The Hard Shoulder

Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new body for regulating broadcasters, on-demand services, and online media, and supporting media development, has opened a public consultation on its draft Online Safety Code for video-sharing platform services.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly spoke to Niamh Hodnett, the Online Safety Commissioner about the new code today and she joined Anton Savage to discuss..

It’s the 8th of December and for many people of a certain vintage that can only mean one thing – it's Culchie Shopping Day! Rural Ireland’s annual pilgrimage to the big city for the Christmas shopping. Anton Savage was joined by Columnist with the Farming Independent and Author of ‘Matters of Great Indifference’, Jim O’Brien and Comedian Katherine Lynch...    

The shops are filling up as Christmas shopping lists are being ticked off.Southern reg plates will be seen crossing the border in search of some bargains, while others are browsing online.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been looking at how shopping habits have changed around Christmas:

Today saw former Prime Minister Boris Johnson appear before the Covid-19 inquiry for a second day Hard questioning brought out an emotion Johnson who insists “I do care and did care” about the pandemic and was not indifferent to it Kieran was joined by Adam Boulton, political commentator to discuss...

Turkey and ham will be on the table for most dinner tables across the country this Christmas Day but for many Cork households there is another staple on the plate every Christmas – spiced beef. And one man who is synonymous with this Cork dish is Tom Durcan from Durcan Meats in Cork's English Market, whose spiced beef has been recently named the best in Ireland. Tom joined Kieran in studio in Republic of Work in Cork...

Buyers in Cork need a combined €100,000-plus in salary in order to buy a new house. This goes up to over €120,000 if you go to Dublin. Is it harder to buy than ever, and why? Kieran was joined by Brian McCarthy, Socialist Party councillor for Cork City North West and former Chair of the Fiscal Advisory Council and Lecturer in Economics at UCC, Seamus Coffey...

We have all reverted to checking out Doctor Google in recent years, but have we become cyberchondriacs? Cyberchondria is defined as when searching the internet for medical information leads to extreme health anxiety. For more on this Kieran was joined by Cork GP, Dr. Doireann O’Leary...

Yesterday we saw division in the Dail as TDs debated our immigration policies. The Rural independent TDs brought forward a motion looking for tighter rules Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns said that “Vulnerable asylum seekers are going to be freezing on our streets this Winter, and misinformation like this does nothing but put a target on their backs.” Holly Cairns, TD for West Cork and Leader of the Social Democrats joined Kieran in Republic of Work in Cork...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from Republic of Work in Cork today.To discuss some of the issues affecting the area and look at how Cork is performing as a city, Kieran was joined by Cáit Caden Business Reporter with the Irish Examiner, Tadhg Hickey, Comedian and Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo 

Beginning February 1, we will see a 15 cent levy added to every aluminium can or plastic bottle sold in Ireland. Customers will have to return their empties to the  'reverse vending machines’ to get their deposit back.  Kieran was joined by Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association and Ossian Smyth, Minister for Circular Economy to discuss...

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. The series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options this festive season. This week Simon and Kieran put a variety of houmous to the test...

A private members motion was up for debate this morning in the Dáil by Rural Independent TDs on immigration.  This will be the first time in the Dáil’s history that a debate on immigration concerns was held.  Kieran was joined by Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry and Aodhan O’Riordan, TD and Labour Party’s Education spokesperson... 

Taylor Swift has been named Time Magazine Person of the Year 2023. She beat out tough competition for the accolade shaking off Barbie, King Charles and Vladimir Putin. She even out did the Trump prosecutors.  Newstalk’s Own Sean Reidy joined Kieran to discuss...

The government has today announced that four new special schools are to open to provide more places for students with special educational needs. The schools will be located in the South Kildare area, Enfield in Meath, Limerick City, and Gorey in Wexford. Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...

With so much of the world revolving and spread out across social media, we’re taking a look back on the Year On TikTok 2023.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been checking who done has been growing their followers on the platform this year and what have been the most popular trends.

Beginning February 1, we will see a 15 cent levy added to every aluminium can or plastic bottle sold in Ireland. Customers will have to return their empties to the  'reverse vending machines’ to get their deposit back.  Kieran was joined Colin O’Byrne, Project manager at VOICE, Alan O’Reilly, from Carlow Weather and Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link. 

Every week for Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give him tips for a trip to Koh Samui and Chiang Mai...

Sinn Fein has tabled a motion of no confidence for the Minister of Justice Helen McEntee. Pressure has been mounting on the Justice Minister since the riots, with Mary Lou McDonald describing Minister McEntee’s position as no longer tenable.  Kieran was joined by Sean O’Regan, Newstalk Reporter and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Education & Skills.... 

Toll charges are set to increase from January 1st 2024.  The M50 toll charge is set to increase by 40 cent based on your type of vehicle where on national roads could see increases by 50 cent. Kieran was joined by Sean O'Neill Director of Communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Michael Collins, Independent TD... 

Alex de Koning, spokesperson for British Environment group, Just Stop Oil will be speaking at a SciCom event tomorrow at the Aviva Stadium at a conference that focuses on the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. Alex de Koning joined Kieran on The Hard Shoudler this afternoon...

The Government has today confirmed plans to hold referendums on constitutional references to family and care in March 2024. The proposed referendums will be held on International Women's Day on 8 March would broaden the definition of family beyond marriage in the constitution. Kieran was joined by Senator and Chair of the Green Party Pauline O’Reilly and David Quinn, the head of the Iona Institute. 

Winning the Grand National in 2018 with Tiger Roll in 2018 was one of the highlights of a glittering career for one of Ireland’s greatest ever jockeys. However Davy has now decided to swap the racetrack for the ballroom floor as the latest contestant announced in the new series of Dancing with the Stars. Davy Russell joined Kieran on the show this afternoon...

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has sought Cabinet approval for a proposed extradition deal between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.  The move could see as Gardaí seek the extradition of members of the Kinahan organised crime group. Kieran was joined by Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor with the Sunday World...  

COP28 continued today and Sadhbh O’Neill, senior climate adviser for Friends of the Earth Ireland joined Kieran to discuss...

The CSO results today showed us how we are travelling since 2016, and what did we learn That you can’t break a habit and we still love our cars.  63% of us, or over 1.2 million of us, jump in the car when we want to go somewhere. Why are we not looking for more sustainable options like walking, cycling or public transport? Kieran was joined by Fejlin Jose, Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition and Geraldine Herbert Motoring Journalist with the Irish independent...

In a statement this afternoon, a spokesperson for the Department of Integration has said that it can no longer provide accommodation to all international protection applicants, due to a severe shortage. They have said that tents and sleeping bags will be provided to people where required. Kieran was joined by Tom McEnaney, Media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, who has helped over 1,000 refugees get into Ireland and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire to discuss...

Over the next few weeks, Kieran Cuddihy will be taking Irish classes as part of a 'Couch to Comhrá in 6 Weeks' challenge and each Monday he will be sharing his journey alongside some Irish speakers.  Luke Fitzgerald, Former Leinster player and Irish International joined Kieran to continue the challenge...

In a statement this afternoon, a spokesperson for the Department of Integration has said that it can no longer provide accommodation to all international protection applicants, due to a severe shortage. They have said that tents and sleeping bags will be provided to people where required. Kieran was joined by Teresa Buczkowska is a migrant rights expert, and formerly of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Enda O’Neill, Head of Office at the UNHCR Ireland …  

GAAGO will stream a total of 38 exclusive GAA championship games next year.GAAGO, initially provided live coverage for international audiences since 2014, but gained exclusive rights to cover championship matches last year. The jointly owned venture from RTÉ and the GAA came under criticism for being behind a paywall.Seán Kelly, former President of the GAA and Fine Gael MEP joined Kieran to discuss...

COP28 continued in the United Arab Emirates today. Sadhbh O’Neill, Senior climate advisor for Friends of the Earth joined Kieran to discuss what happened today.Kieran was also joined by Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow and spokesperson for Climate, Environment & Biodiversity and Kevin McPartland, CEO of Fuels for Ireland...

A recent study conducted by the Nevin Economics Research Institute and the UCD School of Business reveals that Ireland's most undesirable roles are often filled by women and younger workers, whereas men predominantly occupy the most top positions.Henry McKean joined Kieran with this report...

It’s 70 years since Hugh Hefner published the first edition of Playboy with none other than Marilyn Monroe on the cover.  Though, no one was able to buy the 1953 issue in Ireland and they couldn’t get the 1963 or 73 issues either.  But Ireland has a storied history with the magazine none the less, from IRA smugglers, to uproar in Tralee and even interviews with the Healeys Rae. Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports. 

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists..

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through some of her favourite 'Good Mood Foods'...

Recently focus has been put into online content and how it played a role in the riots last week.  Misinformation is everywhere and in Ireland we are not immune, so what does misinformation look like and how does it take hold in our society? Razan Ibraheem, Jounalist specialising in content verification joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action...

Today, Ireland is taking its first steps in our space adventure!  EIRSAT-1 is Ireland’s first satellite, and it is being launched into orbit from 6pm at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.  The head of the Team Professor Lorraine Hanlon, Professor of Astronomy at UCD joined Kieran from California Image: European Space Agency

King Charles was speaking today the second day of COP28. Our own Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will give his own speech tomorrow at the climate summit.  The Taoiseach will pledge that Ireland will spend 225 million from 2025 to tackle climate change which is the highest figure Ireland has given towards this issue. Sadhbh O’Neill, Senior climate advisor for Friends of the Earth joined Kieran to discuss what happened today...

Sinn Féin has confirmed it has tabled a motion of no confidence in Justice Minister Helen McEntee following the riots in Dublin last week. A vote will now be held in the Dáil next Tuesday. Kieran was joined by Pa Daly, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with Special Responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail to discuss...

Ade Adepitan, former Paralympian with Team GB and TV presenter, joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his new documentary 'The Big British Beef Battle'...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.Kieran was joined by Jonathan Cronin, from Of Cronin, Charles Hendy, from The Mary Wallopers, Liam Ó Maonlaoí, Musician and Mundy to discuss...

The Council of Europe has released a report which examines the way history is taught across seventeen European countries, including our own. The way subjects are taught in Ireland can often be a topic of debate so let's see how Ireland fared. Kieran was joined by Journalist and Historian, Ronan McGreevy and Aodhan Ó Riordain, Labour Party TD and Education Spokesperson...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.His death was announced by his wife Victoria Mary Clarke and by The Pogues this morning.Gerry Adams, Former President of Sinn Fein joined Kieran to discuss...

One Scottish Hotel has set its stall out for Christmas by announcing after 53 years of serving Mince Pies, it will stop. Glynhill Hotel & Spa, in Glasgow has decided to save on food waste by not including the Christmas desert which is no longer a favourite amongst its customers. Darina Allen Chef, Author and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School joined Kieran to discuss and told him the best way to go about making them... 

COP28 has finally gotten underway in Dubai and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been in attendance today.  Throughout the climate conference we want to cut through the noise and tell you exactly what has been discussed. Sadhbh O’Neill, senior climate advisor to Friends of the Earth Ireland joined Kieran to discuss... 

Today the Council of Europe has released a report which examines the way history is taught across seventeen European countries, including our own. The way subjects are taught in Ireland can often be a topic of debate so let's see how Ireland fared.  Kieran was joined by Carl O’Brien, Education Editor with The Irish Times to discuss...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.His music was wide reaching and touched some many people both here in Ireland and outside.  Pat Carty, Writer for Hot Press Magazine and Broadcaster joined Kieran to discuss...

Billy Hann the CEO of Dublin Bus was before the Oireachtas Transport committee today.  One of suggestions he made is for Dublin needs to reduce it’s car congestion and go on a car diet. This will hopefully improve the ability of our public transport to perform.  Do we need a car diet in the capital?  Kieran was joined by Michael Pidgeon Green Party Councillor and Shane O’Donoghue Editor for CompleteCar.ie 

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. The series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options this festive season. This week Simon and Kieran put a variety of tubs of Christmas chocolate to the test...

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to end today after a six day pause in the conflict with mediators now working hard to extend it. How does the situation look and what does a lift in the ceasefire look like in the coming days? Patrick Bury, Senior Security Lecturer at the University of Bath, Former NATO Analyst and Army Officer joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show...