Highlights From The Pat Kenny Show

Fungi gave us penicillin, a hugely beneficial antibiotic that has saved millions of lives. Cholesterol lowering statins had their origins in fungi, as did the immunosuppressant cyclosporin used in transplantation. These results show that many more medicines derived from fungi remain to be found. All to discuss with Professor Luke O’Neill Professor of Immunology at Trinity College Dublin.

Jo Linehan, editor of the climate supplement at the Sunday Times Ireland joined Pat this morning to give some tips and advice on sustainable pet solutions.

As the number of fines issued to motorists for unlawfully using bus lanes increased by 34% in the capital last year. Are motorists taking the law seriously when it comes to driving in bus lanes? Is more enforcement needed and do we need more or less bus lanes to help tackle the problem and efficiency of bus services in Dublin? Joining Pat to discuss further was Gwen Morgan, Director of Service Operations at Dublin Bus

Ireland is facing a ‘perfect storm’ when it comes to cocaine according to new research. The drug’s wide availability and affordability is contributing to this storm which has led to an increase in hospitalisations and overdoses. Speaking to Pat to discuss was Dr Garrett McGovern, Addiction Specialist and Medical Director, Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum.  

Newstalk's political correspondent Sean Defoe is handing out his Dáil star awards as politicians get ready for their summer holidays. From the newcomer of the year to the biggest political cowardice moment, Sean has all the prizes. 

As An Coimisiún Pleanála continues to debate a decision on night time flight restrictions at Dublin Airport, local residents are continuing to voice their concerns about any potential changes to night time flight restrictions. Those potential issues, they say, would only worsen the current situation with overflights during daytime hours. David Walton Spokesperson on Aircraft Noise Pollution, Ballyboughal Community Council spoke to Pat.

On this week’s slot of Inside Hollywood, we are looking at Directors sharing their experience on what it is like to work with legendary actors. From Stephen Spielberg and Tom Hanks and Greta Gerwig and Meryl Streep. We take a look at the greats with Lisa Cannon TV Host and Head of Studio at DMG Media.

Central Park was designed to be an integral part of the city. To understand how Central Park came to be, we need to know the history of Manhattan and of New York City. New York, originally settled by the Dutch and called New Amsterdam, was chosen because of its excellent location.To tell us all about the history of Central Park was award winning garden designer Diarmuid Gavin.All with thanks to Tirlán

Irish cyclist, Ben Healy is wearing the yellow jersey in today’s stage of the Tour de France. Declan Quigley, Cycling Commentator with Europsort joins us for a review on what we can expect later today. 

Minister of Defense, Israel Katz has begun drawing up operative plans for the construction of the ‘humanitarian city’ on the ruins of southern Gaza. This will initially house 600,000 people and eventually the entire Palestinian population.We discuss all this with Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at The London School of Economics and Political Science. Also speaking to Pat was Paul Kearns, Dublin born journalist living in Tel Aviv. 

Rowena Quinn, Managing Partner of Hunters Estate Agents joined Pat to discuss the many mistakes can be made when selling a house. Such as overpricing the property, poor presentation and inflexible viewings. 

In the Green Scene this week, new discoveries that fig trees are converting carbon dioxide (and parts of themselves) to stone, and contagious yawning in fish. All to discuss with Dr Ruth Freeman Director of Research for Society For Research Ireland.All with thanks to Repak.

An Post is facing an alarming financial situation as its cash reserves have dropped below €1 million for the first time.  Despite its financial decline, there is expected to be no bailout for the postal network.  Minister of State and Independent TD, Michael Healy Rae, who is also a postmaster, is advocating for more funding for the postal service and spoke to Pat this morning along with Craig Hughes, Political Editor, Irish Daily Mail.

Frank Greaney is in pre-production of the fourth season of his true crime podcast, Inside the Crime. In the previous season, Frank told the story of the unsolved murder of Una Lynskey, a 19-year-old girl in County Meath, 1971. Now, Frank is appealing to the public to help find his next cold case, to shine a light on another victim overlooked by traditional media and help bring justice to them and their loved ones.

The Government is expected to defer the implementation of health warning labels on alcohol products until 2029. Alcohol Action Ireland urgers the Government to resist calls to delay health labelling on alcohol products. For more on this Pat spoke to Dr. Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.

Five EU states to test age verification app to protect children. Also Elon Musk's Grok signs $200m deal with Pentagon days after antisemitism row k, as part of a wider rollout of AI tools for government use, the Department of Defence confirmed. All to discuss in our tech slot with Jess Kelly,

Now summer is often the time when many of us decide to tackle the chores we forgot during the year. Rather than reaching for supermarket cleaning product, it might be worth checking your cupboard! Vinegar and baking soda are just some the most effective cleaning agents you can use. Laura de Barra, Author of the Gaff Goddess tell us all.

The €44 million redevelopment of Dublin’s Northside Historic Victorian fruit and vegetable market is underway. The two-year project will bring new life to the 127-year-old market on Mary’s Lane, restoring the site and adding new structures to accommodate around 80 stalls, a restaurant, a food demonstration. We get the details from Olivia Kelly Dublin Editor of the Irish Time

Fox News rages that the new Superman film has ‘pro-immigrant themes’. Jumping on board the latest MAGA outrage, Fox News took aim at director James Gunn. To discuss further Pat was joined in the show by Lorcan Nyhan, Head of training at the Communications Clinic and Sunday Independent Columnist.

With the announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump to send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, we are left asking what happens next. According to a report by the UN, June was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians in nearly three years of the Russo-Ukranian war, with 232 fatalities and over 1,300 injuries. With no end in sight, Ukrainian officials have urged allies for support to defend themselves from Russian attack. We are joined by Emmanuelle Chaze, a French journalist living and reporting in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine to discuss this.