The Hard Shoulder

The day has finally come for Rory McIlroy after he achieved the career grand slam with a win at the Masters.Who better to talk to now than another Irish golfing legend: Padraig Harrington!He joins Kieran to discuss the historic moment. Also joining to discuss is Nathan Murphy from Off the Ball.Image: Reuters

Kieran’s guest is an up and coming businessman, and just managed to bag Lord Alan Sugar’s phone number as he aims to grow his many businesses!Jordan Dargan came third in this year’s series of The Apprentice, which is now into its 19th year, and at only 22 years old was the youngest contestant on the show…He joins to discuss.

According to research from PTSB, the increasing pressure on those trying to access the housing market has led to many younger professionals opting to go towards social housing options, in hopes of gaining a home of their own.To discuss this research, Kieran is joined by Rory Hearne, Social Democrat TD and Aran McDonnacha, a young professional who applied for the social housing list.

Rory McIlroy has become the 6th golfer ever to achieve the career grand slam with his long-awaited win at the Masters.Joining Kieran to discuss this amazing moment for Irish sport is Newstalk’s Henry McKean from Rory’s hometown of Holywood and Enda McNulty, Performance Coach and CEO of McNulty Performance. Kieran also got some words from another Irish golfing legend, Padraig Harrington!

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

England descended on Cork to face off against Ireland in the Women’s Six Nations championship. The red roses are considered heavy favorites for the game, so what can Ireland do to overcome this challenge?Joining Kieran to discuss is Grace Davitt, former Ireland International and Philippa Tuttiett, Commentator and former Welsh player.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about how you can make quick meals with only 5 ingredients, especially handy when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking!

Earlier in the month Carlow played host to a speed cubing event, where competitors race against the clock to solve scrambled Rubik’s cubes - with some even doing it blindfolded!One of the competitors joins Kieran to discuss: Adam Bermingham, who is the national record holder of the fastest 5x5 blindfolded Rubik’s Cube solve…

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…Image: Reuters

The Government is to review the nutritional value of thousands of hot meals that are being provided to school children around the country.The meals scheme is already provided in more than 2,000 primary schools and Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary has said that will expand it by a further 713 to reach 475,000 children and 2,850 schools.The Minister joins Kieran to discuss.

From packed carriages to dirty seats, taking public transport can be a challenging experience, but it is increased by the annoyance of passengers not using headphones – which is the thoughts of Broadcaster, Writer and Guardian Columnist Adrian Chiles.He joins Kieran to discuss!

Cases of Measles are on the rise globally, and anecdotal evidence from early childhood providers here would suggest that far fewer parents are vaccinating their children.With reports of a suspected case of measles in a Dublin creche this week, creche owners are calling on the Government to offer better guidance and policy on how to deal with this…Joining Kieran to discuss is Elaine Dunne from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers Professor Luke O’Neill, Immunologist at Trinity College...

An IBEC conference heard this week how parental leave for male employees can be a career killer!A recent ESRI study showed that only half of father's avail of paternity leave, and only a quarter of men take parent’s leave compared with two-thirds of mothers.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Kieran to discuss why more don’t avail of parental leave…

Keeping your room tidy and making the bed everyday are the main life skills parents want their children to learn before they move out of home.Half of parents say putting away and hanging up clothes, being able to do a grocery shop on a budget, and starting a savings account are the next most important life lessons.Henry McKean has been out investigating, and joins Kieran to discuss.

A new campaign by FraudSMART has revealed that €17 million has been lost by SMEs through email-related scams in the last two years.And in a world of tariffs, where businesses are more aware than ever of their bottom line, what impact does this have?Tommy Bowe, former Irish rugby international and entrepreneur and Niamh Davenport, Head of Financial Crime at FraudSMART join guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss.

61,000 students will sit the Leaving Cert this year, but there are concerns that the class of 2025 will be at a disadvantage when it comes to the CAO process.This is because around 15,000 students from the previous three years will also apply to the CAO, and these students will have benefitted from the grade inflation introduced during Covid.Among those expressing concern is Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore. She joins guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss. Also joining later to give their perspective is Paul Crone Director at the National Association of Principals and Deputies and MJ Quill Vice-President of the Union of Students in Ireland.

Mark Mellett, former Head of the Defence Forces joins guest host Emmet Oliver for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The warm weather has the Irish rocking their summer wardrobes from sunny shades to the cool shorts, with many making the journey to the office in such attire, but is that appropriate for the workplace?Laura Jordan, Image Consultant from Stylesavvy.ie and Cathal O’Sullivan, from 98fm join guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss.

US President Donald Trump's sudden decision to pause most of the hefty duties he had just imposed on dozens of countries has brought some relief to the global markets, and indeed, some European leaders. The only exception? China, where Trump is ratcheting tariffs up even further.So what might China do? Could they retaliate?Kiri Paramore is Professor of Asian Studies at UCC, and joins guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Over half of Irish motorists witness road rage at least monthly, new research suggests.Aviva’s new survey says road rage is on the rise, but why is this, and how can we combat the rage within us?Joining guest host Emmet Oliver to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent and Peter Devers, Psychotherapist at Knock Counselling Centre and Director of the Irish Anger Management Association.

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 thank someone properly!

Last week, Minister for Children Norma Foley announced that the wait for monthly €200 childcare costs might be much longer than originally anticipated, as other changes in the system need to be addressed first.It begs the question, is the sector viable?Joining Kieran to discuss the Minister’s statement is Karen Clince, CEO & Founder of Tigers Childcare and Mark Wall, Labour Spokesperson on Social Protection, Children, Disability and Equality.

Postcards made by big name artists and celebrities will go on sale this weekend in aid of Jack & Jill for their annual ‘Incognito Art’ sale.One of those involved, Irish Fashion Designer Dr Don O’Neill, joins Kieran to discuss!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss a conference hosted by the Children's Rights Alliance that gave deep analysis on what protections are in place for children and young people on the internet and what more needs to be done, including areas that need urgent action.

Tánaiste Simon Harris is meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik to discuss all things tariffs, as President Trump’s economic plan is fully in swing. One other political plan of the US President is the issue of Greenland and its security.Carla Sands, Vice Chair for the Center for Energy & Environment at American First Policy Institute and former US Ambassador to Denmark and Greenland joins Kieran to discuss why the US has such an interest in Greenland…

You should never judge someone until you walk a mile in their shoes, but apparently you can judge them on the type of shoes they walk in!According to a survey by Deichmann, our choice in footwear says a lot about us.Laura Mullet, Stylist and Journalist and Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert join Kieran to discuss.

A new survey from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is shedding light on people’s attitudes towards sexual violence…The research shows that many people retain victim-blaming views, with 1 in 5 believing that there are ‘a lot’ of false rape claims, and 1 in 6 people saying that someone who is raped while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is partly responsible for that happening to them.Joining Kieran to discuss this is CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh and Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan.Image: @DublinRCC on Twitter

Irish Singer Daniel O’Donnell has had to come out and dispel rumours that he is unwell and in hospital after a hoax circulated asking for aid…Daniel joins Kieran to explain more.Image: Daniel O’Donnell, Facebook

The US Masters takes place this week – an event marked on the calendar of every golf fan around the world.Well, tonight is the Champions Dinner – and the previous year’s champions gets to decide the menu!Last year’s champion Scottie Scheffler caused some consternation with his menu being centred around cheeseburger sliders…To discuss, Kieran is joined by Masters fanatic and Executive Chef at the K Club, Gary O’Hanlon.Image: The Masters

The use of unlicensed springs in surgeries at Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin “was wrong”, according to a review carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority.It comes as the Chair of the Children’s Health Ireland Board Jim Browne resigned earlier today, following a report by HIQA.Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, joins Kieran to discuss…

Eamon Ryan, Climate Campaigner and former Leader of the Green Party joins Kieran to place his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has advised that he is speaking with the Attorney General about the potential for special legislation to remove the planning issues around the airport passenger cap.The Minister said this yesterday at the launch of phase one of Dublin Airport’s solar farm.Kenny Jacobs, CEO of Dublin Airport Authority joins Kieran to discuss this meeting, and what the future looks like for Dublin Airport.

Spring truly sprung, and while the domestic gods and goddesses out there go about their spring cleaning – there is one thing we should consider on that to-do list: our tech!Emmet Ryan, Business and Technology Journalist, joins Kieran to discuss.

The Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) has released a 200-page review into the use of improper implant springs in spinal surgeries at temple street university hospital - finding that there was no ethical approval granted at the hospital for their use by a surgeon…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley.

Yesterday, we learned the Dublin City Transport Plan is entering its second phase this summer as efforts to reduce cars in the city continue…So, the question is: are the days of the car in the city numbered?James May, former Top Gear and The Grand Tour Presenter, joins Kieran to discuss this, and his upcoming tour.

Kieran’s guest has recently returned from working in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, what did he witness in his time in Gaza?Vascular Trauma Surgeon Morgan McMonagle joins me now.Image: Reuters

Earlier in the show, Kieran spoke with Karl Ducque from the Solas Project about his experience of getting out of crime.Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, joins to discuss his own perspective on the issue of young people and crime.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist at Irish Times to look at social media for teenagers.What do you do when they start asking to join them, which ones are better and what safeguards can you put to make the process easier?

The plan to put a levy on Netflix and other streamers to support independent Irish productions has been squished by the Minister for Media.Patrick O’Donovan has said that people are already paying enough for streaming services, but is he right?Joining Kieran to discuss is Larry Bass, CEO of production company ShinAWil and former board member of Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

99 problems, but finding an ice cream isn’t one. Yes, the fine weather has ushered in the return of the Ice cream van this year earlier than expected – but is the soft serve industry in Ireland less screwballs and sprinkles and more game of cones?Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports

The EU has said it is ready to negotiate with the US over tariffs, but that it is planning on defending its own interests.It comes as US President Donald Trump's tariffs have caused chaos across global stock markets…Joining Kieran to discuss this and the impact it can have on people is Jack Power Europe Correspondent, Irish Times and Joe Lynam, Presenter of Newstalk’s Business Breakfast.

Last week, statements were heard in the Dáil on how to divert young people away from criminality. Numerous contributions were made from TD’s from across the political spectrum…Nobody knows more about what can happen to kids who get drawn into that life of crime than Kieran’s guest… Karl Ducque grew up in Dublin’s North inner city around crime, and now works to help keep young people on the right track. He joins Kieran to discuss.

This Thursday, residents living near Dublin airport are hosting an event which will explore health implications of noise at the airport. With disturbance to sleep being one of the biggest implications.With the passenger cap suspension extended, there is also the other issue at Dublin airport of how many night flights can, or should, operate.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Ian Carey, Local Area Representative for the Green Party and DP Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Truffle Hog.

Wrapping up Wish Week for Make-A-Wish, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly and Presenter of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ Podcast Elaine Burke to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

All day today Newstalk has been asking you to donate to Make-a-Wish: an important charity that really changes the lives of children who really need it.Kieran has spent over an hour on a bike in the studio, but this next piece will test him even more!Alison Curits and Ger Gilroy, who normally are here for Winner & Sinners, join for a spelling bee competition!It’s never too late to donate! makeawish.ie/donate

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about how you can incorporate Moroccan spices into your cooking to make some amazing meals!

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy (who is on a bike raising funds for Make-A-Wish!) on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Not long until Easter, and we’re being warned that shrinkflation continues!To discuss, Kieran (on the bike raising money for Make-A-Wish) is joined by Pricewatch Editor for the Irish Times, Conor Pope.

The weekend is almost here, and with the turn in the weather, there is sure to be plenty of people getting their BBQs fired up.Nico Reynolds, Chef and Presenter of All Fired Up, joins Kieran (on the bike raising money for Make-A-Wish!), to offer some tips and tricks to BBQ the right way this weekend...

It’s Wish Week here on Newstalk, and we are highlighting the incredible work Make-A-Wish do in helping create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness.Kieran is joined in studio by Gavin Norris and his son Cian, who had his wish to meet Shane Lowry granted.If you would like to donate to Make-A-Wish, you can go to makeawish.ie/donate.