Mixed retail results in the run up to Christmas

With just one more sleep to go until the most anticipated day of the year, the festive spirit is at an all-time high for millions of children across the country. RTÉ reporter Florence Okojie spoke to primary school children in Dublin about what they’re most looking forward to tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The passing of singer Chris Rea this week brought his iconic Christmas anthem 'Driving Home for Christmas' back into the spotlight. This song captures the spirit of the season for many who travel home to loved ones. RTÉ reporter Andrew Lowth asked people out Christmas shopping about their favorite festive tunes and the stories behind them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Commission has condemned the US for imposing a travel ban on five Europeans, including a former EU commissioner. Meanwhile the largest batch of Epstein files was released by the US Department of Justice yesterday. It contains hundreds of references to President Trump. US-based journalist Sara Firth joined Justin for a breakdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses across the country hope shoppers will come out in droves today for last-minute Christmas shopping. A number of shop owners have reported a slower start to spending in December due to bad weather and more people making online purchases. Justin spoke to Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, about the current state of retail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is one of the busiest days of the year for people travelling home for Christmas. For the latest Graeme McQueen, Media Manager, Dublin Airport Authority, Barry Kenny from Irish Rail and Bus Eireann's Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, Mark Mulqueen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the fourth in our series on 2025's newsmakers, we return to talk to Dr Catherine Sweeney, a GP based in Dunmore, County Galway. Dr Sweeney provided a medical service to sick and vulnerable patients left without power or communications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Danish postal service will deliver its last letter on the 30th December, ending a more than 400-year-old tradition. For more journalist Tom Carstensen in Copenhagen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail Brian Mahon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Rónán Murphy, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at University Hospital Kerry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is expected that there will be between 800 to 1,100 people with flu in hospital on any one day at the height of flu. The Health Service Executive's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.