The Hard Shoulder

Halloween season has started, so we buried Henry McKean alive, and he sent us his funeral! Henry got a sneak peek at the Nightmare Realm (with Fanta) which opens tomorrow in Dublin. The 7,000 square metre experience brings Halloween alive.Warning! This report has jump scares from the start!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss mayonnaise, and how you can responsibly use it in your recipes.

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.

The adaptation of Marian Keyes’ ‘Walsh Sisters’ novels have taken Irish TV by storm!Joining Kieran to discuss is Stefanie Preissner, who not only plays the part of the ever-dependable sister Maggie, she also adapted  Marian Keyes' Walsh Sisters books into a 6-part series for RTÉ, writing four of the first season’s six episodes. Jay Duffy, who plays Luke Costello, the complicated love interest of one of the sisters Rachel, also joins to discuss!

Kieran is joined by Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Yoni Wieder, to share his thoughts following the terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester which led to the loss of two lives…

Do you have a shared bank account with your partner? Or are finances something you’d like to keep to yourself? Apparently, those under 30 want nothing to do with them…Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Fenell, Life Coach and Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

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…

Does the school lunch scheme adequately cater for those with dietary requirements? Some parents of children with the autoimmune condition coeliac disease feel they are not given enough of a variety…Joining Kieran to discuss is Sarah Keogh, Dietician and Nutritionist with the Coeliac Society of Ireland and Alison Mainprize, concerned parent and former Paediatric Dietician.

Former Dublin Footballer Philly McMahon joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Last night, Israeli forces intercepted 39 boats carrying aid and foreign activists to Gaza.Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that at least 14 Irish activists are among the hundreds of Gaza flotilla participants who were detained by Israeli forces…Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Irish Author, Naoise Dolan, who is still onboard the Flotilla en route to Gaza…

Today, the long-awaited MetroLink line, which will finally connect Dublin Airport to the city by rail, has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, three years after planning permission was sought.The 18.8km rail line, expected to cost more than €10 billion, was first proposed a quarter of a century ago, and is anticipated to begin operations in the mid-2030s.Joining Kieran to discuss this is the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and also Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.

Following her success at the World Athletics Championships, Kate O'Connor joins Kieran to discuss the achievement!

Ahead of the Presidential Election, should we revisit the idea of early and postal voting? Are the rules outdated?Joining Kieran to discuss is Evelyn Cormican, Business Owner and Galway Resident, and Ryan O’Meara, Fianna Fáil TD.

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 properly clap!

Key workers, including nurses, gardaí and teachers will be eligible to rent low-cost homes within the next three years, as part of Dublin City Council’s pilot regeneration scheme which will redevelop derelict buildings in Dublin's inner city.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Róisín Murphy, Conservationist and Architect and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of The Irish Times.

After the first presidential debate on Monday night went off without fireworks, people are looking to the other debates to help them make up their mind. But, one place you won’t find one is on TG4, as they announced in September that they won’t be holding a debate as Gaeilge…This decision has been criticized with some saying that Irish speakers are being excluded. Independent Senator Eileen Flynn, who wrote to the station to reverse the decision, joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss the next generation of technology wearables, with Meta’s new smart glasses having a full colour display…Image: Meta

In 2018, after waiting for 36 hours on a trolley in University Hospital Limerick with stroke-like symptoms, Tommy Wynne was found unresponsive. Seven years on, his wife Marie McMahon says little has changed…She joins Kieran to discuss.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said today that he doesn’t want to see the Flotilla go any further, due to the danger that could come.It's as the boat is set to reach Gaza imminently.Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on it, and he joins Kieran to discuss what’s happening.Image: Reuters

Last month, while walking through Dublin city centre in the evening, Cat O’Driscoll, Social Democrat Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin was recently the victim of a random assault by a passerby, who punched her in the face…She has said she doesn’t know if the motivation behind the incident was targeted at her because of her politics, or simply because she is a woman.She joins Kieran to discuss.

Do you miss the old phone box to ring your boyfriend or girlfriend? Do you think it's sad they are now assigned to history? Today, we are celebrating the humble phone kiosk!Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss.

The government looks set to reduce the hospitality VAT rate from 13.5% down to 9% in the upcoming budget. But, is this a good idea, and does it make financial sense?Joining Kieran to discuss is Restauranteur, Anthony Gray and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy.

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 recommendations for three different Tuscan cities!

Following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the summer, Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor, joins Kieran to discuss why it is important for women to advocate for themselves, especially if they feel something is not quite right…

Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Nicola Sturgeon has been one of the most recognisable names in British politics in the past decade. Holding Scottish politics’ highest seat through Brexit, a historic first Scottish independence vote and a global pandemic.Nicola Sturgeon, with her new memoir ‘Frankly’, joins Kieran in the studio to discuss!

Almost two decades on from the first movie, a release date of July 3rd 2027 has been set for the second Simpsons movie...This comes after Season 37 just ended, with the show renewed through season 40.So, what is it that makes the show endure so long?Olivia Fahy is the Editor of Geek Ireland, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: 20th Century Studios

HIQA has published its latest report into University Hospital Limerick, where it has issued advice to the Government surrounding improved healthcare facilities for the region.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by one of the Spokespersons for the MidWest Hospital Campaign, Conor Reidy, and Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

Ahead of the Presidential election, there have been calls in some areas for people to spoil their votes in protest…Is this action democratic or undemocratic?To explain and discuss this more, Kieran is joined by Businessman and Entrepreneur, Declan Ganley, and Independent Senator, Gerard Craughwell.

‘Towards a National Action Plan for HIV in Ireland’ is a conference that is taking place today and tomorrow in Dublin.So, how is HIV handled in Ireland currently? And what can we maybe learn from other countries?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Rebecca Tallon de Havilland, who is a trans woman and HIV-positive advocate, Professor Jane Anderson, who is an AIDS Specialist and Consultant Physician at Homerton Hospital in Hackney and Stephen O’Hare, Executive Director of HIV Ireland.

The political landscape appears to be shifting in the UK, as conservative support falls, Reform UK soars, and reports of Labour infighting.All of this as Labour host their annual conference in Liverpool.To chat through all this, guest host Ciara Doherty is joined by Journalist and Broadcaster, Adam Boulton.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Ciara Doherty is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, to discuss how you can deal with a sibling rivalry in your household!

There are 147 patients without a bed at University Hospital Limerick today, which is just short of the record high of 150 from February of last year. This is according to the INMO report today.The latest HIQA inspection report from May 2024 found that University hospital Limerick  had high patient numbers and overcrowding and warned: “The processes in place may not be fully sufficient to protect people who use the service from the risk of harm.”What needs to be done?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Conor Sheehan, Labour TD for Limerick City…

The three presidential candidates will all meet for their first debate tonight, but how crucial is this debate to their hopes on election day?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Acting Political Editor with The Irish Examiner, Paul Hosford, and Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, Eoin O’Malley.

If you were out over the weekend, you may have suffered from the dreaded ‘fear’ along with other hangover symptoms the next day. But, what causes it, and why does it only affect some of us?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Dr Anne Keogh, Clinical Psychologist.

Shane Lowry secured the Ryder Cup for team Europe yesterday, and it’s safe to say that many celebrations have happened, with more to come.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has made the trip to Lowry’s home golf club in Offaly to get reactions from the locals, including Shane Lowry’s own granny! He joins guest host Ciara Doherty to share what he’s heard.

Gardaí have arrested a man in his 30s in connection with an incident in a rural area of County Louth in which three people were killed.  Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock is at the scene, and joins guest host Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates…

There was yet another instance of anti-social behaviour in the city center over the weekend, with a Pittsburgh Steelers player allegedly assaulted and robbed in the early hours of Saturday morning…It is one of a spate of similar instances in recent weeks. What impact is it having on how Dublin is perceived globally, and is that having an effect on business in the capital?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Luca de Marzio, owner of Rosa Madre in Temple Bar and Trina O’Connor, Criminologist and Lecturer in Psychology in TU Dublin.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent, to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

The big day is almost here. This Sunday, after a long time planning, Dublin plays host to its first ever official NFL regular season game, where the Pittsburgh Steelers go up against the Minnesota Vikings. Who will come out on top?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Steelers Beat Reporter with PennLive & Host of Steelers Breakdown, Nick Farabough.

Winner winner! Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the different kinds of chicken dinners you can make.

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…

Despite the school year being underway, there are a number of kids still without a school place, and are now being left behind by their peers…Kieran is joined by the parents of two of those kids, Mairead Carty and Sinead O’Reilly, to discuss.

Henry and Heather de Bromhead and their daughters Mia and Georgia, opened The Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre located on the campus of ChildVision in Drumcondra.The new indoor equine therapeutic centre, is named after 13 year old Jack who died at a race meeting in 2022.Henry McKean visited the new equine centre to see how Jack de Bromhead's legacy will help children for generations to come…

Health insurance continues to be an issue for many people, but what are the latest increases set to look like, and what can you do to keep costs down?Kieran is joined by Health Insurance Expert with Health Insurance.ie, Dermot Goode, and Health Economist at UCC, Brian Turner, to discuss.

If you’re one of the three Irish Presidential candidates, what is the best way to make an impact? How do you get the public excited to vote for you?Paul Allen, a PR professional, who has worked on four Presidential campaigns, joins Kieran to discuss.

There’s been a lot of discussion over how accurate the new Netflix show ‘The House of Guinness’ is, or rather how inaccurate it is. So, we’re going to look into how close it is to real history, and whether or not that matters…Joining Kieran to discuss is Historian, Dr Kevin Egan and Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy.

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…

Has our reliance on technology and AI meant we have lost our literacy skills? Is this problem getting worse?Joining Kieran to discuss is Aidan Regan, Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations in UCD and Thomas Kenny, of Kennys Bookstore in Galway, and later Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

We’re edging closer to budget 2026 but if you’re hoping for a bit of relief in terms of taxes, you should probably lower expectations….it is the first budget of the new Government term after all!Joining Kieran to look into the crystal ball of what we can expect is Dr Tom McDonnell, of the Neven Economic Research Institute and Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.