The Hard Shoulder

Screenwriter and bestselling author of the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ series Derek Landy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

You may have seen online a rise in people using tanning accelerators, essentially, they are lotions, sprays and supplements that claim to enhance the skin’s ability to tan.But, how do they work, and are they safe?Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

The Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group is calling on the Government to take accountability and for transparency over the delay in assessing children who may have had unnecessary hip surgeries.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Amy, the Patient Advocacy Group’s Co-Chair.

While the big news of the day has been that both Seán Kelly and Heather Humphries are both putting themselves forward for the Fine Gael Presidential nomination. Fianna Fáil are making sure they’re not outdone. Their MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher, has said he has written to the party’s Cathaoirleach to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss their involvement in the race.Billy Kelleher joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is often portrayed as a need for complete order and organization, but what is it really like to live with the condition?Kieran is joined by David Monaghan, who has lived with OCD since he was a child, to discuss the common misconceptions of the disorder…

As the world watched Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting yesterday, the topic of security guarantees for Ukraine emerged. But, what exactly was said, and what role will our Defence Forces have after the war?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euro News and Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Security Analyst.Image: Reuters

It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re getting into the later stages of your life - it becomes more and more important.Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top financial planning tips for those aged 45-60!

What sets Irish people apart from other people when it comes to complaining? Are we a nation of secret complainers, or has that changed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Journalist for the Irish Examiner and Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.

Research shows that twins experience dependency and rivalry more so than non-twin siblings. This is especially seen in the adolescence years. So, how can parents ensure to help each twin develop their own unique personality?Joining Kieran to discuss strategies for parents of twins is twin expert, Dr Joan Friedman.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to meet with US President Donald Trump today following Trump’s meeting with Putin on Friday. Though the terms are unclear, Trump has maintained that “significant progress” has been made towards a Russia/Ukraine ceasefire.Joining Kieran to discuss is Michael Baskin, CEO of Ukrainian Crisis Centre Ireland, Scott Lucas, Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin and later Nadia Dobrianska, Ukrainian Historian in Ireland and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal.

If you were at either of the Oasis Croke Park gigs over the weekend you may have noticed the large amount of people with their phones in the air. Bob Dylan recently banned phones at his concerts and Sabrina Carpenter has said that she considered banning them.So, should we ban filming concerts on your phone to allow people to ‘live in the moment’?Joining Kieran to discuss is Journalist and Host of the ‘No Encore’ music podcast, Dave Hanratty.

Getting your kids to eat their food can already be tough, but the heat can make it more difficult. So, how can you deal with a lack of appetites?Joining Kieran for this week’s Kids Health Check with her advice is Louise Lennox Chef and Founder of Fussy Eating Kids.

The Department of Finance has published a document on tax, and a section has caught people’s attention. Currently, if you have solar panels and sell your excess energy back, you get a €400 tax exemption – but, this is set to be removed at the end of the year, with people needing to declare the income.Joining Kieran to discuss the situation is Darragh Cassidy, the Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie.

Former President Mary McAleese has criticized Pope Leo’s first 100 days in the papacy, saying it's been “too conservative”. She has questioned whether he is as committed to Pope Francis’ reforms – but, is 100 days too early to judge?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Quinn, Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Irish Catholic and Gina Menzies, a Theologian.

With more and more people living in rented accommodation across the country, a lot of people may not fully understand what rights they have as a tenant.Joining Kieran to discuss what issues some people are having at the moment, and how they could go about dealing with them is John Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold and Kevin O’Higgins, a practicing Solicitor and a former President of the Law Society of Ireland.

The ASTI has warned that if the planned reforms to the Leaving Certificate go ahead, they may go on strike with their over 20 thousand members. This issue stems from questions about facility quality and fears about generative AI.Joining Kieran to outline the issues, and explain their reasoning is the President of the ASTI and practical teacher Padraig Curley.

A video of a 19-year-old Australian male athlete breaking down in tears has gone viral on social media. The Australian, Archie Wilson, is playing college football in the U.S. state of Nebraska. After a match last week, he was asked by a reporter what it’s like to be away from his family and that’s when he broke down, missing his family.While most of the reaction was supportive and people felt for the young man living away from home, he also received negative comments questioning his masculinity.To discuss the stigma around men being vulnerable and crying, Kieran is joined by former Munster and Irish Rugby International and Mental Health Advocate, Alan Quinlan, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Tara Logan Buckley, and Newstalk Reporter, Dylan Hand.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

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 the candidates who received support from county council to become president of Ireland.

Reports are coming in this Friday eve of Oasis fever gripping the country!But, as the capital prepares for the big gigs this weekend in Croker, the question remains: “Which one do you prefer, Oasis or Blur?”.Father Damo AKA Comedian Joe Rooney are here in the studio as well as Micheal Doyle, Journalist with the Irish Sun.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss strawberries - and how they can be used in multiple delicious 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 big news of the day is that Donal Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska, with rumors circling about whether this could end the war in Ukraine.Joining Kieran to give the latest news on the ground is Jeff Landfield, the Editor-in-Chief at the Alaska Landmine, and Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran speaks with Ukrainians living in Ireland on what they would like to see from the meeting.Image: Reuters

After their massive falling out Oasis are back together and are on stage at Croke Park tomorrow night. The Live 25 tour could bring in over €1 billion, their first gigs in over 16 years!Henry McKean has been soaking up the atmosphere in advance of the 2 night sold-out Croke Park gigs (after securing his own tickets), and joins Kieran to discuss.

Brain boosting supplements - are they just a gimmick? Or can they really improve your long-term memory?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr. Sabina Brennan, Psychologist, Neuroscientist and author of ‘Still Me: A neuroscientist’s guide to caring for someone with dementia’.

Do we have an issue with catcalling in this country?Because there seems to be one in Surrey in the UK. Female police officers went undercover as joggers for an entire month to experience the alleged harassment that locals were reporting to the police. So, what did they find out? One police officer was honked at within ten minutes of her running. Then another car slowed down, beeping and making gestures just 30 seconds later...To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Fitness Influencer, Siobhán O’Hagan and Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan.

Now, a new report has shown that many guards are not doing their jobs for road policing properly. The Crowe Report, to give it its official title, says that some Guards may be breaching their code of ethics as they’re unproductive and unconcerned with doing effective work. The Report also says a lack of resources for road policing is a problem.Joining Kieran to discuss was Pat Marry – former detective, inspector, and senior investigating officer, who now works as an author  John Joe O’Connell - member of the Roads Policing Unit and GRA Representative for Kildare Donna Price – President of the Irish Road Victims Association whose son died in a road accident in 2006 –

Fine Gael Presidential nominee Mairead McGuinness has dropped out of the race to become the next president of Ireland.In a statement to Fine Gael Members, McGuinness said the “This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week.”To reflect on where this leaves the Presidential race and to speculate who may become the next president of Ireland now, Kieran was joined by Shane Coleman, Broadcaster and presenter of Newstalk Breakfast and Sean Defoe Newstalk Political correspondent

From Eddington, together to k-pop demon hunters David O’ Callaghan,   From the Here and Back Again podcast and  Dee Reddy,   Podcaster and Cultural commentator, joined the Hard Shoulder with their top picks for weekend viewing — including the best new films, series, and streaming releases.

Ireland is known to be the land of a "hundred thousand welcomes or “Cead mile failte” In recent times, we have seen and heard about the horrific attacks on members of the Indian community so how true really is the notion of Cead mile failte ?Joining Kieran was Irish Times Journalist and Historian Ronan Mcgreevy,  and Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer at the ESRI to discuss.

Alcohol and drug use among e-scooter users, increased littering within Dublin city's inner city and a Donegal GAA club being forced to install CCTV to deal with dog fouling. This week, there have been a number of stories which seem to suggest that we have a blatant disregard for others. But what is driving the disrespect of our communities?Joining Kieran to discuss was Noel Cunningham, hotelier, and TV personality, author of Guide to Modern Irish Manners, Shane Coleman, Broadcaster and presenter of Newstalk Breakfast IDPTL, Patti Shields, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad.  Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry, At Trinity College Dublin. Brenda Power, Sunday times and Daily Mail Columnist 

Will the two leaders make a deal to bring the war in Ukraine to an end? Or will the conversation be overshadowed by the urge to discuss the "huge untapped potential" for Russia-U.S. economic ties. For the latest on the meeting between president Trump and Putin. Kieran was joined by European Correspondent for Euro News, Shona Murray. And Ukraine Correspondent for Ouest-France, Radio France Internationale, and France24, Emmanuelle Chaze

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.What can be done to resolve the issue of scoliosis treatment in this country?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Cullinane, Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperson and Amanda Coughlan, Co-Lead of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Pediatric Advocacy Group.

A study around the attitudes towards concussions among amateur rugby players was made public today. The study found that an alarming amount of players said they would continue to play rugby despite being aware of their concussion and that they would intentionally avoid seeking medical attention after a suspected concussion.Just last week, two Japanese boxers died from brain injuries after receiving blows to the head which went untreated.This issue is alarming enough that our Women’s Rugby team is introducing mouthguards that will alter when a player may have suffered a blow to the head that warrants getting examined for a concussion. These will be introduced ahead of next week’s World Cup.To unpack all this, Kieran is joined by Colin Doherty, Professor of Neurology at Trinity and Consultant Neurologist at St. James’s.

Would you let Instagram access your camera roll and all the data that comes with it to give you story suggestions and other features? Or is that too much of a privacy concern?For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this and more.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley, who waited for three years for surgery for his scoliosis which he finally received in 2020 and Catriona Phelan, mum of 11-year-old Brianna Phelan Somers was born with myelomeningocele spina bifida and scoliosis and had her treatment abroad.

Due to budget constraints, the Government failed to pay members of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) last year due to greater-than-expected recruitment.Recruitment to the Reserves has increased in the number of years, with demand set to increase.What is the role of the reserves, and how important is it to invest in them?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Declan Power, Security Analyst and Declan Ganley, Businessman and Entrepreneur.

U2's statement online condemning the war in Gaza has been roundly criticized, with some claiming its performative and fake. But, other artists who say similar things have been widely praised – so what is the formula behind releasing the right statement?Joining Kieran to discuss is John O’Brennan, a Professor of European Politics in Maynooth University.

It’s in our clothing; it’s in our cooking utensils and it’s in our food packaging: microplastics. How worried should we be about its effect on our health?Dr Brendan O Shea, Kildare based GP joins Kieran to discuss.

‘It’s been like 10 minutes.’ That was tennis star Emma Raducanu asking the umpire for a crying child to be ejected at the Cincinnati Open match against Aryna Sabalenka. But, should babies even be at sporting events where players need concentration?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

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 Cancún in Mexico!

Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a 12th album! While we don’t have a release date, we do have an album name which is ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.The album name was revealed this morning on a clip which was teasing her upcoming appearance on the American podcast, New Heights, which is hosted by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother.There's no doubt that Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most successful superstars, but how does she do it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Presenter of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan HayesCulleton, Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan and Taylor Swift superfan Emily Bresnahan.

The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular.Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years.Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport.She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

The Ireland India Council has postponed India Day celebrations after recent attacks on their community, citing fears for their safety.Michael Sheehan, Independent Councillor in New Ross, Wexford, thinks the Government should step in to host these celebrations, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Rocky Horror Show has arrived in the Bord Gais, bringing some stars with it!Kieran is joined by actor and singer Jason Donovan, who plays Dr Frank N Furter and actor and broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli, who plays the Narrator to discuss the show.

It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re well into the adult stage of your life - it becomes increasingly important.Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips for those aged 30-45!

Back in June, the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee recommended schools use as many generic pieces as possible in their uniforms. According to the CCPC, 75% of schools have at least one uniform item that must be purchased from a specific retailer, which many parents feel is unnecessary and costly.Principal at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Bríd Ní Annracháin, joins Kieran to discuss.

In today’s digital world, most people don’t even think to carry cash with them, because why bother if everywhere accepts contactless payments?But actually, research shows that there are still times where cash comes in handy.A study in the UK, found that 41% of people have been caught out by not having cash.They said that they’ve needed cash when tipping at restaurants, paying for car parking or simply grabbing a trolley in a supermarket.Joining Kieran to debate is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Aoife Rooney, Assistant Editor of Weekend Magazine with the Irish Independent.

A Cork City Councillor has proposed that 15 and 16 year olds be allowed to drive ‘microcars’. Quadricycles, as they’re officially known, are small battery-powered cars which are very popular on the continent.So, should it happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is Damian Boylan, a Fine Gael Councillor in Cork City.