Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Volodymyr Zelensky's whirlwind visit to Ireland is coming to a close. Yesterday he met with President Catherine Connolly before delivering his very first in-person address to the Oireachtas, thanking the Irish people for their continued support. We look back on visit and discuss the ongoing peace talks with Sean Defoe, Newstalk political correspondent and host of the Let Me Explain podcast and also Donnacha O Beacháin, professor of politics at DCU and author of Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad.

Scientists have discovered that consuming food and drink that is high in flavanols may lead to increase vascular health over prolonged periods of sitting regardless of fitness levels. This in turn can decrease the risk of cardiovascular problems including heart disease, strokes and heart attacks. Also Scientists have created a wheat plant capable of producing its own fertiliser. All to chat with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

Three Austrian nuns, all in their 80s, have absconded from their retirement home residence to return to their former convent. Sister Bernadette, Sister Regina, and sister Rita, are now the last three nuns at the Kloster Goldenstein convent in Elsbethen, just outside Salzburg. For more on this Pat spoke to Kate Connolly, Berlin Correspondent with The Guardian.

A new survey from the Children’s Ombudsman has found that 63% of young people come across extremist views online, when only 6% of them come across those views in real life. The content seen by younger people of secondary school age include negative commentary on immigration and views that society should reverse to ‘traditional’ gender roles. However, children still say that parents or guardians are the biggest influence in their livesWe discuss this all further with Colman Noctor, Child and Adolescent Psycotherapist.

TII has admitted that the M50 is ‘maxed out’ and that there are no interventions or upgrades planned that will fix it. All to discuss with Conor Faughnan, Transport Consultant. 

On this week’s Tech, Jess Kelly is continuing the gift guide. Today Jess brings us details of  Photo prints, books gifts, STEM gifts for kids. An affordable laptop for teen and much more. All great suggestions for Christmas.With thanks to Renault.

Herbert Simms was Dublin City’s first Housing Architect, beginning his term in 1932. But how much of an impact did he make over his 16 year tenure? And can we still see his impact today? Eoin Ó Broin TD, Spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Sinn Féin; Author of Flats and Cottages

A new pilot programme is launching this week in which 100 gardai will be equipped with taser stun guns.  This new proposal from Justice Minister O’Callaghan will argue that currently frontline gardaí have “limited tactical options” in potentially violent encounters. So, will this be supported by members of an Garda Síochána? All to discuss with Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association.

UNICEF is emphasising that despite the ceasefire starting on 11 October, nearly two children are still dying every day in Gaza. The situation is dire as winter takes hold. Recent storms have washed away tents and belongings, leaving countless families exposed to freezing conditions. Pat discuss this with Tess Ingram UNICEF Spokesperson.

Three years on from when he first addressed the Oireachtas, Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Ireland. He landed in Dublin Airport yesterday and is set to call in to President Catherine Connolly before meeting with the Taoiseach and addressing the Oireachtas in person. Joining Patto chat about Ireland's support for Ukraine since Russia's invasion is Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Thomas Byrne. 

As you may know, Christmas is a very busy time for the diamond market. with many people spending large on dazzling diamond rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.But, did you know that many people are now opting for lab grown diamonds, rather than the traditional mined mineral. All to discuss with Chris Andrews, Weirs and Sons.

Dublin has developed a reputation for anti-social behaviour and danger after dark, but since the summer, a new initiative has tried to enhance community safety with a non-judgmental welfare zone on busy Camden street. Funded by the department of justice, Dublin City Council’s Nee Naw service will finish up it’s trial period after Christmas, but is there a permanent place for the Nee Naw in the Capital? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden went out over the weekend with it’s operators to find out.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenzky has landed in Ireland for his first official visit. It is not, however, his first time in Ireland having previously visited as part of his comedy group in 2017. It comes as Donald Trump’s envoy visits Russia today to discuss a potential peace plan. For more on this state visit Pat spoke to Seán Defoe, Political Correspondent and also Duncan Bullivant, CEO, Henderson Risk Group.

Nothing kills connection faster than glancing at your phone every few minutes the screen lighting up-what does it say it says I'm not important enough to hold your attention-it's an insult Timing. Being too late or too early a few minutes is fine 20 minutes is significant and says something . How a dealbreaker can be a mood killer on a date. All to chat about with Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist and Co-Host of The Tough Love podcast.

As the end of the year is near so too is the end of the financial year. So how can you make the most of your returns? Our expert today gave us tips and advice. Mairéad O'Driscoll, professional tax advisor AKA The Tax Nerd joined Pat this morning.

Last week, the Beacon hospital became the first hospital in Ireland or the UK and only the 5th in Europe, to treat a patient using Varian's new RapidArc Dynamic technology. It is an advancement in radiotherapy technology for cancer care that improves precision, reduces treatment time, and lowers radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.To explain more about the technology Pat spoke to Dr Siobhra O’Sullivan, Consultant radiation oncologist in the Beacon hospital.

Well-known architect and TV presenter Hugh Wallace has died suddenly at the age of 68. Paying tribute to Hugh was close friend Diarmuid Gavin.

Much is discussed about mindfulness and the impact the mind can have on our body. But what about the science behind it all? From coaching elite athletes to business leaders, Performance Psychologist Gerry Hussey has focused much of his work on the importance of this body-mind connection. Also all the science that is behind it.

Could mandatory military service be a possibility for Ireland in the future? both France and Germany have announced they will be bringing back some form of military service in response to growing fear of a Russian invasion. German Defense Chief General Carsten Breuer said we can expect a Russian attack as soon as 2029. Could mandatory military service be the new norm for Europe? Speaking to Pat was Senior Security Lecturer at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst Patrick Bury and former Irish Army officer and columnist with the Irish Examiner Colin Sheridan. 

We look at the reaction here and abroad as proposals to rename Herzog Park are withdrawn. Speaking to Pat this morning was Maurice Cohen, Chair, Jewish Representative Council in Ireland and also Brian Kingston MLA, DUP, North Belfast.