The Hard Shoulder

Brendan Farrell’s father Liam died in suspicious circumstances in County Leitrim in 2020. This week, Brendan has met with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in his pursuit of an investigation into the death.Brendan joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined guest host Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

As energy prices continue to rise and questions are raised over energy supply, it’s being wondered if Ireland should explore nuclear power…To discuss this, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Co-Founder of 18 for 0, Denis Duff, and Barrister and Environmental Campaigner, Neil McCann.

Today is World Egg Day, and to celebrate, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Food Writer and Founder of Flavour.ie, Kate Ryan, to talk about why eggs are such a staple in the Irish diet!

The Israeli military confirmed today that a ceasefire began in Gaza at noon local time, as the “first phase” of a peace deal agreed by Israel and Hamas comes into effect.The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas, and a withdrawal of Israel’s troops from Gaza to an agreed line, after more than two years of war.But, will it hold?Sean Bell is a former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast. He joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.Image: Reuters

Since 2022, two hundred million free bus journeys have been made by those under the age of 22 in Scotland since they made bus travel free there for them.And, following the budget this week, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien stated that he can't rule out public transport fee increases in the future.So, should we explore free public transport measures?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councilor for Ballymun Finglas and Sadbh O’Neill, part of Feminist Communities for Climate Justice.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Chris Wasser, Arts Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

They’ve joined Kieran on the show before, and the hosts of award-winning The Irish Stew podcast are with him again now.John Lee and Martin Nutty are currently on a tour of Ireland, and have popped into the studio to discuss how life has changed in the United States…

Drag Queen Davina Devine joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Luke Combs has been announced as the headliner at Slane Castle next summer as part of his ‘My Kinda Saturday Night’ Tour of Europe and North America, making him the first country music star to headline the iconic venue.Pat Carty, Entertainment Journalist, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: MBC PR

Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, joins Kieran to discuss current SNA numbers, and the Presidential race as it stands.

Joining Kieran is Randall Plunkett, Barron of Dunsany and Founder of Dunsany Nature Reserve in county Meath to discuss his new book ‘Wild Thing’. He is a reluctant aristocrat who decided to dedicate a third of his County Meath estate to become Ireland’s first vegan rewilding project.

US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire deal for Gaza. Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, which will see hostages returned from Gaza. As a result, Israel says a ceasefire is expected to begin within 24 hours. Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent with The Independent and Reham Mahdi Al Jarrah, Christian Aid Ireland’s local partner in Gaza & the Women’s Affairs Centre, whose whole family have been displaced because of this conflict, join Kieran to discuss.

Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly shared her experience of public transport on social media - criticising how overcrowded her train was, to the point of being dangerous.How widespread of a problem is this in public transport, and do we need to tackle overcrowding?Louise joins Kieran, as well as Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann, to discuss.

Protein shakes for breakfast, flexing at lunch and barbells for dinner - more and more Irish teenagers are making getting ripped a goal.So, what are the positives for our growing number of pro-teens?And are those benefits out-wheyed by the cons?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports

On January 4th there will be a special dedication concert to Phil Lynott in the 3Arena. Darren Wharton, who you may know as a member of Thin Lizzy, will be performing, and joins Kieran to discuss.

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 get your kids to fall asleep at a normal time!

From midnight last night, the VAT rate applied to the sale of completed apartments was reduced from 13.5% to 9%, but will this kickstart the construction of apartments which we’re being told has all but stalled?Joining Kieran to dig into this is Ollie Lyons, Director and Head of Land Development at JLL and Orla Hegarty, Architect and Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy…

Kieran is joined by Financial Advisor, Broadcaster, and Columnist, Eoin McGee, who’s here to talk about his new show ‘How To Tackle Your Finances’, which gives important financial advice in an ever-shifting world.

Polling day in the Presidential election is rapidly approaching.With just over two weeks of campaigning left, Kieran is joined by candidate Catherine Connolly to discuss recent events, and her thoughts on the campaign so far…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss how Google is changing how their search works with a new ‘AI Mode’...Image: Google

Michael Flynn, AKA Mattress Mick has a new memoir which is called ‘Bouncing Back’, looking at his life, and his many businesses across Ireland.He joins Kieran to discuss!

You may have noticed more Gardai on your commute this morning, that’s because today is operation ‘Twin Tracks’.All day, Gardaí have been patrolling on trains and Luases in an engagement campaign to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport. So, should we have something similar to this year-round with dedicated transport police?Joining Kieran to discuss is SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser John Murphy and former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared war on “fat generals”, but how hard is it to pass an army fitness test?Henry McKean took part in one with the Irish Defence Forces, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on!

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 recommendations for autumn breaks in Ireland!

With all details of Budget 2026 out today, what would be the opposition's view on all of the changes made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty.

Sarah Clancy, Community worker and poet in Galway, has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israel for her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla.She joins Kieran to discuss her experience.Image: Reuters

Budget 2026 has been fully revealed today, and with it, the Government’s decision to drop VAT rates to 9% in the Hospitality sector.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Paul Gallagher Chief Executive of the Irish Hotel Federation and Michael Taft, Researcher at SIPTU.

Carer and advocate for education & inclusion Tracy Carroll joins Kieran to discuss the impact Budget 2026 has had on carers, and what more needs to be done.

With Budget 2026 revealed today, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe joins Kieran to discuss the changes made, and the reasoning behind some of the Government’s decisions.

With Budget 2026 revealed, what are your thoughts? Does it do enough, or does it miss the mark in key areas?Joining Kieran to discuss is Susan Hayes Culleton The Positive Economist & Presenter of Taking Stock, Danny McCoy CEO of IBEC, Tom McDonnell from  the Neven Economic Research Institute and later Carly Bailey, One Family Policy Manager.

All has been revealed today for Budget 2026. So, what’s new, and what should you look out for?Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins Kieran to go through the highlights of what has changed. Newstalk's Henry McKean also sends in thoughts from the public.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election is tomorrow, Tuesday October 7th.To tell more, Kieran is joined by Art O’Leary, Chief Executive, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Irish Electoral Commission

Big news today is that the Irish members of the Global Sumud Flotilla are en route home after some reports suggested they were subject to violence and aggressive treatment. They are being flown to Greece, where they make plans to come back to Ireland.Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Caoimhe Butterly, Human Rights Activist.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Optometrist John Weldon to discuss the importance of minding your child’s eyes, and general eye health.

As you will have heard, Jim Gavin has stepped down from the Presidential race.But, what now for Fianna Fáil, and what now for the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin?Joining Kieran to discuss and give their reactions is Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Minister of State Niall Collins, Paidi O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central and Michael Regan, Fianna Fáil Councillor on the Galway County Council. Also joining later to give their thoughts is Conor Lenihan, former Fianna Fail Minister and David W Higgins, Independent Economist.

Why do so many young Irish people move to Australia?Reporter Brianna Parkins is visiting from Australia, and joins Kieran in studio to discuss what life is like over there.

Why do we feel ashamed to be scammed when it happens to so many of us? And what are some of the best ways to spot and avoid a scam?To chat about all this, Kieran is joined by the owner of Pretty Baked Bakery in Donegal, Róisín Gillen, and the Editor of tech website Goosed.ie, Martin Meany.

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…

Halloween season has started, so we buried Henry McKean alive, and he sent us his funeral! Henry got a sneak peek at the Nightmare Realm (with Fanta) which opens tomorrow in Dublin. The 7,000 square metre experience brings Halloween alive.Warning! This report has jump scares from the start!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss mayonnaise, and how you can responsibly use it in your 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 adaptation of Marian Keyes’ ‘Walsh Sisters’ novels have taken Irish TV by storm!Joining Kieran to discuss is Stefanie Preissner, who not only plays the part of the ever-dependable sister Maggie, she also adapted  Marian Keyes' Walsh Sisters books into a 6-part series for RTÉ, writing four of the first season’s six episodes. Jay Duffy, who plays Luke Costello, the complicated love interest of one of the sisters Rachel, also joins to discuss!

Kieran is joined by Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Yoni Wieder, to share his thoughts following the terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester which led to the loss of two lives…

Do you have a shared bank account with your partner? Or are finances something you’d like to keep to yourself? Apparently, those under 30 want nothing to do with them…Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Fenell, Life Coach and Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

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…

Does the school lunch scheme adequately cater for those with dietary requirements? Some parents of children with the autoimmune condition coeliac disease feel they are not given enough of a variety…Joining Kieran to discuss is Sarah Keogh, Dietician and Nutritionist with the Coeliac Society of Ireland and Alison Mainprize, concerned parent and former Paediatric Dietician.

Former Dublin Footballer Philly McMahon joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Last night, Israeli forces intercepted 39 boats carrying aid and foreign activists to Gaza.Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that at least 14 Irish activists are among the hundreds of Gaza flotilla participants who were detained by Israeli forces…Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Irish Author, Naoise Dolan, who is still onboard the Flotilla en route to Gaza…

Today, the long-awaited MetroLink line, which will finally connect Dublin Airport to the city by rail, has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, three years after planning permission was sought.The 18.8km rail line, expected to cost more than €10 billion, was first proposed a quarter of a century ago, and is anticipated to begin operations in the mid-2030s.Joining Kieran to discuss this is the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and also Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.