The Hard Shoulder

What is the cost of contentment in each country?That’s what a recent study out of Harvard University focused on, finding the highest cost of happiness was in Iran at nearly €232,000 and the lowest was in Sierra Leone at just over 8 grand.Ireland was rudely left off the list of 173 countries, but our own reporter Sarah Madden has been looking into it for us instead.

The Dáil resumed following the summer break today. However, politicians, journalists and staff have been advised not to leave amidst protests that are happening outside Leinster House. Independent TD for Kerry Michael Healy Rae and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mirror joined Kieran to discuss...

Today marks 25 years since the establishment of TV3. To celebrate this and look back on the memories down the yers, Kieran was joined by Anna Daly, former presenter on TV3 and Virgin Media, former CEO David McRedmond and Aidan Cooney, former presenter on Ireland AM from 1999 until 2018, and now presenter of Q102 Breakfast...

A trans rights march took place at the weekend, and one of the images that caught some attention was the face of Vladimir Lenin on transgender flags. Senator Michael McDowell has been writing about it in The Irish Times and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Today is National Fitness Day in the UK and they’re encouraging everyone to get out and be active as much as possible. Do we need this same encouragement here? Particularly for young people, what are we doing to keep our kids fit? And what’s the difference between being fit and being physically active. Kieran was joined by Brendan O’Keefe, assistant professor of Physical Education in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at UL...

As we have been hearing throughout the day, the proposed plans to the Leaving Cert examinations have been shelved.  One the cited reasons was the increased prevalence of GenAI, that’s your ChatGPTs, in examinations and school projects but how strong has the impact of AI been on education sector and is it too late to reverse the damage? Kieran was joined by Michael Madden, Professor of Computer Science & Head of Machine Learning Research Group, University of Galway to discuss...

Finance Minister Michael McGrath has today asked all state owned bodies to continue to accept cash payments. It came following criticism of the NCT service for attempting to move to a cashless system. One such body which has moved cashless in recent times is the GAA, a move which has garnered much criticism. Two former Presidents of the GAA, Sean Kelly and Liam O’Neill joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss..

Tens of thousands attended the second day of the Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois, for what was a mostly dry day.There may be vintage tractors and brand new machinery on display, but one growing trend among young farmers is online content creation.Social media apps are now full of cows being milked, tractors baling silage and sheep being sold.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, is at the Ploughing meeting with those who are flying the flag for Ireland on Farm Tok.

From Vibrant pink shirts in the Dáil to Dublin football kits in Seanad – there has been a fair share of fashion faux pas in the government buildings. But should there be a dress code? That’s not the thinking in the US, where Senators are now allowed to wear whatever they want to when debating or voting on bills.  Michael Healy Rae Independent TD for County Kerry and Gino Kelly, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West joined Kieran to discuss...

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 the oldest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. Continuing the series, ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The series continued with a debate on 'Are young people today better off than their parents?'

There has been a story that has dominated the headlines over the last couple of days, and that is Russell Brand.  The comedian faces allegations of controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour, following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.  Kieran was joined by Meirion Jones, former Editor of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in the UK – he previously led an investigation in to Jimmy Saville...

The Central Bank has signalled caution ahead of Budget 2024, lowering its forecasts for growth in the economy, while also saying that the Government's spending plans for the upcoming Budget risk adding to inflation. Kieran was joined by Michael McMahon, who is the acting chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and Michelle Murphy Research and Policy Analyst with Social Justice Ireland to discuss...

The Clockwork Door Time House in Temple Bar has decided to not partake in this year’s Culture Night as a result of anti-social behavior in the capital city.  The venue took part in Culture Night last year and while trying to celebrate, their equiipment was sadly robbed.  Kieran was joined by owner of The Clock Work Door Time House, Ciaran Hogan to discuss...Image: Instagram via The Clockwork Door

Gardai in Cavan and Monaghan are have launched a probe in to comments made by Sean Quinn.The complaint has been made by Mannok directors Liam McCaffrey and John McCartan following comments made on The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk.Kieran was joined by crime journalist with The Irish Independent, Paul Williams for more on this...

An Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action was held today on the importance of biodiversity loss across Ireland. Praising farmers for the work they have done to maintain a healthy environment were one of the topics mentioned by Dr Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin.  Yet many changes still need to be made to maintain Ireland’s biodiversity and reduce the risk of extinction.Kieran was joined by associate professor in the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin to discuss...

Comedian Reginald D. Hunter joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his upcoming irish tour and allegations against Russell Brand...

Kieran was joined by former Irish rugby international and Chairman of The One Small Step Campaign, Trevor Ringland, to discuss the Irish sporting anthem 'Ireland's Call' why it was ever needed in the first place and why we might need to hold on to it...

On 29th of September the Irish Cancer Society is holding their Relay for Life event. One of the society's ambassadors and manager of Shamrock Rovers Stephan Bradley joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

The HSE's commissioned an external review into aspects of orthopaedic surgery at Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. It follows a number of serious spinal surgical incidents there. Roisin Shortall, Social Democrats TD and Health Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

Are you aware that the majority of your bins can be traced to your weekly shop in the supermarkets?  That’s according to a new survey by Voice Ireland who found 66% of waste items in Irish recycling bins can be traced back to supermarkets and that 59% of these supermarket waste items were made from plastic.  This begs the question should we cut down on packaging and in particular our plastics when it comes to shopping? Tad Kirakowski, Chief Executive of Voice Ireland and Craig Hutson Owner of Minimal Waste Groceries joined Kieran to discuss...

The HSE's commissioned an external review into aspects of orthopaedic surgery at Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. It follows a number of serious spinal surgical incidents there. Priscilla Lynch Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent joined Kieran to discuss...

Every year when rugby matches take over our screens again, and particularly around World Cup season this time around, there’s an age old debate of should we sing Ireland’s Call? Or should we just sing Amhrán na bhFiann. Or should we get a new national anthem altogether?Kieran was joined by Damien Tiernan, WLR FM Presenter, and John McGahon, Fine Gael Senator...

A hole on Portmarnock beach this week excited one local astronomy enthusiast, as it looked like it may have been a meteor strike. However, it soon became clear that the hole had actually been dug by two local lads.Charlie Wallace, Portmarnock beach hole digger joined Kieran to discuss...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to talk all things buffets

An Bord Pleanála has today rejected the application from U.S Corporation New Fortress Energy to build a LNG terminal on the Shannon Estuary. Kieran was joined by Don Moore , Chair of the Energy and Climate Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering  and William Hederman, Member of Slí Eile organisers of climate camp ...

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...

Ireland’s world cup campaign shot off last week with a demolition of Romania in Bordeaux. Ireland are now off to Nantes where they will face off against Tonga in match game two in Pool B.  Kieran was joined by Former Ireland and Munster player and Newstalk’s Own Alan Quinlan to get all the latest on the boys in green...

Around the country the Government parties have been assembling across the country for their think-Ins ahead of the start of the next Dáil term.   Kieran was joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent who was at the Fine Gael Think in in Limerick and Hugh O’Connell, Deputy Political Editor, Irish Independent who was at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin for Sinn Fein’s event... 

A new era for the Late Late Show begins tonight, as Patrick Kielty officially takes the reins.  Is the show still the force it once was? Kieran was joined by Terry Prone, chairman of the Communications Clinic and Deirdre Molumby, pop culture and entertainment expert...Image: Andres Poveda

Tonight is the night the Late Late Show returns to your screens, with the debut of host Patrick Kielty. There has been plenty of chat about to expect. Our reporter Henry McKean has been asking people whether they will watch the show and even met the man in charge, Patrick Kielty...

This week is End Child Poverty week and throughout it the station has been having conversations on the topic  With Budget 2024 on the horizon, Tanya Ward Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance

There are plans to transform Dublin's transport system and road layouts.New proposals announced show a push towards more public transport, cycling and pedestrianisation infrastructure, and a move away from the private car.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, met with users of different modes of transport, to hear their views on the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan.

That was a little taster of a new tribute to one of Ramsay Street’s most beloved characters: Susan Kennedy, who is married to the one and only Dr Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher in the iconic Aussie soap Neighbours.As many of you will know, Alan has played Dr. Karl Kennedy on the show for 28 years and has released a new album The Lighter Side Of Alan Fletcher ahead of the tv series returning to our screens on Amazon Freevee on 18th September 2023.  Alan joined Kieran to preview the new series...

The Quays in Dublin are set to close to car traffic under new proposals from the City Council. A consultation is now open on a new draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party, Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town  and Jim Waldron, Spokesperson for the National Private Hire & Taxi Association to discuss...  

The ECB is to raise interest rates by 25 basis points. Their reasoning, inflation continues to decline but is still expected to remain too high for too long.  Kieran was joined by Dan O’Brien, chief economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs and Marian Finnegan is managing director for Sherry Fitzgerald. 

Changes are set to be on the way for Ireland’s speed limits following the publication of a government review.  Speed limit on national secondary roads is to reduce from 100km/h to 80km/h while in urban built up areas speed will be limited to 30km/h.  Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Transport joined Kieran to discuss...

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in an interview with The Times, has said that junk food should be made more expensive in order to tackle obesity amongst the poor.  He wants the sugar tax expanded over there. A sugar tax is in play over here, but this begs the question, does it go far enough?  Kieran was joined by Donal O’Shea, clinical lead on obesity with the HSE and Ian O'Doherty, Columnist wirh Irish Independent...

School is back in earnest, and many primary schools are wrestling with pupils’ love for their smartphones. Some schools, as we’ve covered on this programme, choose to ban them. But is banning them a futile exercise in a world where social media is ubiquitous?  Kieran was joined by Colman Noctor, child and adolescent psychotherapist 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 week Simon and Kieran take a look a some of the options for fig rolls on the shelves...

A public consultation is opening today in relation to the quays in Dublin City Centre. The basic plan coming out of the City Council is for no more through traffic on the quays, except for buses, taxis and bikes.  Kieran was joined by Green Party Councillor Michael Pidgeon to discuss...

RTÉ have been front of the Oireachtas Media Committee today, on a week where there has been much discussion over the governance of the State broadcaster’s finances. Kieran was joined by Emma O’Kelly, chair of the NUJ Dublin Broadcasting Branch. 

The Galway Comedy Festival kicks off next month, with an impressive line-up of comedians bringing their humour to the city. Comedian John Colleary joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...Image: John Colleary

Trinity College Dublin Student Union are blockading the Book of Kells today to protest against the rise in the cost of on-campus student accommodation.  Newstalk Reporter Aoife Kearns was there and joined Kieran to discuss...

RTÉ executives appeared before the Oireachtas Media Committee once again today.Sean Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent joined Kieran with the latest...

Members of the Garda Representative Association have overwhelmingly voted no confidence in the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. The motion passed with almost 99% voting in favour.  Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the GRA and Michael Doyle, Senior News Reporter with The Irish Sun joined Kieran to discuss... 

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 the city of love, Paris...

An Garda Síochána have announced that they will be rolling out the use of body cameras as part of a pilot scheme in the coming year to prevent further crime on Irish streets. When absolutely necessary, Gardaí will switch on these cameras to improve public and gardai safety and to reduce challenges around arrest. Kieran was joined by Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Liam Herrick and Christy Galligan, Former Sergeant with An Garda Síochána with more than 30 years’ experience…

RTÉ bosses are back in front of the Oireachtas tomorrow over their payments scandal – the Media Committee the first to get a go after the summer break.  The broadcaster has submitted hundreds of pages of documents to the committee and  Kieran was joined by Jack Horgan Jones the Political Reporter for the Irish Times to discuss…

It was love at first taste - that's how Tadhg Hickey, comedian and actor described his first interaction with alcohol. This encounter would go on to define the Corkman's relationship with drink.   “A Portrait of the Piss Artist as a young man” is Tadhg's new book and is an honest account into alcoholism, addiction and the process of recovery and he joined Kieran to discuss...