The Hard Shoulder

Alcohol and drug use among e-scooter users, increased littering within Dublin city's inner city and a Donegal GAA club being forced to install CCTV to deal with dog fouling. This week, there have been a number of stories which seem to suggest that we have a blatant disregard for others. But what is driving the disrespect of our communities?Joining Kieran to discuss was Noel Cunningham, hotelier, and TV personality, author of Guide to Modern Irish Manners, Shane Coleman, Broadcaster and presenter of Newstalk Breakfast IDPTL, Patti Shields, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad.  Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry, At Trinity College Dublin. Brenda Power, Sunday times and Daily Mail Columnist 

Will the two leaders make a deal to bring the war in Ukraine to an end? Or will the conversation be overshadowed by the urge to discuss the "huge untapped potential" for Russia-U.S. economic ties. For the latest on the meeting between president Trump and Putin. Kieran was joined by European Correspondent for Euro News, Shona Murray. And Ukraine Correspondent for Ouest-France, Radio France Internationale, and France24, Emmanuelle Chaze

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.What can be done to resolve the issue of scoliosis treatment in this country?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Cullinane, Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperson and Amanda Coughlan, Co-Lead of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Pediatric Advocacy Group.

A study around the attitudes towards concussions among amateur rugby players was made public today. The study found that an alarming amount of players said they would continue to play rugby despite being aware of their concussion and that they would intentionally avoid seeking medical attention after a suspected concussion.Just last week, two Japanese boxers died from brain injuries after receiving blows to the head which went untreated.This issue is alarming enough that our Women’s Rugby team is introducing mouthguards that will alter when a player may have suffered a blow to the head that warrants getting examined for a concussion. These will be introduced ahead of next week’s World Cup.To unpack all this, Kieran is joined by Colin Doherty, Professor of Neurology at Trinity and Consultant Neurologist at St. James’s.

Would you let Instagram access your camera roll and all the data that comes with it to give you story suggestions and other features? Or is that too much of a privacy concern?For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this and more.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley, who waited for three years for surgery for his scoliosis which he finally received in 2020 and Catriona Phelan, mum of 11-year-old Brianna Phelan Somers was born with myelomeningocele spina bifida and scoliosis and had her treatment abroad.

Due to budget constraints, the Government failed to pay members of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) last year due to greater-than-expected recruitment.Recruitment to the Reserves has increased in the number of years, with demand set to increase.What is the role of the reserves, and how important is it to invest in them?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Declan Power, Security Analyst and Declan Ganley, Businessman and Entrepreneur.

U2's statement online condemning the war in Gaza has been roundly criticized, with some claiming its performative and fake. But, other artists who say similar things have been widely praised – so what is the formula behind releasing the right statement?Joining Kieran to discuss is John O’Brennan, a Professor of European Politics in Maynooth University.

It’s in our clothing; it’s in our cooking utensils and it’s in our food packaging: microplastics. How worried should we be about its effect on our health?Dr Brendan O Shea, Kildare based GP joins Kieran to discuss.

‘It’s been like 10 minutes.’ That was tennis star Emma Raducanu asking the umpire for a crying child to be ejected at the Cincinnati Open match against Aryna Sabalenka. But, should babies even be at sporting events where players need concentration?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

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 travel tips for Cancún in Mexico!

Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a 12th album! While we don’t have a release date, we do have an album name which is ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.The album name was revealed this morning on a clip which was teasing her upcoming appearance on the American podcast, New Heights, which is hosted by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother.There's no doubt that Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most successful superstars, but how does she do it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Presenter of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan HayesCulleton, Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan and Taylor Swift superfan Emily Bresnahan.

The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular.Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years.Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport.She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

The Ireland India Council has postponed India Day celebrations after recent attacks on their community, citing fears for their safety.Michael Sheehan, Independent Councillor in New Ross, Wexford, thinks the Government should step in to host these celebrations, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Rocky Horror Show has arrived in the Bord Gais, bringing some stars with it!Kieran is joined by actor and singer Jason Donovan, who plays Dr Frank N Furter and actor and broadcaster Jennifer Zamparelli, who plays the Narrator to discuss the show.

It’s never too late to get your finances in order, and when you’re well into the adult stage of your life - it becomes increasingly important.Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips for those aged 30-45!

Back in June, the Competition and Consumer Protection Committee recommended schools use as many generic pieces as possible in their uniforms. According to the CCPC, 75% of schools have at least one uniform item that must be purchased from a specific retailer, which many parents feel is unnecessary and costly.Principal at Pobalscoil Neasáin, Bríd Ní Annracháin, joins Kieran to discuss.

In today’s digital world, most people don’t even think to carry cash with them, because why bother if everywhere accepts contactless payments?But actually, research shows that there are still times where cash comes in handy.A study in the UK, found that 41% of people have been caught out by not having cash.They said that they’ve needed cash when tipping at restaurants, paying for car parking or simply grabbing a trolley in a supermarket.Joining Kieran to debate is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Aoife Rooney, Assistant Editor of Weekend Magazine with the Irish Independent.

A Cork City Councillor has proposed that 15 and 16 year olds be allowed to drive ‘microcars’. Quadricycles, as they’re officially known, are small battery-powered cars which are very popular on the continent.So, should it happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is Damian Boylan, a Fine Gael Councillor in Cork City.

Members of the Indian community in Ireland have today met with Tánaiste Simon Harris after a series of violent attacks. They are calling on the Government to act to stop these attacks and have told of a growing fear in the Indian community.So, how did the meeting go?Joining Kieran to discuss is member of the Indian community in Ireland, Senthil Ramasamy, who attended the meeting earlier today.

None other than Alan Fletcher, AKA. Dr Karl Kennedy, is in Ireland – he's headlining a bunch of shows across the UK and Ireland over the next while.He joins Kieran to discuss!

Research has shown that smartwatches aren’t the best at telling our emotions apart. Researchers at the Dutch University of Leiden have found that wearable devices have trouble differentiating between feelings like tiredness or excitement, and are especially bad at reporting stress.Joining Kieran to tell more is Ciara O’Brien, Tech Journalist at the Irish Times.

As we approach the end of the summer, many kids and parents across the country will be thinking about heading back to school, but how can you best support your children when they make the move from primary to secondary school?Joining Kieran for this week’s Kids Health Check with her advice is Aoife Lee, from Aoife Lee Parent Support.

In April, Met Éireann Broadcaster Joanna Donnelly abruptly stated that she was done broadcasting – shocking the country. She’s remained silent up to now as to the reason for leaving, until today.She joins Kieran in the studio to discuss.

How has dating culture changed over the years? Are we looking for not just the perfect person, but the perfect life and lifestyle before we settle down? Is that setting us up for failure?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jane Cowan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Amanada Brunker, Playwright and Shelly Gray, Dietician and Presenter with Today FM.

On Sunday, businessman Gareth Sheridan surprised many by announcing he’s seeking to run for the Áras, but who is he?Joining Kieran to shed some light is Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent.

A GAA club in Donegal is so fed up with finding dog poo on their pitches that they have gone as far as installing CCTV cameras to catch the perpetrators... and their owners.A club in Kilkenny has also flagged this issue on their pitches, so is this a wider community issue?Kieran is joined by Seán Ó hArgáin, Kilkenny Counselor to discuss this.

Since e-scooters were legalised for public roads last year there have been growing concerns about their dangers. With injuries involving drugs and alcohol having doubled and helmet use decreasing is it time to increase regulations on the scooters?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fine Gael TD Barry Ward and owner of the Bolger School of Motoring, Brenda Bolger.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

A new survey has shown that adults have on average 8 things that they refuse to eat, with 5 of them being things they haven't even tried? Why are there things we just refuse to eat?Newstalk's Josh Crosbie reports!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss peas - and how you should eat them!

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.

This week we learned that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is planning to fully occupy the Gaza strip. With thousands of Palestinians killed over the last 22 months, Kieran is joined by Ria Czerniak Lebov, granddaughter of a Holocaust escapee and Lecturer in NCAD, who has been speaking out against Zionism and the Israeli Government.

This Sunday is the All-Ireland Camogie Championship Final in Croke Park, where Cork and Galway will battle it out for the title.For a preview of this weekend’s final, Kieran is joined by two former GAA players from both counties, Valerie Mulcahy from Cork and Susan Earner from Galway.

Former Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy has paid back the €150,000 he received from a RTÉ barter account for two events that did not take place.Joining Kieran to give the latest is Muiris O’Cearbhaill, Journalist with The Journal.

A discussion throughout the show this week is of the quality of television these days.Whether that be you’re not getting a good laugh out of it, or it just isn't as interesting anymore, something seems to be off…Like, is television as funny as it used to be?To discuss this more, Kieran is joined by a panel of experts, including Comedian Steve Cummins, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Alexandra Ryan from Goss.ie.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast, Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster 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…

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 on some of the biggest controversies and crises in Irish presidential history.

A former Dentist has been found guilty of murdering his wife by poisoning her morning protein shakes.This case comes from the state of Colorado, where a Denver resident, named James Craig, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Angela Craig, two years after her mysterious death.But, not only was Craig convicted of murder, but also of several other counts, including solicitation to commit murder, which came about when he tried to enlist a fellow inmate to kill the lead detective investigating his wife’s death. And to make matters worse, at one point Craig asked one of his six daughters to create a fake video of her mom asking for the ingredients which ultimately led to her death in hopes of being found not guilty!To delve deeper into the details of this bizarre case, Kieran is by American Journalist and Host of the ‘Hidden True Crime’ Podcast and YouTube Channel, Lauren Matthias.

Paul Johnston is nearing the end of his tenure in his role as British Ambassador to Ireland, but has been making his feelings clear on many important issues.He joins Kieran to discuss topics, including Israel and Palestine.Image: Reuters

When someone you love has dementia, the diagnosis can feel all-consuming.But, Kieran’s guest has a new book that serves as an emotional and practical guide to those caring for someone they love with dementia.Dr. Sabina Brennan is a Neuroscientist and author of ‘Still Me: A neuroscientist's guide to caring for someone with dementia’. She joins to discuss.

New CCTV cameras have been installed in the Mountjoy area of Dublin to crack down on illegal dumping. Why is this something that is needed?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have found no evidence of supermarkets price gouging.So, are we supposed to accept current food prices?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ged Nash, Labour TD for Louth and Spokesperson on Finance, Public Expenditure & Reform.

It has emerged that schools availing of the Hot School Meals scheme for the first time this year will see a delay in its rollout…This is apparently due to a change in the procurement process.Joining Kieran to explain more is Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson, Darren O’Rourke.

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.Are you sick of seagulls snatching your food when you’re out and about? Simon joins Kieran to discuss how to keep these seabirds away from your picnics!

Businessman Dermot Desmond has said that he believes AI cars, or robotaxis, will completely replace private and public transport in the next 15 to 20 years. Is that realistic?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Emmet Ryan, Technology Journalist and Alan Smeaton, Emeritus Professor of Computing at Dublin City University.

In the current cost of living situation, food inflation is a struggle for many families.Well, Caz Mooney, Irish Budgeting Influencer has cracked the code, and joins Kieran with some of her tips and tricks for spending less in the supermarket, and how she can feed her family of five on €125 a week!

Long gone are the days of Nigerian Princes looking to give you a chunk of their vast wealth: online and text-based scams have gotten a lot more sophisticated, and trickier to spot.For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this, and give her top tips to avoid getting tricked!

A report by the Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task force has revealed that students in primary schools are reportedly taking and dealing drugs.The average age of the drug dealers and “runners” was found to be as young as 12 years old.Kieran is joined by Janet Robinson Research and Training Officer for Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist. Later, Kieran is also joined by Ann Graves, Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson on National Drug & Alcohol Strategy, Addiction, Recovery and Wellbeing, Mike Walsh, Team Leader in Community Service Misuse Team, a multi-disciplinary team responding to under 18′s with substance misuse issues.