The Hard Shoulder

Kieran is joined by Sarina Bellissimo, Entertainment journalist and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime to talk through what to watch on the box.

Kieran was joined by Danielle Wilcox, Resident Astronomer and Telescope Operator at MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory.

Kieran spoke to Charlotte Burke, Continuous Professional Development officer with Social Care Ireland, registered social care worker and PhD candidate. 

It’s coming up to 40 years since one of the most famous moments in the history of Irish sport took place. June 8th 1985 saw Barry McGuigan become the World Featherweight Title – and there is a special event coming that will commemorate that day – which we’ll get into shortly. Kieran spoke to the The Clones Cyclone, Barry McGuigan.

Following the publication of the Grace Report last week, many questions were raised about the level of care that people in our system have been receiving. We want to turn our eyes to the issues facing those who work in the system today and whether the system is fit for purpose? Kieran spoke to Leader of Aontu, TD for Meath West Peadar Toibin and Terry Dignan Director Of Don Bosco Care and Spokesperson for the  Children's Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association (CRAVA)

As big players in agriculture eye up Irish farmland, young local farmers are being priced out. Those are the thoughts of Daniel Long from the Irish Observatory Stakeholders Group, who is sounding the alarm and pushing for a Land Observatory to protect Ireland’s rural future.  He spoke to Kieran

Ireland’s free schoolbook scheme has been praised for easing costs for families, but principals say the admin demands that has been placed on their workload is a duty too much. Paul Crone, Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies and Aaron Wolfe, principal of Coláiste Éamann Rís secondary school in Cork spoke to Kieran.

Irish Rail is set to introduce adjustments to commuter zones from Monday, along with changes to fares. This will see Dublin and commuter areas be divided into four zones under the new changes. But what exactly does this mean for commuters?  Kieran speaks to Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Iarnrod Eireann.    

With the process of selecting the next Pope in progress, many will look to the recent film ‘Conclave’ which covers that situation, but how accurate is it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Theologian Gina Menzies.Image: Focus Features

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 properly organise a picnic!

Twenty years ago, YouTube had its first ever video uploaded to the site, ‘Me at the zoo’, but it was not as big as ‘Charlie Bit My Finger’, one of the original viral hits dating back almost 17 years!Kieran is joined by Charlie Davies-Carr and his father Howard who recorded it, alongside Elaine Burke, Presenter of ‘For Tech’s Sake’ to discuss the video, and the impact YouTube has had.

California is suing Donald Trump over his sweeping tariffs, claiming the current US President is abusing emergency powers to reshape the global economy and this steps outside the president's powers.What are the key arguments in this case being brought by California Governor Gavin Newsom, and does it have a chance to be successful?Nick Akerman, former Assistant US Attorney and former Watergate Prosecutor joins Kieran to discuss.

Retailers are calling for a crackdown on what they are calling an “epidemic” of shoplifting across the country; many would like to see tougher sentencing of those convicted to deter the growing rates of the crime.Joining Kieran to discuss is Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association of Ireland, Sheila Clarke, who runs Clarke’s XL shop in Ballina, Co. Mayo and later, Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence.

Aóntu submitted a bill in the Dáil last week calling for voting rights in Presidential elections to be extended to Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland.Independent MP in North Down Alex Easton has suggested that those living in Northern Ireland who wish to vote in Irish Presidential elections should "move to the Republic of Ireland and take up residency there".So, does he have a point or not?  Should those in the North be allowed to vote in the Irish Presidential Election?Emma De Souza, Writer, Campaigner and Spokesperson for votingrights.ie and Jim Wells, former DUP Health Minister, join Kieran to discuss.

People get more love, joy and satisfaction from their ‘fur babies’ than they do from their partners, a new study suggests.For some, the role of a dog in our lives is much more than just that of a pet. And one person who had a very close bond with her dogs is Linda Martin, singer, songwriter and dog lover! Linda also runs the Dublin Dog Hub in Meakstown, Co Dublin.She joins Kieran to discuss…

Labour Housing Spokesperson Conor Sheehan TD has called for a Dáil debate on housing measures for single people, responding to analysis on affordable housing for single people…So, is Irish society not meant for single people?Kieran is joined by Conor Sheehan as well as Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist, to discuss.

Documentary maker Manchan Magan joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

World Earth Day is being marked across the globe today. Now in it’s 55th year, this year’s event comes at a critical time for the environment as the US once again pulls out of the Paris agreement on climate change…Joining Kieran to discuss the day is Journalist and Environmental Activist, George Monbiot.

A Dublin Bus Driver was threatened by a man carrying a suspected gun on Friday, leading to the suspension of services in the city center. An investigation into the incident is underway.Following the incident, Dublin Bus are calling for the swift implementation of security on public transport.Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus and later Dermot O'Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, and Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition join Kieran to discuss.

Teachers and Principals warn that despite government schemes, schools are reliant on parents and fundraising to keep the lights on.Simon Lewis, Primary School Principal and member of National Principal's forum and Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick's National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow join Kieran to discuss.

As you will have heard, preparations are continuing for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died this past Easter Weekend at the age of 88.Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins Kieran to look at the legacy he leaves behind.

It's two years to the week since fighting broke out in Sudan, instigating what is now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Reporter Sarah Madden visits Northern Bahr el Ghazal to see the fall out for herself, in "Can you hear me? Dispatches from the world's forgotten war." 

It's a reely big day for young Irish dancers as Riverdance opens it's doors to auditionees from all over the worldNewstalk's Sarah Madden sat in on today's first round auditions in Dublin to speak to excited hopefuls and the judges deciding their fate...

Good Friday is tomorrow, and Easter Sunday is coming up, but does it still hold a place in a country that is becoming more secular?Still, this is an important time for many, and joining Kieran to discuss is Father Brian D’Arcy.

The brand new Presenter of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan Hayes Culleton, joins Kieran to discuss the ECB cutting interest rates, and if tariffs will just end up hurting the United States in the end.Image: Reuters

Actor Peter M Smith, who has been playing Phil Lynott in ‘Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma’ in Vicar Street, joins Kieran for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The health insurance market is still growing, according to a new report by the Health Insurance Authority, despite the average annual premium sitting at €1,740 which is a 300 euro increase to the average two years ago.Dermot Goode, of Totalhealthcover.ie, part of the Lockton Group, joins Kieran to discuss why this is the case, and offer some top tips for keeping an eye out for a good deal…

Yesterday, Kieran spoke with Gareth Noble, who specialises in child law. They spoke about delays that families face when it comes to getting care for their children with disabilities…Brenda Kenny is a retired Speech and Language Therapy Manager at the HSE, and she joins to discuss how things are in her sector.

With the Bank Holiday weekend fast approaching, the Road Safety Authority is reminding drivers across the country to never, ever drink and drive.Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs at the Road Safety Authority, joins Kieran to discuss if attitudes to drink driving have disappeared, and how to take extra precautions to stay safe this weekend.

It’s one of the most popular games in the world, but is Roblox really as safe as it looks? New research from the UK says what kids are really finding there is "deeply disturbing”.From sexualized content to chats with adult strangers, the risks seem to go way beyond the screen, so it begs the question, should your children be playing it?Emmet Ryan, Tech and Business Journalist and Ollwyn Moran, Neurodevelopmental Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids joins Kieran to discuss.

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