The Hard Shoulder

This year’s Darkness Into Light event will take place in the early hours on Saturday, May 6th, with all money raised going to Pieta House. As always, Pieta House and Darkness into Light aim to bring more awareness about mental health, fighting suicide, self harm and supporting people affected by these issues. Kieran was joined in studio by Gráinne, a volunteer with Pieta, whose fiancé died by suicide and Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta...

The European Central Bank has increased interest rates for a seventh time in a year. They are going up by a quarter of one per cent , as the ECB continues its attempts to reduce Eurozone inflation. Kieran was joined by Alan Barrett, CEO of the ESRI to discuss...

The wildly popular ‘Kin’ has come back to RTE. The second series will conclude this Sunday. Independent Dublin City Councilor Mannix Flynn says it’s causing damage to the cities’ reputation. Does Kin represent Dublin accurately? Kieran was joined by Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor and James Geoghegan, Fine Gael Councillor for Dublin Bay South.

RTÉ have been criticised for giving up 4 hours of air time on Saturday morning to the Royal Coronation of Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. But are RTÉ right to air the ceremony? Kieran was joined by Michael O’Regan, journalist and broadcaster and Peadar Tobin, Aontu leader and TD for Meath West

Trinity College professor Brian Caulfield told Pat Kenny earlier today that SUVs should be phased out - because the gains we’re making in electric vehicle sales aren’t doing enough. Do we need to push to get these vehicles off the road? Jonathan Healy was joined by parenting expert, Laura Erskine and Tony Lowes, from Friends of the Irish Environment to discuss...

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Jonathan Healy 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 Jonathan are looking at the beloved marmalade...

Families who have been feeling the pinch in their shopping trollies will be delighted with the recent reductions in butter and milk which have come as some of the biggest supermarkets confirmed they will cut their prices Jonathan Healy was joined by Conor Pope, consumer affairs correspondent with the Irish Times and Tim Cullinan, President of the Irish Farmers Association to discuss...

The Coronation of King Charles III will take place this Saturday, May 13th in London. Jonathan Healy was joined by Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show and Royal expert and Enda Brady, London based journalist

In the UK George Osbourne, the former Chancellor and pioneer of the sugar tax has stated that orange juice should be included under their taxation. In Ireland, sugar tax legislation only includes water based sugary drinks. It doesn't include orange juice citing its nutritional value but is it really that healthy and should it be taxed? Jonathan Healy was joined by Dr Eva Orsmond , Specialist in Weightloss and obesity and Founder of Dr Eva's clinics in Dublin and Galway...

Sinn Fein have called for an energy price cap. Calls for retail electricity prices to be capped could benefit higher-income households the most, according to Muireann Lynch, Energy Economist at the ESRI. Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Fein’s spokesperson on Climate and Energy joined Jonathan Healy to discuss...

Trinity College professor Brian Caulfield told Pat Kenny earlier today that SUVs should be phased out - because the gains we’re making in electric vehicle sales aren’t doing enough. Do we need to push to get these vehicles off the road? Jonathan Healy was joined by Green Party Councillor for North Dublin Inner City, Janet Horner and Cork City Councillor Ken O’Flynn...

Every week, 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 looked toward the Greek island of Kos...

Australia has announced a ban on vapes for recreational use which will see vapes banned from shops but instead sold through pharmacies. As part of the measures, vapes will only be sold by prescriptions and displayed in plain pharma packaging in a bid to clamp down on children using vapes. Kieran was joined by Professor Luke Clancy of the Tobacco Free Research Institute of Ireland and Dr Garrett McGovern, GP Specialising in Addiction Medicine, Medical Director of the Priority Medical Clinic and member of the New Nicotine Alliance Ireland…

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 'Should abortion laws be liberalised further?'

It’s World Asthma Day today, and on the 50th anniversary of the Asthma Society of Ireland, we thought it’d be a good idea to shed some light on how many deal with their asthma - particularly in severe cases. Kieran was joined by Rachel Murray, a severe asthma patient in Sligo and Dr Maitiu O’Faloain a GP with special interest in respiratory care...

A new controversial measure has been proposed by the EU as part of a major revision of EU rules on driving licences in order to “address mobility issues in remote areas.” It would see 16 year old’s drive vehicles limited to a maximum speed of 45km/h. Is this what is needed for rural dwellers? And what about the practicalities of insurance? Kieran was joined by Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link and Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland

Donald Trump will visit his golf resort in Doonbeg tomorrow. As he is a Former US President, there will be a certain amount of security provided by An Garda Síochána. Should the state be funding Trump’s visit to Doonbeg tomorrow? Kieran was joined by Timmy Dooley, Clare based Fianna Fail Senator and John Halligan, Former Minister for State and Former Waterford TD to discuss...

A new controversial measure has been proposed by the EU as part of a major revision of EU rules on driving licences in order to “address mobility issues in remote areas.” It would see 16 year old’s drive vehicles limited to a maximum speed of 45km/h. Kieran was joined by Tonie Toner, advanced Driving Instructor with Orangeworks Automotive and Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent TD for Roscommon Galway to discuss...

Ireland's official homeless figures have hit another new record high with nearly 12,000 people accessing emergency accommodation last month. Kieran was joined by Peter McVerry, founder of the Peter McVerry Trust to discuss...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to discuss the tips and tricks for catering at home...

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...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined on The Hard Shoulder by the multi-award winning Mullingar man Niall Horan, to discuss his new single 'Meltdown', the pressure to reach milestones, being an ambassador for Ireland and his third studio album 'The Show'...

All this week, Newstalk is partnering with Make-A-Wish Ireland to celebrate Wish Week and we have been how Make-A-Wish has given hope during the harder times in the lives of families. Kieran was joined by Hugh McElveen whose daughter Eve passed away in December… Make-A-Wish Ireland is dependent on the generosity of the public. Today is Wish Day so please give what you can. You can donate; - Online at makeawish.ie/donate - Texting ‘MYWISH’ to 50300 to give €4 (Make A Wish will receive a minimum of €3.60) - On Revolut – search Make A Wish Ireland in Revolut Donations

Inappropriate parking, noisy children, shouting, dogs barking, and loud music are some of the most annoying things your neighbors can do. That’s according to a survey by Giffgaff. Kieran was joined by William Corless, psychologist, workplace mediator and senior partner in the Mediation Foundation and comedian Steve Cummins who has a long history of calling out his neighbours..

Protests are being held today outside the Dail over new legislation surrounding international surrogacy. Irish Families though surrogacy is concerned that the news laws will further increase costs of the already financially draining nature of international surrogacy. Kieran was joined by the spokesperson for Irish Families through Surrogacy, Cathy Wheatley...

Today, the European Parliament are hosting a day full of discussion on European radio and the future of Europe. With that, this year marks 50 years since Ireland joined the ECC and we are just over the one year mark since Ukraine joined the EU Kieran was joined LIVE from the European Parliament in Brussels by Barry Andrews, Fianna Fail MEP for Dublin and Colm Markey, Fein Gael MEP for Midlands-North West

Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill has accepted an invitation to attend the coronation of King Charles. In her statement Michelle O'Neill said: “I am an Irish republican. I also recognise there are many people on our island for whom the coronation is a hugely important occasion. I am committed to being a first minister for all.” Kieran was joined by Ruairí Ó Murchú, Sinn Fein TD for Louth and Peadar Tóibín, Aontú Leader and TD for Meath West..

Niall Collins has addressed the Dai today stating that “no law was broken” and “that he did not participate in any decision that authorized the sale of the land to his wife. John Drennan, Political Correspondent for the Mail Group joined Kieran to discuss this and further concerns in Fine Gael TDs not contesting the next election...

US TV talkshow host Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79. He hosted 'The Jerry Springer Show' for 27 years, which was syndicated to several countries around the world. Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy joined Kieran to discuss...

There have been calls from the head of the Climate Change Advisory Council,Marie Donnelly for the Government to put in a levy on workers who get free parking in urban areas. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party and Brian Cooke, Director General for the Society of the Irish Motor Industry...

In just over a weeks’ time the King’s Coronation will be taking place on May 9th. One person who will be attending the event which might come as a surprise to some is Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill. To get reaction to this we sent Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie up North to speak with Republican and Unionist communities.

After more than a year of campaigning, Trinity College has decided to de-name Berkeley Library due to the philosopher’s links with the transatlantic slave trade. Kieran was joined by Gaby Fulham, President of Trinity College Dublin’s Students Union and Ian O’Doherty, Columnist With The Irish Independent

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 are looking at the humble household staple, milk...

A three-year review of Ireland’s abortion regime found the service to be 'untenable'. It also found the three-day ‘pause period’ before getting an abortion is not necessary. Holly Cairns TD and leader of the Social Democrats joined Kieran to discuss ...

There was a big response to our interview yesterday on The Hard Shoulder with Conor Skehan, the Sunday Independent Columnist and former chair of The Housing Agency. Conor had a lot of strong views on it, and to talk through some of the issues that Conor raised, Kieran was joined by Rory Hearne, Assistant Professor in Social Policy at Maynooth University, and the author of ‘Housing Shock: The Irish Housing Crisis and How to Solve It’...

The cost of living is affecting everyone and Caz Mooney’s new book ‘Budgeting Planner’ has plenty of tips to help you save some money. Caz Mooney joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…

The three-year review of Ireland’s abortion regime found the service to be 'untenable'. The review, which has yet to be published, warns that just a 'handful of providers' in primary care and hospitals are carrying out terminations. It also found the three-day ‘pause period’ before getting an abortion is not necessary. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss this and more...

Visitors of a nudist beach in Austria are upset as plans for a new rail line above the beach have been approved. In Ireland, there is a nudist beach in South County Dublin, along which the Dart line runs. Newstalk’s Henry McKean went to meet some of Ireland’s naturists at said beach…

Every week, 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 cast their eyes on London, the home of Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Covent Garden...

Gardaí are looking at the use of AI traffic cameras which could detect whether drivers are breaking the rules of the road by not wearing seatbelts or using a mobile phone at the wheel. Former Transport Minister Shane Ross told Kieran the use of AI cameras to catch drivers using phones and those not wearing a seatbelt was ‘a no brainer’. Brian Caufield, Associate Professor of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin joined Kieran 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 'Should all healthcare be public?'

The Government has announced new 1 billion euro housing plan aims to increase stock and drive down the cost of construction. Kieran was joined by Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist and Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post to discuss...

Last night Paul Murphy tweeted that his family home was targeted by protestors while he and his wife were about to bathe their newborn baby. This is one of many protests that have taken place at the homes of TDs and is a recurring issue. Kieran was joined by Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne and Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte to discuss…

The Government has announced new 1 billion euro housing plan aims to increase stock and drive down the cost of construction. Kieran was joined by Housing Minister, Darragh O'Brien to discuss...

Gardaí are looking at the use of AI traffic cameras which could detect whether drivers are breaking the rules of the road by not wearing seatbelts or using a mobile phone at the wheel. Is this a good idea? Kieran was joined by Blake Boland is Communications Officer for AA Ireland and former Minister for Transport, Shane Ross to discuss...

After a busy weekend of championship action in the GAA, the conversation that occurs year on year has begun to emerge around the quality of hurling in Munster versus Leinster. It begs the question, should the provincial structure of championship be abandoned in favour of something new? Kieran was joined by former Tipperary hurler, Patrick Stapleton and former Clare hurler, Jamesie O’Connor to discuss...

The Labour whip has been suspended from Diane Abbott pending an investigation into a letter the MP wrote about racism to The Observer. LBC Broadcaster James O’Brien joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

It will take a number of days before every Irish citizen is evacuated from Sudan. 150 Irish citizens are registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs as living in Sudan, with 50 have been already evacuated with the help of Spanish and French authorities. Tánaiste says we need to revisit the 'Triple Lock' on overseas peace missions. Kieran was joined by Independent Senator, Gerard Craughwell and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire to discuss...

Social media users have been taking to TikTok and YouTube to share the results of their '30 Day Gallon Challenge'. The idea is to drink a gallon of water every day for 30 consecutive days, and many users claim that it has resulted in everything from weight loss to clearer skin. Is this dangerous, or an encouragement to be more healthy? Dietitian Orla Walsh joined Kieran to discuss...

Dianne Abbott MP has been suspended as a Labour MP after she wrote to a letter to The Observer claiming Jewish, Irish, and red heads have not been subject to racism "all their lives" like that of people of colour. Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by comedian Tadhg Hickey to discuss...