The Hard Shoulder

Irish Rail has received complaints in relation to rowdiness on specifically marked "quiet carriages'' on the Dublin to Cork service. The initiative was launched in November last year to improve journeys for people with sensory issues and overall customer experience. Kieran was joined by Ken O’Flynn Independent Councillor in Cork City and Brianna Parkins, Irish Times Columnist and Broadcaster to discuss…

Sarina Bellissimo, host of The Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to take a look at some of the teen movies that took the leap from the big screen to the stage...

Yesterday on The Hard Shoulder, Kieran spoked to Linda, a mother who was highlighting the long waiting lists for a range disability services in Ireland and the impact this was having on families. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Fine Gael Senator, Mary Seery Kearney and Keith Enright, CEO of ASD Ireland...

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran again 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 looked as some of the different kitchen rolls on our shelves...

Today, the FAI have jointly submitted along with UK Football Associations their final bid to host Euro 2028. The bid has caused some backlash as the FAI has chosen the Aviva Stadium as the host venue as opposed to the significantly higher capacity Croke Park. Kieran was joined by Sean Kelly, Fine Gael MEP and Newstalk Breakfast presenter Shane Coleman to discuss...

President Biden has arrived in the Republic and is now making his way to Dundalk in Co Louth. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie is on the ground there and he joins us live to tell us about the atmosphere.

Better Maternity Care campaigners are calling for less restrictions on partner and sibling access in the hospital's maternity services around Ireland. During the pandemic, partners were banned from appointments in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in clinical settings - and to this day, visitors are restricted to one 'designated support partner'. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Better Maternity Care Campaigner, Linda Kelly...

Today, U.S. President Joe Biden was welcomed to Northern Ireland by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today as he flew in for his visit to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. However, the DUP haven’t been as keen on the visit. Kieran was joined by Sammy Wilson MP and Chief Whip for the DUP to discuss…

Today The FAI has confirmed that along with UK football associations, they have jointly submitted their final bid to host Euro 2028. If the bid is successful Games will be played on the Island in the Aviva and a renovated Casement Park in Belfast. Kieran was joined by Thomas Byrne, Minister for Sport and Physical Education to discuss…

Every week, Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder with thanks to Emirates, will take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations Emirates fly to around the world. This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fionn Davenport, travel writer and broadcaster to take a look at the city that never sleeps, New York...

We received an email from a parent who feels let down by our government, and getting her autistic child the help he needs. It is a particularly upsetting email, when you read through the amount of time and energy, she, her husband and other families have put into campaigning for their children. Linda Whitmarsh joined Kieran today. She is the parent of two young children, and along with her husband Ronan, is the Chairperson for the Cavan-Monaghan Parents Committee for Children in Need of Disability Services.

With today's spoiler online on the TV show Succession, we ask the question: is it ever ok to spoil a movie or TV show for someone? And in a world of social media rife with spoilers online from the minute it appears on screen, can we not avoid them anymore? Joined Kieran was Newstalk's own John Fardy and pop culture and entertainment expert Deirdre Molumby.

If you have ever travelled by Train in the UK or mainland Europe, you will notice Digital tickets have become the norm. Here in Ireland, physical proof of a ticket remains the only option. With users having to go to the ticket desk or print tickets bought online at station printers. Here to talk about his frustrating experience with Irish Rail and their outdated Ticket System is Writer and Broadcaster Keith Walsh.

We’re into week two of the Easter Holidays, and I’m sure many of you have done all the ‘make and do’ you can possibly do, so how about something different to keep the kids entertained? Kieran's guest Jungle Dave takes his Educational Reptile Zoo on the road and has brought some of his friendly critters to the studio today.

Loneliness is as detrimental to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. That’s according to the National Institute of Aging. The comments come as a recent study by AXA found more than half of men and women have felt lonely in the past month. Joined Kieran is Stella O’Malley psychotherapist and author of ‘What Your Teen Is Trying To Tell You’.

Pop icon Taylor Swift has announced that she has split with her long-term boyfriend Joe Alwyn. The breakup has got us thinking what are the greatest breakup songs of all time? Joining Kieran to discuss was Today FM presenter Louise Cantillon

Pre-tax profits at the main Irish subsidiary of iPhone maker, Apple last year increased by 2pc to over 63 billion euro. The figures recorded by the Cork based Apple Operations International Ltd and subsidiaries equate to daily pre-tax profits of over 170 million euro for the 12 months to the end of September 24th 2022. It begs the question - should we be collecting more tax from the likes of Apple? Mick Barry is socialist TD for Cork North Central and member of the Oireachtas Finance Committee and Alan Farrell is Fine Gael TD for Fingal joined Kieran to discuss.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a digital twin? Today's show's guest, Roger Highfield has explored just that in his new book Virtual You: How Building Your Digital Twin Will Revolutionize Medicine and Change Your Life.

Easter is a time where we indulge ourselves with chocolate eggs and alcohol leading us to often forgetting what the real significance of the holiday is. Here to explain to us the importance and meaning of Easter is Father Brain D’Arcy.

Stephen Donnelly has ruled out subsidised housing for healthcare workers. We were joined by David Cullinane, Sinn Feins health spokesperson and Dr. Rory Hearne Assistant Professor of Social Policy at Maynooth University to ask if minister was right to rule this out.

As you’ll no doubt be aware, it’s 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and the impact of that agreement has been felt in the North, in the South and throughout the world. Enda McNulty is a former Armagh footballer, and Managing Director of McNulty Performance. He grew up in the midst of the Troubles, and was playing for Armagh at the time the Agreement was signed. He joined Kieran to explain the impact.

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie visited the town of Carlingford ahead of the upcoming visit of US President Joe Biden. We heard from Josh today on the show.

Should Dublin have a functioning fruit and veg market like many other European cities? Joining Kieran today to discuss was Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon and Travel Journalist Fionn Davenport.

The Garda Representative Association are once again calling for tasers as protection for Gardai. To discuss this Kieran was joined by Liam Herrick, who is Executive Director for the Irish Council of Civil Liberties, and John Dean-O’Keefe, who is a forensic criminologist and former communications manager for the GRA.

In today's episode of Pod Couple, Darren Cleary, managing editor of Go Loud and Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joined Kieran to chat about Detectives Don’t Sleep podcast.

Recent reports have suggested that RTE are considering replacing Operational Transformation. RTE refutes these reports but it brings about the question is it time for the 15-year-long programme to end? Joining Kieran was former medic on the show Dr Eva Orsmond and eating disorder advocate and head of News at Tipp FM Shelia Naughton.

In our monthly slot with Pete Lunn, founder and head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, we discussed today the science behind lying.

"I think it would be highly regrettable and unnecessary...' if there is a blue flu later this year", so says Simon Harris, addressing an action that Garda officers are considering to take during US President Joe Biden’s visit next week. Minister for Justice and Higher and Further Education joined Kieran today on the show to discuss the issue as well as the notion of arming guards with tasers.

Ireland's neutrality will be debated at a forum on our place in the world this summer. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has been telling his Cabinet colleagues about the forum, which will take place in June. Kieran was joined by Dorcha Lee is a retired Irish Army Colonel and peacekeeper to discuss..

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran again 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 looked as some of the easter eggs on our shelves...

It all tees off tomorrow from Augusta National, the first golf major of the year is upon us, and it’s the one they all want to win. Off The Ball’s Joe Molloy joined Kieran to discuss the one's leading the pack heading into The Masters...

US President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will visit Ireland from April 11th to 14th. Biden will also be addressing Dáil Éireann during his time in Dublin. Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Kieran Allen, lecturer in the school of sociology in UCD who will be protesting President Joe Biden's visit. Richard Neal, Congressman from Massachusetts also joined The Hard Shoulder to discuss the visit…

When it comes to dinner on Easter Sunday, you simply can’t go wrong with roast lamb! With the help of Aldi Ireland, chef, food writer, author, and proprietor of 'Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, Catherine Fulviohere joined Kieran to discuss how to prepare the perfect Easter Dinner to impress all...

Ireland's neutrality will be debated at a forum on our place in the world this summer. Tánaiste Micheál Martin has been telling his Cabinet colleagues about the forum, which will take place in June. What should our position be on neutrality? Kieran was joined by Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Employment Affairs & Retail Businesses, and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown and Brid Smith, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central...

Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and ex-police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith have abruptly called off their engagement weeks after announcing it. Henry McKean hit the streets to ask is it the right thing to call it off, a braver thing to do than going through with it?

Every week, Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder with thanks to Emirates, will take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations Emirates fly to around the world. This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fionn Davenport, travel writer and broadcaster to look at the stunning detination of Dubai...

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) today agreed to take part in further protests in its ongoing rostering dispute with Garda management. Kieran was joined by Former Garda Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy 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 discussion around 'Was Eoin Ó Brion right to tweet garda eviction image?'

Former US President Donald Trump arrived in New York yesterday, and today will report to the office of the district attorney in Lower Manhattan. He will be fingerprinted and possibly photographed before being brought before a court. Trump is expected in court to hear charges and have a chance to enter a plea. Kieran was joined by Anthony Zucher, North America Correspondent for the BBC and Matt Mayer, who is President of Opportunity at Ohio, and currently exploring a run for Governor of Ohio…

Former US President Donald Trump has been preparing to face criminal charges in a historic court hearing in New York today. New York police and security services have been flooding the city, with barricades erected around the Manhattan court building. The founder of WestWingReports Paul Brandus joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…

There will be constraints to building houses here no matter who is in government, Leo Varadkar has said. The Taoiseach has also denied Fr Peter McVerry’s claim he overruled objections from the Housing Minister to put an end to the eviction ban. To discuss this further, Kieran was joined by Fr Peter McVerry, founder of the Peter McVerry Trust…

Most people are missing out on savings as they did not shop around when originally choosing a bank and do not consider switching. That’s according to a new report from the ERSI today. Paperwork, education, fear of not paying their bills - these are all barriers for Irish people. It’s costing us. Kieran was joined by Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent at The Irish Times...

The eviction ban was lifted over the weekend.There will be constraints to building houses here no matter who is in government, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Mary from Dublin, she is facing eviction from the house she rents in Dublin. Councillor Nial Ring, Independent Dublin City Councillor also joined The Hard Shoulder...

This week marks two months since the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, killing almost 60,000 people. Works are continuing in the region, where almost 1.6 million people are now living in tented accomodation due to the damage. Unicef are working in the area and so far have reached 400,000 people, but aim to help 3 million people. Newstalk Breakfast presenter Ciara Kelly is in Turkey to see some of the work being carried out by Unicef. She joined Bobby Kerr on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Lam's takeaway in Ballyfermot has been in business for 32 years. Following a family dispute, owner Ken Lam’s son Jonathan Lam is opening a separate takeaway ‘New Lams’ right nextdoor. Bobby Kerr was joined by Liam Collins, Columnist with The Sunday Independent to discuss a history of family feuds in business in Ireland…

This Friday will officially mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. It brought about remarkable change in Northern Ireland following 30 years of conflict. But, how did the signing of the deal end up affecting businesses and the economy in Northern Ireland. Bobby Kerr was joined by Paddy Malone, PRO of of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats to discuss...

The Labour Party are calling for Good Friday to be made a permanent Public Holiday for all workers. Bobby Kerr was joined by Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock and John Barry, Managing Director of MSS, The HR People and Member of ISME National Council..

New figures from the Residential Tenancies Board have shown that more than 4,300 notices to quit were served to tenants in the last three months of 2022. It comes as the eviction ban was officially lifted over the weekend. Bobby Kerr was joined by Mike Allen, advocacy director of Focus Ireland joins us and Jessica Freed, an actress and writer in Dublin facing homelessness…

50 years ago today, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper stood on a corner of Sixth Avenue, took a phone book from his pocket and made the first mobile phone call in history. So how much has the mobile phone improved our lives? And is being constantly contactable always a good thing? Bobby Kerr was joined by Pat Phelan, co-founder and CEO of Sisu Clinic and Ali Ryan, CEO of Goss.ie…

The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk was broadcasting LIVE from New York City as part of Ireland Gateway to Europe. The group promotes bilateral transatlantic trade: to encourage US firms to invest in Ireland, while also helping Irish companies that are looking to get a foothold in the American market. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Adrian McGennis, Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and one of the founders of Ireland Gateway to Europe...