The Hard Shoulder

The UK is considering introducing chemical castration for sex offenders as a means of reducing reoffending and also dealing with prison overcrowding.Is this an acceptable form of punishment in 2025, and does it work for its intended purpose? Also, is it something Ireland should consider?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Dr. Patrick Randall, Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and Director of Forensic Psychological Services…

According to a new survey by Currys, which has cracked open Ireland’s fridges, one in four of us has a mystery tupperware in the fridge we’re too afraid to open, with nearly half of our fridges containing leftovers we’ll never eat.So, how dirty are our fridges if they contain leftovers, and how best can we manage our fridges to make sure they're clean and tidy?Joining Kieran to discuss is Laura De Barra, Author of Gaff Goddess, Decor Galore and Garment Goddess and Dr Amalia Scannell, Microbiologist at UCD Institute of Food and Health.

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 on International Tea Day to discuss how to make the perfect cup of tea!

Kieran is joined by ultra-runner, Stephaine Case.Stephaine took part in a recent ultra marathon, which she not only won, but she did so while stopping throughout the 100k to breastfeed her six-month-old daughter!

The latest update from the Department of Housing has said that the number of homes being completed will have to rise substantially for the remainder of the year if the Government is to have any hope of meeting its annual target of 41,000 units.This comes as growth estimates have shown that population growth slowed in Ireland during 2024, but is still growing.Are housing issues possible to solve in this context?Dan O’Brien is Chief Economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs, and joins Kieran to discuss.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss how bin collecting is about to get a lot smarter. Waste disposal company Panda is rolling out surveillance during collections, which will identify any mix ups when it comes to recycling and contamination - but is it a GDPR issue?

As many companies now have a hybrid system of remote working, is it leading to poor communications and the need for too many meetings?Are we having too many meetings in our day, and just doing too little work?Life Coach Mark Fennell joins Kieran to discuss, and give his meeting-efficiency tips.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that the two Irish diplomats were among the delegation that Israeli soldiers fired at in the vicinity of in the West Bank…Journalist Hannah McCarthy joins Kieran to discuss the latest, and Independent Senator Frances Black joins to discuss the new Occupied Territories Bill the Tánaiste will be bringing before the Cabinet, which includes a ban on imports from those territories.Image: Reuters

Yesterday on the show you may have heard Kieran speaking to Cara Darmody during her 50-hour picket outside Leinster House.She is calling for the Government to address the large number of children awaiting an assessment for a disability or autism for six months or longer.Joining Kieran today to discuss this is Jane Johnstone, mother and carer to Evan and Daniel to tell her own story and Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland.

New figures from the department of justice show that 60,0000 people were caught by Gardaí driving while using their phones between 2022 and 2024.There are currently more than half a million drivers with penalty points on their licence, of which 866 have 12 points, meaning they are under an automatic six-month ban.Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss.

Author Anthony Horowitz has said he believes that social media is impacting children's attention spans and it’s causing them to no longer be able to concentrate on longer novels.But, are their attention spans getting worse, or do we need to change how we approach reading?Joining Kieran to discuss is Lorraine Levis, Author ‘Once Upon a Reader: Raising Your Children with a Love of Books’ and Head of Sales for Bloomsbury in Ireland and Derek Landy, Author of the Skulduggery Pleasant series.

Should young teenagers have a say at the ballot box? Today, Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly is bringing forward a bill that could shake up Irish democracy, proposing the voting age be lowered to 16.Is this a good cause to increase political engagement in our system, or is this too much responsibility, too soon?Social Democrat TD for the Kildare North, Aidan Farrelly, and James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for the Dublin Bay South join Kieran to discuss.

Theatre Maker and Television Presenter Martin Beanz Warde joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Schools across the country will be wrapping up their final classes and exams ahead of the summer break, but some 6th class students will be finishing up in the coming weeks not knowing what secondary school they will be attending in September…This is particularly a problem in areas which have seen high population growth in recent years.Rachel Harper, Principal of Saint Patrick's National School Greystones joins Kieran to discuss.

Disability Rights Campaigner Cara Darmody is staging a 50 hour protest over the long waiting lists for special needs assessments.Cara has been fighting for these issues for her two brothers, Neil and John, who have autism.Kieran spoke with Cara outside the Dáil, as well as Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children, Disability and Equality and TD for Roscommon–Galway.

We have had our new government now for a few months, but given the controversy surrounding the speaking rights row, it took a while for the 34th Dáil to get up to speed.But, Kieran’s guest believes that our current government is turning the Dáil into a 'do-nothing' parliament.Fergus Finlay, Columnist for the Irish Examiner, joins to discuss.

People aged 16 and 17 are as civically informed as their peers aged over 18, but are “unjustly restricted”, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.Today, they will table a bill seeking to reduce the voting age in Ireland from 18 to 16.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public for their thoughts, and joins Kieran to discuss.

New figures from the Injury’s Resolution Board show that motor accident claims over the past 6 years are down 30%, and the value of those awards paid for claims are down over 40%.Yet, insurance premiums remain stubbornly high…So, what’s the best way to get the best deal on your motor insurance?Shane O’Donohue, Editor of CompleteCar.ie, joins Kieran to discuss.

Would you let your four-year-old go for a walk alone?Are we protecting them from danger, or are we hindering their development by not allowing them to be independent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr Clare Moriarty, Postdoctoral Researcher working at Trinity Research in Social Sciences in Trinity College Dublin and Jen Hogan, Journalist with the Irish Times.

In 2015, Ireland made history becoming the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. A decision that sent waves across the world.As we look back on its 10th anniversary, we want to look at the ripple effects of the vote and how it influenced another nation, Australia, to get its people to vote for marriage equality...Tiernan Brady, Global Director of Inclusion and Clifford Chance and the Director of the Australian Yes Campaign, joins Kieran to discuss.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting European Union chiefs today for a landmark summit to usher in a closer relationship, in the first meeting of its kind since the UK formally left the European Union more than five years ago…But, what will this mean for Ireland?Joining Kieran to discuss is Britain's Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston…

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Dr Sandra Cummings, Consultant Audiologist Consultant Audiologist at the Hearing and Balance Center at the Beacon, to discuss what to do when your child gets an ear infection.

Kieran’s guest is playing the Ambassador Theatre on June 11th, with tickets on sale now from Ticketmaster.Rhys Darby, one of New Zealand’s greatest comedy exports, joins the show!

Average rents in Dublin have risen to above €2,000 euro for the first time.The average rent in 2011 would have cost you €765 euro - now it’s €2,053, and they’re continuing to rise right across the country…Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin O’ Broin, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing and Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald.

Gary Lineker has confirmed he will leave the BBC early and has apologised for a controversial social media post which led to his premature departure.He presented Match of the Day for over 20 years, and was due to front the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, however this now won’t be the case…Joining Kieran to shed more light on the situation is Martin Lipton, Chief Sports Reporter with The Sun...

Last week on the show, Fine Gael Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn joined Kieran for the Thursday Interview and one of the things she spoke about was girls' participation in sports, and why getting rid of school uniforms could help them get involved in sport more easily.So, should we rethink the school uniform to encourage kids to stay active?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sonia O’ Sullivan, Irish Gold Medalist and Sophie Doolan, Women in Sport Lead and Sport for Business 30 Under 30 recipient.

A man in his 50s remains in custody this morning on suspicion of murdering Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.The 56-year-old sheep farmer has been missing from his farmyard near Kenmare in County Kerry for eight weeks.The man was arrested yesterday afternoon after Gardaí confirmed on Saturday that materials found on Mr Gaine's farm are partial human remains.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Anne Lucey, Journalist in Kerry.

100,000 primary schoolchildren were denied dental screening appointments last year. Under the HSE, primary school children should be seen by a dentist three times throughout the course of their primary school years.Joining Kieran to discuss why this is happening is Emer Tóibín, Aontú Cllr in Meath and Dr Bridget Harrington Barry, HSE Dentist based in Galway and President-elect of the Irish Dental Association.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Ger Gilroy from Off the Ball to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

On a beautiful day like this, Kieran has escaped the regular studio to seek refuge on the Newstalk to bask in the lovely summer sun that has blessed Ireland this week.Joining him for a chat in his makeshift summer studio is Writer and Playwright, Amanda Brunker!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about foods and recipes you can use to help with sleep!

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…

Last month, the UK’s top court made a decision that’s left many trans people in Ireland feeling hurt, angry, and scared. It ruled that when the law talks about women, it only means so-called 'biological' women.For trans women, this isn’t just legal language, it’s a step backwards. It sends a message that their rights and their safety might be in question, and one person who has felt that is Jenny Maguire, Trans Activist and Trinity College Dublin Student President. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Los Angeles wants air-taxis to be in place by the time they host the Olympic Games in 2028.They are planning their third Summer Games, and want the service to help spectators avoid the infamous LA traffic.Joining Kieran to discuss is Russell Vickers, CEO of Future Mobility Campus Ireland and Technology Journalist Emmet Ryan.Image: Archer Aviation

Are you listening from work, or did you pull a sickie because of the good weather? Apparently, you’re not alone if you did...Joining Kieran to discuss all things skiving off is Comedian Jim Elliot and Alexandra Ryan, Founder of Goss Media.

Is climate change a man's world?That’s apparently the case according to a new study from France, that claims that men contribute 25 percent more than women due to their love of red meat and fast cars.So, do men need to do more to pick up the slack and should they ditch the car keys and steaks to help contribute more positively to climate emissions?Ian O’Doherty Columnist with the Irish Independent and Dr Éanna Ní Lamha, Environmentalist and PRO of the Tree Council of Ireland, join Kieran to discuss.

Meghan Markle has said she doesn’t always have the time to cook every day, but when she opts for a takeaway, she demonstrated to viewers of her new Netflix show, ‘With Love Meghan’, how to present it beautifully.But, if even Meghan Markle can admit to not having the time in her day to cook, should we really be so hard on ourselves for the weekly take away?Joining Kieran to discuss is Cooking Expert, Catherine Leyden.

In a world where there is a growing influence of artificial intelligence – how do we navigate that? Does it bring unavoidable uncertainty?Kieran is joined by Margaret Heffernan, author of ‘Embracing Uncertainty’, to discuss.

Fine Gael Senator and former Broadcaster Evanne Ní Chuilinn joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview.

An independent report commissioned by the OPW says there was no value-for-money assessment before work began on Leinster House's infamous €336k bicycle shed.According to the report by Deloitte, the OPW did not tell the Oireachtas what the shelter would cost.Joining Kieran to discuss is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe and Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin TD for Galway West/South Mayo, Chair of Oireachtas Finance Committee and Spokesperson for Public Expenditure.

The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show that Irish inflation rose again in April, up by more than 2% on the same month last year.It doesn't come as a surprise, since a pound of butter now costs nearly five euro.But, how can you shop wisely to deal with inflation?Joining Kieran to discuss is Consumer Journalist, Caitriona Redmond.  

With the second Eurovision semi-final on tonight, how will Ireland fare against seemingly tough competition?Newstalk's Henry McKean joins Kieran backstage from Basel to discuss, and share what he's heard from Ireland's representative EMMY, Marty Whelan and more!

How are people around Ireland enjoying this beautiful week of weather?Joining Kieran to discuss how it is impacting them is John McCarthy, owner of Lahinch Surfing, Yasmin Khan of TEDDY’S Ice Cream Dun Laoghaire, Gary Anderson from the Seafood Shack on the Pier in Killybegs and Karen O’ Neill, Senior Operations Manager from Beyond the Trees Avondale.

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 to handle one of the most difficult debates you can have: picking what to get for a takeaway!

A lot is said about how AI impacts our daily lives, but how will it change our music, and will it hinder artists’ creativity?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr. Martin Clancy, Senior AI Research Fellow at DCU and Policy Fellow at Trinity College Dublin.

One downside of the beautiful summer weather is that when it’s time to hit the hay, it can be quite uncomfortable to fall asleep in the heat.Joining Kieran is to give her tips on how to not lose sleep during warmer weather is Sine Dunne, Sleep Professional and Founder of SiEST Sleep.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss the Gardaí’s warning of misinformation online following the tragic death of Kevin Flatley, and the bad actors surrounding it.

As the Government is scrambling to come up with plans to increase housing delivery, Kieran’s guest claims not only to have the best ideas to solve the housing crisis, but that he’ll do it in 100 days to boot.Ronan O’Reilly is the Managing Director of NewKey Homes, and joins to discuss.

Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean is in Basel Switzerland for this year’s Eurovision! He joins Kieran to discuss what things are like on the ground, including his chat with Ireland’s Eurovision representative EMMY.

Has remote working destroyed Ireland’s work ethic?At a recent Mansion House event, businessman Denis O’Brien said he thinks that it has, and claims that an “entitlement culture” has come, where employees feel they can dictate terms to employers.Peter Cosgrove is the Managing Director of Futurewise, and joins Kieran to discuss.