Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Scaled back India Day celebrations went ahead this past weekend following a number of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland. But our two countries have a lot more in common. Starting with our nations’ origins both after independence from Britain. Cauvery Madhavan, a Kildare based author discusses her and her family’s experience of moving to another country that has such a similar origin story to the one she was leaving.

Irish Rail is in the process of planning and executing massive expansions and updates to its services, with levels of demand for timely and efficient public transportation at an all-time high. What can we expect from our public transport in the next 10 years? All to discuss with Irish Rail Chairman Steve Murphy.

We’re all making weekly trips to the local deposit return machine to claim back our 15 or 25 cent for bottles and cans used. But a certain group of people in the capital have turned collecting into an enterprise, picking through public bins and recycling for a profit. So, is the rising re-turn industry good or bad for Dublin city? Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports:  

We’re constantly being told that the State is one of the richest in the world but we don’t make the cut among The Economist’s list of 178 countries. We discuss this further with Economist  Austin Hughes. 

Obtaining a mortgage is often stressful, even for people who have the traditional requirements for securing one. It can be even more difficult when you’re self-employed or seeking a second-time mortgage.  Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Mortgage Navigators answered your mortgage-related questions.

Standing Desks are becoming more and more common in workplaces. But is there a health benefit to using them? And should we be considering using them more? All to discuss with Jenny Brannigan, Chartered Physiotherapist and Peter Cosgrove, MD of Futurewise.

Recent debates question whether the President of Ireland should be expected, if not required, to be fluent in Irish. As the national figurehead, the President is expected to promote Irish culture and language. However, should fluency in Irish trump their other values when considering who to vote for? Pat discusses this with Aodhán Ó Deá, Director of Development at Conradh na Gaeilge.

Espionage and ‘destructive ideologies’ are among main threats to State, says Garda report. Ireland may be target for foreign spies' intent on stealing intellectual property and sensitive information. Pat discusses this further with Cathal Berry, former Defence Forces Member.

The past number of years has seen a surge in people getting diagnosed with ADHD. While doctors warn of overdiagnoses, there are a number of people living undiagnosed for years.   One woman who waited until she was 26 to get diagnosed as she didn’t present with the stereotypical symptoms.   So how do symptoms vary from each individual and how can it impact day to day life? All to discuss with Molly Roberts a Content Creator. 

The weekend was packed full of action, with the round of 16 fixtures taking place in the FAI Cup. Scottie Scheffler claims his fifth win of the season at the BMW championship, and of course the opening round of Premier League fixtures. All to chat about with Colm Boohig, Broadcaster with Off the Ball.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will today, along with a host of European leaders, meet with Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a potential path to peace. It follows Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. We discuss this further with Rosie Birchard, Brussels Correspondent, DW News and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway, Columnist with The Journal.

David Attenborough once said the world’s ecosystem would collapse if all the bees, wasps, ants and flies were to disappear. So why are we allowing one third of them to be under threat of extinction?  Without insects, we wouldn’t have decomposition, nutrient recycling, seed spreading or pollination. But pollution, intensive farming and habitat loss are causing that to suffer.  All to discuss with Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin.

According to a survey released this week, almost 70% of school leaders reported that they had unfilled vacancies due to difficulties recruiting staff. More than 600 vacant teaching posts are still vacant. Pat discusses this issue with Teachers Union of Ireland President Anthony Quinn and also Principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís Aaron Wolfe.

A presidential race that was shaping up to be relatively uneventful has been shaken up by the surprise withdrawal of Mairead McGuinness due to health issues. Heather Humphries and Sean Kelly are potential nominees from Fine Gael. While pharma tycoon Gareth Sheridan attempts to secure a spot on the ticket, Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only official candidate at this stage.  All to discuss with Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent. 

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.