The Hard Shoulder

Kieran is joined by Financial Advisor, Broadcaster, and Columnist, Eoin McGee, who’s here to talk about his new show ‘How To Tackle Your Finances’, which gives important financial advice in an ever-shifting world.

Polling day in the Presidential election is rapidly approaching.With just over two weeks of campaigning left, Kieran is joined by candidate Catherine Connolly to discuss recent events, and her thoughts on the campaign so far…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss how Google is changing how their search works with a new ‘AI Mode’...Image: Google

Michael Flynn, AKA Mattress Mick has a new memoir which is called ‘Bouncing Back’, looking at his life, and his many businesses across Ireland.He joins Kieran to discuss!

You may have noticed more Gardai on your commute this morning, that’s because today is operation ‘Twin Tracks’.All day, Gardaí have been patrolling on trains and Luases in an engagement campaign to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport. So, should we have something similar to this year-round with dedicated transport police?Joining Kieran to discuss is SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser John Murphy and former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared war on “fat generals”, but how hard is it to pass an army fitness test?Henry McKean took part in one with the Irish Defence Forces, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on!

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for autumn breaks in Ireland!

With all details of Budget 2026 out today, what would be the opposition's view on all of the changes made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty.

Sarah Clancy, Community worker and poet in Galway, has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israel for her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla.She joins Kieran to discuss her experience.Image: Reuters

Budget 2026 has been fully revealed today, and with it, the Government’s decision to drop VAT rates to 9% in the Hospitality sector.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Paul Gallagher Chief Executive of the Irish Hotel Federation and Michael Taft, Researcher at SIPTU.

Carer and advocate for education & inclusion Tracy Carroll joins Kieran to discuss the impact Budget 2026 has had on carers, and what more needs to be done.

With Budget 2026 revealed today, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe joins Kieran to discuss the changes made, and the reasoning behind some of the Government’s decisions.

With Budget 2026 revealed, what are your thoughts? Does it do enough, or does it miss the mark in key areas?Joining Kieran to discuss is Susan Hayes Culleton The Positive Economist & Presenter of Taking Stock, Danny McCoy CEO of IBEC, Tom McDonnell from  the Neven Economic Research Institute and later Carly Bailey, One Family Policy Manager.

All has been revealed today for Budget 2026. So, what’s new, and what should you look out for?Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins Kieran to go through the highlights of what has changed. Newstalk's Henry McKean also sends in thoughts from the public.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election is tomorrow, Tuesday October 7th.To tell more, Kieran is joined by Art O’Leary, Chief Executive, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Irish Electoral Commission

Big news today is that the Irish members of the Global Sumud Flotilla are en route home after some reports suggested they were subject to violence and aggressive treatment. They are being flown to Greece, where they make plans to come back to Ireland.Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Caoimhe Butterly, Human Rights Activist.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Optometrist John Weldon to discuss the importance of minding your child’s eyes, and general eye health.

As you will have heard, Jim Gavin has stepped down from the Presidential race.But, what now for Fianna Fáil, and what now for the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin?Joining Kieran to discuss and give their reactions is Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Minister of State Niall Collins, Paidi O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central and Michael Regan, Fianna Fáil Councillor on the Galway County Council. Also joining later to give their thoughts is Conor Lenihan, former Fianna Fail Minister and David W Higgins, Independent Economist.

Why do so many young Irish people move to Australia?Reporter Brianna Parkins is visiting from Australia, and joins Kieran in studio to discuss what life is like over there.

Why do we feel ashamed to be scammed when it happens to so many of us? And what are some of the best ways to spot and avoid a scam?To chat about all this, Kieran is joined by the owner of Pretty Baked Bakery in Donegal, Róisín Gillen, and the Editor of tech website Goosed.ie, Martin Meany.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent, to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Halloween season has started, so we buried Henry McKean alive, and he sent us his funeral! Henry got a sneak peek at the Nightmare Realm (with Fanta) which opens tomorrow in Dublin. The 7,000 square metre experience brings Halloween alive.Warning! This report has jump scares from the start!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss mayonnaise, and how you can responsibly use it in your recipes.

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

The adaptation of Marian Keyes’ ‘Walsh Sisters’ novels have taken Irish TV by storm!Joining Kieran to discuss is Stefanie Preissner, who not only plays the part of the ever-dependable sister Maggie, she also adapted  Marian Keyes' Walsh Sisters books into a 6-part series for RTÉ, writing four of the first season’s six episodes. Jay Duffy, who plays Luke Costello, the complicated love interest of one of the sisters Rachel, also joins to discuss!

Kieran is joined by Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Yoni Wieder, to share his thoughts following the terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester which led to the loss of two lives…

Do you have a shared bank account with your partner? Or are finances something you’d like to keep to yourself? Apparently, those under 30 want nothing to do with them…Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Fenell, Life Coach and Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Does the school lunch scheme adequately cater for those with dietary requirements? Some parents of children with the autoimmune condition coeliac disease feel they are not given enough of a variety…Joining Kieran to discuss is Sarah Keogh, Dietician and Nutritionist with the Coeliac Society of Ireland and Alison Mainprize, concerned parent and former Paediatric Dietician.

Former Dublin Footballer Philly McMahon joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Last night, Israeli forces intercepted 39 boats carrying aid and foreign activists to Gaza.Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that at least 14 Irish activists are among the hundreds of Gaza flotilla participants who were detained by Israeli forces…Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Irish Author, Naoise Dolan, who is still onboard the Flotilla en route to Gaza…

Today, the long-awaited MetroLink line, which will finally connect Dublin Airport to the city by rail, has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, three years after planning permission was sought.The 18.8km rail line, expected to cost more than €10 billion, was first proposed a quarter of a century ago, and is anticipated to begin operations in the mid-2030s.Joining Kieran to discuss this is the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and also Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.

Following her success at the World Athletics Championships, Kate O'Connor joins Kieran to discuss the achievement!

Ahead of the Presidential Election, should we revisit the idea of early and postal voting? Are the rules outdated?Joining Kieran to discuss is Evelyn Cormican, Business Owner and Galway Resident, and Ryan O’Meara, Fianna Fáil TD.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can properly clap!

Key workers, including nurses, gardaí and teachers will be eligible to rent low-cost homes within the next three years, as part of Dublin City Council’s pilot regeneration scheme which will redevelop derelict buildings in Dublin's inner city.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Róisín Murphy, Conservationist and Architect and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of The Irish Times.

After the first presidential debate on Monday night went off without fireworks, people are looking to the other debates to help them make up their mind. But, one place you won’t find one is on TG4, as they announced in September that they won’t be holding a debate as Gaeilge…This decision has been criticized with some saying that Irish speakers are being excluded. Independent Senator Eileen Flynn, who wrote to the station to reverse the decision, joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss the next generation of technology wearables, with Meta’s new smart glasses having a full colour display…Image: Meta

In 2018, after waiting for 36 hours on a trolley in University Hospital Limerick with stroke-like symptoms, Tommy Wynne was found unresponsive. Seven years on, his wife Marie McMahon says little has changed…She joins Kieran to discuss.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said today that he doesn’t want to see the Flotilla go any further, due to the danger that could come.It's as the boat is set to reach Gaza imminently.Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on it, and he joins Kieran to discuss what’s happening.Image: Reuters

Last month, while walking through Dublin city centre in the evening, Cat O’Driscoll, Social Democrat Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin was recently the victim of a random assault by a passerby, who punched her in the face…She has said she doesn’t know if the motivation behind the incident was targeted at her because of her politics, or simply because she is a woman.She joins Kieran to discuss.

Do you miss the old phone box to ring your boyfriend or girlfriend? Do you think it's sad they are now assigned to history? Today, we are celebrating the humble phone kiosk!Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss.

The government looks set to reduce the hospitality VAT rate from 13.5% down to 9% in the upcoming budget. But, is this a good idea, and does it make financial sense?Joining Kieran to discuss is Restauranteur, Anthony Gray and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for three different Tuscan cities!

Following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the summer, Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor, joins Kieran to discuss why it is important for women to advocate for themselves, especially if they feel something is not quite right…

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Nicola Sturgeon has been one of the most recognisable names in British politics in the past decade. Holding Scottish politics’ highest seat through Brexit, a historic first Scottish independence vote and a global pandemic.Nicola Sturgeon, with her new memoir ‘Frankly’, joins Kieran in the studio to discuss!

Almost two decades on from the first movie, a release date of July 3rd 2027 has been set for the second Simpsons movie...This comes after Season 37 just ended, with the show renewed through season 40.So, what is it that makes the show endure so long?Olivia Fahy is the Editor of Geek Ireland, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: 20th Century Studios

HIQA has published its latest report into University Hospital Limerick, where it has issued advice to the Government surrounding improved healthcare facilities for the region.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by one of the Spokespersons for the MidWest Hospital Campaign, Conor Reidy, and Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

Ahead of the Presidential election, there have been calls in some areas for people to spoil their votes in protest…Is this action democratic or undemocratic?To explain and discuss this more, Kieran is joined by Businessman and Entrepreneur, Declan Ganley, and Independent Senator, Gerard Craughwell.