The Hard Shoulder

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 thank someone properly!

Last week, Minister for Children Norma Foley announced that the wait for monthly €200 childcare costs might be much longer than originally anticipated, as other changes in the system need to be addressed first.It begs the question, is the sector viable?Joining Kieran to discuss the Minister’s statement is Karen Clince, CEO & Founder of Tigers Childcare and Mark Wall, Labour Spokesperson on Social Protection, Children, Disability and Equality.

Postcards made by big name artists and celebrities will go on sale this weekend in aid of Jack & Jill for their annual ‘Incognito Art’ sale.One of those involved, Irish Fashion Designer Dr Don O’Neill, joins Kieran to discuss!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss a conference hosted by the Children's Rights Alliance that gave deep analysis on what protections are in place for children and young people on the internet and what more needs to be done, including areas that need urgent action.

Tánaiste Simon Harris is meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik to discuss all things tariffs, as President Trump’s economic plan is fully in swing. One other political plan of the US President is the issue of Greenland and its security.Carla Sands, Vice Chair for the Center for Energy & Environment at American First Policy Institute and former US Ambassador to Denmark and Greenland joins Kieran to discuss why the US has such an interest in Greenland…

You should never judge someone until you walk a mile in their shoes, but apparently you can judge them on the type of shoes they walk in!According to a survey by Deichmann, our choice in footwear says a lot about us.Laura Mullet, Stylist and Journalist and Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert join Kieran to discuss.

A new survey from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is shedding light on people’s attitudes towards sexual violence…The research shows that many people retain victim-blaming views, with 1 in 5 believing that there are ‘a lot’ of false rape claims, and 1 in 6 people saying that someone who is raped while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is partly responsible for that happening to them.Joining Kieran to discuss this is CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh and Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan.Image: @DublinRCC on Twitter

Irish Singer Daniel O’Donnell has had to come out and dispel rumours that he is unwell and in hospital after a hoax circulated asking for aid…Daniel joins Kieran to explain more.Image: Daniel O’Donnell, Facebook

The US Masters takes place this week – an event marked on the calendar of every golf fan around the world.Well, tonight is the Champions Dinner – and the previous year’s champions gets to decide the menu!Last year’s champion Scottie Scheffler caused some consternation with his menu being centred around cheeseburger sliders…To discuss, Kieran is joined by Masters fanatic and Executive Chef at the K Club, Gary O’Hanlon.Image: The Masters

The use of unlicensed springs in surgeries at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin “was wrong”, according to a review carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority.It comes as the Chair of the Children’s Health Ireland Board Jim Browne resigned earlier today, following a report by HIQA.Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, joins Kieran to discuss…

Eamon Ryan, Climate Campaigner and former Leader of the Green Party joins Kieran to place his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has advised that he is speaking with the Attorney General about the potential for special legislation to remove the planning issues around the airport passenger cap.The Minister said this yesterday at the launch of phase one of Dublin Airport’s solar farm.Kenny Jacobs, CEO of Dublin Airport Authority joins Kieran to discuss this meeting, and what the future looks like for Dublin Airport.

Spring truly sprung, and while the domestic gods and goddesses out there go about their spring cleaning – there is one thing we should consider on that to-do list: our tech!Emmet Ryan, Business and Technology Journalist, joins Kieran to discuss.

The Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) has released a 200-page review into the use of improper implant springs in spinal surgeries at temple street university hospital - finding that there was no ethical approval granted at the hospital for their use by a surgeon…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley.

Yesterday, we learned the Dublin City Transport Plan is entering its second phase this summer as efforts to reduce cars in the city continue…So, the question is: are the days of the car in the city numbered?James May, former Top Gear and The Grand Tour Presenter, joins Kieran to discuss this, and his upcoming tour.

Kieran’s guest has recently returned from working in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, what did he witness in his time in Gaza?Vascular Trauma Surgeon Morgan McMonagle joins me now.Image: Reuters

Earlier in the show, Kieran spoke with Karl Ducque from the Solas Project about his experience of getting out of crime.Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, joins to discuss his own perspective on the issue of young people and crime.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist at Irish Times to look at social media for teenagers.What do you do when they start asking to join them, which ones are better and what safeguards can you put to make the process easier?

99 problems, but finding an ice cream isn’t one. Yes, the fine weather has ushered in the return of the Ice cream van this year earlier than expected – but is the soft serve industry in Ireland less screwballs and sprinkles and more game of cones?Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports

The plan to put a levy on Netflix and other streamers to support independent Irish productions has been squished by the Minister for Media.Patrick O’Donovan has said that people are already paying enough for streaming services, but is he right?Joining Kieran to discuss is Larry Bass, CEO of production company ShinAWil and former board member of Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

The EU has said it is ready to negotiate with the US over tariffs, but that it is planning on defending its own interests.It comes as US President Donald Trump's tariffs have caused chaos across global stock markets…Joining Kieran to discuss this and the impact it can have on people is Jack Power Europe Correspondent, Irish Times and Joe Lynam, Presenter of Newstalk’s Business Breakfast.

Last week, statements were heard in the Dáil on how to divert young people away from criminality. Numerous contributions were made from TD’s from across the political spectrum…Nobody knows more about what can happen to kids who get drawn into that life of crime than Kieran’s guest… Karl Ducque grew up in Dublin’s North inner city around crime, and now works to help keep young people on the right track. He joins Kieran to discuss.

This Thursday, residents living near Dublin airport are hosting an event which will explore health implications of noise at the airport. With disturbance to sleep being one of the biggest implications.With the passenger cap suspension extended, there is also the other issue at Dublin airport of how many night flights can, or should, operate.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Ian Carey, Local Area Representative for the Green Party and DP Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Truffle Hog.

Wrapping up Wish Week for Make-A-Wish, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly and Presenter of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ Podcast Elaine Burke to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

All day today Newstalk has been asking you to donate to Make-a-Wish: an important charity that really changes the lives of children who really need it.Kieran has spent over an hour on a bike in the studio, but this next piece will test him even more!Alison Curits and Ger Gilroy, who normally are here for Winner & Sinners, join for a spelling bee competition!It’s never too late to donate! makeawish.ie/donate

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about how you can incorporate Moroccan spices into your cooking to make some amazing meals!

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy (who is on a bike raising funds for Make-A-Wish!) on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Not long until Easter, and we’re being warned that shrinkflation continues!To discuss, Kieran (on the bike raising money for Make-A-Wish) is joined by Pricewatch Editor for the Irish Times, Conor Pope.

The weekend is almost here, and with the turn in the weather, there is sure to be plenty of people getting their BBQs fired up.Nico Reynolds, Chef and Presenter of All Fired Up, joins Kieran (on the bike raising money for Make-A-Wish!), to offer some tips and tricks to BBQ the right way this weekend...

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish do in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness.Kieran is joined in studio by Gavin Norris and his son Cian, who had his wish to meet Shane Lowry granted.If you would like to donate to Make-A-Wish, you can go to makeawish.ie/donate.

Kieran is joined by one of Ireland’s best-known Architects, Dermot Bannon.Dermot is in the studio to discuss the Simon Door initiative. The Royal Institute of the Architects along with Simon Communities Ireland are teaming up to raise funds to support their work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness...

Today, the Irish Government published its latest tax returns and spending outline for the month of March.These are more significant given the news of President Trump’s 20% Tariffs last night for the EU…To discuss, Kieran is joined by Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform & Digitalisation in the Government of Ireland and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West.

News emerged this week that two Irish citizens living in Berlin have been issued with deportation orders, and told to leave Germany before April 21st.The two are facing charges over alleged actions at pro-Palestinian protests, but have yet to appear before any kind of court hearing.They say authorities in Germany have accused them of ‘antisemitism’ and ‘supporting terrorist organisations’. They will file a motion tomorrow which disputes this and the deportation order.Kieran is joined by Roberta Murray, one of the two Irish people caught up in this...

Almost 24 hours on from Trump's big tariff tirade in the Rose Garden of the White House, and we’re still dissecting what it all means...What we do know is that Ireland is staring down the barrel of 20% tariffs. The Government here has warned that this is going to cause serious damage and disruption to the EU and the global economy, but we’re still waiting to hear how, or if, the EU will retaliate…To delve a little deeper into all of this, Kieran is joined from the US by Wall Street Businessman and Managing Partner of Raspail Partners, Michael George…Image: Reuters

Legendary Kerry GAA Manager Mick O’Dwyer has sadly passed this morning…Colm O'Rourke, former Meath Player and Manager, joins Kieran to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.

With this month being Autism Acceptance Month and yesterday being World Autism Awareness Day, Kieran is joined by Fiachna O’Broanan and Siona Ryan, who are here to highlight the challenges families face when it comes to autism support and education. From misconceptions about the spectrum to the overwhelming bureaucracy, there is still a long way to go where supports are concerned…

Many questions have been raised with the Hot School Meals scheme around its nutritional value, logistics and waste, but what is the perspective of these issues and what are operators seeing on their side?Cathal Connelly from Bradberry & Connelly, hotschoolmeals.ie, is one such operator 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 deal with bad breath!

On today, World Autism Day, parents are going on a 24 hour sleep-out at Leinster House to highlight the lack of suitable school places.Two of those parents: Rebecca Meehan and Danielle Cleary, join Kieran to discuss.

Intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity as a way to lose weight, but is it the right choice for everyone?While some swear by its benefits, others are cautious about its long-term effects.To help us make sense of it all, we’re joined by Sarah Keogh, a registered dietitian and founder of Eatwell.

In a continuation of her 'AI 101' series, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran for this week’s Tech Takeover to discuss how AI generates art, and some of the controversy that surrounds it.Image: Fotor

Actor Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65. He starred in some big hits of the 90’s, including Top Gun, Heat and Batman.Brian Lloyd, Entertainment Journalist, joins Kieran to look back at his life and career…

US President Donald Trump is set to announce his sweeping Tariffs this evening as part of “Liberation Day”, but what exactly is Trump’s goal here, and are we entering a new era of ideology?Mark Little, Tech entrepreneur and broadcaster joins me now…Image: Reuters

Apparently, to enjoy a moderate retirement, you will need to have a kitty of nearly 500k, according to the Pensions Council…Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell Financial Planning Advisors joins Kieran to discuss how realistic that is, as well as give his best tips for building a pension.

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish do in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness.Kieran is joined in studio by Ciara Dunne and her son Eli, who had his wish granted.If you would like to donate to Make-A-Wish, you can go to makeawish.ie/donate.

Trump’s trade tariffs will be revealed soon, and it could mean a lot for the Irish economy…What might it mean for the average consumer?To dig into this a little deeper, Kieran is joined by Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Aidan Regan, Professor of Political Economy at University College Dublin...

The free school meal scheme has been welcome by many, but does it need to pay more attention to certain areas? Chef, Author and Founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School Darina Allen was on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, and gave her take on the reaction of those she’s spoken to, saying that children were bringing home “half-eaten” meals.To get the thoughts of farmers, Kieran is joined by Denis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, to discuss.

Online reviews are now part of our everyday shopping routine, but with the rise of bots and fabricated feedback, how can we know what's real? Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times and later Miriam Simon, Business Strategist at One Foot In The Future, join Kieran to unpack the growing issue of fake reviews, and the impact they’re having on consumers and businesses alike.

US President Donald Trump is set to announce a range of reciprocal tariffs tomorrow. What effect will they have?Joining Kieran to discuss is Economist and former Minister of Finance for Greece, Yanis Varoufakis.Also joining to discuss the impact it will have on Irish business is Stuart McNamara, Director of Portmagee Whiskey and Chair of the Irish Craft and Artisan Distilleries Association.Image: Reuters

Noeline Blackwell, Human rights lawyer, Consultant and Online Safety Coordinator with the Children’s Rights Alliance joins Kieran to place her favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!