The Hard Shoulder

From Lego to the Rubik's Cube, Hamleys have released a list of the 100 top toys of all time. To mark its 265th birthday, the toy store giant has released a ‘hero’ list. To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Henry McKean.

It has been brought to our attention that bin companies are taking photos of our recycling and sending us letters in the post when we are doing it wrong. To discuss further we are joined by Henry McKean.

Today is Bastille Day, the French National Day that celebrates the Storming of Bastille during the French Revolution in 1789. The French national anthem, known as La Marseillaise, is grim, and a little controversial…Journalist and Historian Ronan McGreevy joins Kieran to tell more about its history.

Having kids already takes up a lot of time, and when you add pets into the mix, things get even more hectic. But, is it worth it for the physical and emotional benefits? Children who grow up in homes with pets are less likely to develop allergies to allergens like grass, mould, pollen, dogs, and cats. Pets can lower a person’s blood pressure and heart rate, and introduce added responsibility into a household.Niamh O’Reilly is a dog lover as well as a mother, a Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster. She joins Kieran to discuss!

Tánaiste Simon Harris has been calling for asylum seekers with jobs to pay towards their accommodation – adding that he expects the Government to introduce a means test for people living in international protection.Cathal Malone of Thomas Coughlan & Co Solicitors joins Kieran to discuss this, and what asylum seekers are entitled to when they arrive in the country.

Irish cyclist Ben Healy has taken the yellow leader's jersey after stage 10 of the Tour de France, being the first Irishman to do so since 1987!Kieran is joined on the line by Imogen Ní Choitir, Road safety advocate and professional cyclist to discuss the incredible achievement.

Ireland's electric vehicle charging network is currently facing a number of challenges, including geographical disparity, high costs and limited chargers.With people all around the country saying they just cannot afford to keep up with their cars even with government initiatives…But, hope is not lost! Germany may have solved the urban EV charging problem. Düsseldorf Stadtwerke, the local municipal authority, has installed one of six so-called ‘kerb-chargers’.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Derek Scally, the Berlin Correspondent for the Irish Times.Image: Energy Saving Trust

Taoiseach Micheál Martin wishes to re-establish town councils in Ireland by 2029, citing a “...sense of representation at all levels.”So, should town councils be re-established?Independent Councilor in New Ross, Michael Sheehan and Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Town Planning at UCD join Kieran to discuss.

Some meat prices have risen by as much as 28% since last year, with butchers experiencing greater challenges in running their shops.Why is that, and is it just down to prices?Jack Molloy is owner of Jack Molloy and Sons Butcher in Waterford City and President of the Association of Craft Butcher of Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.

This past weekend brought us the hottest day of the year, with it reaching up to 31.1° Celsius in some parts of the country. And of course, with high weather there comes a high level of beach-goers.There were clips online shared of Portmarnock beach in North Dublin, where cars were blocking both entrances and exits, they were parked up on the grass, some leaving with massive scratches and damage done to the car, and even people abandoning their vehicles.Yesterday, Gardaí confirmed that the car parks at Warren Beach near Rosscarbery and Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty in West Cork were overcrowded, confirming that there was no longer any safe access to either of the beaches by the afternoon.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Cllr Marie O’Sullivan and Fine Gael TD Brian Brennan.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined (on the roof of Newstalk towers) by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

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…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran on the roof of Newstalk towers to discuss how you can make some summer-themed recipes to suit the glorious weather!

40 years ago, the world gathered to watch the biggest music acts in the world put on a benefit concert, one in London, and the other in Philadelphia.Media Consultant Tony O’Brien was lucky enough to attend, and joins Kieran to look back on the iconic day…

You will be well familiar with Kieran’s guest, Fionn Davenport, Travel Journalist and Lonely Planet author.He joins to regale his stories of travelling the globe, discussing the good, the bad and the ugly!

What defines a summer anthem? Is it a pulsing beat, a beachy hook, or playful experimentation?Freelance Arts Journalist Pat Carty joins Kieran to give his take.

The Hard Shoulder is broadcasting today from the roof of Newstalk towers, soaking up the sun and chatting about all things summer!Joining Kieran to chat and bask in the sun is Holly Carpenter, Model and Andrea Gilligan, Presenter of Lunchtime Live on Newstalk.

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…

Yellow warnings for high temperatures in place as some areas of the country will likely hit 27°C tomorrow…Are you a fan of weather warnings being given for high temperatures?Joining Kieran to discuss is Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central Ken O’Flynn and Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist, owner of the ‘TotalHealth’ pharmacy in Milltown and podcaster on the ‘A Wondercare Podcast’.

Author John Banville joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Belfast City Council has asked police to remove a bonfire that is due to be set alight tomorrow night.There are concerns over the bonfires' close proximity to an electrical substation and there’s also a pile of asbestos nearby.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and joins Kieran to discuss.

For many people, the hot weather will mean a sleepless night of tossing and turning.We have some useful tips to keep yourself cool at night!Mary Ryan, Endocrinologist and Senior Professor at Bons Secours Limerick joins Kieran to discuss.

A Nigerian-Irish woman “broke down in tears” after an alleged racist incident while using Bus Éireann.20-year-old Sarah Lennon claims that she was trying to transfer her bus ticket when the bus driver became “unnecessarily hostile” and “aggressive.” Bus Éireann is investigating the incident, which occurred in the midlands in May.Sarah joins Kieran to discuss.

As kids settle into their long lazy summer days, parents may be starting to feel the pressure to keep them entertained. Well, we will have a guide for keeping kids entertained and advice for how to get them learning new skills over the coming weeks!Today, Kieran is joined by TV Chef and Broadcaster, Edward Hayden, to discuss how to get kids cooking…

There have been calls for Gazan children to be brought here to Ireland for treatment.A number of Irish doctors have been concerned at the delays – it's after the evacuation of up to 18 children has been stalled due to issues with family visas. Reports suggest that pediatric patients may only get here in late September.One of the doctors making the call is Thomas Donnelly, Orthopedic Consultant in Children’s Health Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Amy Poehler recently revealed that she is a fan of a particular Irish brand of tea – no other than Barry’s Tea!Barry’s is a particular fan-favourite, and for good reason.James Kavanagh from the Simpler Life Podcast joins Kieran to explain how you can make the perfect cup!

The UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women calls on Ireland to hold another referendum on women in the home and care.The committee reports disappointment with the failed referendum, recommending an independent evaluation of the vote and to run it again with alternative wording.So, why did the referendum fail, and what should be done to get it over the line the second time around?Rónán Mullen, Independent Senator for the National University of Ireland and Pauline O’Reilly, former Green Party Senator and Political Commentator join 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 (since Trump thinks he can get one so easily) how you can win a Nobel Peace Prize!

A Russian vessel has been docked in Killiney Bay, and is now making its way up the Irish coast towards Scotland.The ship’s name is The Shtandart, and the captain is Vladimir Martus. He joins Kieran to discuss why he’s here, and the reactions he has received.

A quarter of the cases of child sex-abuse material last year was self-generated, according to  an annual report carried out by the Irish Internet Hotline.There was a 116% increase in intimate photographs, videos and pictures being taken and shared by children online. How can we protect them?Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, and later Rena Maycock, Founder of the Child Cyber safety company Chirp and Stella O’ Mally, Child Psychologist and Author of cotton wool kids.

Amazon Prime Day (which is actually four days) runs this week. While many people are seeking out deals, are they still using Amazon UK or did they make the swap to the new Irish site?Almost four months on from the introduction of Amazon.ie, has it lived up to people's expectations?Joining Kieran to discuss is Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Examiner and Stefanie Preissner, Screenwriter and Actor.

A model of a migrant boat with more than a dozen life-size mannequins has been placed on top of a loyalist bonfire in Co. Tyrone. All of the mannequins are dark-skinned and wearing life jackets. Below the boats, placards read: “Stop the boats. Veterans before refugees.”Matthew O’Toole is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Belfast and the Social Democratic and Labour Party’s Leader of the Opposition at Stormont. He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: @GildernewColm on Twitter

Chair of the Road Safety Authority, Anne Graham, is coming up to 6 months in the role – and it has been yet another year where the issue of road safety has been an issue that has repeatedly hit the headlines.What’s changing under her leadership, and how can this growing issue be tackled?Anne joins Kieran to discuss.Image: RSA

A topic of debate for many years now – should Ireland be more dog friendly?From pubs to shops to offices – should public spaces be more inclusive for our furry friends?Emily Brew, Radio Presenter at Radio Nova, and Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist join Kieran to discuss.

If you have ever sat in a virtual queue only to be met by a dead end and an automated voice, you know how frustrating it can be. Is it time to do away with them?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Shelagh Fogarty, Journalist and Consumer Journalist, Siobhain Maguire.

When it comes to the price of groceries, can there be more transparency when it comes to the price hikes that are being experienced in retail chains across the country?Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrat TD for Wicklow, has brought a motion to the Dáil, and joins Kieran, along with Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, 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 Kieran to give his travel tips for a hidden gem in Turkey: Kalkan!

Earlier in the show, Kieran spoke with John Verling and Mia Scully about epilepsy, and the different ways in which they have suffered from it over the years.Joining Kieran to discuss what we do and don’t understand about epilepsy is Dr Colin Doherty, Consultant Neurologist and Director of the Epilepsy Services at St James's Hospital.

Green Party MEP for Dublin Ciarán Cuffe joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Research shows that Gen Z are four times more likely than previous generations to skip queues.So, why do people behave this way, and what has caused the increase in impatience with queues?Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, joins Kieran to discuss.

Over 45,000 people in Ireland have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological conditions.Yet, for the multiple types of epilepsy and multiple ways in which they present, it is often misunderstood.John Verling, father of Freddie Verling, who has Dravet Syndrome, and Mia Sherwood Scully who has temporal lobe epilepsy join Kieran to discuss their experiences.

Are Irish towns and cities lacking late night sober spaces to socialize?  A new initiative has been launched across nine Irish towns and cities to promote late night café culture.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Anna Peters from Athena Cafe and KK Lewis from the sober social group Sunflower Sessions.

Students and opposition parties will protest outside Leinster House this evening over Government plans to reinstate the €3,000 college contribution fee.Further and Higher Education Minister James Lawless caused this controversy when he said fees would return to €3,000, as a cost of living package may not be available in this year’s budget.This reduction of fee has been in place since 2022, when the then Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris, introduced a €1,000 cut to the student contribution fee, a measure repeated for the 2023 and 2024 academic years.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Donna McGettigan, Sinn Féin TD for Clare & Higher Education Spokesperson and John Connolly Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West and Spokesperson on Higher Education

St. Peter’s Church in Lurgan, Co. Armagh has announced the end of its parish’s tradition to walk from the church to St Colman’s Graveyard after a funeral. The walks were impacting priests’ schedules. Parish Priest Father Colum Murphy said that changes were necessary, given the increasing workload and pressure that the priests are under.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Dave McGowan, CEO of McGowan’s Funeral Home and Father Iggy O’Donovan.

There are calls for more enforcement around the use of illegally modified e-scooters.Fine Gael’s Barry Ward told Newstalk that there have been no prosecutions since laws came into effect last year.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with scooter users and those who have seen what can happen when things go wrong.

Six months on from the opening of Ireland's first medically supervised injection centre, Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland joins Kieran to discuss the importance of it and other services provided by Merchants Quay.Image: Merchants Quay Ireland

Recent research finds that almost nine in ten 18–34 year olds know someone still living at home because they can’t afford to buy.For those who managed to move out young, many return home to save money.Such was the case for Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist, who joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Patricia Byrne, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, to discuss why anxiety causes the most difficulties in children under 12 years old, and how parents have a massive impact in how a child experiences such anxieties.

Trump’s ‘tariff letters’ have arrived to governments worldwide ahead of the US President's blanket increase of tariffs globally.So, what did these letters include, and what should we expect on the tariff deadline on the 9th of July?Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent joins us now for an update.

Fine Gael is the first party to get its official presidential election process underway by opening nominations today, with former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness expected to be a strong candidate for that nomination, and MEP Sean Kelly also potentially in the running.Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has refused to rule herself out of the running today.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe and Independent Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who is also the Co-Founder of Tig Linn.