The Hard Shoulder

Focus Ireland has released their report today for 2024, where they report a record number of people facing homelessness…What can be done to curb this number?Kieran is joined by the CEO of Focus Ireland, Pat Dennigan, to comb through the report.

Local Gardaí in Donegal have stated that the days of leaving doors unlocked are well and truly gone, following the theft of a car, trailer and calf from a farm over the weekend. Is it true?Kieran is joined by retired Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan to discuss.

Louise Cooney, Content Creator and Podcast Host joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Israel has launched an attack on Doha in Qatar, in what they claim was targeting Hamas leaders.Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent, Bel Trew.Image: Reuters

The Scottish government has supported a new bill looking to ban greyhound racing.Scotland are following the lead from Wales, New Zealand and Tasmania, who have all made moves towards banning the sport.Does Ireland need to look at a similar ban?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent TD for Limerick, Richard O’Donoghue and Katie Corcoran, Co-Founder of Greyhound Awareness Cork.

Last night has been described by Traitors Ireland fans as the best reality TV moment ever! But what makes a great liar?Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist and Founder of Cogni Kids, to discuss what to do when your child gets fussy about what they wear.

As Met Éireann predicts a drop in temperatures coming in from this week, but how can you best prepare for the heating costs in advance?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Irish Examiner.

The Gardaí are investigating a number of phone calls to garda stations relating to threats against the home of the Tánaiste Simon Harris and his family.Harris and his family were not present in the house at the time but were allegedly advised by Gardaí not to return until security checks had been completed.Former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan joins Kieran to discuss.

Restaurant owners have blamed the disruption caused by a nearby International Protection Office (IPO) for the closure of their restaurant after 16 years.Ruth and Clint Hamilton’s run Mamma Mia restaurant on in Grattan Street in Dublin City Centre, and announced the closure on instagram saying “unfortunately due to the ongoing IPAS and IPO situation… we have been forced to close”.Ruth Hamilton joins Kieran to discuss.

The Kinder Bueno bar has been reduced from four squares per finger to three, and while it’s smaller, the price isn’t. Yet another bar victim of shrinkflation…Joining Kieran to discuss is Edgar Morgenroth, Professor of Economics at DCU.

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…

A new tourism initiative is launching this month, based on island hopping along the Mayo coast.To tell more about it, Kieran is joined by Carl O’Grady of Clare Island Whiskey.Image: Clare Island

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss damsons, and what you can do with them!

News has emerged today that James Lawrence, who was Conor McGregor’s co-defendant in the Nikita Hand case, has taken legal action against her.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Senior News Reporter with The Irish Sun, Michael Doyle.

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…

The shocking story of a search for a missing and presumed dead child in Donabate, north Dublin has entered its fourth day. But, where are we now, and are we any closer to finding out what happened?Joining Kieran with the latest is Newstalk’s Chief Reporter, Barry Whyte, and to discuss, Caroline Strong, Chief Operations Officer at the Irish Association of Social Workers.

Ahead of Ireland's game against New Zealand this Sunday, Kieran is joined by Allison Miller, former Irish rugby player to discuss and give a preview on what to expect.

Does Ireland's current inheritance tax system discriminate?Joining Kieran to discuss is Karl Deeter, Financial Advisor and Analyst, and Thomas Hubert, Editor with The Currency.

Today is International Day of Charity, and to coincide with the event a report has been published that looks at the public’s attitude towards charities. To discuss the report, Kieran is joined by Advocacy & Campaigns Manager at The Wheel, Guillaume Jacquinot, and Co-Founder of Hygiene Hub, Sorcha Killian.

Cúpla focail have featured heavily in The Traitors, but should it feature more prominently in pop culture to keep it relevant?Joining Kieran to discuss is Julian De Spainn, Ard-Rúnaí (General Secretary) at Conradh na Gaeilge and Louise Cantillon, Today FM Presenter.

John Fardy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster, 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…

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 the ‘new wave’ of Irish Presidents, including how Mary Robinson changed Ireland’s place in the world stage as President.

Don Baker, blues musician, television personality and actor joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

As the secretary and caretaker strikes continue today, what are the next steps, and how close are we to seeing a resolution?Joining Kieran to discuss is Secretary of Catherine McAuley NS, Debbie Burke, the General Secretary of the ASTI, Kieran Christie, and Principal of Gorey Community School, Michael Finn.

Pensions : when should you set them up, and how much should you be saving?Joining Kieran to discuss and give his best advice is Financial Adviser, Padraic Kissane.

Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on a flotilla in the Mediterranean headed to Gaza to provide aid, and hopefully break through the blockade.He joins Kieran to give an update on how the journey is going.Image: Reuters

The most stressful time of the day for parents is 7:16am - according to a new survey. The panic of getting kids out the door and on the way to school is the main reason for this.So, why are we in such a rush?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to discuss.

While dogs have long been considered meat-eaters, new research and firsthand experiences suggest they may actually thrive on plant-based diets.Would you put your dog on a vegan diet?Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Gerry Boland, Founder of and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World and listeners.

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 look powerful!

We are now going back to the 1990’s, when the most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time got together. Steps have sold over 25 million records and are in Dublin today promoting their new musical 'Here and Now' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from the 23rd of September. Henry McKean met Steps and sent in this 90’s nostalgia report!You can hear more from Steps on the Rewind - Celebrating 1997 on the October Bank Holiday Monday with Henry McKean. It would be a tragedy to miss it.

10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach…The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world.How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and John Lannon, CEO of Doras.

With all the talk surrounding a metro line to Dublin Airport, what is actually the fastest way to get there today? We’ve decided to put it to the test!Newstalk’s Ellen Butler is taking the bus, Alex Rowley is taking the car, Meghan O’Halloran is in a taxi and Dylan Hand is riding a bike! Who will win?

The Government has announced the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, but what exactly are the commitments being made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

Under-16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy – thus fulfilling one of Labour’s election promises.Shops, cafes, restaurants and websites will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16.Is it time to consider doing the same here?Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and the HSE’s National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joins Kieran to discuss.

A suggestion has been made to remove the option to pay for parking using the Payzone app on residential streets near Croke Park. If this does happen - what does that mean for travelling fans?Former GAA President, Liam O’Neill, and Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County, Richard O’Donoghue, join 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 Kieran to give his travel tips for the city of Marrakesh in Morocco!

According to a national survey by CyberSafeKids, there has been a huge uptick in the usage of AI chatbots by children in the country - without any safeguards.Should children be using AI at all?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tech Editor for The Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler.

Last week, a discussion was held on the show on what the Government should consider ahead of budget 2026 when it comes to health, but what about childcare?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tanya Ward, CEO of The Children's Rights Alliance and Louise Bayliss from SPARK.

Former RTÉ Broadcaster joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Gardaí have said today that they believe a missing boy in North Co. Dublin, who has not been seen for over three years, has died.The child is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate. He would now be seven years old.Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan, who is at the scene in Donabate, for the latest updates, and is also joined by Children’s Rapporteur Caoilfhionn Gallagher and David Hall, CEO of the Lifeline Ambulance Service to discuss.

As reports continue around clothing banks overflowing - is there any way to shift the public’s focus from fast fashion to more sustainable clothing?Freelance Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Sustainable Fashion Educator, Miriam Keegan, join Kieran to discuss…

Following the latest clampdown on dodgy boxes, where 15 retail outlets that help provide the service were targeted across nine counties, the question remains: can you really stop dodgy boxes?Joining Kieran to discuss is Kieron Sharp, Chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk & Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent.

The number of students to have their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Cert Applied results permanently withheld because of cheating in this year’s exams has risen significantly.Figures from the State Examinations Commission show that 155 results have been permanently withheld because of cheating, more than double the 71 results initially withheld last year…Of course, cheating on your state exams is rightly looked down upon, but what about in your day to day life? Is it ever okay to cheat? And, just why do we do it?Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Senior Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Anne Keogh and Comedian Steve Cummins.

Unregulated AI chatbots pose a major threat to children online according to Ireland's child online safety charity, Cyber Safe Kids.To discuss further Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean. 

Over the past 5 years the number of children identified as victims of child trafficking has increased from 0 in 2020 to 10 in 2024…Recent legislative changes have led to better methods of victim identification, but can more be done to protect against trafficking?Liam Herrick is Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and joins Kieran to discuss.

It's been around 8 years since the launch of Sláintecare, and as reforms have been introduced gradually to remove private practice from public hospitals - the overall goal of Sláintecare.The changes, however, may be leading to the ever-increasing cost of health insurance.Joining Kieran to discuss is Tony O'Brien, former Director General of the HSE and Sunday Independent Columnist.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, to discuss tips and tricks to support your kids if they are experiencing bullying, and ways to spot it.

A flotilla heading to Gaza that had departed Barcelona was forced back to port after a storm hit parts of Spain overnight.They were due to set sail this afternoon, and Kieran caught up with one of those on board, Comedian Tadhg Hickey, just before they set off again.

It’s being argued that the tricolour has been erected across Irish communities as part of an anti-immigration campaign. What is the solution to this?Over how to tackle this issue, Kieran is joined by Labour Cllr for Dublin South Central, Darragh Moriarty.