The Hard Shoulder

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss Scattered Spider - one of the most dangerous and prolific hacking groups in the world, and presumed to be behind the recent hack of Marks & Spencer. She talks about how these hacking groups operate, and how some of them are asking AI to generate malicious code…

Negotiations on the procurement of Ireland's first military radar programme are set to get underway this summer.The system could cost hundreds of millions of euros.Mark Mellett is the former Defence Forces Chief of Staff, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Following the publication of the Grace Report earlier this month, many questions have been raised about the level of care that people in our system have been receiving, and whether it is in fact fit for purpose…Joining Kieran to discuss is Tracey Carroll, mum of Willow, to discuss what she believes needs to change in the system.

With the great weather and summer months ahead, one of the downsides is the insects coming in through open windows and doors. Whether it is that one fly that keeps buzzing around your room as you are about to fall asleep, or the fear of being stung by wasps, Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer at Trinity College Dublin joins Kieran to discuss the best ways to get rid of insects without the fly swatter!

The 3 Arena is closing its bars during the David Gray concert this weekend, following a rowdy crowd at his last show in the venue. But, should it be down to personal responsibility? Should concert goers just show respect to fellow revelers and the artist?Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss, and share what he’s heard.

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou M is slamming the Taoiseach's plans to appoint a new Housing Tsar, claiming the role is an expensive job share, and that the Government lacks new ideas.Seán Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent, joins Kieran to discuss.

As the 2025 camogie season is about to kick off, it raises the question of how to encourage and support young women to stay in sport. Young girls are significantly more likely to quit team sports during exam years compared to their male peers, but why is that, and how can we support our young girls to stay in sport?Joining Kieran to discuss is Donegal GAA player Abigail Temple Asokuh and Anna Geary, Broadcaster, former Cork Captain and Presenter of the docu-series ‘Why Girls Quit Sport’...

Former Mayo footballer David Brady joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

New proposed asylum legislation would see the processing time for asylum seekers reduced from 18 months to just three months if passed.The Minister for Justice is seeking approval to progress legislation to address processing times. It would also restrict hearings and see the introduction of a new state body with responsibility for appeals. Officers will be given new powers to issue deportations without sign off from the Minister also.Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan, joins Kieran to discuss.

The BBC does not have a “toxic culture” but there is a “minority of people who behave unacceptably and whose behaviour is not addressed”, that is according to an independent review published which comes in the wake of the scandal of disgraced former Newsreader Huw Edwards.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Alley Einstein, UK Journalist.

Spain and Portugal are still getting over the very sudden power outage that caused havoc across the countries yesterday.Power lines, phone coverage, water connections, trains, traffic lights - you name it, it all stopped at the same time putting the both countries to a standstill yesterday…Simon Hunter is a Spain-based journalist, and he joins Kieran to give the latest updates.Image: Reuters

The trial of Richard Satchwell has kicked off, with the Cork man being accused of killing his wife Tina Satchwell in 2017 in their home in Youghal, Co. Cork.Tina Satchwell originally went missing back in 2017, but her remains were discovered last year at their Cork residence in a makeshift grave under the stairs.With more details of the trial, Newstalk Southern Reporter Jamie O’Hara joins Kieran.

It’s almost been a year since Kieran’s guest became the first directly-elected Mayor of Limerick. How has the role been for him so far, and should the direct mayoral election be taken elsewhere?John Moran joins to discuss.

Hundreds of tonnes of dog poo end up in our bins every week, but are compostable or plastic dog poo bags the way to go?Henry McKean has been speaking to dog owners and vets, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Solo travel continues to grow in popularity, but what are the top travel tips if you are planning a solo trip?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Joan Scales, Travel Journalist, Clare Dunne, Chief executive of the Irish Travel Agents Association and Rory King from Rory’s Travel Club.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a temporary ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.It will run from 8 May to 11 May, the Kremlin said on Telegram.It also comes following a much discussed meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelenskyy over the weekend.Bill Browder, Financier and Commentator, joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Anton Savage is joined by Dr. Iseult Sheehan Clinical Director at Allergy Ireland to discuss how you can support your teenagers while they are doing their Junior and Leaving Cert exams.

Electricity has returned to parts of northern, southern and western Spain, but the impact of a power outage across part of Europe today is still being felt.Guest host Anton Savage is joined by Newstalk Reporter Kamron Clarke to bring you up to date, and Travel Journalist at TravelExtra.ie, Eoghan Corry, joins to discuss.

Former Bishop of Ferns Brendan Comiskey, who resigned in April 2002 over failing to address allegations of clerical sexual abuse in the diocese, has died aged 89.The allegations resulted in an inquiry into child sexual abuse known as the Ferns Report.Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Founder and former Director of One in Four, Colm O’Gorman…

A statutory maximum working temperature is among the proposals being put forward by the union Unite to protect workers in extreme weather conditions. Unite is proposing four days paid ‘climate leave’ for those travelling in hazardous conditions, along with a maximum working temperature, which they believe is dependent on the type of work.Joining Anton Savage to discuss this is John Barry, Founder of MSS the HR people and member of the ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises) National Council and Tara Shine, CEO of Change by Degree.

Over 800 thousand people may have to wait longer for their pensions, as Cabinet is expected to further delay the auto-enrolment pension scheme until January 2026, instead of the original September 2025 deadline…Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary is expected to tell colleagues that more time is needed to deliver what is described as a “complex” system.Sinn Féin says the scheme has been promised for the last 20 years, and further delays are unacceptable.Louise O Reilly, Sinn Féin’s Enterprise Spokesperson and TD for Dublin Fingal West joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Parking panic is sweeping Gen Z, with two-thirds of young drivers admitting they’ve asked parents or friends to park for them!New research from the UK shows that parking fears are so bad, many would rather walk further or avoid tight spaces altogether than attempting a tricky manoeuvre.Lara Lewis, Driving Instructor and Saoirse Hanley, Journalist at the Irish Independent join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

The latest marriage statistics for Ireland have been released.The figures show the number of couples getting married in the traditional Catholic way is declining. The gap between marriages in a church compared to civil ceremonies is narrowing even more.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been examining the figures.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined 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…

Ireland is set to land in Edinburg tomorrow for the last round of the Women’s Six Nations Championship against Scotland.Ireland will look to end the competition on a high but Scotland will hope to repeat their win against the girls in green when they last played in the country in 2023…Joining Kieran to discuss is Alison Miller, former Irish International and Megan Gaffney, former Scottish International.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about how you can make meals that will get your kids to actually enjoy what they’re eating!Image: aislinglarkin.ie

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…Image: @LFC on Twitter

Tesla boss Elon Musk has led the newly created advisory body - the Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) - since last year; however, he has said his "time allocation to Doge" would "drop significantly" from next month, adding he would spend only one to two days per week on it after accusations he has taken his focus off Tesla…Joining Kieran to discuss is his father: Errol Musk.Image: Reuters

Holiday season is just around the corner, and while you’re booking flights and packing bags, there’s one thing you can’t afford to forget: travel insurance.Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Pricewatch Editor and Co-Host of the ‘In the News’ podcast.

A new Oireachtas committee focusing on artificial intelligence has been established headed by Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne.He joins Kieran to discuss what they hope to achieve.

Kieran is joined by Sarina Bellissimo, Entertainment journalist and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime to talk through what to watch on the box.

Kieran was joined by Danielle Wilcox, Resident Astronomer and Telescope Operator at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory.

It’s coming up to 40 years since one of the most famous moments in the history of Irish sport took place. June 8th 1985 saw Barry McGuigan become the World Featherweight Title – and there is a special event coming that will commemorate that day – which we’ll get into shortly. Kieran spoke to the The Clones Cyclone, Barry McGuigan.

Kieran spoke to Charlotte Burke, Continuous Professional Development officer with Social Care Ireland, registered social care worker and PhD candidate. 

Following the publication of the Grace Report last week, many questions were raised about the level of care that people in our system have been receiving. We want to turn our eyes to the issues facing those who work in the system today and whether the system is fit for purpose? Kieran spoke to Leader of Aontu, TD for Meath West Peadar Toibin and Terry Dignan Director Of Don Bosco Care and Spokesperson for the  Children's Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association (CRAVA)

As big players in agriculture eye up Irish farmland, young local farmers are being priced out. Those are the thoughts of Daniel Long from the Irish Observatory Stakeholders Group, who is sounding the alarm and pushing for a Land Observatory to protect Ireland’s rural future.  He spoke to Kieran

Ireland’s free schoolbook scheme has been praised for easing costs for families, but principals say the admin demands that has been placed on their workload is a duty too much. Paul Crone, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies and Aaron Wolfe, principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís secondary school in Cork spoke to Kieran.

Irish Rail is set to introduce adjustments to commuter zones from Monday, along with changes to fares. This will see Dublin and commuter areas be divided into four zones under the new changes. But what exactly does this mean for commuters?  Kieran speaks to Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Iarnrod Eireann.    

With the process of selecting the next Pope in progress, many will look to the recent film ‘Conclave’ which covers that situation, but how accurate is it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Theologian Gina Menzies.Image: Focus Features

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 properly organise a picnic!

Twenty years ago, YouTube had its first ever video uploaded to the site, ‘Me at the zoo’, but it was not as big as ‘Charlie Bit My Finger’, one of the original viral hits dating back almost 17 years!Kieran is joined by Charlie Davies-Carr and his father Howard who recorded it, alongside Elaine Burke, Presenter of ‘For Tech’s Sake’ to discuss the video, and the impact YouTube has had.

California is suing Donald Trump over his sweeping tariffs, claiming the current US President is abusing emergency powers to reshape the global economy and this steps outside the president's powers.What are the key arguments in this case being brought by California Governor Gavin Newsom, and does it have a chance to be successful?Nick Akerman, former Assistant US Attorney and former Watergate Prosecutor joins Kieran to discuss.

Retailers are calling for a crackdown on what they are calling an “epidemic” of shoplifting across the country; many would like to see tougher sentencing of those convicted to deter the growing rates of the crime.Joining Kieran to discuss is Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association of Ireland, Sheila Clarke, who runs Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina, Co. Mayo and later, Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence.

Aóntu submitted a bill in the Dáil last week calling for voting rights in Presidential elections to be extended to Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland.Independent MP in North Down Alex Easton has suggested that those living in Northern Ireland who wish to vote in Irish Presidential elections should "move to the Republic of Ireland and take up residency there".So, does he have a point or not?  Should those in the North be allowed to vote in the Irish Presidential Election?Emma De Souza, Writer, Campaigner and Spokesperson for votingrights.ie and Jim Wells, former DUP Health Minister, join Kieran to discuss.

People get more love, joy and satisfaction from their ‘fur babies’ than they do from their partners, a new study suggests.For some, the role of a dog in our lives is much more than just that of a pet. And one person who had a very close bond with her dogs is Linda Martin, singer, songwriter and dog lover! Linda also runs the Dublin Dog Hub in Meakstown, Co Dublin.She joins Kieran to discuss…

Labour Housing Spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD has called for a Dáil debate on housing measures for single people, responding to analysis on affordable housing for single people…So, is Irish society not meant for single people?Kieran is joined by Conor Sheehan as well as Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist, to discuss.

Documentary maker Manchan Magan joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

World Earth Day is being marked across the globe today. Now in it’s 55th year, this year’s event comes at a critical time for the environment as the US once again pulls out of the Paris agreement on climate change…Joining Kieran to discuss the day is Journalist and Environmental Activist, George Monbiot.

A Dublin Bus Driver was threatened by a man carrying a suspected gun on Friday, leading to the suspension of services in the city center. An investigation into the incident is underway.Following the incident, Dublin Bus are calling for the swift implementation of security on public transport.Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus and later Dermot O'Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition join Kieran to discuss.

Teachers and Principals warn that despite government schemes, schools are reliant on parents and fundraising to keep the lights on.Simon Lewis, Primary School Principal and member of National Principal's forum and Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow join Kieran to discuss.