M50, including 211 million euro last year. Meanwhile in 2024 alone, road users paid over 430 million euro at various toll bridges around the country, according to figures obtained by Newstalk under the Freedom of Information Act. To dive deeper into the figures Pat was joined by Newstalk reporter Andrew Lowth.

 PFAS can be found in everything from straws, beauty products to paint. We hear how to avoid them in this weeks sustainability slot with Jo Linehan, Editor of the Climate Supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland .

Germany goes to the polls in a snap election called by Chancellor Olaf Scholz this Sunday. It’s expected to be a historic result for the far right, though no one is expected to go into government with them. Berlin Correspondent at The Irish Times Derek Scally brings us up to speed.

Blanket pay rises for all workers may be a thing of the past according to Morgan McKinley, with companies focusing pay rises for the most in demand roles. Peter Cosgrove, MD of Futurewise and Future of Work Expert joined Pat on the show to discuss this further.  

Planning rules for cabins and modular homes are to be relaxed to increase housing options while new Dublin €402k apartments hit the market as “affordable homes”. We discuss this and more with Karl Deeter CEO of onlineapplication.com.

It’s meant to be the most important meal of the day, but what is the best option for breakfasting like a king or queen? Orla Walsh Dietician at Orla Walsh Nutrition tell us.

Today on Green Scene, evolution in flies, and the unusual circumstances of how a baby shark was born with no dad. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Imagine stepping into a garden where power, politics, and artistry collide. A place where kings and queens once walked, where war and diplomacy shaped the very landscape, and where a hidden tunnel of green shielded a queen from he relentless summer sun. This is Het Loo, the Dutch palace of William of Orange and Queen Mary, a Baroque masterpiece built in an era when gardens were not just for pleasure but for power.Diarmuid Gavin tells us the story of these wonderful gardens and palace.

Dee Reddy looks at some of the movies inspired by Saturday Night Live skits on the week the show turns 50! Anchorman, Blue Brothers and Wayne’s World all feature with roots in the late night sketch comedy show.

‘Follow me, I’m delicious’ that’s the tagline of comedian and social media star Garron Noone who has amassed over 1.7m followers on both Instagram on TikTok. Garron joins us to talk his fondness for tea and passion for when people make it wrong along with journey to where he is today.

In this week’s Commuter Slot with Conor Faughan. We look at the level of fines for e scooters and ask if its improving the situation. We highlight the 4th petrol and diesel price hike in a row and we examine why 70% of people would give up their car if they had a better public transport option.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov to discuss peace in Ukraine, without Ukraine present. So what next? Pat discusses this and more with Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies, Bradford University Paul Rogers and also former member of the Defence Forces Cathal Berry.

Killian Ginnity brings us a selection of AI news with last night’s launch of Grok 3, the New York Times embracing AI and South Korea taking action against DeepSeek.

Recent violence and public order incidents in the city centre has led to unease amongst some business owners, workers and residents who call Dublin home. Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock has been speaking to people about the crime in our capital and Jessica joined Pat in studio with some of their reaction.

Developments this week on the Gaza ceasefire and negotiations. Hostage releases, negotiations in Cairo and Jordan and how will Egypt respond to Trump’s Middle East Riveria plan. All to discuss with Hussein Ibish Senior Resident Scholar at The Arab Gulf Institute in Washington Dc. 

Domestic EV chargers for rent to public under pilot project. This is among several actions announced aimed at accelerating move to greener transport. With more details on this Pat spoke to Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent  

A tourist tax for staying in Dublin is being considered by Dublin City Council in order to increase revenue. This accommodation levy which would be put on hotels and short term lettings is being opposed by those in the tourism industry. Talking to Pat this morning was Michael Magner, President of the Irish Hotels Federation  and Owner of Cork Vienna Woods Hotel.

What are the tips and tricks of painting your house? Whether its tiles or wood Gaff Goddess Laura de Barra provides all the tips and tricks for painting your house. 

The Tánaiste is set to propose non-lethal military support for Ukraine as Cabinet meets today. The issue of tax break for developers and negotiations for Section 39 workers will also be on the agenda for the Government. All to discuss with Newstalk's Political Correspondent Sean Defoe.