The Hard Shoulder

Illegally parked cars on footpaths and cycling lanes can be a frustrating everyday experience. But is this a bigger issues than we know of? Kieran was joined by Green Party Councilor for Dublin City, Donna Cooney and Dr Robert Synott, Coordinator and founder of Voice of Vison Impairment Ireland

The European Central Bank has its raised borrowing costs by a quarter of a percent, to their highest level in 22 years. They’ve also left the door open to more hikes - citing the continued fight against inflation. Kieran was joined by Dan O’Brien, chief economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs to discuss

A new study from the University of Bath has found that women prioritise social status and financial prospects in potential partners while men are more focused on looks when looking for their significant other. But does this actually ring true? Kieran was joined by Co-Hosts of the ‘Is This Why You’re Single Podcast’, Lisa Brady, Irish Daily Mail Features Editor and Feargal Harrington, Owner of INTRO Matchmaking

This weekend Manchester City won their first ever champions league sparking huge celebrations amongst fans at home and abroad, but it was the celebrations of Jack Grealish which drew ire. Some feel Grealish’s celebrations promote drinking within sport and could be harmful to younger viewers. Kieran was joined by Tim Barry, former chairman of Rathdowney-Erril GAA in Co Laois and Luke Loughlin, Westmeath GAA player...

Psychotherapist Richard Hogan’s new book ‘Home Is Where The Start Is: How Your Family Made You, and How You Can Make Yourself Even Better’ encourages people to look into their family history to help with their own struggles. Richard joined Kieran in studio 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 condoms on the shelves...

This week the HSE are holding their annual Men’s Health Week with this year’s theme being ‘The Picture of Health’ and what does that look like to you? Kieran was joined by Eoin Kernan, who has experienced both sides of men’s health, reaching a devastating low in 2019 by learning he was living with an eating disirder and now bouncing back now 4 years later as a men's mental health advocate...

The Irish Countrywomen’s Association has had a strong presence in rural communities for generations and has provided women with opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests and learn skills. In recent years, some members have labelled the organisation as toxic and dysfunctional. Former national president of the ICA and member for over 50 years, Breda Raggett joined Kieran to discuss the current situation…

Behavioural scientist Pete Lunn joined Kieran to talk about what it means to be in awe.

A People Before Profit bill to pay young workers the national minimum wage has been amended by the government today, freezing the Bill for another a year. Should we be paying young people the national minimum wage ? Kieran was joined by Molly Greenough UCD Student Union President and Danny Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry to discuss…

With father’s day next Sunday many will be buying dad some craft beers or a satirical mug. But would you buy dad a bouquet of flowers? Kieran was joined by influencer, Holly Carpenter, Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie and owner of Balla Florists in Mayo, Judi Roche to discuss...

As the country mourns the death of legendary singer Christy Dignam, Newstalk is looking back on a ‘singular, stand-out’ talent’s life. The Aslan frontman died peacefully at his home yesterday following a long battle with cancer. Tributes have been pouring in the hours since, with Hothouse Flowers musician Fiachna Ó Braonáin this morning remembering his friend as one of the great rock n’ roll singers who was never afraid to ‘speak, tell and indeed sing’ his truth. Here is Dignam speaking to Ivan Yates on The Hard Shoulder’s Thursday interview in happier times.

Every week for Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport and Kieran Cuddihy will take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, Fionn and Kieran took a look at some of the best seaside resorts out there...

Lady Catherine from Dalkey Castle joined Kieran LIVE at The Queens bar in Dalkey...

We are broadcasting to you from the coastal village of Dalkey as part of Newstalk's Summer Tour. There may be a rain warning issued for the West of the country but here on the East Coast people are still flocking to the sea. So much so that we sent our reporter Josh Crosbie out to meet with those who heading to the water.

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 LIVE in The Queens Bar in Dalkey with a debate on 'Should we still be building data centres?'

As the Dalkey Book Festival approaches Kieran was joined LIVE at The Queens Bar in Dalkey by one of the speakers, journalist and broadcaster, Mark Little...

Christy Dignam, lead singer of Aslan, has died aged 63. Newstalk's Tom Dunne joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to remember him...

With the long spell of warm weather that we’ve had lately, barbecues and cocktail shakers have been dusted off all over the country. For some summer bbq and cocktail recipes Kieran was joined LIVE inby Nico Reynolds, chef and host of All Fired Up and Dylan McCauley, General Manager of The Queens Bar Dalkey...

As part of Newstalk's Summer Tour, The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the Queen's Bar in Dalkey. While out there, Newstalk's Tom Dunne took Kieran on a tour of Dalkey...

Now be it longer evenings, drinking wine in the garden or watching love island these are just some of favourite parts of the summer season according to a recent study commissioned by John Lewis. What are the best moments of summer, Kieran was joined by Journalist and Author, Barbara Scully and Newstalk's Henry McKean to discuss...

The Universal Social Charge was introduced in 13 years ago as a temporary measure to deal with the pressures which the financial crash brought. But, why are we still paying it? Kieran was joined by Verona Murphy Independent TD for Wexford and Daragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie...

For the second year running, the Night and Day Festival will take place this summer. On the 24th and 25th of June the magical, musical medley of performance, art and interaction will take place in the surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park, Co. Roscommon. Liam Ó Maonlaí from Hothouse Flowers joined Kieran to

Analysis from the Irish Independent shows a variety of reasons given including the houses being too small, lacking in garden or parking space, lack of storage for motorbikes or being located too close to an ex-partner. Kieran was joined by Susanne Rogers, Research And Policy Analyst Social Justice Ireland and Tom Phillips, managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Architecture and Planning in UCD…

Meltdowns, making packed lunches and lost items of clothing are all making parents late in the morning. That's according to a new survey for Natures Aid children’s vitamins, Mini Drops and Super Stars. Henry McKean met these people in the rain and asked them what makes them late and do they find lateness rude or is it part of our culture?

It is 35 years to the day since Ray Houghton headed the ball into the English net at Euro 88' in West Germany. Former Ireland international, Ray Houghton joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the infamous goal...

Boris Johnson, as well as some of his colleagues, have stepped down as an MP over the weekend. While Nicola Sturgeon has been released without charge following her arrest in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP. Lucy Fisher, chief political commentator at Times Radio joined Kieran to discuss. On this side of the water, a political mutiny could be on the cards within Fine Gael as it emerged over the weekend that a number of senior Fine Gael TDs have expressed privately a lack of confidence in Tánaiste and party leader Leo Varadkar. Fionnan Sheahan. Ireland Editor, Irish Independent joined Kieran to discuss…

There are calls for stricter enforcement of E-scooter rules after footage emerged of someone riding one down the M50 in Dublin. The footage, shared widely on social media, shows the rider hurtling down the busy motorway wearing a high-viz but no helmet. The video has caused a new wave of concern around the safety of these vehicles. How safe are these scooters to use currently, and what needs to be done to make them safer? I’m joined on the line by Peadar Golden, Ireland Country Manager for TIER Mobility and Shane O’Donoghue, editor of completecar.ie…

U2, the Rolling Stones and now Harry Styles - yes the former one direction star will headline at Slane castle tomorrow. The iconic concert is back after a three year pandemic-induced hiatus and welcome a young crowd of mostly first timers. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on why Harry Styles is the perfect performer for this new generation of Slane concert pilgrims.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to discuss the all-time great and everyone's favourite by the sea - fish and chips...

All religious images and artefacts have been removed from display at St Vincent’s Hospital after the religious Sisters of Charity’s shareholding was transferred to a charitable trust last year. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Jillian Brennan, CEO of the Humanist Association and Senator Rónán Mullan....

Off The Ball's Nathan Murphy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action...

Donald Trump is facing criminal charges over his handling of classified documents after he left the White House. The details of the charges related to files found at his Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022 have not been released. His attorney confirmed seven counts, including an espionage charge and several obstruction and false statement charges - describing them as "ludicrous". Kieran was joined by Greg Swenson, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, and Bob Mullholland, Democratic Party Strategist in California…

How neutral really is Ireland and how has the concept of neutrality changed over time? Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Conor Gallagher, Irish Times Crime and Security correspondent to discuss his new book 'Is Ireland Neutral: The Many Myths of Irish Neutrality'...

Controversy is brewing in Italy after it was announced that cyclists could be forced to take out insurance, fit numbers plates and have indicators on their bicycles. But could similar measures improve road safety here in Ireland? Kieran was joined by Seamus Boland, CEO of irish Rural Link and Noel Gibbons, Chairperson of the Western Lakes Cycling Club

Trade unionist Brendan Ogle and Minister of State Neale Richmond debated whether an unemployment rate of 3.8% is a true good news story, or whether it tells another tale.

SIPTU has today been seeking a €2 an hour increase for workers in early years education at pay talks that began today. The union wants the minimum hourly wage rate to increase from €13 to €15. Darragh O’Connor, SIPTU's Head of Strategic Organising and Campaigns joined Kieran after talks to discuss the moves going forward...

Last June, Sky Arts ran its first ever nationwide arts initiative for primary schools, ‘Access All Arts week’. It’s back for its second year, 19-23 June and to celebrate the week, Sky Arts will be airing a special episode of ‘Portrait Artist of the Year’ featuring celebrities and children. Kieran was joined by acclaimed actor, author and presenter of ‘Portrait Artist of the Year’, Stephen Mangan…

Tesco is set to reduce their prices by an average of 10pc across more than 700 products. For more reaction to this, Kieran was joined by Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Fein TD and spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Caitriona Redmond, Cost of Living Expert with the Irish Examiner...

Dubliners could vote next year on whether Dublin should have a directly elected mayor with executive powers. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has indicated that such a vote could be held on the same day as the local and European elections in early June 2024. How do we feel about this prospect? Kieran was joined by Michael Pidgeon, Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party and Derek Mooney, Public Affairs commentator and former Irish government adviser... Image: Green Party

SIPTU has today been seeking a €2 an hour increase for workers in early years education at pay talks that began today. The union wants the minimum hourly wage rate to increase from €13 to €15. Kieran was joined by Paula Donoghue, owner of Clever Clogs in Cavan and national secretary of the Association of Childhood Professionals and Rowena Fisher, a pre-school childcare provider...

Tesco is set to reduce their prices by an average of 10pc across more than 700 products. Barry Whyte, Newstalk's Chief Reporter joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss what products this will affect, will it lead to a price war amongst supermarkets and get reaction from shoppers...

Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer and illustrator Celia Ivey have combined forces on a new children’s book, Little Big Sister. The book tells the story of a girl growing up with dwarfism. Celia brought the characters to life through her artwork. Kieran was joined by Eoin and Celia in studio...

Dublin has made it into the top 10 most expensive cities in Europe moving up from 13th place last year to 9th this year. But where does the rest of our cities rank? Kieran was joined by Joe O'Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie and medical journlalist, June Shannon 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 are looking at two of your five-a-day, apples and oranges...

Greta Thunberg has been nominated for the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin which got us thinking, should Ireland have an official honour system? Like the way in which the UK or France honour their citizens? Kieran was joined by Hazel Chu, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Green Party Councillor and Joe Lyanm, Broadcaster and Newstalk’s Business Editor…

Marks & Spencer is removing use-by dates from its fresh milk. They want to stop milions of pints that are still safe to consume being poured away, and they’re encouraging customers to use the ‘sniff test’ to tell whether milk is off or not. Kieran was joined by Anna Burns, a microbiologist and nutritional scientist...

According to data published by the National Cancer Registry, disruption to healthcare caused by the Covid-19 pandemic continued to negatively impact cancer diagnoses in 2021. Preliminary data indicates that the number of cancer cases diagnosed in 2021 was 6% lower than projected. Kieran was joined by Professor John Crowne, professor and consultant medical oncologist at the St Vincent’s Hospital Group and Michael McNamara, former Chair of the Oireachtas Covid Committee and Independent TD for Clare.

Dublin has made it into the top 10 most expensive cities in Europe moving up from 13th place last year to 9th this year. In the world rankings Dublin has risen six places to 38th. So is Dublin a rip off or is it value for money? Kieran was joined by Martin Harte, CEO of the Temple Bar Company and Saoirse Hanley, features writer with the Irish Independent to discuss...

Former vice president to Donald Trump, Mike Pence has filed the paperwork to declare himself a candidate for the 2024 US Presidential Election. He will formally launch his campaign tomorrow, on his 64th birthday. Jerry McDermott is Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Centre and former Norfolk County Sheriff.