The Hard Shoulder

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to learn about the delicious cuisine of France...

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...

Children aged six and seven will be able to gain access to free GP visits from today. Kieran was joined by Colm Burke TD, Fine Gael Health Spokesperson to discuss...

The FSAI this week has said that Lab Grown Meats being available in Ireland is only a matter of time Kieran was joined by Robert Jones, Vice President of Global Public Affairs for Mosa Meat and President of Cellular Agriculture Europe to discuss...

From today, parents can now register their 6- and 7-year-olds for free GP care, through a new medical card scheme, and those with children under 6 will automatically have their medical card extended. Should we continue this trend of making GP care free for everyone? Kieran was joined by Monaghan based GP, Illona Duffy, and People Before Profit TD, Paul Murphy to discuss...

Parents can discipline their children in many ways. Is it acceptable to comment on how a person should discipline and raise their children? Kieran was joined by Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney and Journalist and Columnist with The Irish Times, Jen Hogan to discuss...

Yesterday the Farmers’ Alliance, have decided to form a political party and will run candidates in the upcoming local and national elections. The group will be a completely independent party with no connection to either the Rural Independent Group of TDs or to Michael Fitzmaurice’s new rural political party. Kieran was joined by Liam McLaughlin and Helen O’Sullivan, both farmers and members of the Farmers’ Alliance to discuss...

Schools, especially those in the Dublin area, are struggling to fill vacant teaching positions for the coming year. This issue is set to make returning to the classroom very problematic in September. Kieran was joined by John Boyle, general secretary of the Irish National Teachers Organisation and Eoin Dolan, principal of Mother of Divine Grace primary school in Finglas...

Ahead of Irish Heritage Week, it is has been announced that Luke Kelly, Christy Moore, the GAA and a bowl of stew are considered the biggest representatives of Ireland. What do you think when you think of this beautiful country? Kieran was joined by Presenter, Activist, and Author, Emer O’Neill, Newstalk Reporter, Henry McKean and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu to discuss...

Eviction notices have increased by almost a thousand in the second quarter of 2023 while rent prices have stabilised in the capital according to the latest Daft report. Is the housing crisis worsening or taking a turn for the better? Kieran was joined by Maurice Deverell from the Irish Property Owners Association and Eoin Ó Broin TD, Sinn Fein Housing Spokesperson to discuss…

Clare County Council have proposed to introduce year-round paid parking in tourist hotspots such as Kilkee, Lahinch, Doolin and Spanish Point. This will see a minimum charge of €2 applied to every car park space and residents and business applying for €50 car permits. Michael Vaughan, Owner of the Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch joined Kieran to discuss...

It's the 148th RDS Dublin Horse Show. 1,600 horses and ponies will compete in over 168 classes and competitions, over the next five days, with a total prize fund of over €1.3 million. The RDS Dublin Horse Show is worth €50 million to the Irish economy. Henry McKean went along and tried to capture the magic of summer, the sights and sounds. He sent this report...

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 hot sauce on the shelves...

Over the last two weeks The Hard Shoulder has been speaking to parents from Families for Reform of CAMHS. Today, Kieran was joined by Hannah from Families for Reform of CAMHS and Sinn Féin Mental Health Spokesperson, Mark Ward...

Anyone running the Dublin Marathon like will have received an email today detailing how they can enter into the non-binary category of the race. This is the first time the category has been made available to participants Kieran was joined by Mark Armstrong, Chairman of the Dublin Front Runners Club

Many people are struggling to gain access to dental health care in rural Ireland. Due to these shortages, many people seeking free dental care with their medical cards are not being seen too when needed. With wait times of three months or more, patients have been left with no choice but to travel to different counties to seek the attention they need. Kieran was joinedb by President of the Irish Dental Association, Dr Eamon Croke to discuss...

Dermot and Dave have been a duo for the past 21 years. Over the years, they have given listeners hours of entertainment. Sadly, this will come to an end this Friday as Dermot is heading off to pursue his passion for mindfulness with his holistic brand, Mind Full. Dermot Whelan joined Kieran to tell him more about his decision...

Last year the State provided over €128 million in funding to private schools, it has been found. State funding for building projects in private schools needs to end - that is the call from Aodhan Ó Ríordáin TD, Labour Party Education spokesperson who 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 lovely Liverpool...

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 beautiful Normandy...

On Saturday evening in Dallas, Jake Paul, a man who until five years ago hadn’t stepped inside a boxing ring, faced up against 38-year-old Nate Diaz, a legend of combat sports and one of UFC fan’s most beloved fighters. Jake’s resulting win is just another chapter in the history of social media stars entering into prize fighting. A wave perhaps first started by Conor McGregor switching the octagon for the ring in 2017 against Floyd Mayweather, has grossed millions of dollars and captured the imagination of a new generation of boxing fans. Is influencer boxing hurting or helping the sport? Kieran was joined by Andy Lee, Former middleweight world champion to discuss...

In the middle of a housing crisis would it be effective to write the right to housing into the Irish Constitution? Kieran was joined by Financial Analyst, Karl Deeter and Assistant Professor in Social Policy in Maynooth University and author of ‘Gaffs’, Dr. Rory Hearne to discuss...

With the cost of living becoming close to impossible for some people. It is necessary to make other alternatives. What better way to do this than to convert a van and live in it? Kieran was joined by Shane Monks O’Byrne, who has been living out of his van for the past four years and has used his alternative home as a way of exploring the world...

A new study has found that Ireland is one of the most vulnerable to energy shocks, such as shortages. Euromonitor International’s first global energy vulnerability index shows that the state is ranked 70 out of 100 overall, making it the third worst of all EU members on the index, ahead of Poland on 78 and Lithuania on 90. So what can this study tell us about Ireland’s energy future? Kieran was joined by Lisa Ryan, Professor in Energy Economics at UCD School of Economics and UCD Energy Institute to discuss…

New statistics published by the Department of Transport today indicate that 60% of people are willing to change the way they travel to reduce carbon emissions. But would free public transport further encourage people to leave their car at home ? Kieran was joined by Brid Smith People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central and Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for Dublin City...

People lined up to pay tribute to Sinéad O’Connor in Bray ahead of her funeral today. Sinéad’s funeral cortége passed through Bray after a private service to allow fans to say goodbye. Newstalk's Chief Reporter Barry Whyte was in Bray today...

According to Dogs Trust, the number of dogs being put to sleep has doubled in a year. Dogs Trust said the number of dogs entering pounds is also on the rise, from 4,165 in 2021 to 7,352 in 2022. Kieran Cuddihy was joined by PR & Communications Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, Corina Fitzsimons to discuss...

With the Bank Holiday upon us many will be heading off to All Together now and Indie 2023, but what is the troublesome weather forecast going to be for the long weekend? Cathal Nolan of The Irish Weather Channel joined Kieran to discuss...

All week we have been speaking to parents who have children go through CAMHS. Kieran Cuddihy was joined by John Joe McGinley, who has a son in CAMHS and also set up Autism Dads to help other parents navigate autism and mental health services and, Grainne from Parents for Reform of CAMHS, which is a group of 200 family members looking for urgent reform of CAMHS.

The Girls in Green are back on home soil and crowds are gathering on O’Connell Street for a homecoming celebration. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie spoke to Kieran live on the Hard Shoulder to capture the atmosphere with fans and players.

Behavioural scientist, Founder and Head of ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit, Pete Lunn joined Kieran to talk about first impressions.

A research study done by Perspectus Global and commissioned by & me reveals the average Brit has been offered 8 truly terrible pieces of advice thus far in their lifetime, including “Just stop worrying”, “revenge is sweet”, and “marry for security”. This prompts us to think of advice we’ve given and received, both the good and the awful. Do we generally take advice, and what type of advice actually makes a difference in decision-making? Irish writer and author Stephanie Preissner joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show to discuss...

The legislation to Extend hours for Nightclubs has been further pushed back until well into late 2024. But will it do much to save Ireland’s declining nightlife scene and should we be encouraging it in the first place Kieran was joined on the show by Sunil Sharpe, Spokesperson from the Give Us The Night campaign and Dr. Sheila Gilheaney. CEO of Alcohol Action to discuss.

The Irish people spend €108 per month on streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Paramount+. With these services due to rise in cost, how will this impact on next years figures? We want to know, do people use all these services that they have in their home, or should people stick to watching regular TV channels that doesn’t cost them anything? Dr. Roddy Flynn, Associate Professor at the School of Communications, DCU, and The Chair of the Communication Studies degree along with Dr. Finola Doyle O’Neill, Broadcast and Legal Historian, School of History UCC both joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.

Mel Evans, Head of climate with Greenpeace UK joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show to discuss the Greenpeace protest that took place at Rishi Sunak's Yorkshire home while he was away on holidays in California.

After a damming report into CAMHS last week, we have been talking to parents all week about what they have been through. Kieran Cuddihy was joined on the show by two parents from 'Families for Reform of CAMHS' which is a group of 200 family members looking for urgent reform of CAMHS.

In an interview with US late-night talk show host Bill Maher for his Club Random podcast, television personality Sharon Osbourne stressed the importance of moving on from the “despicable” treatment of the Irish by the British, saying, “At some point, you have got to let it go. You have to.” This leads us to consider our relationship to Irish history and ask: should we obsess over historical wrongs? Are there dangers in dwelling on the past? What is important to remember about Irish history? UCD Director of Gender Studies Mary McAuliffe to help answer some of these questions. Mary, you’re very welcome to the show.

It’s time once again for the shopping trolley hotline where we review the same product from various stores and as ever Kieran Cuddihy was joined by expert shopper Simon Tierney...

American Singer and Rapper Lizzo have been accused of sexually harassing and weight shaming, according to her former backup dancers. Deidre Molumby, Pop culture & entertainment expert joined Kieran to discuss.

Kieran Cuddihy was in Bewley’s on Grafton Street supporting Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice. Star of stage and screen, and a supporter of the Hospice, Dohmnall Gleeson sat down with Kieran Cuddihy...

Some people feel that young children and their parents are a distraction and simply annoying when out and about in bars and restaurants. So much so that many pubs and restaurants are bringing in age restrictions to make the experience better for other guests. Freelance journalist Andrea Smith joined Kieran on the show to discuss.

It was announced that the Government is making €10m available for additional policing in Dublin to increase safety in the city. Is increased policing enough or should this money be used elsewhere? Community Worker, James O’Toole who grew up in the Fatima Flats joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

The operator of Dublin Airport has been ordered to reduce the number of night-time flights from its new north runway after Fingal County Council ruled it had breached the conditions of its planning permission. Padraig Ó Céidigh, Former Senator and Founder of Aer Lingus Regional and Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Fingal both joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.

With legislation being brought in to place warning labels on alcoholic products. Is it time we did the same with Junk Food? Kieran Cuddihy was joined on the show by Orla Walsh, Registered Dietitian, and Nutritionist Gaye Godkin.

Have you ever been influenced by an influencer to buy something online? Well, if you’re under 35 then there’s a high chance the answer is yes. According to the latest An Post Ecommerce Index , two thirds of 16 – 24 year olds and over 40% of 25-34 year olds have made influencer prompted purchases. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports...

A man in Cork is using Goats as a natural overgrowth solution to reduce chemicals and machinery in our rural areas. William Walsh, Owner of Billy’s Rent a Goat joined Kieran on the show.

New legislation is being commenced that aims to reduce the prevalence of non-negligence personal injury campaigns. The legislation is hoped to bring an end to unjustifiable personal injury claims. Pat McDonagh the CEO of Supermacs joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.

Kieran was joined on the show by Aimee Connolly, Founder of Sculpted by Aimee, who was diagnosed with scoliosis at 13 and was told it was just something to monitor. After a major turn when she turned 16, she was put on the emergency list for an operation.

Last week an Independent Review into Child and Adolescent mental Health services found that the State can't provide assurances that all children have access to safe mental health services. On this show this week we have been hearing from parents who are at a loss with the services and level of care provided by CAMHS. But what about the professional side and the difficulties they come up against? Dr. Patricia Byrne, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, and Chair of the Faculty of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the College of Psychiatrists and Dr. Diarmuid Quinlan, Medical Director of the Irish College for General Practitioners and is also a GP in Glanmire in Cork

Talks of the Government banning disposable vapes have sparked an outcry from retailers against a total ban. Although retailers have acknowledged the environmental concerns surrounding single-use vaping products need to be addressed, they believe a total ban would prove detrimental to their businesses. On the other hand, health experts warn of both the health costs and environmental threats single-use vaping products pose. Around 2/3 of people in Ireland are for the Government ban, saying it would take away the environmental threat and save a new generation from suffering nicotine addictions. Martin Mulligan of the National Federation of Independent Retailers and Professor Des Cox, Consultant in Pediatric Respiratory Medicine at Children's Health Ireland joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show to discuss the ban and what it means for both retailers and the larger society...