The Hard Shoulder

Agóid Náisúinta na nGael, a National Protest for the Irish Language, took place in Dublin over the weekend. Chief among protesters’ demands is more housing in the country’s Gaeltacht areas…Newstalk Reporter James Wilson took a trip down to Cape Clear in Cork to find out about the impact of the housing crisis on our native language, and sends in this report.

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…

Eoin O’Malley is Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, and his new book, ‘Charlie V Garret’, details the fascinating rivalry between Charles J. Haughey and Dr Garret FitzGerald…He joins Kieran to discuss!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the art of snacking, and how you can do it without going overboard!

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. Plus, Cathal Denehy, Freelance Sports Journalist, joins to discuss how things are going at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Mary Lou McDonald has said Sinn Féin will endorse a presidential candidate with ‘plenty of Irish’ ahead of tomorrow's announcement, causing speculation on who the likely candidate will be…Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Fionnán Sheehan, Ireland Editor with The Irish Independent.

Irish author, Naoise Dolan has said she accepts that death is a “necessary risk” as she prepares to set sail on the Global Sumud Flotilla on Saturday from Italy, delivering aid to Gaza.She joins Kieran to discuss…

South Dublin County Council has recently passed a motion calling for a moratorium on new data centres being built in the area unless they operate wholly on renewable energy resources.However, People Before Profit Cllr Jess Spear doesn’t believe this motion goes far enough… She joins Kieran to discuss.

Dublin’s four local authorities will meet this month to commence their drive for national legislation to enable councils to implement a tourist tax.Representatives are coming together to lobby the government to give councils the power to introduce a “transient visitor levy” on overnight stays in hotels, short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnbs, and other accommodation.The proposed tax, led by the Transient Visitor Levy Working Group, would be applied at a local level, meaning individual councils would have the power to impose the tax as they see fit, or choose not to impose it at all.So, should we have it? And, how does it work in other countries?Joining Kieran to discuss is Labour Councillor for Galway County Council, Helen Ogbu, Reuters Chief Correspondent for Italy, Crispian Balmer and Journalist with “The Local” in Germany, Paul Krantz.

John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, 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…

In today’s day and age, we are constantly being fed news. In fact, most of us can’t seem to escape the news!With news alerts flooding our phones, many people struggle to switch off from what is happening across the globe.This of course can be very fatiguing, but what can we do to stop this?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Kelly and Elaine Burke, from the For Tech's Sake podcast.

Christine Duff of The Traitors Ireland fame joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Neil and Donna Sands, the Irish couple behind the landmark Tattle Life case, are seeking to appear before the Oireachtas to discuss online abuse after appearing in Westminster on Monday.The pair will also request that Google be called to appear before the media committee to explain its continued monetisation of the platform.Neil and Donna Sands join Kieran to discuss.Image: goss.ie

He’s already secured some support, but what are his odds of reaching the Áras?Joining Kieran to discuss his Presidential hopes is Entrepreneur and Businessman, Gareth Sheridan.

To date, 57 people have drowned in Irish waters this year…Emergency services are also reporting a higher number of rescue operations than 2024.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with those who work at sea, and volunteer in recovery missions. He sends in this report.

US television host Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was pulled from the air last night, hours after the US government threatened to cancel broadcasting licences because of comments the host made about the killing of far-right activist Charlie Kirk…The stunning move by network ABC to remove one of America’s most influential late-night shows was blasted by critics as government censorship, but celebrated by Donald Trump.Joining Kieran to discuss is Senior Lecturer at the School of Media in Technical University Dublin, Harry Browne, and also Professor and Political analyst, of the Clinton institute, UCD, Scott Lucas Image: Reuters

Should smartphones and gaming devices be confiscated from repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour? Well, that is what the Dáil is being asked today!Independent Dublin TD Paul Gogarty is behind the motion, which also suggests imposing curfews and fining parents…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Youth Worker from Justask.ie Declan Keenan and former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan.

26% of Irish adults have no retirement plan in place. That's according to new figures released by the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission. So what's standing in the way of proper pension planning, and why do 61% of those without a plan expect the State Pension to fund their retirement? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

When it comes to the farming industry in Ireland, there is no shortage of challenges for those involved. But, what are the major concerns for farmers today?Joining Kieran to discuss is President of the Irish Farmers Association, Francie Gorman.

How is tech changing the farming industry?Joining Kieran to discuss is Seamus Kenny, Founder of Kilkenny start up Autocoupler and Breifne O'Brien, Tech Journalist with Agriland to discuss!

‘Man flu’ is a term used to describe a mild illness, but with exaggerated symptoms. Men take more sickies on average than women, five sick days a year, compared to just four days for women.So, does this fit the bill for you?Henry McKean has been asking people at the Ploughing Championships, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Joining Kieran for a chat at the Ploughing Championships is Antrim Manager Davy Fitzgerald, who is today not looking for Ireland's fittest family, but instead the fittest farmer!

Gardaí investigating the disappearance of a missing child have discovered skeletal remains in Donabate, north County Dublin.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte now joins Kieran from the scene to give the latest updates.

Kieran is joined by two men who, despite having full-time jobs, decided on a career change that would allow them to devote their time to their sport and to the GAA.One is an official Sliotar supplier to the GAA and the other is a master craftsman of ash Hurleys…Liam Mockler from Cúl Sliotars and Adrian Moran from Moran Hurley’s join to discuss!

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has published the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming.The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine a range of issues in the area of farm succession and barriers to entry into the sector for young farmers.The new report has made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports; pensions; taxation; access to finance; access to land; collaborative arrangements; advisory services; education and training; gender balance; and the overall attractiveness of the sector.Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon.

Here in Ireland, the Mexican community is growing, with businesses and events popping up all over the country. How do they celebrate Mexican Independence Day here, and what does Mexican culture look like in Ireland?Newstalk's Alex Alcala Reports!

Kieran is joined by journalist and author Michael Moynihan to discuss his new book: ‘More Than A Game: The GAA and Where It's Going’!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month,, and joining Kieran to discuss is Laura Cullinan, CEO of Childhood Cancer Ireland and parent of a survivor to discuss the Gold Ribbon Programme, which was launched to support families of children who are fighting cancer...

Images have resurfaced today in The Irish Daily Mail of Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes, where he wore a blackface Barack Obama costume to a Halloween party in college back in 2009, for which he has since apologised.Kieran is joined by Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore to talk more on the current situation…

Actor and Director Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89…Joining Kieran to look back on his legacy is Brian Llyod, Entertainment Journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast.

In recent times, E Scooters have been frequently flagged and branded as more dangerous than their estranged cousin: the E Bike.But, is this the case?Well, according to a new study by Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology Electric Bike users are eight times more likely to crash than E Scooters.Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Consultant in Emergency Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dr John Legge, and Columnist for the Irish Mirror, Joe O’Shea.

People watching the Traitors Ireland were left "howling" after contestant Paudie drew the line at hugging another player.Henry McKean is at the Ploughing asking the question: do men from rural Ireland just not hug?He joins Kieran to share what he’s heard!

A recent survey by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission showed 84% of Irish people are worried about the cost of living crisis…What can be done to improve things?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Economist at TU Dublin, Emma Howard, and Research and Policy Analyst with Social Justice Ireland, Suzanne Rogers.

On his current tour ‘Desperate House Husband’, Kieran is joined to discuss all by Comedian, Actor, Broadcaster and author, Bernard O’Shea!

Adriana Casserly is a Freelance Writer and Journalist in the northwest of Ireland. Previously, she was a Staff Editor at The New York Times. Why did she move? Because she believed that the United States was not safe for her children.With the recent assasination of Charlie Kirk, and the frequency of mass shootings, will the USA ever see the status quo change when it comes to guns?Adriana joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Dr Patricia Byrne, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist to discuss how you can support your child when they take up a new skill or hobby.

Earlier today, a Cork mother confronted Taoiseach Micheál Martin about her daughter’s need for hip surgery and the years of negligence from the Government.Antoinette Burke’s daughter, Katie, has cerebral palsy and requires a femoral and pelvic osteotomy surgery. An operation that Irish surgeons are unable to carry out, forcing her to have it abroad in the U.S. state of Florida…Antoinette believes that the surgery could have been carried out here in Ireland when Katie was a child, but doctors at the time refused.Antoinette joins Kieran to discuss.If you would like to help with Katie's hip surgery, you can support at https://gofund.me/19ffd38b1  

The process of drafting legislation that will remove Dublin Airport's 32 million a year passenger cap is expected to happen soon. Is it the right idea?The Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said he is now pursuing "a legislative course of action" to make the lifting of the passenger cap happen. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Dame Esther Rantzen appeared on Good Morning Britain in the UK this past Friday, and spoke candidly about her plans for death. It's as the UK Parliament continues to debate and scrutinize their Assisted Dying Bill.Why is it taking the UK so long to pass this legislation, and what is it doing to families affected by it?Her daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

To discuss the latest in the county council nominations for President, Kieran is joined by Independent Kerry Councillor Niall ‘Botty’ O’Callaghan, and Acting Political Editor with the Irish Examiner, Paul Hosford.

Threats to politicians are on the rise, with some recently made to Tánaiste Simon Harris and his family and the murder of right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk in the United States last week. While the majority of people, politicians and the public, condemn and speak out against these threats, we are still left asking how can they be prevented?Dr. Peter Boylan wrote a letter to the Irish Times condemning the threats made to Tánaiste Simon Harris, saying they are “completely unacceptable”. However, he points to the failure of Irish politicians to unequivocally condemn Kneecap for a 2023 performance, when they say to the crowd “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”Dr Peter Boylan, former Minister of National Maternity Hospital and Chairman of Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and author of ‘In the Shadow of the Eighth’ joins Kieran to discuss.

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…

The World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo, taking place from the 13th to 21st of September. What are Ireland’s hopes for success?Joining Kieran to discuss is Freelance Sports Journalist, Cathal Dennehy.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss apples, and the lovely things you can make out of them!

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.

“We got him” was the message from Utah Governor Spencer Cox earlier today, as 22-year old Tyler Robinson was taken into custody, who is suspected of killing Charlie Kirk on Wednesday.US-based Journalist Harriet Alexander joins Kieran with the latest updates.

The Association of Catholic Priests are calling for golfers not to take part in next year's Irish Open, which will be held at Trump International in Doonbeg, saying it is “shameful” and “another example of appeasing Donald Trump”.Joining Kieran to discuss is one of the association's Co-Founders, Father Tony Flannery.

A new report from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) shows that the number of evictions facing renters has increased by 17% compared to a three month period last year.Why is this happening, and how is it affecting people?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating and joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland’s rugby game against France takes place this Sunday, as the tournament reaches knock-out stages. How will they fare?Joining Kieran to look ahead to the fixture is Allison Miller, former Irish rugby player and Fiona Hayes, former Ireland international, and two-time Six Nations winner.

Bord Gáis Energy customers are facing electricity price hikes of more than €200 a year after the company became the second provider to announce increases in less than a week. So, should you be making a switch or is there even any savings left to be made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Conor Pope.