The Hard Shoulder

The No. 1 podcast series hosted by Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney returns for a second series. ‘Inside the Crime’ investigates the unsolved murder of RTÉ set designer, Charles Self. The new series of Inside The Crime tells the story of Charles Self, a young gay man who was murdered in Dublin 40 years ago. Subscribe now at newstalk.com/insidethecrime or wherever you get your podcasts.

Science Week is taking place from 13th to 20th November with events running right across the country both in-person events and online. For more information see SFI.ie One of the topics being discussed throughout the week is concussion. Dr Lisa Ryan, Head of Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition at Atlantic Technological University in Galway joined Kieran to discuss concussion and some of her research...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined in studio by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. For the next few weeks, in a brand new series called ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The new series continued with a discussion around should the corporate tax rate be increased?

Kerry Katona and Alison Spittle have joined forces to host the 'The Wheel Of Misfortune' podcast on BBC Sounds. Kerry and Alison joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to chat about how the podcast came about and what listeners can look forward to...

Driver shortages and IT problems have been blamed for "ghost" buses in Dublin. Dublin Bus today apologised to the Oireachtas Transport Committee today apologised for a deterioration in their Real-Time Passenger Information systems and cancelled buses in recent months. Anne Graham CEO of National Transport Authority and Mark Ward Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health and TD for the Constituency of Dublin Mid-West to discuss...

With over 100,000 patients being on trolleys in 2022, Ireland has hit an unwanted record. It’s the highest amount of patients on trolleys there has ever been at this stage of a year. And it’s one of the reasons why my next guest believes Ireland will struggle to keep its nurses and midwives. Phil Ni Sheaghdha, General Secretary for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Readers of the New York Times will be aware of an apparent civil war in the realm of dentistry. Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? Vanessa Creaven, Galway Based Dentist & Co-Founder Of Spotlight Oral Care joined Kieran to settle the debate

The number of Irish millionaires in Ireland jumped by 2.5 times in the last eight years on account of soaring property prices making those with wealth all the wealthier. According to data from the Central Bank 223,000 households, or 12% of the total in the country, have a net wealth of €1m or more. Kieran was joined by Economic and Social Analyst from Social Justice Ireland, Collette Bennett and Ciaran Nugent, Economist with the Nevin Economic Institute…

Sadhbh O’Neill, Lecturer in climate policy and politics at DCU's School of Law and Government, joined Kieran live from Egypt, where she is attending COP27...

Iarnród Éireann is set to introduce a quieter carriage on Heuston to Cork services from today. The quieter carriage is being reintroduced both to improve services for customers with sensory issues, and to provide choice to all customers, following public feedback. Adam Harris CEO of As I Am….

A new report into long covid has shown almost 90% of those living with Long Covid in Ireland have not returned to their pre-Covid level of health. The study of 988 participants, reported that prolonged symptoms significantly impacted their quality of life, affected their ability to work and caused significant disability. Kieran was joined by Rachel Dandy, long covid sufferer and Dr. Brendan O’Shea Assistant Professor Department Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity, Kildare GP and Specialist in Occupational Medicine, to discuss...

The US midterms take place tomorrow. It’s traditionally a pseudo-referendum on the sitting President, and both Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have been trying to rally support. Kieran was joined by Donald Trump’s former Press Secretary, Sean Spicer to preview the elections...

Reports today suggest that yet another tech company, META is following in Elon Musk’s footsteps and getting ready to slash their workforce in the next few days. Meta currently employs approximately 6,000 people in Ireland, for which half of them are staff. So as fears grows about our tech sector, should we really be worried about ‘the end of our tech bubble’? Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent, joined Kieran to discuss...

Almost 4,500 local authority homes are unoccupied. That is according to figures published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission. These homes would, of course, help towards the 50,000 new homes that will be needed each year to solve the housing crisis. Kieran was joined by Tom Phillips, managing director of Tom Phillips and Associates, as well as adjunct associate professor of architecture and planning in UCD and architect and broadcaster Roisin Murphy, to discuss…

Jennifer Lawrence Had a "Feminist Meltdown" over changing her last name after marrying Cooke Maroney. Speaking to the New York Times Jennifer Lawrence shared that though there was some hesitancy to change her last name, her time in the Hunger Games film franchise influenced her decision. Henry McKean has been meeting people holding onto their maiden name and taking their married name...

Donald Trump has said that he could very well run for the US Presidency in 2024. It’s ahead of the midterms, which take place this coming week in America. Paul Brandus of West Wing Reports joined Kieran to discuss Trump's comments and the upcoming elections...

Aisling Larkin TV Chef and mindful eating coach joined Kieran to take a closer look at some unknown ingredients from her flavour pantry, and how we can build flavour in dishes...

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

There are concerns being raised in Killarney that the tourist town is under pressure due to the number of asylum seekers and refugees staying there. The Mayor of the Kerry town says Killarney is at “breaking point”. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been to the Kingdom to get some reaction to this.

Hollywood has always been awash with urban movie myths, but American Pie star Seann William Scott recently confirmed that his pay-cheque for the 1999 blockbuster was well short of the multi millions eventually raked in at the Box Office. His initial fee for the movie was 8,000 dollars. His iconic role of Stifler would eventually become synonymous with the franchise! Kieran was joined by John Fardy, host of Screentime on Newstalk to discuss some of the other supporting actors and actresses who stole the show in their respective movies…

500 people employed by Twitter in Ireland are finding out today whether or not they've lost their jobs. The social media company is reducing their staff levels around the world by half, after the company was taken over by Elon Musk. Kieran was joined by Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology correspondent and Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to discuss...

A special taskforce is to be set up in Dublin as a response to high levels of street crime. While full details of the force are yet to be announced it is understood the taskforce will operate across the entire six divisions in the Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region and not just the city centre. But does this go far enough in addressing high crime levels in the city centre? Green Party Councilor and former mayor Hazel Chu and Mary Whelan, Owner of Eirlooms Irish Craft and Design in Dublin 2 and member of ‘Dublin Can Be Heaven’ joined Kieran on the show to discuss...

As the FIFA World Cup in Qatar approaches, FIFA are calling on nations and soccer fans to ‘focus on the football’ rather than the politics. Should we be boycotting Qatar 2022 World Cup? Kieran was joined by Oscar Lopez, commentator and podcaster, Aodhan O’Riordain TD, Labour spokesperson on Education and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star to discuss…

As Ireland get set to host World Champions South Africa on Saturday, the IRFU are keen to address concerns around the general fan experience & atmosphere for rugby matches at The Aviva Stadium. The new measures, which come in response to increasing discontent regarding the impact of alcohol sales in the venue, will be rolled out for the first time at this month’s internationals. Kieran was joined by The Irish Times’ rugby correspondent Gerry Thornley, who has long been among the voices calling for action in this regard...

Carlsberg are celebrating 30 years of their sponsorships with Liverpool FC. Liverpool and Ireland legend, John Aldridge joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his career and the current shape of Liverpool FC...

The economy is still expected to grow, despite the cost of living crisis, the Irish Business and Employers Confederation has predicted. CEO of Ibec, Danny McCoy joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss their latest quarterly economic outlook...

The Bounty chocolate bar is to be removed from Celebrations boxes in the UK this festive season. However, it's not the first time it has hit the headlines. 35 years ago the chocolate treat was at the centre of a bizarre court case when a man deliberately poisoned his wife's Bounty. Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran on the show to delve further in the story behind this bizarre case...

According to a new Bord Bia report, the number of people dining out has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, with lunch and early bird dinners replacing late night eating. Gina Murphy Owner of Hugo's restaurant Dublin joined Kieran to discuss the shift in dining habits…

Irish Rail are to lodge an application to An Bord Pleanála for a major upgrade of the Cork rail network. An application will be made for the construction of a second rail track along the 10km section of railway line between Glounthaune and Midleton in Cork. Barry Kenny, Irish Rail’s Corporate Communications Manager and Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork Damien Boylan joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Threshold has helped an average of 472 renters facing eviction each month – or one person every 20 minutes – in the first nine months of this year. The charity has published its latest quarterly report today, which found that evictions continue to be the primary issue that faces renters. Kieran was joined by Ann Marie O’Reilly, National Advocacy Manager with Threshold and Pat Davitt, CEO of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers to discuss…

Some TV shows hook us in from the very beginning, others take a while to warm too. Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of The Bellissimo Files Podcast, Anton Savage to chat through some TV slow burners…

Frank Brady, who serves as Ulster & North Leinster Regional Chairman for the IFA and Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss the 'red alert' warning for avian flu...

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran for the new 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 Anton Savage delved into the different options of deodorant...

Barbara Windsor's widower Scott Mitchell felt judged over their 26 year age gap, but here in Ireland have relationship age gaps become acceptable in society? Henry McKean visited the age gap capital of Ireland, Malahide, meeting experts and age gap couples...

At a mass in Listowel on Sunday Fr Séan Sheehy said gay couples were sinful, and criticised free contraception being provided by the HSE as it was “promoting promiscuity”. Father Seán Sheehy joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his sermon...

Darren Kennedy, Broadcaster and owner of Kennedy & Co Grooming, joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to chat through some advice on how to keep your moustache looking fresh this Movember...

Concerns around the number of gardaí leaving the force and entering Templemore Garda college have been raised by representative bodies. Policing may be compromised if there is a significant fall in the number of recruits. Garda Representative Association President, Brendan O’Connor and Niall O’Connor is a Former Guard and Reporter with TheJournal.ie joined Anton Savage on the show to discuss...

New research from the US suggests vaping can be just as bad for your heart as smoking cigarettes. While similarities between the health implications of the two habits are emerging, their regulations remain different. Should vapers be asked to join their fellow nicotine users in the smoking area in every setting? Bernard Durkan, Fine Gael TD and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee and Tom Gleeson, Trustee of the New Nicotine Alliance Ireland joined Anton Savage on to discuss...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Clare McKenna, presenter of Alive and Kicking on Newstalk, to discuss why the modern world is bad for us...

Nine in ten nursing home residents have had positive experiences there. That's according to a new survey conducted under the National Care Experience Programme. Anton Savage was joined by Tracy Carroll, Head of the National Care Experience Programme with HIQA and Valerie Cox, Independent advocate for older people...

Anton Savage was joined in studio by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. For the next few weeks, in a brand new series called ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The new series continued with a discussion around climate change protestors being allowed to block roads...

An article written in the Guardian by Jonathan Liew suggests that 'commentators have taken over but it’s time to let game do the talking.' Anton Savage was joined by legendary commentator, George Hamilton to discuss the role of the commentator in sport going forward...

Taoiseach Michéal Martin has said the country is to be hit by a “frightening” wave of delayed cancer diagnoses next year, as the knock-on impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic rumble on. Sharon Greaves is one of those whose chance of a prompt cancer diagnosis may have slipped through the cracks during the pandemic. Sharon and Rachel Morrogh, Director of Advocacy, Irish Cancer Society joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Former Irish international and Unicef ambassador Donncha O’Callaghan joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder after arriving home from Somalia. He says he was 'shaken to the core' by scenes he saw there caused by drought...

The ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’ Line up has been revealed, as a brand new cast of celebrities get ready to battle it out in the Australian jungle on our screens from the 6th November. Jennie Bond, Former Contestant and Royal Correspondent joined Anton Savage with her take on this year’s contestants, including Mike Tindall and Matt Hancock…

The Bishop of Kerry has apologised for comments made by a priest concerning same sex relationships, contraception and transgender rights. Bishop Ray Browne issued the apology following comments made by Fr Seán Sheehy at Mass in Listowel over the weekend. Del O’Sullivan, who was at the mass on Sunday and Cathal Foley, Sinn Fein Councillor in Kerry joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss…'

The day has arrived that some have been fearing but others have been advocating for. New regulations, which came into effect at midnight, ban the sale of turf, smoky coal, and wet wood in shops and online. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been getting some reaction on this today.

Ireland becoming a Republic has been chosen as Ireland’s Greatest Moment. To mark the centenary of the Free State Newstalk has been asking its listeners to choose the most significant event in the past one hundred years. The moment was revealed in Newstalk’s Bank Holiday Special, Ireland’s Greatest Moment hosted by Simon Tierney. Ireland becoming a Republic in 1949 was followed by the signing of The Good Friday Agreement, Italia 90 and the Marriage Equality Referendum.

Kieran is getting ready to run the Dublin Marathon on Sunday. He was joined by Chris Connelly, CCFitness to give me some last minute tips ahead of the weekend…

Kieran visited Saplings Special School in Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny, where Sigmar Recruitment are helping renovate some outdoor facilities for the children attending the school. Kieran spoke to some of those involved. Kieran was also joined by Adie McGuinness, CEO of Sigmar Recruitment to give a live update on the project's progress...