The Hard Shoulder

A new survey has shown that adults have on average 8 things that they refuse to eat, with 5 of them being things they haven't even tried? Why are there things we just refuse to eat?Newstalk's Josh Crosbie reports!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss peas - and how you should eat 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.

This week we learned that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is planning to fully occupy the Gaza strip. With thousands of Palestinians killed over the last 22 months, Kieran is joined by Ria Czerniak Lebov, granddaughter of a Holocaust escapee and Lecturer in NCAD, who has been speaking out against Zionism and the Israeli Government.

This Sunday is the All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final in Croke Park, where Cork and Galway will battle it out for the title.For a preview of this weekend’s final, Kieran is joined by two former GAA players from both counties, Valerie Mulcahy from Cork and Susan Earner from Galway.

Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy has paid back the €150,000 he received from a RTÉ barter account for two events that did not take place.Joining Kieran to give the latest is Muiris O’Cearbhaill, Journalist with The Journal.

A discussion throughout the show this week is of the quality of television these days.Whether that be you’re not getting a good laugh out of it, or it just isn't as interesting anymore, something seems to be off…Like, is television as funny as it used to be?To discuss this more, Kieran is joined by a panel of experts, including Comedian Steve Cummins, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Alexandra Ryan from Goss.ie.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast, Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster 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 some of the biggest controversies and crises in Irish presidential history.

A former Dentist has been found guilty of murdering his wife by poisoning her morning protein shakes.This case comes from the state of Colorado, where a Denver resident, named James Craig, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Angela Craig, two years after her mysterious death.But, not only was Craig convicted of murder, but also of several other counts, including solicitation to commit murder, which came about when he tried to enlist a fellow inmate to kill the lead detective investigating his wife’s death. And to make matters worse, at one point Craig asked one of his six daughters to create a fake video of her mom asking for the ingredients which ultimately led to her death in hopes of being found not guilty!To delve deeper into the details of this bizarre case, Kieran is by American Journalist and Host of the ‘Hidden True Crime’ Podcast and YouTube Channel, Lauren Matthias.

Paul Johnston is nearing the end of his tenure in his role as British Ambassador to Ireland, but has been making his feelings clear on many important issues.He joins Kieran to discuss topics, including Israel and Palestine.Image: Reuters

When someone you love has dementia, the diagnosis can feel all-consuming.But, Kieran’s guest has a new book that serves as an emotional and practical guide to those caring for someone they love with dementia.Dr. Sabina Brennan is a Neuroscientist and author of ‘Still Me: A neuroscientist's guide to caring for someone with dementia’. She joins to discuss.

New CCTV cameras have been installed in the Mountjoy area of Dublin to crack down on illegal dumping. Why is this something that is needed?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Kieran to discuss.

It has emerged that schools availing of the Hot School Meals scheme for the first time this year will see a delay in its rollout…This is apparently due to a change in the procurement process.Joining Kieran to explain more is Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Darren O’Rourke.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have found no evidence of supermarkets price gouging.So, are we supposed to accept current food prices?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ged Nash, Labour TD for Louth and Spokesperson on Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform.

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.Are you sick of seagulls snatching your food when you’re out and about? Simon joins Kieran to discuss how to keep these seabirds away from your picnics!

Businessman Dermot Desmond has said that he believes AI cars, or robotaxis, will completely replace private and public transport in the next 15 to 20 years. Is that realistic?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Emmet Ryan, Technology Journalist and Alan Smeaton, Emeritus Professor of Computing at Dublin City University.

In the current cost of living situation, food inflation is a struggle for many families.Well, Caz Mooney, Irish Budgeting Influencer has cracked the code, and joins Kieran with some of her tips and tricks for spending less in the supermarket, and how she can feed her family of five on €125 a week!

Long gone are the days of Nigerian Princes looking to give you a chunk of their vast wealth: online and text-based scams have gotten a lot more sophisticated, and trickier to spot.For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this, and give her top tips to avoid getting tricked!

A report by the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task force has revealed that students in primary schools are reportedly taking and dealing drugs.The average age of the drug dealers and “runners” was found to be as young as 12 years old.Kieran is joined by Janet Robinson Research and Training Officer for Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist. Later, Kieran is also joined by Ann Graves, Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, Mike Walsh, Team Leader in Community Service Misuse Team, a multi-disciplinary team responding to under 18′s with substance misuse issues.

Trump has yet again thrown the cat amongst the pigeon with talk of 150% or 250% tariffs on pharma, but he has yet to dot I’s and cross T’s on many of the trade deals he has made with various countries.Will we ever see them come to pass with midterms not very far away? And Trump’s tenure will eventually end, will it all amount to nothing?Larry Donnelly is Law Lecturer at University of Galway and Columnist with TheJournal.ie. He joins Kieran to discuss.

NASA is aiming to build the first nuclear reactor on the Moon. This comes as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, ordered the space agency to get a lunar power plant up and running by 2030 to power long-term human missions.Duffy, who is the acting administrator of NASA, made it clear to its competitors that whichever country arrives first could establish a “keep-out zone”.To make sense of all this, Kieran is joined by Space Commentator, Leo Enright.

A group of residents in the Dublin 15 area have come together to highlight concerns around the impact of fast-food drone delivery services flying overhead.The newly established Drone Action D15 group says that while drone technology can have a positive effect for society, no consent has been sought from the community for this type of delivery service…Michael Dooley is a Blanchardstown resident and member of the action group, and joins 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 guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for the Scottish island famous for its whisky - Islay!

Terry Prone, Chairperson of the Communication Clinic has just donated a treasure trove of personal papers, and documents to the National Library of Ireland.She joins Kieran to discuss why she did this, and what impact it may have on future generations.

Chiropractor and Clinical Director at Chiropractix, Dr. Paul Bradley, joins Kieran to share his tips on how to avoid a bad back!

US President Donald Trump has said that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250%, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Economist and Co-Host of 'The Other Hand' podcast, Jim Power.

Pete Wedderburn AKA Pete the Vet joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

New figures revealed that a total of 380 out of the 722 post primary schools have applied for funding under the government's phone pouch scheme.The initiative sparked criticism at the time and Opposition parties labelled it “wasteful” and “unnecessary”.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Conor Murphy, English Teacher in Skibbereen, Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies and later Eoghan Kenny, Labour Spokesperson for Education and Youth.Image: Yondr

Reports today suggest that the Israeli Government may decide to fully occupy Gaza. This would put an end to the 2005 decision to remove any Israeli troops from the area.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Bel Trew, the Chief International Correspondent at The Independent and Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.Image: Reuters

At any age you can start saving for your future, but what is the best way to save when you are still in college, or your first full time job?Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Starting in November, Ryanair passengers will no longer be allowed to use printed boarding passes. Instead, they will need to present a digital boarding pass in their mobile app. The airline claims that this move will improve customer experience by getting rid of airport check-in fees, and that it will help the environment by reducing paper waste.But, how will this impact those who might now own a smartphone, or those who do own a smartphone but struggle with navigating phone apps?A recent study found that 62% of adults over the age of 65 in Ireland do not have basic digital skills. So how are they meant to navigate the new boarding protocol imposed by Ryanair?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Alan Grogan, Donor Engagement & CSR Coordinator with Friends of the Elderly.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Comedian Jim Elliott to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

The Men’s GAA Finals are all settled, and now this weekend, we can look forward to the Ladies Football Final!Dublin and Meath will meet in Croke Park on Sunday in a bid to lift the Brendan Martin Cup.Josh Crosbie has been visiting both counties today to soak up some of the atmosphere, and sends in this report.

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 Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Tánaiste Simon Harris insists that Ireland avoided a “moment of catastrophe” thanks to the EU-US tariff deal.It’s as tariffs of 15% on EU goods entering the US are now due to take effect from next week.So, are Irish businesses being let down?Eoin O’Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association and Ciaran Mullooly, Independent MEP for Midlands North West, join Kieran to discuss.

Earlier this week, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien confirmed that dedicated transport police will be rolled out across all public transport. Most notably, Officers will have powers of arrest and detention.Dublin Bus have been calling for collaborative security measures to be put in place for some time now…Their Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement, Cliodhna Ni Fhatharta, joins Kieran to discuss.

Ahead of his show this Bank Holiday Monday looking back on the year, Henry McKean joins Kieran to rewind the clock to 1985!

According to its CEO, gaming platform Roblox is proposing adding online dating to its platform. Should it exist on a platform whose user base consists mainly of kids and teenagers?Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, Cyberpsychology Lecturer at IADT, joins Kieran to discuss.

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.