The Hard Shoulder
7,516 episodes — Page 125 of 151
'There's certain places you just don't take your kids' - Actress Amy De Bhrún
A well-known Belfast restaurant banned kids for being messy eaters from its premises. Should small children be allowed into restaurants, or should there be a minimum age for kids to enter? Kieran was joined by actress and mother of two, Amy De Bhrún and Claire Nash, Owner of Nash 19 Restaurant in Cork and Chair of the Cork Business Association to discuss… Image: Amy De Bhrun - Instagram @amydebhrun
'This was the right time for us' - Brian and Arthur’s Very Modern Family
TV legend, Brian Dowling and Dancing With The Star’s judge Arthur Gourounlian have a documentary airing tonight on RTÉ chronicles the ups and downs of their surrogacy journey. Brian and Arthur joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss... Image: RTÉ
‘It’s still sinking in!’ - Henry at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party
Henry McKean joined Kieran live on The Hard Shoulder from LA. Henry was rubbing shoulders with A-listers on the red carpet of the Vanity Fair Oscars party last night, he even met some of the winners...
Mistakes made in regulation of Silicon Valley Bank 'certainly possible' in Europe
Dan O’Brien, Chief economist at Institute of International and European Affairs joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank...
Lord David Puttnam: Gary Lineker 'was absolutely correct'
Gary Lineker will return to Match Of The Day this week after he was taken off air over his tweets criticising the government's migration policy. The BBC has also apologised for the episode and announced an independent review into its social media usage guidelines. Kieran was joined by Lord David Puttnam to discuss...
Dublin 'doesn't seem like a city that wants to keep its young people'
Medical and health journalist, June Shannon has wrote in The Irish Times today that she is saying goodbye to Dublin and hello to lovely Limerick. Dublin seems to be pushing people out with its housing costs. Has Dublin officially become unlivable? Kieran was joined by June Shannon and Roisin Cullen who has recently moved from Dublin to Vancouver...
Whitmore: Companies are using alcohol-free advertising to exploit legal loophole
Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow has been posting about the lack of difference in advertisements for Guinness and Guinness 0.0% that she had spotted during the weekend's 6 Nation's rugby coverage. Jennifer Whitmore TD and Founder of NewWorld and brand specialist Pat Kinsley joined Kieran on the show to discuss...
'The Irish are on fire!' - Henry in Hollywood for the 95th Oscars
It's the 95th Oscars but will this year really be an Irish Academy Green wave? Henry McKean joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder live from Hollywood. All with thanks to Aer Lingus, flying the Irish stars to Hollywood.
Sustainable fashion 'isn't just a trend, but a redesign of a system that has become archaic'
As we continue to look for ways to address our global climate crisis, sustainable fashion has been something we are hearing more and more about. So how do you get your hands on pre-loved clothes and make your wardrobe a little more sustainable? Kieran was joined by Aisling Byrne, Founder and CEO of NUW and Rhoda McDonagh, Founder of the Designer Room With special thanks to Square – helping businesses run and grow, for more see square.com…
You Are What You Eat: Iconic women and the household food revolution
On the week of International Women's Day, Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to celebrate some of the women who revolutionised food with the home...
Cannon: Directly Elected Mayor needed to help improve Dublin City Centre
The new Garda Station on O'Connell Street in Dublin will crack down on anti-social behaviour in the area, according to the Gardaí. Kieran was joined by Ciaran Cuffe, the Green Party MEP for Dublin and Ciaran Cannon, Fine Gael TD for Galway East to discuss...
6 Nations: Ireland v Scotland Preview
Kieran was joined by former Ireland rugby international, Alan Quinlan and former Scotland rugby international, Craig Chalmers to preview the 6 Nations Ireland vs Scotland clash this Sunday...
Sellers and distributors of dodgy boxes 'the first line of attack' in crackdown
A nationwide crackdown on ‘dodgy boxes’ is underway and cease and desist letters are being distributed to those running the illegal streaming sites. Adrian Wreckler, Irish Independent’s Technology Editor join me to discuss what this means for dodgy box users.
Carthy: 'Entire strategy around electric vehicles appears to be flawed'
A senior official from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has played down the need for more public chargers for electric vehicles at a public accounts committee, stating 'most charging takes place at home.' Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy and Philip Nolan Motoring Correspondent with The Irish Daily Mail joined Kieran to discuss...
'There needs to be a serious cull of mink' - Fianna Fáil TD
The Oireachtas Agriculture Committee chairperson has warned that native species will be “decimated” if the issue of mink is not addressed. Fianna Fáil TD, Jackie Cahill and Andrew Kelly, Former ISPCA CEO and current Director of Freedom for Animals joined Kieran to discuss...
Weather: Decision to close schools 'down to each individual school manager'
Met Éireann has issued an Orange Weather warning for snow and ice for a number of counties, following reports of heavy snowfall and traffic disruption in parts of the country on Thursday morning. Patrick O'Donovan, Minister with Responsibility for Emergency Planning has joined Kieran to discuss the government response. Six people were also rescued from Carrauntoohil in Co Kerry overnight amid the dangerous conditions. Independent Killarney Councilor Donal Grady joined Kieran to discuss...
NASA hope to put humans on Mars 'in the next 15 to 20 years' - Deputy Director of NASA
The Talent Summit is taking place in Dublin today at The Convention Centre, where it’s showcasing the latest thinking on talent and bringing the biggest and best minds together. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Michael G Hess, deputy director of NASA...
'I don't work nights because I fear for my own safety' - Dublin taxi driver
There has been a sharp decrease in the number of taxi drivers working at night-time over the past year, according to the results of a new survey. Research by the National Transport Authority found just 50% of all taxi drivers reported working 6-8pm at the end of 2022, compared to 59% in 2023. Kieran was joined by taxi driver James Cullen to discuss…
'Way too early' to trial free public transport due to low standard
A new Ernst & Young report released this morning has found that free public transport would mean a 7% reduction in walking and a 13% reduction in cycling – but only 1% less car journeys. Kieran was joined by Paddy Comyn, Head of Communications at AA Ireland and Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent to discuss...
'If you're looking for a meaning, sometimes you'll find it' - Benefits of reading your horoscope
UK TV astrologer Margaret Lake, better known as Mystic Meg, has passed away aged 80. She was a well-known TV figure in the 1990s, appearing on the National Lottery, and writing horoscopes for the Sun for more than two decades. So what is it that we like about gazing into the stars? Broadcaster Lousie Cantillon joined Kieran to chat about what she enjoys about reading her horoscope...
Government approach to transgender education 'in complete opposition to the majority of parents' - Peadar Tóibín
President Michael D Higgins has said that schools should provide “basic information regarding sexuality in the fullest sense”. His comments come just days after the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) wrote to ministers voicing its opposition to teaching transgender issues to primary school children. Kieran was joined by Peadar Toibin, Leader of Aontu and Brid Smith, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central to discuss…
'Don't let your enthusiasm outstrip your experience,' Veteran mountain rescuer warns
Met Éireann has issued two Status Orange weather warnings for large parts of the country over the next 24 hours, with significant accumulations of snow and ice forecast. Kieran was joined by Head of Forecasting at Met Eireann Evelyn Cusack to discuss. Furthermore, a woman was rescued from a snowbound Carrauntoohil in county Kerry this morning. The six person party got into trouble in a gully known as ’the bone’ on the mountain. Veteran member of Kerry Mountain Rescue who took part in the rescue operation, Gerry Christie joined Kieran to discuss…
Behind The Screens: Memorable Oscar Moments
With the Oscars fast approaching Sarina Bellissimo, host of The Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to take a look at some of the most memorable Oscar moments from the past few years...
Trolley service won’t return to full service until ‘early 2024’ - Irish Rail
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan today announced plans to extend DART trains from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station in Co Kildare, as part of a wider expansion of DART services in the coming years. Barry Kenny Corporate Communications Manager of Iarnród Éireann joined Kieran to discuss…
Inflation: Food prices 'unlikely to come back down, but they will stop rising'
In its latest quarterly bulletin, the Central Bank is forecasting inflation to ease to 5% this year, while Permanent TSB is to increase the cost of its fixed-rate mortgages for the third time since the summer. Kieran was joined by John Fitzgerald, who is Adjunct Professor of economics at Trinity College Dublin, and he joins me now.
Use of gender neutral terms in equality referendum ‘remains to be seen’ - Josepha Madigan
The Taoiseach says "we are a republic unfinished" until we have equality between men and women. Leo Varadkar was speaking as the Government announced referendums on gender equality, that will be held in November. Kieran was joined by Josepha Madigan, Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion to discuss...
'We’ve already won!' - Henry flies with Irish Oscar hopefuls to LA
This afternoon, Aer Lingus flew the Oscar Nominees and their families to LA for the Oscars, Henry McKean was on board and sent Kieran this report. All with thanks to Aer Lingus, flying the Irish stars to Hollywood.
Gender Equality Referendums: 'There’s a huge culture shift still yet to happen'
Referendums on gender equality will be held in November, the Government has announced. The 2020-21 Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality recommended several changes to the Constitution including; a new clause to refer explicitly to gender equality and non-discrimination and the replacement of Article 41.2 which recognises a woman’s “life within the home”. Kieran was joined by Sandra McCullagh, The National Womens Council Women's Economic Equality Coordinator and Aideen Finneganm, Co Host of the In The News Podcast at the Irish Times to discuss…
'Everything's available online now' - Are Gen Z less skillful nowadays?
Just one in three 18–25-year-olds are able to do basic DIY, compared to two-thirds of those aged 58 and over, according to a new survey by care home provider Sanctuary Care. Map reading, growing fruit and vegetables and basic car maintenance, such as changing a tyre are also more common skills amongst the Boomer generation. Kieran was joined by Newstalk’s own Gen-Z-er Alex Rowle and Sandy Cole, Lifelong Food Enthusiast…
Digging Deeper: Why are humans so out of balance compared to animals?
Dr Tara Logan Buckley, Clinical Psychologist joined Kieran for a new segment where they will dig a little deeper into the mysteries of the mind and mental health. The series continued by taking a look at why are humans so out of balance compared to animals...
Tuesday Travel: Porto
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, Anton Savage was joined by Fionn Davenport, travel writer and broadcaster to look at Porto...
Four-day working week: 'Public sector shouldn't be left out of the conversation'
There are suggestions that once Irish employees see a four-day week as their right, a three-day week will be their next demand. Anton Savage was joined by Cormac Lucey, Economics Commentator with the Sunday Times Ireland and Dr Orla Kelly Assistant professor of Social Policy at UCD and proponent of the 4 day week.
TD calls for reduction in 'the amount of subsidy that we would give to fee paying schools'
According to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk, the Department of Education spent more than €104 million on the salaries of teachers in private schools last year. In fact, the bill for two schools in Dublin was over €4 million. Should there be any subsidies for private schools? Aodhan O’Riordain, Labour Party spokesperson on Education and TD for Dublin Bay North and Arthur Godsil is former headmaster of St Andrew's College and co-director of Godsil Education joined Anton Savage to discuss…
Common Ground: Is animal testing ever ok?
Anton Savage was joined in studio 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 'Is animal testing ever ok?'
Housing Minister admits lifting eviction ban 'will probably see an increase in homelessness'
Coalition leaders have agreed to end the eviction ban as planned on the 31st of March. There won't be any extension and evictions will return on a phased basis depending on when someone was issued with a notice to quit. This means some tenants will be entitled to remain in the property until June. Anton Savage was joined by Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien to discuss...
Eviction ban decision 'betting with people's lives' - Neasa Hourigan
Coalition leaders have agreed to end the eviction ban as planned on the 31st of March. There won't be any extension and evictions will return on a phased basis depending on when someone was issued with a notice to quit. This means some tenants will be entitled to remain in the property until June. Anton Savage was joined by Newstalk’s Political correspondent Sean Defoe and Neasa Hourigan Green Party TD and the party’s finance & Health Spokesperson…
Are dog owners happier than cat owners?
A new survey has found spending just half an hour a week with a dog makes people more successful. 80 per cent of dog owners see a rise in their self-esteem after getting a puppy, while three quarters felt less stressed since getting a dog. Anton Savage was joined by dog trainer and behaviorist, Samantha Rawson, Newstalk Reporter and former dog trainer, Heather Lawrie andJournalist and Broadcaster, Barbara Scully…
Senator Mark Daly: The tricolour's 'meaning is so important to us'
Senator Mark Daly joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the 175th anniversary of the first flying of the Irish tricolour and the future of the flag…
'Card is not all it's cracked up to be' - Danny Healy-Rae
The Rural Independent Group of TDs is calling on the government to maintain the public’s access to cash. The group will introduce a bill to the Dáil this week that will aim to push back against a cashless society. Danny Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry and Paul Dolan, who runs The Barn gastropub in Glanmire, Cork joined Kieran to discuss...
Eoin Ó Broin: Government 'have to' extend eviction ban
This evening the three coalition party leaders will meet with Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien to discuss whether to extend the eviction ban. Notably both Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin have pointed out the negative impacts extending the ban could bring. Kieran was joined in studio by Fine Gael Senator, Barry Ward and Sinn Féin spokesperson for Housing, Eoin Ó Broin to discuss…
How trans issues are introduced in primary school ‘going to take a lot of conversation’
The Taoiseach says the purpose of the education system is to teach children about the world around them, which includes transgender people. Leo Varadkar's comments come as the Catholic Primary School Managers Association has written to the government on the topic. In the letter the group said highly impressionable young children should not be taught what it means to be transgender. Kieran was joined by Simon Lewis, a primary school principal and host of the ‘If I Were The Minister for Education’ podcast…
Dublin Airport to get counter-drone technology 'in a number of weeks'
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the Government's plan for tackling drones at Ireland's airports and the new transport plan that will be presented to cabinet tomorrow...
Green Party Senator says we must 'vastly increase charges in car parking' in large cities
The Transport Minister is set to bring plans to Cabinet tomorrow which aim to slash Ireland’s reliance on private cars. One aspect of this will include a commitment to develop a demand-management strategy in transport, detailing the ways in which the country can move to end congestion and change the way road space is used. Kieran was joined by Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly, Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association and Blake Boland Communications with AA Ireland to discuss… Image: Green Party
"Schools in Somalia are more or less protection havens" Trócaire support services
One person is likely to die from hunger every 36 seconds in East Africa due to the worst drought in more than 40 years. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been in Somalia the past week meeting with Trócaire workers and those who are most impacted. Josh brings us his second report from Somalia looking at some of the services and supports Trócaire is providing on the ground, to help ease the situation. *Warning some listeners may find the start of this report distressing.
"We need to be careful because the world is getting noisier"
The World Health Organisation has stated that the number one factor that speeds up Dementia is hearing issues, as it creates a cognitive drain on the brain. A new generation is barreling towards hearing loss, that’s according to Dr Sandra Cummings, Audiologist at the Beacon Hospital. Sandra spoke to Kieran on the Hard Shoulder.
"Nobody seems to want to do anything about it"
Kieran spoke to Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, & Evan Cullen, President of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association about the ongoing drone issue at Dublin Airport.
Are we actually in recession?
New CSO figures have shown that Ireland has hit a ‘technical recession’. The economy grew by 0.3% in GDP terms in the final three months of last year, which was not as much as expected - while Modified Domestic Demand, which ignores the impact of multinationals, declined by 1.3%. So where is our economy at? Seamus Coffey, former Chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and Professor of Economics at UCC spoke to Kieran
'You wouldn't drink Guinness in LA' - Henry catches up with Oscar hopeful Richie Baneham
With the Academy Awards just 10 days away, Henry McKean sat down with Dubliner and Oscar hopeful, Richie Baneham to discuss his work on 'Avatar: The Way of Water'...
'Labour Party divorced themselves from the working class' - Brendan Ogle
People Before Profit will not enter into any future coalition with Labour because the party 'betrayed their working-class base.' The party has written to Sinn Féin, The Social Democrats and Left Independents in the hopes of a left government following the next election. Kieran was joined by Joan Burton, Former Labour Party leader and Brendan Ogle, Senior officer for UNITE trade union to discuss the possibility of a left-wing coalition after the next general election...
Growing practice of hair tattoos 'to hide the thinning areas'
Hair restoration surgery are increasingly en vogue, but rather than venturing to far-flung parts of the world for a full-blown transplant – what about hair tattoos? The practice has become a more and more popular alternative, and is known in technical terms as Scalp Micropigmentation . Lorena Peschechera of Scalp Aesthetics in Dublin joined Kieran to discuss…