The Hard Shoulder

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...

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been in front of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, saying that Garda will get stronger pepper spray, and the Public Order Unit will be provided with tasers.This is following the riots in Dublin last week. Kieran was joined by James Lawless, Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, and Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North and Tara McManus, who is the Deputy General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association…

Alcohol-free months such as Sober October, No-Drink November and Dry January make being sober seem like more of a fun challenge and allow people to see the upsides of giving up the drink for a few weeks. It also has put people onto the growing movement of ‘sober curious’ people.  Kieran was joined by Ciaran Bradley, Digital Editor of Newstalk to discuss... 

The riots in Dublin are still dominating the news.One element that has been improving since the riots is footfall in the city, there are indications that shoppers are starting to return.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, met with those who are visiting Ireland to hear their views on the violence.

Garda Commissioner appeared before the Oireachtas Justice Committee today to be questioned on the violence and chaos in Dublin city centre last week. Barry Whyte joined Kieran on the show to discuss what he heard at today's hearing...

Sinn Féin have been having a go at the Government by using a particular photo to make their point. Gabija Gataveckaitė, Political Reporter with Irish Independent 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 Okanagan valley...

The annual Ireland Gateway To Europe trip to the US has announced it will return in 2024. Now in its 12th year, it comprises of an annual mission of 50 business leaders and Irish media to the US. Kieran was joined by Adie McGennis, Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and one of the founders of Ireland Gateway to Europe  

The Dáil has been hearing reaction today to the Dublin Riots last Thursday, and what this means for Minister Helen McEntee.Kieran was joined by Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and the EU, Louise O’Reilly, TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers' Rights, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Neasa Hourigan, the Green Party’s Finance & Health Spokesperson, and TD for Dublin Central...

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 we over-reliant on technology?'...

This evening the Dáil continued to hear statements in relation to the riots and violence in Dublin City Centre on Thursday last.Kieran was joined by Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and Labour Party Senator, Marie Sherlock...

With winter days growing shorter and nights darker, road safety should become even more important. Cyclists and e-scooterists who neglect night lights and high-visibility gear put themselves at a greater risk. Should laws be put in place to mandate reflective gear for cyclists on public roads at night? Kieran was joined by Joe O’Shea, Columnist for the Irish Mirror and Una Morrison, Chairperson for the Dublin Cycling Campaign…

Cuán – that is the most perfect town in the world to live in. Never heard of it? Well it is the anonymised Irish town that Daniel Miller, professor of anthropology from University College London, relocated to for 16 months.  Daniel Miller joined Kieran to discuss.We have a hunch what town ‘Cuán’ might be and have assembled a panel of Cuán-siders to tell us what they love about their town. Skerries locals Henry McKean Newstalk’s Own and Margot Fox, Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach joined Kieran on the show too...

Sinn Féin and Social Democrat representatives have both said they have no confidence in Helen McEntee, Minister of Justice. Kieran was joined by Newstalk's Seán O’Regan and Fionnán Sheahan is the Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent to discuss...

Labelling the mob from Dublin riots last Thursday as a ‘far-right’ faction only serves to give validation”. Those are the thoughts of Paul Williams Crime Journalist with The Irish Independent... 

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.  Victor Bayda, Language Planning Officer for South Kerry Gaeltacht joined Kieran to continue the challenge...

The fallout is ongoing following the riots that hit Dublin’s streets last Thursday. We’ve had calls for the Minister of Justice to step down, we’ve had fierce criticism of the Garda Commissioner as well as threats and rumours of more riots. But one of the common denominators in much of the commentary has been talk about a ‘far right’ element to the riots. Joe Brolly, barrister and co-host of the Free State Podcast joined Kieran to discuss...

COP28 kicks off in the UAE later this week. Is COP a worthwhile exercise or a waste of time? Environmental activist and Guardian Columnist George Monbiot joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Talks on a new public sector agreement get under way this evening. The scale of any possible deal will hopefully become a bit clearer by later this evening. Kieran was joined by John King, SIPTU’s Deputy General Secretary with responsibility for the Public Service and Kieran Mulvey, Former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission...

There is a GAA player’s charter from a club doing the rounds on social media the weekend with quite a strict set of rules for its players.  Some of these rules include five months of no holidays, no drinking and no trips to Australia, US or Canada. This begs the question, are clubs becoming too strict and will rules like this harm the passion of players? David Brady Former Mayo Footballer and Valerie Mulcahy, former Cork footballer join me now... 

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..