The Hard Shoulder

Kieran is joined by one of Ireland’s best-known Architects, Dermot Bannon.Dermot is in the studio to discuss the Simon Door initiative. The Royal Institute of the Architects along with Simon Communities Ireland are teaming up to raise funds to support their work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness...

Today, the Irish Government published its latest tax returns and spending outline for the month of March.These are more significant given the news of President Trump’s 20% Tariffs last night for the EU…To discuss, Kieran is joined by Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform & Digitalisation in the Government of Ireland and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin West.

News emerged this week that two Irish citizens living in Berlin have been issued with deportation orders, and told to leave Germany before April 21st.The two are facing charges over alleged actions at pro-Palestinian protests, but have yet to appear before any kind of court hearing.They say authorities in Germany have accused them of ‘antisemitism’ and ‘supporting terrorist organisations’. They will file a motion tomorrow which disputes this and the deportation order.Kieran is joined by Roberta Murray, one of the two Irish people caught up in this...

Almost 24 hours on from Trump's big tariff tirade in the Rose Garden of the White House, and we’re still dissecting what it all means...What we do know is that Ireland is staring down the barrel of 20% tariffs. The Government here has warned that this is going to cause serious damage and disruption to the EU and the global economy, but we’re still waiting to hear how, or if, the EU will retaliate…To delve a little deeper into all of this, Kieran is joined from the US by Wall Street Businessman and Managing Partner of Raspail Partners, Michael George…Image: Reuters

Legendary Kerry GAA Manager Mick O’Dwyer has sadly passed this morning…Colm O'Rourke, former Meath Player and Manager, joins Kieran to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.

With this month being Autism Acceptance Month and yesterday being World Autism Awareness Day, Kieran is joined by Fiachna O’Broanan and Siona Ryan, who are here to highlight the challenges families face when it comes to autism support and education. From misconceptions about the spectrum to the overwhelming bureaucracy, there is still a long way to go where supports are concerned…

Many questions have been raised with the Hot School Meals scheme around its nutritional value, logistics and waste, but what is the perspective of these issues and what are operators seeing on their side?Cathal Connelly from Bradberry & Connelly, hotschoolmeals.ie, is one such operator and joins Kieran 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 discuss how you can deal with bad breath!

On today, World Autism Day, parents are going on a 24 hour sleep-out at Leinster House to highlight the lack of suitable school places.Two of those parents: Rebecca Meehan and Danielle Cleary, join Kieran to discuss.

Intermittent fasting has been gaining popularity as a way to lose weight, but is it the right choice for everyone?While some swear by its benefits, others are cautious about its long-term effects.To help us make sense of it all, we’re joined by Sarah Keogh, a registered dietitian and founder of Eatwell.

In a continuation of her 'AI 101' series, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran for this week’s Tech Takeover to discuss how AI generates art, and some of the controversy that surrounds it.Image: Fotor

Actor Val Kilmer has passed away at the age of 65. He starred in some big hits of the 90’s, including Top Gun, Heat and Batman.Brian Lloyd, Entertainment Journalist, joins Kieran to look back at his life and career…

US President Donald Trump is set to announce his sweeping Tariffs this evening as part of “Liberation Day”, but what exactly is Trump’s goal here, and are we entering a new era of ideology?Mark Little, Tech entrepreneur and broadcaster joins me now…Image: Reuters

Apparently, to enjoy a moderate retirement, you will need to have a kitty of nearly 500k, according to the Pensions Council…Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell Financial Planning Advisors joins Kieran to discuss how realistic that is, as well as give his best tips for building a pension.

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 Ciara Dunne and her son Eli, who had his wish granted.If you would like to donate to Make-A-Wish, you can go to makeawish.ie/donate.

Trump’s trade tariffs will be revealed soon, and it could mean a lot for the Irish economy…What might it mean for the average consumer?To dig into this a little deeper, Kieran is joined by Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Aidan Regan, Professor of Political Economy at University College Dublin...

The free school meal scheme has been welcome by many, but does it need to pay more attention to certain areas? Chef, Author and Founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School Darina Allen was on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, and gave her take on the reaction of those she’s spoken to, saying that children were bringing home “half-eaten” meals.To get the thoughts of farmers, Kieran is joined by Denis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, to discuss.

Online reviews are now part of our everyday shopping routine, but with the rise of bots and fabricated feedback, how can we know what's real? Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times and later Miriam Simon, Business Strategist at One Foot In The Future, join Kieran to unpack the growing issue of fake reviews, and the impact they’re having on consumers and businesses alike.

US President Donald Trump is set to announce a range of reciprocal tariffs tomorrow. What effect will they have?Joining Kieran to discuss is Economist and former Minister of Finance for Greece, Yanis Varoufakis.Also joining to discuss the impact it will have on Irish business is Stuart McNamara, Director of Portmagee Whiskey and Chair of the Irish Craft and Artisan Distilleries Association.Image: Reuters

Noeline Blackwell, Human rights lawyer, Consultant and Online Safety Coordinator with the Children’s Rights Alliance joins Kieran to place her favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

It’s the eve of Liberation Day – when US President Donald Trump is set to announce a range of reciprocal tariffs.What he has to say will likely impact Europe, and could have a profound effect on Ireland…Joining Kieran to discuss is Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Gerald Storch, the CEO of Storch Advisors in the US and former CEO of Toys R Us.Image: Reuters

It was announced today that there will be four new biopics about the Liverpool group starring Ireland’s own Paul Meskill as Paul McCartney and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Star.RTÉ Broadcaster and Beatles fan Dave Fanning joins Kieran to discuss!Image: Sony Pictures

The Cabinet met this morning, and Kieran’s guest brought a couple of measures in an effort to ease some of the pressure on household bills.Paschal Donohoe is the Minister for Finance, and joins to discuss.

The grand stretch in the evening has come with the fine weather right behind it!Adrian Barry from Off the Ball and Jen Hogan, the Irish Times Columnist join Kieran to discuss how we can make the most of the upturn, and how to keep the small ones entertained…

Donald Trump has said he is "not joking" when it comes to wanting to serve a third term as president of the United States…So, if he was to serve a third term, how would he go about that, and is it a remote possibility?Joining Kieran to discuss is Joseph M. Cosgrove, former Judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.

Even though tattoos seem to be everywhere these days - there are inevitably some who regret theirs. Whether that be the result of a breakup, or a drunken choice they don’t even remember! So, how does the process of laser removal work?Kieran is joined by Aidan O’Connell from Fade Tattoo Removal on Grafton Street to discuss.

Visitor numbers have dropped 30% compared to February last year, according to the CSO.This follows on from a 25% drop year-on-year last month. It begs the question: is the tourism industry in danger in Ireland?Joining Kieran to discuss the drop in American tourists specifically is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.

Allergy season is approaching - so for this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Iseult Sheehan from Allergy Ireland to discuss how you can best prepare!

Marine Le Pen’s lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, has confirmed that the far-right leader will appeal against her conviction for embezzlement of public funds.She was found guilty of misappropriating European funds to fund her party.Elaine Cobbe is CBS Correspondent in Paris, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

Getting older is a difficult journey for some, but should you take it in your stride? From grey hairs to wrinkles, what is needed to make sure you embrace your age?Celia Holman-Lee,fashion icon & Model Agent and Holly Carpenter, Social Media Content Creator join Kieran to discuss.

A group of taxi drivers in Dublin have come together to create their own app in response to the big taxi firms and the bills they impose on drivers.Dublin taxi drivers Kamal Gill and Lar Kelly felt these big ­companies were taking too much from fares and have started their own app, Hola Taxi, that charges taxi drivers just €1 per fare…Both of them join Kieran to discuss.

Dublin City Council are to take a number of measures in the coming months to restore and protect the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk street.These include a pilot scheme which will see stewards deployed to protect the statue from tourists jumping up, touching and posing with the statue.For more on this, Kieran is joined by Ray Yeates, who is an Arts Officer a  Dublin City Council.

Have you fallen for the WhatsApp scam? If so, you’re not alone. New research from Revolut says Ireland ranks as the second worst affected country for scams on the app, with the average loss costing customers around €1,200…How do these scams work, and how can you stay safe? Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland's capability to respond to wildfires was tested in the Wicklow Mountains.More than 100 people participated in the first EU Modex exercise in Ireland. The muti-agency event assessed our preparedness for wildfires, and Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie was there.

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…

Second round of the Women’s Six Nations returns this weekend, with the Girls in Green heading to Parma to face off against the Italians.To help look ahead to what to expect and what challenges might face the Irish team, Kieran is joined by former Irish International Eimear Considine and current Harlequins and Italian International Silvia Turani.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk how you can treat a mother to a lovely meal this Mother’s Day!

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…

Met Éireann’s Flood Forecasting Centre is currently in development as part of a government-wide approach to flooding in line with ‘international best practices’.But, if flood warnings are being made available to local authorities, why can't they be provided directly to the public?Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly raised this very question in the Dáil this week, and joins Kieran along with Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather to discuss.

Don't forget, it's Mother's Day this Sunday! Henry McKean visited South City CNS in Dublin 8, to find out how the kids are preparing for it…

Radical reform is needed for young women who present with symptoms of breast cancer; this is according to Senator Teresa Costello, herself a survivor. She is advocating for the breast screening age to be extended to 40, and a greater care attached for those presenting with symptoms aged 20–50.Joining Kieran to discuss and share their own stories is Senator Costello, Ziva Cussen and Muireann McColgan...

Speaking in court this week, Norwegian track superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen explained that he had stopped calling his father “Dad” when he was around 11 years old due to his pushiness and involvement in his career. When it comes to crossing the line of being a pushy parent, how do you navigate between being supportive and being pushy?Joining Kieran to discuss is Steve Cummins, Comedian, Antonio Montero, Founder of the Silent Sideline Campaign Coach and Sheila O’Malley, Parenting Expert and Keynote Speaker in all aspects of wellbeing for the corporate world.

Kerry Independent Alliance Councillor John O’Donoghue has called for Kerry airport in Farranfore to be renamed after Daniel O’Connell.He cites the political giant known as ‘The Liberator’ as “the most significant Kerry and Irish person of all time”.To discuss, Kieran is joined by great, great, great grand-nephew, Maurice O’Connell.

It's been well documented how much of this week was chaotic in the Dáil.A motion of no confidence is coming next week for Ceann Comhairle, and the Government will place confidence in Verona Murphy... all while, at least in the view of the public, not a lot else is being done.So, why would a new TD want to come into this?Sinead Gibney is Social Democrats TD for Dublin Rathdown, and is former Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. She joins Kieran to discuss.

EU citizens are being advised to stockpile food, water and essentials as part of a European strategy that aims to increase readiness for potentially catastrophic floods, fires, pandemics and military attacks.“72 hours of self-sufficiency is what we recommend...” said European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib.But, is that enough? Joining Kieran to discuss is Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survivalist & Prepper group.

Earlier in the show, a debate on if religion should be taught in schools was had, but how is it taught today?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Edward Platt, School Development Officer with Educate together  and Hazel McWey, Principal of Catholic Ballinabranna National School Carlow…

A woman who said she was penalised for taking time off to have a child has settled a discrimination case with her former employer for 260 thousand euro.Maeve Bradley was an Assistant Vice President at Citibank in Belfast when she took maternity leave in 2023. She alleged that she was excluded from a promotion opportunity during her maternity leave, and says the firm promoted the person who had covered her absence.So, how vulnerable are women in the workplace to this, and what are your rights when it comes to maternity leave?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Caroline Reidy from the HR Suite…

US President Donald Trump has promised to put tariffs on pharmaceutical products coming into the country - specifically mentioning Ireland’s large pharmaceutical industry.With 7 out of the world's top 10 pharmaceutical companies being based in the Rebel County, Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with workers in Cork to get their thoughts on what the future may look like, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The issue of whether or not religion should be taught in schools will later be debated by Kieran’s guests: Ronán Mullen, Independent Senator and Bríd Smith, former People Before Profit TD.They join to give a preview on their thoughts on the topic.

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 properly pull off an April Fool’s prank!Image: Murphy’s Toymaster