The Hard Shoulder

In recent times, the RSA has come under increased scrutiny for their handling of the Irish driving test. At the start of the year, waiting times had reached an all-time high, leaving learner drivers across the country in outrage over the back log in the system.Since then, waiting times have fallen, allowing many prospective drivers to sit their test, and hopefully swap their L plates for N’s.But, what exactly is the experience of today’s learners sitting their test, and what exactly does it take to pass?Newstalk Reporter Dylan Hand has recently taken his own driving test, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster 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 discuss the creation and evolution of the role of President in this country.

Former Minister and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Shane Ross, joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Childcare providers say that they are being forced to pull out of a Government funding scheme...The Core Funding Grant was set up back in 2022 to help childcare providers with operating costs. However, to avail of this, providers had to commit to a fee freeze…Owners say that given soaring costs over the last number of years, along with wider challenges, they are now being forced to up their fees and in turn pull out of the grant scheme.Joining Kieran to discuss this is one of those making this decision - Rebecca Fleury, who runs six premises across Donegal, as well as Elaine Dunne, from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.Later, Kieran is also joined by Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and TD for Roscommon / Galway.

Last week, the show covered a silent vigil that took place over an unprovoked and racially-motivated attack on an Indian man.Unfortunately, it seems that more attacks on the Indian community are taking place…Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter, has been investigating and joins Kieran to discuss.

This summer, you might be struggling to keep your kids busy while they are out of school, but don’t worry! The Hard Shoulder will be looking at different ways to keep those small ones occupied.Kieran is joined by Finn Fury, son of Finbar Fury and Adam Agee to discuss why you might want to get your kids into trad music.

Earlier today, Conor McGregor lost his appeal against the finding of a civil jury that he raped Nikita Hand.McGregor, who told the civil trial he had consensual sex with Nikita Hand in a Dublin penthouse in December 2018, launched an appeal after a jury of eight women and four men found him civilly liable.Joining Kieran to discuss is Frank Greaney, Newstalk Courts Correspondent.

An estimated 30,000 festival goers expected at All Together Now this weekend, including Kieran!Festivals, even when the weather plays nice can be messy, and potentially disgusting if you are not prepared!So, how does one prepare themselves?Kieran is joined by Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist and Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent, both who will be attending All Together Now this weekend to discuss!

The Asthma Society of Ireland is calling on the Government to make asthma medication and treatment more accessible and affordable. This call comes as the organisation released its pre-budget submission earlier this week. As part of the submission, they presented concerning data which stated that 24% of their respondents had gone without asthma medication at least once in the past three months because they couldn’t afford it…Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Professor Ross Morgan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Member of the Medical Advisory Group Asthma Society of Ireland to discuss this.

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.With today being the United Nations Day of Friendship, Simon joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss how you can make new friends!

With an estimated one in five people in Ireland experiencing digestive problems on a regular basis, finding solutions to such problems is clearly wanted.But, with there being all kinds of products, wellness trends and diets out there: what are they do’s and don’ts for gut wellness?Lorraine Cooney is a Gut Health Dietician and joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Achill Island in Mayo has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands in the world! The travel magazine, Big 7, published a list of the top 50 islands... and not only did Achill make the top 10, but it nabbed spot #8!To hear about this not-so-hidden gem, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Manager of Achill Tourism, Chis McCarthy and owner of Lynott’s Pub in Achill, Mick Lynch.

New figures released show that only 1/3 of people accused of sexual offences in the last ten years were prosecuted. Often, the reason given for a case not being brought forward is a lack of evidence.Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Jessica Woodlock, Newstalk Reporter, Hazel Behan, Sexual Assault Survivor & Activist and Noeline Blackwell, Lawyer & Victims Rights Activist to discuss.If you have been affected by anything in this podcast, you can contact the Rape Crisis Network’s 24 Hour helpline at 1800 778888.

Today is International Friendship Day!Henry McKean has been out asking people about friendships, and how to get out of toxic friendships. He joins guest host Mandy Johnston to share what he’s heard.

A woman who was falsely imprisoned and brutally tortured over the course of 3 hours has stated that she feels “numb” after 5 five men were sentenced today by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.Frank Greaney is Newstalk Court Correspondent, and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

If you have social media, it’s likely that you may have shared pictures and videos of your loved ones.But, with the race to develop more advanced artificial intelligence ever increasing, should we hold concerns over how social media companies are now processing our personal data?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Eoin O’Dell, Associate Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin.

There is no doubt that sending and receiving voice notes is now one of the mainstream ways we communicate with one another.But, how do you feel about them? Do you like and use them, or are they more of a hindrance than an effective method of communication?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Journalist and Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Examiner.Image: Meta

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 guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for Ballybunion in Kerry!

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said today that the UK will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September, unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace process that delivers a two state solution.London Journalist and Commentator Enda Brady joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

How would you feel about living in your parents’ back garden? With rents still rising, the Government is now looking at making modular homes exempt from planning permission to tackle the housing crisis, but would they work? Is this yet another ineffective short-term measure?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Conservationist and Architect Róisín Murphy.

Donal Fallon, Presenter of Three Castles Burning history podcast joins guest host Mandy Johnston to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As the race for the Presidency heats up, only two candidates have been nominated so far.They are Mairead McGuiness, nominated by Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, who has been nominated by the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and 100% Redress, with other independent support.Catherine joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss her candidacy.

Outgoing Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has faced scrutiny over resignations and recruitment lows, and has been heavily criticised by the Garda Representative Association over his seven-year term. With Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly announced as his successor, what are the main challenges he will face?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent, Paul Williams.

Today, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has classified Hexa-hydro-cannabinol, or HHC, as an illegal substance.This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal.Does this ban go far enough? To discuss, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist.

Detached modular homes built in a back garden will be exempt from planning permission under new government proposals and today, these exemptions are available for public consultation.Will it help to solve the housing crisis?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Minister of State for Planning and the person who is leading on exempted developments, John Cummins, Fine Gael TD for Waterford.

While the Presidential Election may not yet be in full swing, the pool of candidates is beginning to fill out.Mairead McGuinness has been nominated by Fine Gael, Catherine Connolly has also announced her intentions, and so has Conor McGregor, obviously.But, what is it really like to run?Joan Freeman is a former Independent Senator and Founder of Pieta House, as well as a former Presidential candidate. She joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Should summer Gaeltacht courses be mandatory for school kids? Minister Helen McEntee has been asked to consider this by Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education Ryan O’Meara, who said he is concerned whether we are addressing improving and increasing the presence of the Irish language.Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education, Ryan O’Meara, and by Cúla4 Presenter, Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Sleep Expert Lucy Wolfe to discuss how to keep your children in a good sleep routine, especially in the summer!

As you will have heard in the news headlines today, the European Union and United States have agreed a deal that will lock in tariffs of 15% on most EU imports to the US, preventing the prospect of a trade war.But, has the EU lost too much in this deal?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Emma Howard, Economist in TU Dublin, Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty.

Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar has said the show is poised to return next year after being left “frustrated” by the finale.This comes after fans were left somewhat disappointed following the finale of the show back in 2021.This begs the question, can Line of Duty director Jed Mercurio rewrite the wrongs of a failed ending?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this and more is Editor of Geek.ie, Olivia Fahy.Image: BBC

The hunger crisis facing Palestinians has been high on the agenda in talks between the British Prime Minister and Donald Trump in Scotland today.It’s as Israel allows foreign countries to parachute aid packages in.So, what is happening, and what’s next in addressing the crisis?Gershon Baskin is a Hostage Negotiator and the Middle East Director for the International Communities Organization, a UK-based NGO. He joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle have been invited to accept the Freedom of the City of Dublin when they visit the capital in September.The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, said the couple had received the city's highest civic honor in February 2017 by Dublin City Council, however they have not yet had the opportunity to formally accept it.Is now the right time to receive this award? And should they get it at all?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this and more is Eddie Punch from the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association and Law Lecturer from the University of Galway & Columnist with The Journal, Larry Donnelly.

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…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss pork, and how you can use and enjoy it!

Excitement is building across the country as Kerry prepare to take on Donegal on Sunday.The Kingdom will be looking to secure their 39th All-Ireland title, while Jim McGuinness has built up confidence in Donegal.Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been around the county to hear how fans are feeling ahead of Sunday.

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, including the All-Ireland Football Final.

A silent vigil has been held outside the Department of Justice by members of the Indian community in response to a man who was brutally attacked in Tallaght.Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte joins Kieran with the latest updates.

The All-Ireland Football Final is this Sunday, Donegal taking on Kerry in Croke Park.So, who will come out on top?Former Kerry All-Ireland winner Killian Burns and Donegal legend Brian McEniff join Kieran to discuss.

Energy company Flogas is to increase its variable electricity charges by around 7%, with effect from 25 August.Why is this being done?Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin, Spokesperson on Finance, and TD for Donegal, joins Kieran to discuss.

Amazon has withdrawn plans for a €300 million industrial plant after it was denied access to electrical connections within its stated time frame. More than 500 jobs were expected to be created in northwest Dublin’s Ballycoolin because of the project.Sunday Independent Columnist Conor Skehan says that the project’s cancellation is a consequence of government policies. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland has some of the longest school holidays in Europe, which can make it a struggle for parents to organize childcare. Education Minister Helen McEntee has defended the length of summer holidays—three months for secondary schools and two months for primary schools.McEntree said, “Our teachers work hard, our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time that’s taken throughout the summer gives everybody a chance to take a break.”So, should the length of summer break be reduced? How can parents source childcare for the hours when they’re at work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick’s National School in Greystones and Aideen Finnegan, Podcast Producer and the Presenter of Better with Money from The Irish Times, as well as the mother to a five-year-old and a two-year-old.

John Fardy, Presenter of 'Screentime' and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

As party campaigns kick off, it's week 2 The Hard Shoulder’s president series, learning more about the history of the presidential office.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to discuss some of Ireland’s ugliest elections!

Peter Hanly, Actor and Playwright joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, with reporting from TMZ claiming a cardiac arrest as the cause of death.Off the Ball’s Richie McCormack joins Kieran to look back on the wrestling star’s career, life and controversies.

The recent listeria outbreak has resulted in a recall of 141 ready meals. Despite the convenience of store-bought ready meals, the outbreak is a reminder that consumers have little control over how the products are made or what ingredients are used.Ross Golden-Bannon, member of the Irish Food Writers Guild, joins Kieran to discuss how to make DIY ready meals that are healthier and less expensive than store-bought!

If you are struggling to keep your kids entertained this summer, we have got you covered.Can getting the kids to do DIY help alleviate their summer boredom?Peter Finn also known as Pete the Builder and co-host of ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ joins to discuss!Peter’s show ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ returns in September!

Disabled people in Ireland rely on disability allowance, but strict means testing mean these payments are often revoked.Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, Disability Journalist and advocate, joins Kieran to discuss her own experience, after she was taken off disability allowance for earning €80 over the weekly threshold…

With the news that the previous government's €2 billion retrofitting grant is under review, why is the grant not being taken up by more people? Is it too difficult to avail of, and is it actually saving people any money?Joining Kieran to discuss is former President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, Carole Pollard.