The Hard Shoulder

20,000 college football fanatics are flocking to Dublin this weekend as the Iowa State Cyclones take on Kansas State Wildcats in the Aviva tomorrow.But, what is college football, and why is this game such a big deal?Joining Kieran in studio are two mega fans from the respective teams, Jake Brend, Chief Content Producer at the Cyclone Fanatic and Mason Voth, Head of Media for K-State Online.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss breakfast, and why it doesn’t have to be boring!

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.

Across the country, some parents are being informed at the very last minute that no transport arrangements are in place for their child’s school commute next week.That is true in Meath, Louth, Kildare and Wicklow.At the same time, to deal with a lack of bus drivers, Bus Éireann are being called on to change their rules on the age of retirement. Junior Transport Minister Seán Canney this morning on Pat Kenny said drivers who hit 70 should be allowed to continue driving.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrat TD for Wicklow, Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth and Jenny, a parent in Meath.

After a long trend of falling electricity prices over the past year and a half, wholesale electricity prices rose by 4.6% in the month of July.Unfortunately, as we approach winter, we can expect the trend to continue…Joining Kieran to explain it all is Daragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at bonkers.ie.

This week marks 146 years since the apparition of Mary by pilgrims at Knock, how did it change Catholicism?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fr Iggy O' Donovan, Parish Priest in Fethard, County Tipperary.

Fast-food is growing in Ireland, but has it gotten too expensive for what it is?In the US, McDonald’s is cutting its prices after hearing complaints from its customers, who say that the fast-food chain - once known for its cheap and quick meals, is now nearly as pricey as higher-quality sit down restaurants.With more fast food giants entering the market - should we expect a lower tier of pricing?Newstalk’s Henry McKean spoke with the public to hear their thoughts, and Kieran is joined by TV Chef and Culinary Lecturer at South East Technological University, Edward Hayden and Michelin-starred Chef and owner of Kombu, JP McMahon, to discuss.

 Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s arts and humanities research institute, and presenter of Talking History joined Kieran for his weekly slot looking back at presidents of the past ahead of the upcoming presidential election... This week Patrick and Kieran talked about presidential sex scandals.

This week on the Thursday Interview Kieran was joined by Sinéad Burke, founder and CEO of Tilting the lens and disability advocate.

Across Israel, a growing number of young people are refusing to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces, publicly burning their military conscription papers and protesting against the conflict in Gaza. Military service is mandatory in Israel, but according to Kan, Israel’s national broadcaster, over 40 percent of soldiers did not show up to reserve duty in May. To discuss why Kieran was  joined by a former Israeli soldier and an active member/ administrator with the anti-war organization, Soldiers for Hostages, Shahar Sherf.

Mark Moriarty, Award Winning TV chef and Author joined Kieran to discus the latest season of his podcast “Roasted” where he prepares meals for some of the biggest names around.  

The joint agreed statement between the EU and US on the recent trade deal agreed in Scotland has been published. In particular, it seems to give Ireland a firm commitment to cap pharma tariffs at 15 per cent, while some parts of the sector may be excluded altogether. But is it being greeted with joy? Relief? Or maybe some are still disgruntled? Cormac Lucey is an Economic Commentator with The Sunday Times. He joins me now, as does IBEC’s Executive Director of lobbying and influence, Fergal O’Brien.

Japan's oldest professional player of the board game retired this week at the age of 98, it got thinking, have board games lost their allure or can they ever be replaced by the Wordle?  Cathy Maguire, Member of Board Games Ireland and Dave O’Keefe  Owner of ‘Board & Brewed’

Irish Life Health and Laya Healthcare have both announced insurance  price hikes on plans in the space of a week  It comes as the trend we have seen in increasing the cost of health insurance seen in the past two years looks set to continue into the latter half of this year  Joining me now for more on this is Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Ireland.

How much do you know about your family's ancestry roots?  Given the historical struggles this country has faced in modern history, from the famine to economic migration tracing Irish family history can quickly become difficult. But joining me next is a Genealogy nerd and Producer of Talking History on Newstalk  

The Parents of Harvey Morrisons Sherratt are calling for a commission of inquiry into CHI’s treatment of children with spina bifida and scoliosis, many of whom have been denied timely corrective surgery. Harvey passed away last month. Harveys grieving Father Stephen joined Kieran to discuss his son and why he had to wait years for life saving surgery.

Vaping amongst teens is consistently linked to taking up smoking, marijuana and drink according to an umbrella review of existing research. To discuss further Kieran was joined by Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean.

What are Labubu dolls? And why are people so mad over them?Kieran is joined by Jodie McCormack, Journalist with The Irish Sun, to talk about the Labubu craze…

Have you ever watched The White Lotus, and (in between all of the drama) wanted to have your own holiday like it? This is your chance!This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his Ultimate Guide on having your own White Lotus holiday, and for different budget levels!

As you might know, this Sunday was the start of the National Heritage Week. This year’s edition, focused on the landscapes and cultural activities of heritage, will be made up of over two thousand events.Joining Kieran to tell more is Anne O’Donoghue, the CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust.

Screenwriter and bestselling author of the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ series Derek Landy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

You may have seen online a rise in people using tanning accelerators, essentially, they are lotions, sprays and supplements that claim to enhance the skin’s ability to tan.But, how do they work, and are they safe?Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

The Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group is calling on the Government to take accountability and for transparency over the delay in assessing children who may have had unnecessary hip surgeries.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Amy, the Patient Advocacy Group’s Co-Chair.

While the big news of the day has been that both Seán Kelly and Heather Humphries are both putting themselves forward for the Fine Gael Presidential nomination. Fianna Fáil are making sure they’re not outdone. Their MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher, has said he has written to the party’s Cathaoirleach to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss their involvement in the race.Billy Kelleher joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is often portrayed as a need for complete order and organization, but what is it really like to live with the condition?Kieran is joined by David Monaghan, who has lived with OCD since he was a child, to discuss the common misconceptions of the disorder…

As the world watched Trump and Zelenskyy’s meeting yesterday, the topic of security guarantees for Ukraine emerged. But, what exactly was said, and what role will our Defence Forces have after the war?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euro News and Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Security Analyst.Image: Reuters

It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re getting into the later stages of your life - it becomes more and more important.Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top financial planning tips for those aged 45-60!

What sets Irish people apart from other people when it comes to complaining? Are we a nation of secret complainers, or has that changed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Journalist for the Irish Examiner and Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.

Research shows that twins experience dependency and rivalry more so than non-twin siblings. This is especially seen in the adolescence years. So, how can parents ensure to help each twin develop their own unique personality?Joining Kieran to discuss strategies for parents of twins is twin expert, Dr Joan Friedman.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due to meet with US President Donald Trump today following Trump’s meeting with Putin on Friday. Though the terms are unclear, Trump has maintained that “significant progress” has been made towards a Russia/Ukraine ceasefire.Joining Kieran to discuss is Michael Baskin, CEO of Ukrainian Crisis Centre Ireland, Scott Lucas, Professor & Political Analyst at the Clinton Institute at University College Dublin and later Nadia Dobrianska, Ukrainian Historian in Ireland and Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal.

If you were at either of the Oasis Croke Park gigs over the weekend you may have noticed the large amount of people with their phones in the air. Bob Dylan recently banned phones at his concerts and Sabrina Carpenter has said that she considered banning them.So, should we ban filming concerts on your phone to allow people to ‘live in the moment’?Joining Kieran to discuss is Journalist and Host of the ‘No Encore’ music podcast, Dave Hanratty.

Getting your kids to eat their food can already be tough, but the heat can make it more difficult. So, how can you deal with a lack of appetites?Joining Kieran for this week’s Kids Health Check with her advice is Louise Lennox Chef and Founder of Fussy Eating Kids.

The Department of Finance has published a document on tax, and a section has caught people’s attention. Currently, if you have solar panels and sell your excess energy back, you get a €400 tax exemption – but, this is set to be removed at the end of the year, with people needing to declare the income.Joining Kieran to discuss the situation is Darragh Cassidy, the Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie.

Former President Mary McAleese has criticized Pope Leo’s first 100 days in the papacy, saying it's been “too conservative”. She has questioned whether he is as committed to Pope Francis’ reforms – but, is 100 days too early to judge?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Quinn, Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Irish Catholic and Gina Menzies, a Theologian.

With more and more people living in rented accommodation across the country, a lot of people may not fully understand what rights they have as a tenant.Joining Kieran to discuss what issues some people are having at the moment, and how they could go about dealing with them is John Mark McCafferty, CEO of Threshold and Kevin O’Higgins, a practicing Solicitor and a former President of the Law Society of Ireland.

The ASTI has warned that if the planned reforms to the Leaving Certificate go ahead, they may go on strike with their over 20 thousand members. This issue stems from questions about facility quality and fears about generative AI.Joining Kieran to outline the issues, and explain their reasoning is the President of the ASTI and practical teacher Padraig Curley.

A video of a 19-year-old Australian male athlete breaking down in tears has gone viral on social media. The Australian, Archie Wilson, is playing college football in the U.S. state of Nebraska. After a match last week, he was asked by a reporter what it’s like to be away from his family and that’s when he broke down, missing his family.While most of the reaction was supportive and people felt for the young man living away from home, he also received negative comments questioning his masculinity.To discuss the stigma around men being vulnerable and crying, Kieran is joined by former Munster and Irish Rugby International and Mental Health Advocate, Alan Quinlan, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Tara Logan Buckley, and Newstalk Reporter, Dylan Hand.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

As party campaigns kick off, The Hard Shoulder’s series learning more about the history of the presidential office continues.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to look back the candidates who received support from county council to become president of Ireland.

Reports are coming in this Friday eve of Oasis fever gripping the country!But, as the capital prepares for the big gigs this weekend in Croker, the question remains: “Which one do you prefer, Oasis or Blur?”.Father Damo AKA Comedian Joe Rooney are here in the studio as well as Micheal Doyle, Journalist with the Irish Sun.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss strawberries - and how they can be used in multiple delicious 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 big news of the day is that Donal Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet in Alaska, with rumors circling about whether this could end the war in Ukraine.Joining Kieran to give the latest news on the ground is Jeff Landfield, the Editor-in-Chief at the Alaska Landmine, and Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran speaks with Ukrainians living in Ireland on what they would like to see from the meeting.Image: Reuters

After their massive falling out Oasis are back together and are on stage at Croke Park tomorrow night. The Live 25 tour could bring in over €1 billion, their first gigs in over 16 years!Henry McKean has been soaking up the atmosphere in advance of the 2 night sold-out Croke Park gigs (after securing his own tickets), and joins Kieran to discuss.

Brain boosting supplements - are they just a gimmick? Or can they really improve your long-term memory?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr. Sabina Brennan, Psychologist, Neuroscientist and author of ‘Still Me: A neuroscientist’s guide to caring for someone with dementia’.

Do we have an issue with catcalling in this country?Because there seems to be one in Surrey in the UK. Female police officers went undercover as joggers for an entire month to experience the alleged harassment that locals were reporting to the police. So, what did they find out? One police officer was honked at within ten minutes of her running. Then another car slowed down, beeping and making gestures just 30 seconds later...To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Fitness Influencer, Siobhán O’Hagan and Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan.

Now, a new report has shown that many guards are not doing their jobs for road policing properly. The Crowe Report, to give it its official title, says that some Guards may be breaching their code of ethics as they’re unproductive and unconcerned with doing effective work. The Report also says a lack of resources for road policing is a problem.Joining Kieran to discuss was Pat Marry – former detective, inspector, and senior investigating officer, who now works as an author  John Joe O’Connell - member of the Roads Policing Unit and GRA Representative for Kildare Donna Price – President of the Irish Road Victims Association whose son died in a road accident in 2006 –

Fine Gael Presidential nominee Mairead McGuinness has dropped out of the race to become the next president of Ireland.In a statement to Fine Gael Members, McGuinness said the “This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week.”To reflect on where this leaves the Presidential race and to speculate who may become the next president of Ireland now, Kieran was joined by Shane Coleman, Broadcaster and presenter of Newstalk Breakfast and Sean Defoe Newstalk Political correspondent

From Eddington, together to k-pop demon hunters David O’ Callaghan,   From the Here and Back Again podcast and  Dee Reddy,   Podcaster and Cultural commentator, joined the Hard Shoulder with their top picks for weekend viewing — including the best new films, series, and streaming releases.

Ireland is known to be the land of a "hundred thousand welcomes or “Cead mile failte” In recent times, we have seen and heard about the horrific attacks on members of the Indian community so how true really is the notion of Cead mile failte ?Joining Kieran was Irish Times Journalist and Historian Ronan Mcgreevy,  and Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer at the ESRI to discuss.