The Hard Shoulder

Cúpla focail have featured heavily in The Traitors, but should it feature more prominently in pop culture to keep it relevant?Joining Kieran to discuss is Julian De Spainn, Ard-Rúnaí (General Secretary) at Conradh na Gaeilge and Louise Cantillon, Today FM Presenter.

John Fardy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster, 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…

As party campaigns kick off, The Hard Shoulder’s series learning more about the history of the presidential office continues.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to look back on the ‘new wave’ of Irish Presidents, including how Mary Robinson changed Ireland’s place in the world stage as President.

Don Baker, blues musician, television personality and actor joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

As the secretary and caretaker strikes continue today, what are the next steps, and how close are we to seeing a resolution?Joining Kieran to discuss is Secretary of Catherine McAuley NS, Debbie Burke, the General Secretary of the ASTI, Kieran Christie, and Principal of Gorey Community School, Michael Finn.

Pensions : when should you set them up, and how much should you be saving?Joining Kieran to discuss and give his best advice is Financial Adviser, Padraic Kissane.

Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on a flotilla in the Mediterranean headed to Gaza to provide aid, and hopefully break through the blockade.He joins Kieran to give an update on how the journey is going.Image: Reuters

The most stressful time of the day for parents is 7:16am - according to a new survey. The panic of getting kids out the door and on the way to school is the main reason for this.So, why are we in such a rush?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to discuss.

While dogs have long been considered meat-eaters, new research and firsthand experiences suggest they may actually thrive on plant-based diets.Would you put your dog on a vegan diet?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Gerry Boland, Founder of and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World and listeners.

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 look powerful!

We are now going back to the 1990’s, when the most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time got together. Steps have sold over 25 million records and are in Dublin today promoting their new musical 'Here and Now' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from the 23rd of September. Henry McKean met Steps and sent in this 90’s nostalgia report!You can hear more from Steps on the Rewind - Celebrating 1997 on the October Bank Holiday Monday with Henry McKean. It would be a tragedy to miss it.

10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach…The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world.How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and John Lannon, CEO of Doras.

With all the talk surrounding a metro line to Dublin Airport, what is actually the fastest way to get there today? We’ve decided to put it to the test!Newstalk’s Ellen Butler is taking the bus, Alex Rowley is taking the car, Meghan O’Halloran is in a taxi and Dylan Hand is riding a bike! Who will win?

The Government has announced the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, but what exactly are the commitments being made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

Under-16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy – thus fulfilling one of Labour’s election promises.Shops, cafes, restaurants and websites will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16.Is it time to consider doing the same here?Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joins Kieran to discuss.

A suggestion has been made to remove the option to pay for parking using the Payzone app on residential streets near Croke Park. If this does happen - what does that mean for travelling fans?Former GAA President, Liam O’Neill, and Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County, Richard O’Donoghue, join Kieran to discuss.

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 travel tips for the city of Marrakesh in Morocco!

According to a national survey by CyberSafeKids, there has been a huge uptick in the usage of AI chatbots by children in the country - without any safeguards.Should children be using AI at all?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tech Editor for The Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler.

Last week, a discussion was held on the show on what the Government should consider ahead of budget 2026 when it comes to health, but what about childcare?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tanya Ward, CEO of The Children's Rights Alliance and Louise Bayliss from SPARK.

Former RTÉ Broadcaster joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Gardaí have said today that they believe a missing boy in North Co. Dublin, who has not been seen for over three years, has died.The child is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate. He would now be seven years old.Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan, who is at the scene in Donabate, for the latest updates, and is also joined by Children’s Rapporteur Caoilfhionn Gallagher and David Hall, CEO of the Lifeline Ambulance Service to discuss.

As reports continue around clothing banks overflowing - is there any way to shift the public’s focus from fast fashion to more sustainable clothing?Freelance Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Sustainable Fashion Educator, Miriam Keegan, join Kieran to discuss…

Following the latest clampdown on dodgy boxes, where 15 retail outlets that help provide the service were targeted across nine counties, the question remains: can you really stop dodgy boxes?Joining Kieran to discuss is Kieron Sharp, Chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk & Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent.

The number of students to have their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Cert Applied results permanently withheld because of cheating in this year’s exams has risen significantly.Figures from the State Examinations Commission show that 155 results have been permanently withheld because of cheating, more than double the 71 results initially withheld last year…Of course, cheating on your state exams is rightly looked down upon, but what about in your day to day life? Is it ever okay to cheat? And, just why do we do it?Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Senior Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Anne Keogh and Comedian Steve Cummins.

Unregulated AI chatbots pose a major threat to children online according to Ireland's child online safety charity, Cyber Safe Kids.To discuss further Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean. 

Over the past 5 years the number of children identified as victims of child trafficking has increased from 0 in 2020 to 10 in 2024…Recent legislative changes have led to better methods of victim identification, but can more be done to protect against trafficking?Liam Herrick is Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and joins Kieran to discuss.

It's been around 8 years since the launch of Sláintecare, and as reforms have been introduced gradually to remove private practice from public hospitals - the overall goal of Sláintecare.The changes, however, may be leading to the ever-increasing cost of health insurance.Joining Kieran to discuss is Tony O'Brien, former Director General of the HSE and Sunday Independent Columnist.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, to discuss tips and tricks to support your kids if they are experiencing bullying, and ways to spot it.

A flotilla heading to Gaza that had departed Barcelona was forced back to port after a storm hit parts of Spain overnight.They were due to set sail this afternoon, and Kieran caught up with one of those on board, Comedian Tadhg Hickey, just before they set off again.

It’s being argued that the tricolour has been erected across Irish communities as part of an anti-immigration campaign. What is the solution to this?Over how to tackle this issue, Kieran is joined by Labour Cllr for Dublin South Central, Darragh Moriarty.

Episode 1 of ‘The Traitors: Ireland’ is in the books, with twists and turns all over the place.Many fans of the UK series have been waiting for this Irish version to come on air – is it worth the wait?Kieran is joined by 98FM Producer Russell Alford!Image: RTÉ

With the next Presidential Election looming, questions remain on who exactly will be on the ballot. Fianna Fáil seem to be in two camps, with backing for both MEP Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin - with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern not ruling himself out. There are also questions about who Sinn Féin’s pick will be, and if Catherine Connolly could get their support.Joining Kieran with the latest updates is Political Correspondent for the Irish Daily Mail, Sarah McGuinness.

If you are someone who loves a loyalty card, then should you ask yourself: is the company I’m loyal to as loyal to me?Joining Kieran with her tips and tricks for getting the best subscription deals is Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner…

Speaking on the Hard Shoulder last week on the issue of shoplifting, former Garda Inspector and Risk Assessor Tony Gallagher called on the Government to explore the privatisation of the prisons service, as capacity continues to impact sentencing among other issues…So, is he right? Could the privatisation of prisons help alleviate the current problems around prison capacity?Joining Kieran to discuss is John McGuirk, Editor of Gript.ie and Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Ruth Scott, Broadcaster and Humanist Celebrant to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Twenty years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. To remember the day, Kieran is joined by Jean Whitfield and Michael Leyden, who were in the city at the time on their honeymoon.

Beans beans, good for your heart, beans beans… you know the rest!Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss butter beans!

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

With the Irish version of the TV series ‘The Traitors’ revealed to be filming in Slane Castle in County Meath, what more can we expect in the future from the venue?Joining Kieran to discuss all is son of the late Lord Henry Mount Charles, and Custodian of Slane Castle, Alex Coyningham.

Ireland will be looking to continue their winning ways against Spain on Sunday in the Women's Rugby World Cup, following a comprehensive win against Japan last weekend.Joining Kieran to look ahead to the fixture is Fiona Hayes, former Ireland international and two-time 6 nations winner, as well Aoife McDermott, former Ireland International.

With more movement on the Irish Presidential race today, the question remains on who will come out on top for Fianna Fáil, with MEP Billy Kelleher putting his name in the hat, and Minister James Lawless officially backing Jim Gavin, who is yet to actually announce if he is running. Also, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out running yet…Joining Kieran to break this down and more is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

The Electric Picnic music festival kicks off today and across the weekend in Stradbally, County Laois - featuring big artists like Chappell Roan, Hozier and Kneecap.Will you be attending, will you be vicariously living it through social media, or will you be ignoring it from home?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and has been talking to attendees, he joins Kieran to share what he’s heard. Psychologist Niamh Delmar also joins to discuss the fear of missing out, or FOMO.

Some small rural schools across Ireland are being excluded from the school meals scheme. To shed some light on the situation and why it’s happening, Kieran is joined by a concerned parent from Kerry, Michael Coady, Principal of St James National School in Stradbally, Co Waterford, Rebecca Miller and Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of food supplier Carambola, Colm O’Brien.

Kieran is joined in the Kennedy Summer School by Sharon Clancy, singer and actress, to discuss her journey to becoming a jazz musician, and her upcoming debut jazz album!

As the first round of the CAO offers have been made to thousands of students across the country, what follows for many is a scramble for student accommodation as shortage drives prices…Joining Kieran to discuss all of this is Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless.

Joining Kieran in this year’s Kennedy Summer School in New Ross to discuss his life covering politics is one of Ireland’s best known Journalists in print and broadcasting, Sean O’Rourke!

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald turns 100 this year, and joining Kieran to discuss its significance is Dr of Modern History Brian Murphy, Professor Kirk Curnutt, Author and Researcher and Sarah Churchwell, Professor in American Literature.

Over 60 years on from John F. Kennedy’s visit to New Ross, it is a day that is still remembered fondly.Kieran is joined by Anna Sinnott, who was there when the late US President visited in 1963, to look back on the experience.

In the current era of Trump and his influence internationally, what are Irish-American relations like today?Joining Kieran to discuss is former Massachusetts State Senator and State Representative, Linda Dorcena Forry.

From That Small Island is a four-part documentary series which looks at the story of Irish people, and one of the main focuses, the Irish diaspora: over 80 million of them. Joining Kieran to discuss the series and the current diaspora is Briona Ní Dhiarmada, Writer, Academic and Filmmaker, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Musician and Eamonn Hore Director of Services for Wexford County Council.