Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

<ore news is coming out about the two gunmen who opened fire at a Hannukah celebration on Bondi beach, killing 15 people. The shooters are believed to be influenced by the Islamic State, and a recent trip they made to the Philippines is currently under investigation.Pat gets the latest on this with Jean Kennedy, Journalist with ABC News.

Described as a “game changer” in terms of helping people currently priced out of the housing market to get a foot on the property ladder. A 50-year mortgage would allow someone to borrow for a longer term, which would mean lower monthly repayments, which, in turn, could make housing more affordable. Is this the solution to the housing crisis or does it cause more problems than it brings solutions? All to discuss with Margaret Barrett, Managing Director of Navigating Mortgages.

This morning we heard about Walks you can do with Christmas that have a connection to a good story. Joining Pat will all the suggestions was John G Dwyer, Chairman of Pilgrim Paths Ireland  and author of "50 Best Irish Walks" is out now from publishers, Currach Books.

The Dáil is set to break for winter recess at the end of this week, but there's plenty on the agenda to get done. A decision on the Mercosur deal and a cut to childcare costs are all on the agenda. There are also calls for the Fianna fail review of Jim Gavin’s campaign to be published before the end of Christmas. Pat discuss all this and more with Christina Finn, Political Editor with TheJournal.ie.  

We’re about ten days out from Christmas now, and for many people this is the point where the pressure really ramps up emotionally, socially, and mentally. Research consistently shows that most adults feel more stressed at Christmas than at any other time of year, and that’s not because people are doing it wrong it’s because there’s a lot going on.How to protect your wellbeing at Christmas? Stephanie Regan, Clinical Psychotherapist, and host of the Tough Love Podcast advises up.

Pilates is the newest viral fitness trend. created in the early 20th century by a German PT who used the method to keep him fit while he was a prisoner of war, Pilates has since grown in popularity. Our expert today is Lowry O’Mahony, chartered Physiotherapist and explains how pilates  can help prevent falls.

Talks will continue in Berlin today between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner. They will be joined by European leaders later in the day. We get the latest with Scott Lucas, Professor and Political Analyst, Clinton Institute, UCD.

In 2016, former RTÉ2 presenter Niamh Devine set out backpacking in Asia. Following a sexual assault, she went straight to Australia but there she found herself having to return to Ireland with what she thought was a medical issue. Since then, Niamh has been on a journey leading her to learn about somatic illnesses and becoming a mind body mentor and somatic based practitioner. Niamh spoke to Pat this morning.

It seems to be common enough for tourists to ride these public e-scooters coming home from bars and clubs while on holidays. We’ve found that people have been caught riding them under the influence in Germany, where you can expect to receive a fine  of up to 1,500 euro if you’re caught.People also mentioned getting caught by police in Greece for reckless e –scooter driving. Joining Pat with more on this was Ger Herbert, Motoring Editor for Sunday Independent. 

As Australia continues to mourn the loss of the victims shot at the Bondi beach terror attack, focus is now shifting to strengthen Australia's gun laws. All to discuss with Hamish McDonald, Presenter of Mornings on ABC Radio Sydney,

Good news for Ireland at the European cross-country championships while Celtic lose the league cup final. Colm Boohig looks back on the weekend of sport.

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty founder was a child himself.” Those are the immortal words of Charles Dickens, a man who has become synonymous with Christmas. While we take many of our Christmas traditions for granted, Christmas cards, Christmas trees, etc - where and when did they actually originate? Reporter Simon Tierney has been investigating.

Taoiseach’s leadership comes under further pressure as Fianna Fáil TDs and senators demand to know when the party first heard about Jim Gavin's issue with a former tenant. All to discuss with Louise Burne Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner  

Irish Farmers Association President Francie Gorman is about to hit the road in his tractor this morning. He is on the way to brussels alongside thousands of farmers from across the European Union.   Those making the journey are set to protest on Thursday against various issues farmers are facing including the concerns around the quality of Brazilian meat. Speaking to Pat was Francie Gorman, IFA President.

A total of Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, following a mass shooting at Bondi beach. We get the latest on this with Isobel Roe, Journalist with ABC News. 

On our Friday Forum panel this week was Naoise Ó Cearúil TD, Fianna Fáil, Spokesperson on Artificial Intelligence and Gaeltacht Affairs, Claire Kerrane TD, Sinn Féin, Spokesperson on Children, Disability and Equality and Flor MacCarthy, Journalist and broadcaster.

Uisce Éireann have today announced they are to lodge a planning application for the largest-ever water project in Irish history. Maria O’dwyer, Infrastructure Delivery Director At Uisce Éireann brings us the details.

Irish consumer spending reached a new high last Christmas and is on course to break festive records again! But during a cost of living crisis, can we really afford a top dollar Christmas, and how can you keep spending low during the festive high? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports: 

There an been increase in scam calls from UK-registered numbers in recent weeks. We find out what is being done to tackle them with Adrian Weckler Technology Editor with the Irish Independent. 

With Christmas around the corner, Gareth Mullins is here to chat through the perfect roast for your main course with a roast rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding and honey glazed ham.