The Hard Shoulder

Whether it’s 75 hard, carnivore-only diets or intermittent fasting, there are a lot of health kicks that try to shave off those extra pounds and get fit.But, without so many diets and trends, what are we losing nutrition-wise when we follow these crazes?Gaye Godkin, Nutritionist, joins Kieran to discuss.

Israeli strikes have been continuing throughout the weekend in the aftermath of the collapsed ceasefire in the region, with Lebanon being hit more recently.Joining Kieran is Dr Mahmoud Abumarzouq, he is an Orthopedic Surgeon in Ireland who is originally from Rafah.Mahmoud joins Kieran to discuss his own personal losses from this conflict.

Passengers around the world had their travel plans disrupted following the fire at a substation near Heathrow Airport.Flights resumed late on Friday but it's estimated around 200,000 people were affected by the closure.Newstalk reporter met with passengers and staff at Dublin Airport.

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 clash tomorrow with the French in the first bout of the Women’s Six Nations challenge. It will be a tough challenge, but what will Ireland be hoping to achieve from this game going into the rest of the tournament?Former Irish Internationals, Alison Miller and Anna Caplice, join Kieran to discuss.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about ‘scrappy cooking’, and how you can use those leftover bits to make a fantastic meal!

Netflix's new drama miniseries 'Adolescence' has been on everyone's lips recently, and has been receiving a lot of acclaim.Joining Kieran to discuss the show and the impact it has is Newstalk Breakfast Presenters Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly…Image: Netflix

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…Before that, Kieran was joined by Kate O’Connor, who won silver at the World Indoor Championships. She discusses the achievement from the stadium in Nanjing, China.

Shane O’ Farrell was 23 years old when he was killed in a hit and run incident while out cycling in Carrickmacross back in 2011. The driver of the car had previous convictions, and a court ruling meant that he should have been in prison at the time.For a long time Shane’s family have been campaigning for a public inquiry into the circumstances around what happened and today they met with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’ Callaghan about this...Shane’s parents, Lucia and Jim O’Farrell, join Kieran to discuss.

Counter-terror officers from the Metropolitan Police are leading the investigation into a major fire that has closed Heathrow Airport. While there is "currently no indication of foul play" they are staying open-minded. There have been a series of disruptions in the area, with local schools and roads being closed, homes in the area being evacuated along with a series of flight cancellations.Joining Kieran to discuss all aspects of this disruption is Captain Mark Tighe, President of IALPA, Reporter Claire Boad and Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show and Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent.Image: London Fire Brigade

There are over 67,000 young careers in Ireland aged between 10-17, and the Labour Party will be putting forward a motion today aiming to come up with better solutions to help young careers.Kieran makes a trip to Leinster House to speak with two young carers, Lucy Connor and Conor Curran, giving testimony on their experiences.

Over 100 hundred bodies are donated each year to science, as people volunteer to forgo the traditional roots of burial and cremation, but how does one go about donating?Joining Kieran to discuss is Philomena McAteer, Chief Technical Officer of Anatomy at Trinity College Dublin.

Eddie Jordan, one of the most iconic men in Formula One, has sadly passed away at the age of 76…His passing has left a huge impact on the world of motorsport today, and joining Kieran to remember the man are two who knew him well: former Racing Driver David Kennedy, and Sports Journalist, David Quigley.

The Coeliac Society of Ireland says that better Government oversight of the Hot School Meals scheme is required to ensure that the nutritional needs of children affected by the disease are met…The Coeliac Society are currently taking it upon themselves to liaise with the catering companies supplying meals to ensure that there are safe options available for children with Coeliac disease.Joining Kieran for more on this is Gill Brennan, Strategy and Advocacy Lead with the Coeliac Society of Ireland, as well as parent and former Paediatric Dietician, Alison Mainprize.

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 give a lesson on being patriotic!

A Policing Authority report has found that The Garda needs to update its policy and procedures on dealing with public order incidents…Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan briefed Cabinet on this review following the Dublin riots in November 2023, and changes made since this time within the Garda Siochána.The Minister joins Kieran to discuss…

You have heard of fixed, variable and tracker mortgage rates, but have you heard about the ‘Flex’ mortgage? Well, it’s popular in Europe, and it’s coming to Ireland.Joining Kieran to explain is CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul, Paul Merriman.

In a continuation of her 'AI 101' series, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran for this week’s Tech Takeover to talk about all things prompts! When you’re interacting with an AI model, writing the correct question can make all the difference between an unreliable answer, and an incredibly useful resource.Image: OpenAI

Does Covid cast a long shadow over attendance in school 5 years on? This time in 2020, Ireland went into lockdown - with creches, primary and secondary schools shutting for long periods of time.What was the effect and impact on kids who were just starting out in school?Henry McKean spoke with kids from South City CNS Dublin 8 to get their memories, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeil spoke on Newstalk Breakfast earlier about the drop in the number of people on trolleys over the St. Patrick’s weekend compared to the previous Bank Holiday, hailing the new rostering system.How are Consultants reacting to her comments?Kieran is joined by Professor Mattew Sadlier, Chairman of the Consultant Committee of the Irish Medical Organisation to discuss.

The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, so you’ll start to think about getting the garden ready for summer...Joining Kieran to give his top tips is RTÉ Super Garden Judge and Woodie's DIY and Garden Expert, Brian Burke!

A restaurant steak could set you back €50; the price of beef is set to go up as farmers warn that the costs of production cannot be absorbed anymore…Will we need to come to reality that things might get more expensive, and what are the hidden costs behind a meal in a restaurant?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Remond, Cost of Living Expert with the Irish Examiner and Wade Murphy, Owner and Chef of Adare 1826.

Tensions in the Middle East were raised again yesterday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that hostage talks would take place “under fire”, leading to doubts that another ceasefire might be reached.Joining Kieran to discuss this conflict and her role within it is Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur to Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Brian Stack, a Senior Prison Officer in Portlaoise, was brutally shot by the IRA in 1983, leaving him paralysed and brain-damaged. He died 18 months later, and to this day, no one has been convicted of his murder. Now, his son Austin Stack, who was just 14 when his father passed away, has written a new book, ‘Justice For My Father’, detailing his ongoing quest for justice and his fight to uncover the truth behind the crime.Austin joins Kieran to discuss.

The Apprentice often has innovative ideas when it comes to businesses, but one has cropped up, and that is Doggie Discos!A few eyebrows have been raised: is this an example of younger people prioritizing pets over starting families?David Quinn, Head of the Iona Institute joins Kieran to discuss.

Following the release of Stanley Kubrick's' ‘A Clockwork Orange' in 1971, it was subsequently banned in Ireland; a ban which was only lifted in the year 2000.Movie Critic Brian Lloyd joins Kieran to talk about the other movies which have been banned in Ireland.

Amazon has today launched its new dedicated website for Ireland: Amazon.ie, which promises faster delivery times and even selling products from Irish businesses such as Barrys.What does the launch mean for consumers and for competing businesses?Joining Kieran to discuss is Adrian Weckler, Technology Editor with The Irish Independent and Ruth Roberts of Cogs The Brain Shop.Image: Amazon

You will have probably seen in the news that controversial MMA fighter Conor McGregor was invited to The White House by President Trump on St. Patrick’s Day. His presence and his remarks do not represent the people of Ireland, according to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.Why was he there, and what comes next?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Susan Garraty, Washington-based Journalist and former MSNBC Writer and Producer.

Gardaí are investigating an incident in which two women confronted an Israeli man at a bar in Dún Laoghaire - during which one of the women spat at him.The man who was spat on, Tamir Ohayon, joins Kieran to discuss.

It has been 8 years since former Minister of Health, now Tánaiste Simon Harris made the promise that no child in Ireland with scoliosis would be left on a waiting list.Joining Kieran to discuss why that hasn't become a reality, and the new bill aiming to address it is Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Claire Cahill, Co-Founder of Scoliosis Advocacy Network.

New research has revealed that large numbers of motorists are making changes to their driving habits in response to the ongoing increase in petrol and diesel prices across the country.More than 13% of motorists are now using public transport more frequently, with 11% opting to walk more, but what about those in more rural areas?To discuss this news, I’m joined by former Green MEP for Dublin, Ciarán Cuffe.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Comedian Jim Elliott to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about some wonderful elevated Irish recipes that you can make during this St Patrick’s Day weekend!Image: Peas & Crayons

There were ecstatic scenes as Team Ireland beat Switzerland 3-0 to win bronze in Floorball at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.Henry McKean was court side, and sent in this report!

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…

Supermac’s owner Pat McDonagh is voicing strong opposition to plans for a near 17% increase in personal injury awards. He argues that the rise will only add more strain on struggling businesses, and drive up insurance costs. With Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan now considering the proposal, McDonagh warns it could lead to more court cases and higher legal fees, benefiting the legal profession but costing businesses and consumers…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Stuart Gilhooley, Solicitor and Senior Counsel and Brian Hanley, CEO of Alliance for Insurance Reform.

Seachtain na Gaeilge is coming to a close, and joining Kieran to discuss the importance of the week is one of its Ambassadors for 2025, Comedian Julie Jay!

Is it time to overhaul the secondary schools admission process, and streamline how it works?Joining Kieran to discuss is Gary O’Sullivan, Chair of the Secondary School Crisis Action Group and Eric Leonard, Chair of the Stillorgan Secondary School Crisis Action Group…

This year, ‘Maniac 2000’ by Mark McCabe turns 25!Joining Kieran to look back on the track’s impact is Today FM’s Shelley Grey, 98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan and Go Loud’s Ed Smith.

The availability of fast fashion and increased use of social media has led to a rise in online boutiques. Consumers are raising concerns over the quality of goods and the misleading information promoted by some influencers.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been examining the practice of white labelling.

Hexahydro Cannabinol, or HHC, is a new drug which experts have been raising the flag over its dangers to young people, as it’s often sold in vapes or jellies.Why hasn’t this been tackled sooner, and do we need to discuss how we approach drug use in the country?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would be open to agreeing to the 30-day ceasefire agreement tabled by the US, but only under his own terms.What are these terms, and will Putin honour the ceasefire if this is agreed?Volodymyr Solohub, Freelance Journalist in Ukraine and Dr Shane O’Rourke, Senior Lecturer in Modern Russian History in the University of York join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.Image: Reuters

Marks & Spencer's have announced their new ‘1 ingredient’ Cornflakes, and that ingredient is… corn!Do we always just expect to see additives, salt and e numbers in a lot of our food these days?Sarah Keogh, is Registered Dietician at Eatwell.ie, and joins Anton Savage to discuss.

What happens when trade talks turn into threats? President Trump has warned of a 200% tariff on EU alcohol imports, escalating tensions over a dispute with the bloc…What does this mean for businesses, consumers, and the global economy - and what has history taught us about the negative impacts of tariffs?Joining guest host Anton Savage to unpack this is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin, and Emma Howard, Economist at TU Dublin.Image: Reuters

There is a great importance to first aid training, and it’s crucial for everyone to be prepared in an emergency. From schools to everyday life, knowing what to do can make all the difference…Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Niamh Gaffney, Registered PHECC EMT and Founder of Emergency First Aid Training.

The Phantom of the Opera on London’s West End has been given 15 trigger warnings.Viewers have been warned to expect loud sounds, gun shots, flashing lights, haze, fire, pyrotechnics and depictions of violence and death.Has it all gone too far?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Columnist with The Irish Daily Mail and The Sunday Times, Brenda Power.

AI has become ever-present in our lives, but even more so in the realms of academia. How has it affected universities in terms of their grading and their assessments?Dr Stephen Lucek, Assistant Professor in Linguistics in UCD, joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

There have been calls for a binned option and a digital DRS Scheme. This would see you scan a QR Code on your bin and the item being recycled and will return the deposit to a virtual bank balance.Is this a worthwhile idea to revisit, or is it too much hassle for recyclers?David Hall CEO of iCare Housing and CEO of Lifeline Services and Sinead Ryan Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent and the Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Ireland has won big at this year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games, including our first gold medal! Henry McKean is reporting from Turin and joins Kieran to share what he’s seen.

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 give a lesson on being patriotic!