The Hard Shoulder

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about all the benefits you can get from a blood orange! Plus, what meals you can incorporate them into.

Off The Ball's Cameron Hill joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

32 people, including 28 men, three women and one child, have been deported to Georgia on a chartered flight.The Minister for Justice gave a warning by saying "If you're seeking asylum and you're not entitled to asylum - don't come to Ireland…”Is that the message we want to send out?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Colm O’Gorman, Founding Director of The Open Community and Human Rights Campaigner as well as Paul Treyvaud, owner of Paul Treyvaud’s Restaurant in Killarney.

A new survey by KPMG has found that the majority of people wouldn't want an increase in taxes to allow for reusable energy…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Leader of the Green Party, Roderic O’Gorman.

More bad news for consumers as SSE Airtricity have announced that they are to hike their electricity and gas prices from April 2nd.It means that the typical electricity bill will go up by 10.5%, and by 8.4% for gas customers...Thiswill put an additional 47 cent per day on the average electricity bill and 31 cent per day on the average gas bill.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Darragh Cassidy, Head of Communications with Bonkers.ie and Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

There have been calls by a citizen’s jury that the Government should form a regulator to oversee the use of AI in our healthcare system.Joining Kieran to discuss is Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and the HSE’s Chief Clinical Information Officer, Richard Greene and Professor of Computing at DCU, Alan Smeaton.

Forrest Gump is near the top of a list of movies that are considered ‘must-see’, but people haven’t seen, a new survey reveals.Someone who is actually trying to watch every ‘must-see’ movie is Newstalk’s Aidan McKelvey! He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Paramount Pictures

The UK Government today backed plans for a second runway at Gatwick airport, with the condition that environmental requirements are met.While Gatwick has this new runway coming, are we making the most of our own airports in this country?Michael O’Leary, the Group CEO of Ryanair, joins Kieran to give his thoughts on this, as well as the Government's upcoming visit to Trump.

Legendary Hollywood actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home earlier today...Newstalk's Henry McKean has been out asking the public for their thoughts on Gene's legacy, and Harriet Alexander, Reporter with The Times based in the United States join Kieran to discuss the investigation surrounding these two deaths.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has revealed that a domestic violence register for those convicted of rape or serious sexual assault will be established in Ireland.He told the Dáil that the only way the public knows about such cases is if a journalist happens to be in court, or if a victim waives their anonymity.Is this a welcome move?Hazel Behan, sexual assault survivor and Rachel Morrogh, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre join Kieran to discuss.

The James Bond franchise has been sold to Amazon, but we are still no closer to knowing who that next Bond actor will be.Someone who might have a clue is the Casting Director of the last 13 Bond films, Debbie McWilliams. She joins Kieran to discuss what goes into picking the next superspy.Image: MGM

Thousands of children and special care patients are being forced to wait months, even years for dental treatment under general anesthetic. Many patients are being forced to wait in pain and discomfort with no option to pay for treatment.Why is this happening?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr Gillian Smith, Dentist at the Fitzwilliam Clinic in Bray and Ned Carroll, whose 31-year-old daughter Maryann, who has autism and one of those patients struggling to access treatment…

Should Communion preparation and celebrations happen outside of school hours and over the weekend? Kieran is joined by two people who believe it should…Fr Iggy O’ Donvan and David Quinn, Head of the Iona institute join to discuss.

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 advice on getting rid of hiccups!

With Pope Francis’ condition, we may end up with a new Pope soon, but how do they pick a Pope, and what does the Pope really do day-to-day?Joining Kieran to discuss is Theologian, Gina Menzies…Image: FilmNation Entertainment

The search for Malaysia Airlines flight 370, or MH370 to most, has reopened after it went missing over 10 years ago…Malaysia Transport Minister says firm Ocean Infinity has resumed hunt for the plane, which is one of aviation’s biggest mysteries.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Jeff Wise, Aviation Journalist and host of the ‘Finding MH370’ podcast.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss a new wave of scams on TikTok, with scammers using artificial intelligence to create fake and convincing shop pages…

Have we lost etiquette at gigs? Dave Hanratty, Podcast Producer at the Independent and Host of the ‘No Encore’ Podcast, was at one last night with appalling behaviour...He joins Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s guest is hopeful that the Trump administration has a sell by date, and it’s actually sooner than you think…Democratic Strategist, James Carville, joins to discuss.Image: Reuters

A new survey released ahead of National Stop Food Waste Day on March 1st has found that over a third of Irish Consumers regularly throw food away costing some Irish households up to 374 euro per year!To discuss and give her tips on preventing food waste at home, Kieran is joined by Dietician, Sara Keogh.

Another Government spending controversy was discussed on the show yesterday - with a €120,000 x-ray scanner for the National Gallery being left unused since its purchase in 2017.Today, Kieran is joined by Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications Media and Sport and Fine Gael TD for Limerick County to discuss why he thinks it will actually be put into use soon…

Dublin's tallest building, a 25-storey residential tower, has been given the green light.Developer Johnny Ronan has secured planning permission for the apartment block on North Wall Quay in the docklands; 550 apartments are planned across three blocks as part of the Waterfront South Central scheme, which will include a restaurant and viewing terrace at the top of the tallest building.Is high-rise the present and future of building?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer with An Taisce and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with the Irish Times.

Is the Mental Health Bill fit for purpose?To discuss, Kieran is joined by two people who aren’t so sure: Dr Lorcan Martin, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist and President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and Patricia Casey, Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater Hospital and Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin.

Dublin is experiencing a surge in Irish speakers, yet opportunities to use the language in everyday life remain scarce.There has been an explosion of new learners around the world thanks to Duolingo, and there are around 45,000 fluent teenagers in the capital city.But, how many people in Ireland have the opportunity to speak Irish outside the classroom?Daithí de Buitléir is Programme Manager with Gaeilge365, a new language innovation programme for Dublin's local authorities. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Author and Actress Claudia Carroll joined Kieran this week to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show, Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD, proposed the introduction of ‘surrender bins’ for knives to tackle violence in Dublin.Would it work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pat Marry, former Detective, Inspector and Author.

Labour TD Ciaran Ahern has said that there is definitely a case to be made for refresher courses for drivers every time a licence is up for renewal.So, are they needed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ciaran Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West and Richard O’Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County.

The families of those killed in the Creeslough disaster plan to challenge “every aspect” of the plan to redevelop the site.An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office and space for a memorial garden.Shauna Gallagher is sister to Jessica who was killed in the explosion. Jessica was above the shop when the explosion happened. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the discovery that a scanner bought for over €120,000 for the National Gallery has never been used raises "serious control issues".The scanner, which has been lying idle since it was purchased, is the latest spending controversy to arise within state-funded organisations.There still has not been a suitable lead-lined room found for the special X-ray machine eight years on.Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Correspondent with The Irish Independent joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week Dublin's 3 arena played host to the Premier League Darts final.Last month a 7 million euro darts bar opened on Dawson street.So, what's behind the sports rising popularity - and profits? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports

Middle age can be a challenging time for men, with grumpiness and irritability taking hold…In the Telegraph yesterday the question was asked: is ‘miserable man syndrome’ a real thing?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Esther Mcarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Examiner.

Today marks 3 years of war in Ukraine…Media Consultant & Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Tom Mc Enaney, Author of ‘War in Ukraine: An Irish Man’s Journey’, Brendan Murphy and Luba Healy, Ukrainian woman in Meath join Kieran to reflect.

Knowing what products and medications to buy in order to treat acne with can be utterly confusing in the age of social media.One thing you might have seen are ‘pimple patches’, but what are they, and how do they work exactly? Joining Kieran to explain is Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

Do you sometimes struggle to get your children to eat healthy fruit and vegetables? Well, for this week’s Kids Health Check, Fussy Eating Expert Louise Lennox joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris will bring a proposal to Cabinet next month to amend Ireland's 'triple lock’ on the deployment of Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas.Would this be a welcome development?Simon Coveney is a former Cabinet Minister and former Minister for Defence. He joins Kieran to discuss.

You may have seen the recent story of a 71 year old employee for the Hairy Lemon pub being awarded €30,000 for discriminatory dismissal: because of his age.John Mooney told a March 2024 Workplace Relations Commission hearing that his employer informed him in November 2023 that he would be dismissed at Christmastime "because [the pub's] insurance had increased as a result of his age".So, does ageism still exist in the workplaces?Journalist and author Valerie Cox joins Kieran to discuss.

Dublin City Council are to call into inner-city households seeking to fine those who have failed to sign up for waste collection services.Will on the spot fines help to tackle illegal dumping?Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Walsh, Secretary of the Irish Waste Management Association and Bobby O’Connell Fine Gael Councillor for Castleisland in Kerry.

Plans are being progressed for a Park-And-Ride facility near the M1 in north county Dublin.The National Transport Authority says the 800-space surface car park at Lissenhall, near Swords, will offer commuters an alternative to driving into the city.Will this get people out of their cars?Councillor in Swords, Daragh Butler and Professor in  the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, Brian Caulfield join Kieran to discuss.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Elaine Burke, Presenter of ‘Of For Tech’s Sake’ podcast to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Open water swimming really took off 5 years ago during Covid, but have you ever heard of ‘Freezebury’?The Freezebury Challenge adds a minute on to your swim everyday in February. So, for example, on February 1st, you spend a minute in the water. Today, you spend 21 minutes since it’s the 21st.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has tried it, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland will face another challenge in the Six Nations against Wales tomorrow in Cardiff. The boys in green have been flying but can’t they keep the momentum going?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tommy Bowe, Ireland AM Presenter and former Irish International and Mike Ruddock, former Ireland U20’s, Leinster and Wales Coach...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about fibre. You might think it’s boring - but 85% of people don’t get enough of it!

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…

Sinn Féin will boycott St Patrick's Day events at the White House next month over US President Donald Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.Is this the right move? Joe Brolly is a Barrister and Co-Presenter of the ‘Free State Podcast’ with Dion Fanning. He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

New runners, tracksuits and gaming consoles are usually high on the gift list for our small ones, but what do you get your children when they are teenagers or beyond, especially if they are earning themselves?Joining Kieran to discuss is Steve Cummins, Comedian and Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie.

Leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister Michelle O’Neill have confirmed this morning that they will not be travelling to the White House for St. Patrick’s Day, due to President Trump’s comments and policies on Gaza.Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson for Justice, Matt Carthy, joins Kieran to discuss.

Women’s Aid has launched a new Ally Action campaign, which is calling on men to become allies in ending gender-based violence.We have been looking at what work is already underway to try and educate/rehabilitate men who have been violent to their partners.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been speaking to those working in this area, and he has also met a former participant of the service.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this report you can contact MOVE Ireland on 065 684 86 89 or Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900

The families of those killed in the Creeslough disaster plan to challenge “every aspect” of the plan to redevelop the site.An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office and space for a memorial garden.Damien Tansey is Senior Counsel and Solicitor with Damien Tansey Solicitors, who represents family members of victims of the Creeslough explosion. He joins Kieran to discuss.

One of the recommendations by the Social Democrats on Dáil reform is making the Dáil prayer a time for reflection, rather than a Catholic prayer.Is it a good idea?Kieran is joined by Senator Ronan Mullen and Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon to discuss.

Yesterday marked the final day of the first stage of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry…Joining Kieran to discuss is Helen Kerr, who was in a café in Omagh when the explosion occurred.