The Hard Shoulder

Remember when Good Friday meant no pints and a whole lot of confused tourists wandering Temple Bar looking for a pub that wasn’t open?Well, those days are gone, and with pubs and off-licences back in business, has the meaning of Good Friday gone out the window with the empty kegs?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Comedian Jim Elliot as well as writer and commentator Michael Kelly.

Netflix have just announced that they will be launching a special documentary looking into the killing of Irishman Jason Corbett by Molly Mertens and her father, Tom Martens, which will be released on May 8th.Ralph Riegal, Southern Correspondent with the Irish Independent, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Netflix

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 resist temptations in your life - especially around Lent!

US President Donald Trump, since his inauguration, has seen the cutting of jobs and funding in certain departments as part of his wider process to cut government spending.One of the victims of these cuts is America's weather departments, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which provides data for forecasting, sparking fears that the US might be unprepared for future weather events.David Amelotti, Reporter and Anchor at First Alert 4 News from St Louis, Missouri joins Kieran to discuss, and Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather joins to discuss the impact it may have on Irish weather reporting.

Property prices rose 8% in February compared to last year – in yet more worrisome news for those trying to navigate the housing market.All of this while Dubliners are being asked to have their say on plans to transform an industrial estate on the city’s northside into a “brand-new community”.So, what role can property developers play in solving the housing crisis?Cork Property Developer Michael O’Flynn joins Kieran to discuss.

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss the build up to the next Ireland Gateway to Europe trip for the show, as well as a return to her AI 101 series - all about hallucinations with AI!

The UK Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling this morning, backing the biological definition of women in the UK’s Equality Act.This means that the term “woman” in the legal aspect will not include transgender women - which might have a wider implication on policy decisions down the road.Joining Kieran to react to this ruling is Laoise de Brún BL, CEO and Founder of The Countess and Karen Sugrue, Co-Chair for Mammies for Trans Rights and Psychotherapist and Sociology Lecturer in TUS Limerick.

A Cork Pub Owner thought it was a late April Fools when he found out his pub would be demolished to make way for the Cork Luas. The 2 Billion infrastructure project caught some by surprise.Henry McKean went to Cork to find out more, and joins Kieran to discuss.

With April being Autism Awareness on the program, we have heard from parents who have been battling to get adequate services for their children.But, from a legal perspective, how much has the state infringed on the rights of children and their families by failing to provide care?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Gareth Noble, Partner at KOD/Lyons and Solicitor specialising in child law.

Tucker Carlson, the American media personality, was in Ireland yesterday – he interviewed Conor McGregor, while also visiting his pub in Crumlin.It was reported that approximately 40 people showed up at the Black Forge Inn.But, why did this happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is one of those who attended: Conor Lenihan, former Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation, and former Fianna Fáil TD.

A study has found that we love it when plans suddenly get cancelled and consider it a tiny triumph. We love 'jomo' or the joy of missing out. Finding money in your coat pocket or getting the last parking space are the small wins that cheer us up.Henry McKean asked these people what 'pick me ups' put a smile on their face!

Irish Singer and Musician Brian Kennedy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Dublin City Council met yesterday to discuss the aftermath of the chaos over the weekend by the Grand Canal in Portobello which saw people littering, urinating and defecating in the area.Labour Party Councillor Dermot Lacey joins Kieran to discuss…Image: Damien Storan

Earlier today, the ‘Grace’ Report was published.This is the final report of the first phase of the Farrelly Commission, which examines the 'Grace' case allegations and why she was placed in the home and not removed until 2009.Speaking at the publication of the report today Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality said that “It goes without saying that what Grace experienced was both intolerable and utterly unacceptable…"Minister Foley and Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter with the Irish Examiner join Kieran to discuss.

Home is where the heart is, but what if your home was the heart of the cultural revival? Well, that’s what Diarmuid Lyng, Owner of Wild Irish Retreats and former Wexford Hurler is offering with his new fundraiser to buy a space in Kilkenny.Diarmuid Lyng joins Kieran to tell more.

Kieran has left Newstalk headquarters and is in Buswells as the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group and Scoliosis Advocacy Network are holding a press conference calling on action in continued failures on paediatric care.Una Keightley, Co-Lead Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, and Claire Cahill Co-Founder of Scoliosis Advocacy Network join to discuss.Image: @mulvanypeopleb1 on Twitter

Research from the ESRI today has shown that workers in the Republic of Ireland pay over twice as much as those in the North, with the quality of life still better in the Republic.Whether that’s surprising for you or not, we did want to ask the bigger question today: can we afford Irish unity? Or would the financial responsibility of the North be too much?Joining Kieran to discuss is TalkTV Presenter Peter Cardwell and Rose Conway Walsh, Sinn Fein Spokesperson Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and TD for Mayo.

Should there be a register for convicted domestic abusers? Jason Poole believes so, as his sister Jennie Poole was killed by an ex-partner in 2021…He has since been campaigning for it since, and launched a petition two weeks ago, urging the Minister for Justice to implement it.Jason joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie to discuss how you can support your teenagers while they are doing their Junior and Leaving Cert exams.

There was a big reveal today for Cork’s long-awaited Luas line: an 18km light rail, stretching from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, is officially on the table. With public consultation now open, some are calling it a transformational step for the city, but many in Cork are meeting it with scepticism, pointing to years of promises that went nowhere.Joining Kieran to discuss is KC from RedFM and TodayFM and Pauline O’Reilly, former Green Party Senator.Image: Luas Cork

The day has finally come for Rory McIlroy after he achieved the career grand slam with a win at the Masters.Who better to talk to now than another Irish golfing legend: Padraig Harrington!He joins Kieran to discuss the historic moment. Also joining to discuss is Nathan Murphy from Off the Ball.Image: Reuters

Kieran’s guest is an up and coming businessman, and just managed to bag Lord Alan Sugar’s phone number as he aims to grow his many businesses!Jordan Dargan came third in this year’s series of The Apprentice, which is now into its 19th year, and at only 22 years old was the youngest contestant on the show…He joins to discuss.

According to research from PTSB, the increasing pressure on those trying to access the housing market has led to many younger professionals opting to go towards social housing options, in hopes of gaining a home of their own.To discuss this research, Kieran is joined by Rory Hearne, Social Democrat TD and Aran McDonnacha, a young professional who applied for the social housing list.

Rory McIlroy has become the 6th golfer ever to achieve the career grand slam with his long-awaited win at the Masters.Joining Kieran to discuss this amazing moment for Irish sport is Newstalk’s Henry McKean from Rory’s hometown of Holywood and Enda McNulty, Performance Coach and CEO of McNulty Performance. Kieran also got some words from another Irish golfing legend, Padraig Harrington!

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…

England descended on Cork to face off against Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations championship. The red roses are considered heavy favorites for the game, so what can Ireland do to overcome this challenge?Joining Kieran to discuss is Grace Davitt, former Ireland International and Philippa Tuttiett, Commentator and former Welsh player.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about how you can make quick meals with only 5 ingredients, especially handy when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking!

Earlier in the month Carlow played host to a speed cubing event, where competitors race against the clock to solve scrambled Rubik’s cubes - with some even doing it blindfolded!One of the competitors joins Kieran to discuss: Adam Bermingham, who is the national record holder of the fastest 5x5 blindfolded Rubik’s Cube solve…

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: Reuters

The Government is to review the nutritional value of thousands of hot meals that are being provided to school children around the country.The meals scheme is already provided in more than 2,000 primary schools and Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary has said that will expand it by a further 713 to reach 475,000 children and 2,850 schools.The Minister joins Kieran to discuss.

From packed carriages to dirty seats, taking public transport can be a challenging experience, but it is increased by the annoyance of passengers not using headphones – which is the thoughts of Broadcaster, Writer and Guardian Columnist Adrian Chiles.He joins Kieran to discuss!

Cases of Measles are on the rise globally, and anecdotal evidence from early childhood providers here would suggest that far fewer parents are vaccinating their children.With reports of a suspected case of measles in a Dublin creche this week, creche owners are calling on the Government to offer better guidance and policy on how to deal with this…Joining Kieran to discuss is Elaine Dunne from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers Professor Luke O’Neill, Immunologist at Trinity College...

An IBEC conference heard this week how parental leave for male employees can be a career killer!A recent ESRI study showed that only half of father's avail of paternity leave, and only a quarter of men take parent’s leave compared with two-thirds of mothers.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Kieran to discuss why more don’t avail of parental leave…

Keeping your room tidy and making the bed everyday are the main life skills parents want their children to learn before they move out of home.Half of parents say putting away and hanging up clothes, being able to do a grocery shop on a budget, and starting a savings account are the next most important life lessons.Henry McKean has been out investigating, and joins Kieran to discuss.

A new campaign by FraudSMART has revealed that €17 million has been lost by SMEs through email-related scams in the last two years.And in a world of tariffs, where businesses are more aware than ever of their bottom line, what impact does this have?Tommy Bowe, former Irish rugby international and entrepreneur and Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime at FraudSMART join guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss.

61,000 students will sit the Leaving Cert this year, but there are concerns that the class of 2025 will be at a disadvantage when it comes to the CAO process.This is because around 15,000 students from the previous three years will also apply to the CAO, and these students will have benefitted from the grade inflation introduced during Covid.Among those expressing concern is Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. She joins guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss. Also joining later to give their perspective is Paul Crone Director at the National Association of Principals and Deputies and MJ Quill Vice-President of the Union of Students in Ireland.

Mark Mellett, former Head of the Defence Forces joins guest host Emmet Oliver for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The warm weather has the Irish rocking their summer wardrobes from sunny shades to the cool shorts, with many making the journey to the office in such attire, but is that appropriate for the workplace?Laura Jordan, Image Consultant from Stylesavvy.ie and Cathal O’Sullivan, from 98fm join guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss.

US President Donald Trump's sudden decision to pause most of the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries has brought some relief to the global markets, and indeed, some European leaders. The only exception? China, where Trump is ratcheting tariffs up even further.So what might China do? Could they retaliate?Kiri Paramore is Professor of Asian Studies at UCC, and joins guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Over half of Irish motorists witness road rage at least monthly, new research suggests.Aviva’s new survey says road rage is on the rise, but why is this, and how can we combat the rage within us?Joining guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Peter Devers, Psychotherapist at Knock Counselling Centre and Director of the Irish Anger Management Association.

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…