The Hard Shoulder

Drinking in Ireland is changing, and fast. New figures show alcohol consumption is down over 4% in the last year, and it’s dropped by more than a third since 2001- which means for the first time, Ireland is in line with the European average.Has our relationship with drink changed over the years, and are young people leading that charge? Sean O Maoilchiaran, Journalist and Broadcaster joins Kieran to discuss.

The Madleen has been seized.The vessel, which includes activist Greta Thunberg among its crew of 12, was aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, and raise international awareness of the humanitarian crisis there.According to officials, it was boarded during the night by Israeli authorities, and is now heading to a port in Israel.So, what next?Francesca Albanese is UN Special Rapporteur to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Cadaver dogs – do we need one owned by the state?The question is being raised after Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said it would be preferable for the police to have a cadaver dog – it's as he raised concerns over the length of time it took to uncover Tina Satchwell’s body, who was murdered by her husband Richard.Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said that the gardaí will consider it.So, should we train dogs for this purpose, and if so, how would that go?Ralph O’Connor is Training Officer with the Search and Rescue Dog Association for Ireland North, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Government is planning big changes to Rent Pressure Zones. Under the new proposals, the 2% cap on rent increases will stay in place for existing tenants, but landlords will now be allowed to hike rents between tenancies and charge more for newly built homes.Critics are warning that it may open the door to runaway rents and put renters at greater risk.Joining Kieran to discuss further is Paul Murphy and Karl Deeter, Director of Irish Mortgage Brokers.

Donegal County Council is asking the Government to create a new Bank Holiday in honour of St Colmcille.Joining Kieran to discuss the history of the Saint and why this is being asked for is Jimmy Kavanagh, Donegal County Councillor and DR Elva Johnston, Associate Professor in the school of History UCD.Image: Pope History

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed that Robert Pether who has been held in jail in Iraq for over four years has been released on bail. The Australian national - who had been living in Elphin in Co Roscommon - was arrested in April 2021 and later jailed on fraud charges. His wife Desree joined Kieran to discuss her husbands release.

Thirty-five people, including 21 men, nine women and five children were denied asylum and have been deported from Ireland to Nigeria overnight on a chartered flight at a cost of €325,000. Jim O’Callaghan is Minister for Justice and Fianna Fail TD Dublin Bay South joined Kieran to discuss further

We’ve been hearing from many people across the station today, voicing their outrage and frustration at the state of care in some nursing homes in Ireland.  This comes in the wake of last night’s RTE Investigations programme, which exposed disturbing conditions in two nursing homes operated by Emeis Ireland. Kieran spoke to some those who have experienced the service in Ireland and what they had to say...

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 not to stifle a laugh in awkward moments!

The Government is preparing major changes to planning laws, including proposals to allow attic conversions, garden cabins, and home extensions for elderly relatives without planning permission.It’s a move aimed at relieving pressure on the housing system and speeding up development. But questions remain about the effectiveness of these plans and whether they will move the needle at all.Tom Philips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Town Planning at UCD and later James Browne, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Fianna Fáil TD for Wexford join Kieran to discuss.

France will be making a big change in July, which requires people to upload a form of identification online to be able to access pornographic sites, which has prompted sites to preemptively shut down in protest.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss this, and how it might be introduced here through the Online Safety Code initiative.

30 or so cars have made their way to the N7 for a protest that is being held around CityWest. Its aim is to stop the Government from buying the CityWest hotel in an expansion plan for asylum seeker accommodation.Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte is there, and joins Kieran to discuss. Also joining is Linda de Courcy, Independent Ireland Councillor for Clondalkin LEA.

Today, Penneys launched the findings of its latest Pulse of the Nation Index, conducted by Amárach Research, which revealed that 40% of the general public believe that disabled people are treated unfairly in Ireland.Paralympian and disability advocate, Ellen Keane, says that disabled people should no longer be an afterthought in fashion conversation.She joins Kieran to discuss.

Dundalk Film Maker, Fiona Thompson was on board the MV Rachel Corrie aid ship en route to Gaza back in 2010, when the crew of 11 people was detained.She managed to hold onto footage recorded in secret while on board.She joins Kieran to discuss the experience…

As the phrase goes, don’t sweat the small stuff, but a new study says micro stresses like traffic or losing your keys can trigger the same exhaustion as a single major life event!To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

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 Cuddihy to give his travel tips if you ever find yourself in Vietnam!

A new study has found that almost half of young people would prefer a world without the internet, with many even opting for a digital detox. But, what would a world without it look like for a generation who have never known a world without it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jane Cowan, Student and Irish Examiner Columnist and Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist and author of ‘Home is where the start is’.

Comedian Tony Cantwell, who will be doing his first solo show in two years ‘You Cry Weird’ at the Dublin Fringe on September 12th, joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

In 2024, suspects in over 400,000 crimes were out on bail.Are Ireland's bail laws too lax?In high profile crimes, is the argument that the system sometimes prioritises the presumption of innocence, over public safety, a valid question?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara.

An aid ship has headed to Gaza from Sicily, aiming at breaking Israel’s blockade.Greta Thunberg is on it, and Kieran’s guest was in Sicily for a few days lending his support.Actor Liam Cunningham joins to discuss.

Calls have been made for a national database for dog microchip registration to replace the current four database system to aid a crackdown on dog breeding regulation, and enable dog wardens to identify the dogs involved in attacks on livestock…But, how essential is a central database?Joining Kieran to discuss is Maeve O'Connell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, who is calling for the change, and Limerick-based Veterinarian, Donal Ryan.

Evan Fitzgerald was on bail for gun charges when he entered a Carlow shopping centre yesterday and fired shots, before fatally shooting himself.Last year, he was caught with guns and ammunition which he admitted to having bought on the 'dark web', a part of the internet where users operate through anonymity.But, what is the dark web, how common is it to buy guns here, and what can be done about it?Joining Kieran to answer some of these questions is Cyber Security Expert, Ronan Murphy, Chief Strategist for Forcepoint and Chairman of SmartTech247.

Pedestrians and Cyclists need to “Be Sound” to each other on shared greenways.Officials from Dublin City Council are soon to launch an information campaign to “remind all users of their responsibilities” along traffic free paths along Dublin’s canals and rivers.Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Green Party Councilor, Janet Horner.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Comedian and Writer Gearóid Farrelly joins Kieran for a chat while he is on tour for ‘Gearóid Rage’!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to discuss how you can make 7 (maybe 6) salads to cover 7 days!

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…Image: @ChampionsLeague on X / Twitter

A jury has found Richard Satchwell guilty of murdering his wife Tina at their home in Youghal, Co Cork, in 2017.Now that the verdict is in, we can cast our minds back to all those interviews that he did after his wife’s death – and in particular, what those who spoke to him during those times made of him...One of those interviewers was Neil Prendeville of Cork’s Red FM. He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Cork’s Red FM Facebook

France will ban smoking in all outdoor places that children visit, according to their Health and Family Minister.The ban will come into force from July 1st and will include beaches, parks, public gardens, outside schools, bus stops and sports venues. Ireland was a trend-setter on the indoor smoking ban back in 2004; should we follow France this time?Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Gerry Adams has won €100,000 in damages over a BBC story about the murder of a British agent.The former Sinn Féin leader alleged he was defamed in a BBC NI Spotlight programme broadcast in 2016 and an accompanying online article, in which an anonymous contributor alleged he sanctioned the 2006 murder of Denis Donaldson.He denies any involvement.Journalist Amanda Ferguson joins Kieran to discuss.

Contenders for Ireland's favourite architectural projects for 2025 have been announced, but what makes a building or public space architecturally excellent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin.

A jury has found Richard Satchwell guilty of murdering his wife Tina at their home in Youghal, Co Cork, in 2017.Newstalk’s Southern Reporter Jamie O’Hara joins Kieran with all of the details following the conviction.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Padraig Wilson McCarthy, Entertainment Journalist joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

A little later this evening, Alison Spittle will be doing some devious debating and answering the question… what would a United Ireland look like if it really did happen?Others taking part in this mischief will be comedians from North and South of the border and one from across the Irish sea for good measure including Neil Delamere, Oliver Callan, Ashley Storrie and John Meagher.Together, the panel will be asking all the questions you want answered from flags and road signs to anthems and crisps; and putting together a fantasy football league of how they see it all playing out.Alison joins Kieran to discuss.

Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General at the Department of Environment, Climate and Energy, has said that data centres had used up all spare electricity capacity, and it was necessary to prioritise demands.The comments come just days after Taoiseach Micheál Martin once again talked up the importance of data centres and AI and criticised critics of the government’s expansion policy…So, do we need to manage our energy needs for the sake of data centres?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Sunday Independent Columnist Conor Skehan, and Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan.

Calls to National Rape Crisis Helpline 24-hour helpline surpassed the 20,000 mark for the first time last year…A record-high of 22,700 calls were logged, which is an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, of those seeking support for sexual violence across the country.The figures are contained in the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s annual report for 2024 and Chief Executive of the DRCC, Rachel Morrogh joins Kieran to discuss.1800 77 88 88 - 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline

One of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, who is wanted in Ireland to face charges of murder and involvement with a criminal gang, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates.Sean McGovern has been on a Defence Forces military aircraft, and has been due to land today.Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney and Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent Paul Williams join Kieran to discuss.

Stephen Bartlett, Host of the Diary of a CEO Podcast and Dragon Den star stated that he didn’t like one of his job interviewees because he was wearing a suit, but is it wise to follow his example?Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse and Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise join Kieran to discuss.

There is news every day of more devastation in Gaza…Gaza's civil defence agency said today that the latest Israeli attacks have killed 44 people, including 23 in a strike on a home in the centre of the Palestinian territory.Kieran is joined by one of those treating patients in a hospital in Khan Younis in Southern Gaza.Dr Tom Potokar joins the show.Image: Reuters

B&Q has been forced to issue an apology after a third-party seller on its site claimed a bathroom cabinet was so “easy to assemble even if you’re a girl”...It is awkward timing for B&Q, considering they’ve just launched a campaign to champion women in trades.So, is there still a continued problem with stereotypes when it involves gender and DIY?Roisin Murphy, Artist and Lecturer in Interior Architecture at Griffith College and Laura De Barra, Author of Gaff Goddess, Decor Galore and Garment Goddess, joins Kieran to discuss.

You might find yourself sitting for hours on end, whether for work and for pleasure, leading to back and neck pain! So, how should you deal with it?Chiropractor Paul Bradley joins Kieran to give his top tips.

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 not to forget things!

The academic year might only be finishing up, but students are already raising concerns around the obstacles facing them for next year.The lack of accommodation has seen students having to make 8-hour round trips to attend their chosen college course, while there is still uncertainty around the fee structure for next year…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Jenny Maguire, Trinity College Student President, and joining to discuss the US pause on student visas is Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss Google’s new announcement of AI agents, that you can use for tasks like online shopping.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and the broadcaster’s leadership team appeared before an Oireachtas Media Committee today.Joining Kieran to discuss what was covered is Alan Kelly, Chair of the Media Committee and Labour TD for Tipperary North.

40% of treatment for drug problems last year were for cocaine, with a 400% increase in women seeking treatment.Have our attitudes to drugs changed, and is it now becoming more normalised?Kristy Morrison Keating has spoken out online of her own struggles with cocaine and the prevalence among your people. Kristy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Music Journalist with Extra.ie, Becca Fisher.

According to new research from CBRE, Ireland is the most highly educated country in the world.Ireland is the only nation listed in which a majority of adults aged 25–64 have a bachelor’s degree or higher.Has education transformed the country?  And if so, is it for the better?Eoin O’Malley is Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, and Mark Henry is Communications and Marketing Manager at TU Dublin they join Kieran to discuss.

Customers are now being offered a buy now pay later option when buying low-cost items such as clothes brands like Very or take away through Deliveroo.But could this lead to people ending up in unnecessary debt?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul.

She’s been on our screens for decades now, giving parenting advice to parents around the world who need it…Supernanny Jo Frost joins Kieran on The Hard Shoulder!

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 Cuddihy to give his travel recommendations for Gen S, AKA, seniors!