"I was in the kitchen... the glamour!" John Kelly tells Alison on Weekend Breakfast where he was when he heard his incredible little movie 'Retirement Plan' was nominated for an Academy Award.

The self-effacing (and lovely bloke) is a Director from Dublin who has made an animated short that feels like a full movie in seven minutes. The story follows the character Ray, who is dissatisfied with life, and dreams of everything he’ll be able to do in retirement, once he finally has the time! The film is narrated by Domhnall Gleeson.

Follow John on Insta @johjnkelly_jnr

It is a fantastic piece of work. You can watch it now on Disney + and RTE Player.

***SPOILER ALERT***

What a final.

Rachel Duffy is the pride of Newry. She rode her luck and used her smarts ... FBI anyone!! And took it all the way to the final.

Her younger brother Neil is bursting with pride .. and feeling a little emotional after a night watching his older sister appear on one of telly's biggest shows. He told us what it was like as the entire family and half the town gathered for a watch-along in the local hotel. Ciara is Rachel's bestie and cousin and was as tense as the rest of us watching those final moments!

The second most capped female Republic of Ireland international of all time chatted to Alison on Weekend Breakfast about her recent record breaking move to the WSL and a club she holds close to her heart.

She talks about her love of Cork and her native Knocknaheeny, getting into football from an early age (youngest of 10) and her advice for young girls getting into sport and much more!

January is a great time to book - there's a bigger choice than ever, you can give yourself the time to spread payments, and there is nothing better than enjoying the anticipation!

Weekend Breakfast welcomes our holiday guru Pól Ó Conghaile - Travel Editor from The Irish Independent - he tells us all about the brand new routes for this year, some fantastic alternatives to the usual spots and some stay at home options!

Follow Pol here https://www.instagram.com/poloconghaile/?hl=en#

Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon better known as The Gastro Gays - FOOD TREND PREDICTIONS FOR 2026 – from the revival of the gourmet chip to pub grub glow ups!

The Gastro Gays are food and travel writers Russell Alford & Patrick Hanlon. They are restaurant critics for The Sunday Times Ireland,– they regularly create online content - share recipes online, restaurant recommendations, city guides for travelling around Europe, dog friendly accommodation, cosy cabins around Ireland AND MORE!!

Follow them here Official website: gastrogays.com and @GastroGays on INSTA

Back for a second season, and it’s bigger, bolder, and greener than ever (and loads of fun)! Alison chats to Brian Dowling about how much the show has changed his attitude to upcycling.

The Mission: Led by Brian, the design team returns to prove that stunning home makeovers don’t need to cost the earth.

Travelling the country in an all-electric van, they transform tired spaces using only upcycled, salvaged, and sustainable materials.

Viewers can expect big ideas, even bigger personalities, and makeovers that turn trash into treasure.

THE SALVAGE SQUAD starts tonight and every Sunday at 8pm on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play.

Vogue is a very busy woman and one thing she really values is a good declutter! Step in Hazel Burton - she is a Certified Professional Organiser from Dublin and is helping Vogue with her latest house move.

Hazel also shares her approach to the January reset, emphasising small, simple goals that can make a significant impact. Whether it’s tackling overflowing closets or creating a clear space in your hallway, her practical tips will help you reclaim your home without feeling overwhelmed!

With insights gained from working with high-profile clients like Vogue Williams, Hazel encourages listeners to embrace intentional living and embrace a clutter-free lifestyle. She is like our very own Stacey Solomon! Let Hazel sort your life out!

Alison welcomes back the charming Keith Brymer-Jones for another chat on Weekend Breakfast!

The Great Pottery Throwdown returns tonight for it's ninth series. It is the ultimate comfort telly. It is a show that show has captivated audiences of all ages and why families love to tune in together. Keith shares his excitement about the diverse group of competitors this year, ranging from a tattooist to a chemistry teacher and of course "flat bottoms" "massive cracks" and the innuendo game that has viewers in tears... a bit like Keith!

The Great Pottery Throwdown - Channel 4 - starts Jan 4th and every Sunday at 7.30pm