The Hard Shoulder

The capital city is attempting to get back to normal today after the horrific stabbing of three children and one woman yesterday which were followed by hours of rioting and looting. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described last night’s riots as “disgraceful” and said a  'hooligan faction driven by far right ideology' contributed to the unrest.Kieran was joined in studio by Ray McAdam, Fine Gael Councillor for North Inner City Dublin and Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Employment Affairs & Retail Businesses, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town, Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party MEP for Dublin, Pat Leahy, Former Assistant Garda Commissioner, Hazel Chu, Green Dublin City Councillor, Lorraine O’Connor of the Muslim Sisters of Eire and Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Justice and TD for Dublin Bay South, Jim O’Callaghan....

It’s one of life’s age old questions – how to make the perfect steak.Well one physicist thinks he has cracked the code – and it involves a microwave. Physicist George Vekinis who has published books about the science involved in cooking and Gary O’Hanlon Chef consultant to the O’Sullivan’s Group in Paris joined Kieran to discuss...

Three young children have been injured in a ‘serious incident’ in Dublin city centre. The suspected stabbing happened shortly after 1:30 pm this afternoon Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East.One young girl has suffered critical injuries, while two other children are being treated for less serious injuries. A woman is also being treated for serious injuries.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Newstalk Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, Independent councillor for the North Inner City Nial Ring and Siobhán Kearney, who was on the scene in the aftermath of the incident...

Three young children have been injured in a ‘serious incident’ in Dublin city centre. The suspected stabbing happened shortly after 1:30 pm this afternoon Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East.One young girl has suffered critical injuries, while two other children are being treated for less serious injuries. A woman is also being treated for serious injuries.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Janice Boylan, Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor for the North Inner City and Marie Sherlock, Labour Senator to discuss...

CEO of An Post, David McRedmond is this years recipient of EY’s Special Recognition Award, and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Powerscourt. Kieran was joined by Frank O’Keefe, EY Ireland’s Managing Partner and Bobby Kerr, Presenter of Down To Business on Newstalk...

The government is proposing legislation to change the Triple Lock.  These purposed changes could mean that the Government can react quicker to deploying Defence Forces aboard, but does this challenge our neutrality? Kieran was joined by People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West, Paul Murphy and Fianna Fail Senator and Leader of the Seanad Lisa Chamber 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 put a variety of children's yoghurts to the test...

Just 3,000 homes across Ireland have been found liable for the new Vacant Homes Tax.  That is despite over 50,000 homes being initially identified as potentially liable by Revenue as of 20th November.  Labour Leader Ivana Bacik and Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD and Party Housing Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

It is 60 years ago today that John F. Kennedy had died after being shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. The Kennedys have historically left an indelible mark on US politics, but what about now? Is the Kennedy family still the force it once was? Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer in University of Galway and co-director of the Kennedy Summer School joined Kieran to discuss...

Today marks the publication of the Healthy Ireland Survey for 2023, which is the eighth annual survey by the Department of Health.The survey looks at general trends across multiple factors on the health of the Irish nation. It looks at issues such as general health, smoking, alcohol, GP visits, and mental health.The survey found a decline in people reporting good health and an increase in the use of e-cigarettes and antibiotics. Kieran was joined by Mary Butler, Minister of State in Department of Health for Mental Health and Older People and Fianna Fail TD for Waterford...

According to Israel’s Channel 12, Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand is one of 50 hostages that will be released by Hamas in an exchange for 150 Palestinians held by Israel. It comes as a 4 day pause on the conflict is due to come into effect tomorrow. Kieran was joined by Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent at Euronews and Sean Bell, Retired former fighter pilot and current defence consultant and co-host of the Red Matrix podcast...

Irish-Palestinian man Ibrahim Alagha has spoken to Kieran a number of times on The Hard Shoulder while stuck in Gaza amongst the ongoing conflict.  Ibrahim and his family have since managed to leave Gaza and return home. Ibrahim Alagha joined Kieran Cuddihy in studio…

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 'Can society do more to combat violence against women?'...

Today, the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying heard a powerful testimony from a man who has since died from Motor Neurone Disease. Gino Kenny, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid West was there and he joined Kieran to discuss... 

Irish Times columnist Jen Hogan spoke to Josh Crosbie on Newstalk Breakfast about the importance of inclusion in children’s parties. Kieran was joined by comedian and co-founder of ZoomParty.ie Steve Cummins and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Mary McCarthy to discuss...

The European Parliament has backed new draft legislation aimed at enhancing consumer rights to opt for product repairs rather than replacements. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss…

The Chief of Hamas said earlier today that a truce agreement with Israel was near. It happened as assaults on Gaza continued and rockets were still being fired into Israel. How likely is a significant ceasefire? Kieran was joined by Kim Sengupta, World Affairs Editor for The Independent in the UK…

The Republic of Ireland take on New Zealand in a friendly at the Aviva stadium on Tuesday evening.One name that is the focus of attention is manager Stephen Kenny. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with fans to see how they feel about his performance as manager.

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.  Comedian Julie Jay joined Kieran to continue the challenge...

I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here returned to our screens last night boasting a brand new line-up of celebrities.  The line-up includes, Britney Spears sister, This Morning presenter Josie Gibson and Nigel Farage.   Kieran was joined by Newstalk Producer, Sean Reidy and Founder of Goss.ie, Ali Ryan 

On Friday, Josef Puska was was sentenced to life in prison today by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. While sentencing Puska, Justice Hunt said that if he had the authority he would have considered a whole life sentence. Should Ireland introduce whole life sentencing?  Kieran was joined by Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan and former Senator, Marie Louise O’Donnell to discuss...

It’s getting to that point of the year in which all the Christmas ads are out, we have the Late Late Toy show on the horizon and people are starting to feel festive.  However we are still in November, so it begs the question, is it too early for the Christmas season?  Newstalk's Own Simon Tierney and Niamh Maher Commercial Creative Director with Journal Media joined Kieran to discuss...

Embarking on a global adventure, English comedian and author Dom Joly brings his unique comedic and journalistic perspective to unravel the mysteries behind conspiracy theories.  From questioning the existence of Finland to exploring the minds of die-hard flat earth believers, Dom takes readers on an engaging journey throughout his book.  Kieran was joined by Dom Joly on The Hard Shoulder...

Lower paid workers are set to benefit most as the number of paid sick leave days is increased. It'll rise from 3 to 5 days a year from the 1st of January, at a rate of 70 per cent of gross earnings, with a cap of 110 euro. Paid sick leave is to increase from 3 to 5 days from January 1st.Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with Special Responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail and Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.Junior Minister Neale Richmond also discussed the Fine Gael special conference on Rural Ireland, taking place tomorrow...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Irish chef Paul Flynn, author of ‘Butter Boy’, a brand new cookbook and owner of The Tannery in Waterford...

TRT World Presenter Enda Brady and WLR presenter Damien Tiernan join Kieran on Thursday's edition of The Hard Shoulder to react to Ryan Tubridy joining Virgin Radio in the UK.

Earlier today Josef Puska was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ashling Murphy.  Kieran was joined by Frank Greaney, Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent to discuss...

Fine Gael are to host a special conference this weekend in Maynooth which will focus on the opportunities and challenges facing the rural part of our country.  One talking point during the event will be “Thriving Rural Ireland”, which got us asking the question on this show, is rural Ireland actually thriving? Kieran was joined by Paul Treyvaud, Owner of Treyvaud’s Restaurant in Killarney and Seamus Boland CEO of Irish Rural Link to discuss...

Cybercrime is considered the most disruptive economic crime facing the business community  That’s according to Grant Thornton Ireland who have reported the economic cost of cybercrime in Ireland to come in at €9.6 billion  So who is most at risk and how can we fight back against it? Sarah Madden Reports...

It’s that time of the week again where Kieran brings you the latest podcast recommendation with the pod squad.  Joining Kieran to discuss this week’s podcast is Ciara King, Radio Broadcaster and Aideen Finnegan, Podcast Producer with the Irish Times This week’s podcast is The Planet Earth Podcast, a behind the scenes look at the famous BBC series featuring the iconic David Attenborough... 

TV writer and author of 'Tough Crowd' Graham Linehan talked to Kieran about his career, being cancelled and the transgender issue.

Cybercrime is considered the most disruptive economic crime facing the business community That’s according to Grant Thornton Ireland who have reported the economic cost of cybercrime in Ireland to come in at €9.6 billion So who is most at risk and how can we fight back against it?  Sarah Madden reports.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin spoke to Kieran on Wednesday's edition of The Hard Shoulder with the latest on efforts to get Irish citizens out of Gaza.

The Government has agreed to provide RTÉ with interim funding of €56 million for this year and 2024, subject to certain conditions being met. As part of RTE's new strategic vision, it was also announced yesterday that the public broadcaster will be cutting more than 400 jobs by 2028 and plans to outsource half of its content production to independent production companies. So what does this mean for the future of the public service broadcaster? Joining Kieran this evening was:Dr Finola Doyle O'Neill, Broadcast and Legal Historian at the School of History, UCC and a former member of the Future of Media Commission Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fail Senator and member of the Oireachtas Media Committee  Irial Mac Mhurcu, CEO of Nemeton Trevor Keegan, Chair of the RTE sub-branch of the NUJ John Lee, Executive Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland 

Time for ‘Common Ground’, and Kieran was joined as always by Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty and Socialist TD for Cork North Central, and member of the Oireachtas Enterprise, Trade and Employment Committee, Mick Barry. This week the three discussed whether fossil fuels have a role in Ireland in the future or whether their time is up.

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Joined Kieran to discuss the big news in politics this week.Pascal discussed, The National Development Plans Delivery and Capital Expenditure to date, Public sector Pay talks, RTE's Future and what energy credits will look like this year as part of budget 2024.

Independent Senator, David Norris has today announced his retirement from politics. David is the longest-serving senator in Irish History.As a politician, he was hugely influential in gaining rights for the gay community in Ireland challenging the Irish court's ban on Homosexuality.He also ran for president in 1987 and was widely appreciated for his commitment to politics.David took the time to sit down with Kieran to say why now was the right time for retirement.

As normal on a Tuesday, Kieran was joined by Travel Journalist and Lonely Planet author Fionn Davenport. This week we are jetting off to the home of the US president and 90 museums: Washington DC

David Cameron is back. What does his shocking return say about British politics?To discuss, Kieran was joined by Political Commentator Adam Boulton and Dr Jennifer Cassidy, Lecturer in Diplomatic Studies at Oxford University.

RTÉ has told the Government it will reduce staff numbers by 20 per cent in a plan that will be unveiled to staff tomorrow. Kieran discussed the latest with David Davin-Power, a former RTÉ political correspondent.

The Wolfe Tones have been making headlines the last few months with sell-out gigs at EP and the Féile in Belfast but today they are in the headlines once again, as the Irish rebel band have announced they are set to retire.They will hang up their instruments in 2024 after 60 years of performing together. Kieran spoke to Wolfe Tones member Brian Warfield to reflect on the group's successes.

RTÉ cuts, the Irish approach to Israel, Housing For All, and benefits for Ukrainians.Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent for the Irish Daily Mail, joined Kieran to discuss the coming week in politics.

Our coverage of Storm Debi continues. Joining Kieran this time was Keith Leonard, Director of emergency management at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Brian Tapley, Regional Customer and Delivery Project Manager with ESB, Ciara Russell, owner of SIAR in Kinvarra, Galway and Ronan Hennigan, owner of a Londis supermarket in Clarenbridge, Galway 

The Driving Curriculum in Ireland is set to change in an attempt to modernise the test, according to the Chairperson of the RSA, Liz O’Donnell. It comes as road deaths have soared this year. To discuss, Kieran was joined by Brenda Bolger of Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny and Transport Commentator Conor Faughnan.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made a sensational return to politics.Cameron resigned as Prime Minister in 2016 when Britain voted for Brexit. In a shocking turn of events he has now replaced the sacked Suella Braverman. Kieran was joined by Channel 4 News Political Editor Gary Gibbon and former Conservative MP and Minister and former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe.

Storm Debi has hit Ireland this morning and the country has seen major disruptions to many public services with areas in Galway among the worst hit.To discuss the effects of the bad weather, Kieran was joined by Brian Tapley, Regional Customer and Delivery Project Manager, Joanna Donnelly of Met Eireann, Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Independent, and Martina Kinane, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Clarenbridge, Co. Galway.

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...

Yesterday Jozef Puska was found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy. Since Ashling’s murder and throughout her trial, discussions have been happening around the country about violence against women and how to help keep women safe in Ireland Kieran was joined by Newstalk Breakfast presenter Shane Coleman and Shane Hannon Presenter with Off The Ball to offer what impact this trial has had from a male perspective.

The second annual Divorce in Ireland conference was held online.The summit's existence signifies the increasing prevalence of divorce in this country.But as rates rise, so too may instances of post-marriage remorse.Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on Divorce and regret in Irish Divorcees.