The Hard Shoulder

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...

Vision Zero is the RSA’s strategy for getting to zero deaths and injuries on our roads by 2050. Some people are worried about how authorities might be making certain decisions about our roads.  Kieran was joined by Conor Skehan, columnist with the Sunday Independent to discuss...

Kieran was joined by Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer for the Irish Daily Star and Roddy Collins, Irish football legend to discuss the future of Stephen Kenny as Ireland manager...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Seán Quinn, businessman and author of his new book ‘Seán Quinn, In My Own Words’... 

When the USC was introduced in 2010, we were all promised it was a temporary measure to help us out of the financial crisis. 13 years later, we’re still paying it and there’s no sign of it stopping. With recent news that we’ve entered a budget surplus, a lot of people are beginning to wonder why the tax is still necessary. Kieran was joined by Dr Aidan Regan, associate professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD, and, Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne to discuss...

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has had a string of bad luck since taking on the job. Last night’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium leaves Ireland on just three points in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.It begs the question, is it time for Stephen Kenny to go? Henry McKean joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. This week's you are what you eat sees Aisling Larkin, TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach give Kieran tips for the best snacks for a rugby match...

Kieran was joined LIVE from International Rugby Experience in Limerick by Pat and Faye Shortt…

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign is set to kick-off tomorrow with our first Pool B game against Romania in Bordeaux.   Kieran was joined by Marcus Horan, Former Munster and Ireland Player and Ian Dowling, Two Time Heineken Cup Winner with Munster...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. Kieran Cuddihy was given a special tour of the new attraction by Barry Hannon, CEO of International Rugby Experience in Limerick...

Today Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced plans for Community Safety Wardens to be deployed in Dublin City Centre.   Kieran was joined LIVE at the International Rugby Experience in Limerick by former Mayor of Limerick, John Gilligan to discuss crime in Limerick...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. Kieran was joined by Sean Golden, Chief Economist and Head of Policy for Limerick Chambers,  John Moran, Member of the Limerick Economic Forum, chair of Liveable Limerick and board member of Shannon Airport and Elisa O’Donovan, Social Democrat Councillor for Limerick City West to chat about the positive aspects of Limerick, issues people are facing and the future of the city and county...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe to discuss IFA protests, ESRI recommendations for a second tier child benefit scheme and energy costs...

Kieran was joined by Pete Lunn, the founder and head of the ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit to discuss why we cheat...

The Irish Farmer Association have picketed a meeting today in Dublin called by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue this morning, following a cut in Ireland’s nitrates derogation limit.  The derogation was set to help limit the effect agriculture has had on Ireland’s water supply but after an EPA report showing a decline in water quality, the cut has been called.   Tadhg Buckley, Director of Policy of the IFA and Sinead O’Brien, CEO Of SWAN (Sustainable Water Network) joined Kieran to discuss...

We’ve heard of smart speakers and smart TVs and even smart doorbells, but have you heard of smart washing machines or smart ovens? Well, companies are already working on convincing you that you need these appliances, but do you? Are we approaching a time when your whole house is listening to you and nothing is private anymore? Kieran was joined by Elaine Burke, technology journalist and host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast...

A report published yesterday by the ESRI recommended a second tier of child benefit. The benefit would be heavily means tested and would aim to address chronic child poverty for the most vulnerable families in Ireland.   Kieran was joined by Tanya Ward CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Louise Bayliss, spokesperson of SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of Kids)...

The Irish Farmer Association have picketed a meeting today in Dublin called by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue this morning, following a cut in Ireland’s nitrates derogation limit.  The derogation was set to help limit the effect agriculture has had on Ireland’s water supply but after an EPA report showing a decline in water quality, the cut has been called.Kieran Cuddihy met farmers on the picket outside Dáil Éireann to discuss their reasons for protesting...

Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers has announced he plans to reduce speed limits on roads across the country. This move is getting a mixed reaction. Kieran was joined by Shane O’Donoghue, editor of completecar.ie and Alan Cheevers, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Galway City East 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 peanut butter on the shelves...

Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers has announced he plans to reduce speed limits on roads across the country.Kieran was joined by Leo Lieghio, A member of the Irish Road Victims Association and Brian Caulfield, Professor at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin to discuss...

Dublin authorities need to be 'a bit more imaginative' about public toilets in the city, the DublinTown CEO has said. We are asking, would you mind spending a penny to spend a penny? Henry McKean went to ask the public and joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Hector is coming back to our screens and he’s off to the dizzying sites of Southeast Asia in his new show Ó Na Phillippines Go Dtí Na Solomons.   Returning to the area after 20 years, the man himself will be exploring the bustling metropolises of Manila and Singapore to the most rural parts of Papa New Guinea and the Soloman Islands. Hector joined Kieran to discuss this, the RTÉ pay controversy and the return of the Tommy, Hector & Laurita Podcast...

Budget 2024 is right around the corner and Alcohol Action Ireland are calling for an introduction of excise duties on alcohol and also a levy on drink companies such as Diageo.Sheila Gilheaney, CEO at Alcohol Action Ireland and Michael O’Donovan, Chair of the Cork City and Cork County Branch Vintners Federation of Ireland joined Kieran to discuss...

This summer has been one of our country’s worst in years when it comes to tragic road deaths. New plans brought forward by Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers are hoping to change that, with a reduction in speed limits on Irish Roads. IKieran was joined by Mairéad Forsythe, volunteer with the Love30 Campaign, and Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice. Mairéad, do you think this is the right approach to improving road safety?

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 up to Belfast...

A survey released yesterday by a sponsor of the IRFU Energia found "the country's number one sport", with 31% of respondents claiming it is their "favourite sport".   Soccer came in at 27 percent, Gaelic Football at 23 percent and Hurling and Camogie at 19%.  Kieran was joined by David Kelly, Chief Sportswriter for the Irish Independent, Jason Byrne GAA Correspondent with the Irish Sun and Rob Hartnett, Director of Sport for Business to discuss...

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 'Is Ireland an unequal society?' 

1 in 4 women dies from heart disease and stroke yet research has shown that heart disease in women has been under-researched, under-diagnosed, and under-treated for far too long.   This September the Irish Heart Foundation is running the ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign with support of the HSE and Healthy Ireland, to increase awareness of the risk of heart disease and stroke in women and the fact that this risk increases as women enter menopause.  Kieran was joined by ambassador for the Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign, broadcaster Maura Derrane...  

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has travelled to Dubai where he is will meet with police there to discuss how Kinahan cartel leaders could be extradited to Ireland.   The leaders of the cartel Christopher Kinahan along with his sons Daniel and Christopher Junior are believed to still be based in the United Arab Emirates  In a statement, An Garda Siochana said Commissioner Harris and senior garda officers regularly liaise and work with international law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs.  Crime Correspondent with Irish Independent, Paul Williams joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

The Mental Health Commission yesterday published individual reports on the child and adolescent mental health services in the nine community healthcare organisation areas of the HSE.  It showed that over 4,400 people were on CAMHS waiting lists nationwide.  Kieran was joined by Naomi and Emer, from Families for Reform of CAHMS, who have been engaging with the system for years...

Ukrainian refugees are to be accommodated in tents on the Electric Picnic site in Stradbally Co Laois. The Department of Integration has signed a six-week contract for use of a site from September 5th.The site has a capacity to hold 750 people, which the Government has said will be used on a "phased, contingency basis".

Is Rugby Ireland’s favourite sport? A survey released yesterday by a sponsor of the IRFU Energia found "the country's number one sport", with 31% of respondents claiming it is their "favourite sport".     Soccer came in at 27 percent, Gaelic Football at 23 percent and Hurling and Camogie at 19%.     Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig, Today FM’s Cathal Minogue and The Journal’s Editor Sinéad O’Carroll joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Yesterday, in Stradbally, The Wolfe Tones performed for the biggest crowd in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena since the festival started.   Although many of the songs by the rebel music group were written before many attendees were born, the crowd had a wide range of ages – many of whom sang 'Oh, ah, up the Ra' to the band's song 'Celtic Symphony'.  We wondered what it was like to be there in the thick of it all. Sean Defoe was joined by Sean Reidy, Newstalk's own, and Sharon Murray who were both at the Wolfe Tone gig.  

Now lots of you will remember my next guest as being one of the key figures in murder investigations – Dr Marie Cassidy served as the State Pathologist from 2004 to 2018.  Tonight she returns to our screens on RTÉ with episode one of her new series Dr. Cassidy’s Casebook – The Femicide Cases.  Dr. Marie Cassidy joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show...

Our political correspondent Sean Defoe joins us for the Political Diary and breaking news Sean – the government has collapsed and we are going to the polls! Ok we aren’t but a new opinion poll over the weekend has shown that Sinn Féin continues to lead in the polls.  So we set Sean a bit of homework – if we went to the polls today what would the next Dáil look like and who could be in government? 

Broadcaster and keen shopper Jonathan Healy was having a bit of a cleanout this weekend and found something with value! He’s been on a mission to validate it and joined us to give us an update.Consumer Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Times Connor Pope also joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show this evening.

Yesterday, in Stradbally, Portlaoise, The Wolfe Tones performed for the biggest crowd in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena since the festival started.   Although many of the songs by the rebel music group were written before many attendees were born, the crowd had a wide range of ages – many of whom sang 'Oh, ah, up the Ra' to the band's song 'Celtic Symphony'.  Are our youth unaware of the meaning or do they not understand the implications? Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Bertie Ahern, Former Taoiseach and one of the architects of the Good Friday agreement to discuss...

You would have no doubt seen all the beautiful sunny pictures coming out from Electric Picnic over the weekend.  And the positive news is that this weather is set to continue as we are experiencing a little Indian summer whilst other parts of Europe such as Spain are experiencing rain.  Joanna Donnelly, Meteorologist, Met Eireann joined Kieran on the show with a weather update.

A warning was sounded this weekend by the Gardai about the possibility of higher quantities of the deadly drug Fentanyl arriving in Ireland. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as an anesthetic in controlled circumstances. But it has proved popular with criminal organisations as well as it is much stronger than heroin by weight.   There is concern that fentanyl may enter global markets at speed as heroin production has been reduced by a Taliban push to stop opium production in Afghanistan.   Drug and alcohol researcher and CEO of the Anna Liffey Drug Project Tony Duffin joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show. 

Newstalk Breakfast’s Shane Coleman this morning on saying young people singing rebel songs run the risk of romanticising the "horrible and ugly" Troubles.The Wolfe Tones surprised many by performing for the biggest crowd in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena in the festival’s nearly 20-year history. But are we being over-sensitive to their song Celtic Symphony with the lyrics ‘Ooh Ah up the Ra.’ And Did young people sing along to it?Henry McKean met young people coming back from EP, and joined us on the show.

For out weekly sport slot Kieran was joined as always by Ger Gilroy from off the Ball to look back at the biggest sporting stories of the week.