The Hard Shoulder

Contenders for Ireland's favourite architectural projects for 2025 have been announced, but what makes a building or public space architecturally excellent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson, Eoin Ó Broin.

A jury has found Richard Satchwell guilty of murdering his wife Tina at their home in Youghal, Co Cork, in 2017.Newstalk’s Southern Reporter Jamie O’Hara joins Kieran with all of the details following the conviction.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Padraig Wilson McCarthy, Entertainment Journalist joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

A little later this evening, Alison Spittle will be doing some devious debating and answering the question… what would a United Ireland look like if it really did happen?Others taking part in this mischief will be comedians from North and South of the border and one from across the Irish sea for good measure including Neil Delamere, Oliver Callan, Ashley Storrie and John Meagher.Together, the panel will be asking all the questions you want answered from flags and road signs to anthems and crisps; and putting together a fantasy football league of how they see it all playing out.Alison joins Kieran to discuss.

Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General at the Department of Environment, Climate and Energy, has said that data centres had used up all spare electricity capacity, and it was necessary to prioritise demands.The comments come just days after Taoiseach Micheál Martin once again talked up the importance of data centres and AI and criticised critics of the government’s expansion policy…So, do we need to manage our energy needs for the sake of data centres?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Sunday Independent Columnist Conor Skehan, and Sinn Féin MEP for Dublin, Lynn Boylan.

Calls to National Rape Crisis Helpline 24-hour helpline surpassed the 20,000 mark for the first time last year…A record-high of 22,700 calls were logged, which is an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, of those seeking support for sexual violence across the country.The figures are contained in the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s annual report for 2024 and Chief Executive of the DRCC, Rachel Morrogh joins Kieran to discuss.1800 77 88 88 - 24-hour National Rape Crisis Helpline

One of the most senior figures in the Kinahan Organised Crime Group, who is wanted in Ireland to face charges of murder and involvement with a criminal gang, has been extradited from the United Arab Emirates.Sean McGovern has been on a Defence Forces military aircraft, and has been due to land today.Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney and Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent Paul Williams join Kieran to discuss.

Stephen Bartlett, Host of the Diary of a CEO Podcast and Dragon Den star stated that he didn’t like one of his job interviewees because he was wearing a suit, but is it wise to follow his example?Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse and Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise join Kieran to discuss.

There is news every day of more devastation in Gaza…Gaza's civil defence agency said today that the latest Israeli attacks have killed 44 people, including 23 in a strike on a home in the centre of the Palestinian territory.Kieran is joined by one of those treating patients in a hospital in Khan Younis in Southern Gaza.Dr Tom Potokar joins the show.Image: Reuters

B&Q has been forced to issue an apology after a third-party seller on its site claimed a bathroom cabinet was so “easy to assemble even if you’re a girl”...It is awkward timing for B&Q, considering they’ve just launched a campaign to champion women in trades.So, is there still a continued problem with stereotypes when it involves gender and DIY?Roisin Murphy, Artist and Lecturer in Interior Architecture at Griffith College and Laura De Barra, Author of Gaff Goddess, Decor Galore and Garment Goddess, joins Kieran to discuss.

You might find yourself sitting for hours on end, whether for work and for pleasure, leading to back and neck pain! So, how should you deal with it?Chiropractor Paul Bradley joins Kieran to give his top tips.

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 not to forget things!

The academic year might only be finishing up, but students are already raising concerns around the obstacles facing them for next year.The lack of accommodation has seen students having to make 8-hour round trips to attend their chosen college course, while there is still uncertainty around the fee structure for next year…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Jenny Maguire, Trinity College Student President, and joining to discuss the US pause on student visas is Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss Google’s new announcement of AI agents, that you can use for tasks like online shopping.

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst and the broadcaster’s leadership team appeared before an Oireachtas Media Committee today.Joining Kieran to discuss what was covered is Alan Kelly, Chair of the Media Committee and Labour TD for Tipperary North.

40% of treatment for drug problems last year were for cocaine, with a 400% increase in women seeking treatment.Have our attitudes to drugs changed, and is it now becoming more normalised?Kristy Morrison Keating has spoken out online of her own struggles with cocaine and the prevalence among your people. Kristy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Music Journalist with Extra.ie, Becca Fisher.

According to new research from CBRE, Ireland is the most highly educated country in the world.Ireland is the only nation listed in which a majority of adults aged 25–64 have a bachelor’s degree or higher.Has education transformed the country?  And if so, is it for the better?Eoin O’Malley is Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, and Mark Henry is Communications and Marketing Manager at TU Dublin they join Kieran to discuss.

Customers are now being offered a buy now pay later option when buying low-cost items such as clothes brands like Very or take away through Deliveroo.But could this lead to people ending up in unnecessary debt?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Merriman, CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul.

She’s been on our screens for decades now, giving parenting advice to parents around the world who need it…Supernanny Jo Frost joins Kieran on The Hard Shoulder!

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran Cuddihy to give his travel recommendations for Gen S, AKA, seniors!

A meeting between the ESRI and the Oireachtas Committee on Housing to discuss housing supply for the coming year has just finished up.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock.

The food safety watchdog is proposing a measure that would see all food premises publicly display signage to show the level of cleanliness and food safety standards of the business.How would the roll out work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland and Gail Carroll, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance at the FSAI.

Gordon D’Arcy, former Irish International and co-author of ‘Let’s Play Rugby!’, joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Police and emergency services urged the public not to share footage online after a car hit pedestrians during Liverpool's English Premier League victory parade in the city centre yesterday.Why is our instinct to take and share videos in tragic circumstances? Is it our responsibility or the job of social media companies to hold people accountable?Joining Kieran to discuss is Stephen O'Leary from Olytico and Brendan Kelly, Psychologist...

Governance and oversight issues at Children’s Health Ireland dominated leader’s questions in the Dáil today, we’ve also learned that three members of the CHI board have resigned following further fallout from the controversy surrounding unnecessary hip operations at CHI.To discuss this further, and the health service more widely, Kieran is joined by former HSE Director General, Tony O’Brien…

Gardaí are now being rostered on at Mercy University Hospital in Cork due to rising levels of violence towards staff. The INMO have stated recently that 60% of these assaults are directed toward nurses and midwives.Joining Kieran to discuss is the INMO’s Assistant Director of Industrial Relations for the Southern Region, Liam Conway…

More people are now opting for prepaying and pre planning for their funeral before they die, some even opting to be involved in the ceremony virtually on the day.Joining Kieran to discuss more is Undertaker Colm Kieran, owner of My Farewell Wishes, which have been connecting with their customers through their TikTok videos…

Transport for Ireland is losing €20 million a year to fare evasion. Nearly 7% of Dart passengers do not have a valid ticket, and fare evasion rates jump to 15% on the Dublin to Drogheda and Dublin to Longford routes.What is going on? And are you a fare dodger?Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss.

The next phase of the Dublin City Transport Plan has come into effect.The new restrictions will be in place 24/7, and they will mean that only public transport, taxis and cyclists will be allowed to turn left from Westland Row onto Pearse Street.Joining Kieran to discuss the impact of this change is Paul Woodborne, Sales Manager at Sweeney & O’Rourke, catering showroom located on Pearse Street.

Today is Celebration Day in the UK, which is a time for communities to take a special moment to pause and remember those important in their lives who may no longer be with us.Is this something that Ireland should emulate, or are we too scared of having opening conversations about grief?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sallyanne Clarke, Restauranter and Author and Ruth Scott, Broadcaster and Wedding and Funeral Celebrant.

You may have heard of creatine, which is popular among athletes and fitness influencers, but does it have any benefits, and is it even safe?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shelly Gray, Today FM Presenter and Registered Dietitian and John Belton, Personal and Wellness Trainer.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie, to discuss how you can handle rebellious teens as they grow up, while also giving the privacy and freedom they want.

Gardaí have said that there has been a significant decrease in robbery, burglary, violent disorder, crimes against the person and theft offences this year.Provisional Garda figures for the first three months show a decrease across all property crimes, but an increase in organised crime and fraud offences, compared to the same period last year.Is this being felt on the ground? Will Monaghan, owner of One Society, and Martin Harte, CEO of the Temple Bar Company join Kieran to discuss.

A Michelin star chef in London, Gorgio Locatelli, has blasted people using their phones in restaurants, claiming that people should get off their phones and enjoy the moment.Does he have a point? Have phones gone too far in restaurants, or are we allowed to enjoy our food as we wish?Edward Hayden, TV Chef and Culinary Lecturer at the Southeast Technological University and Saoirse Hanely, Journalist at the Irish Independent joins Kieran to discuss.

A fresh call has been made to reintroduce 100% mortgages for first time buyers.Independent Ireland leader TD Michael Collins has said there is a clear need for targeted, responsible mortgage products that reflect today’s economic realities.Despite there not being enough supply for demand, hearing 100% mortgages for many will strike PTSD of the Celtic Tiger days…Joining Kieran to discuss is John McGuirk, Editor at Gript.ie and Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson and TD for Dublin North-West.

Gardaí have upgraded the missing persons case of Fiona Pender, who was pregnant when she went missing in 1996, to a murder investigation as a new search operation is set begin this week for the Offaly woman.Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with the Irish Sun, joins Kieran to discuss.

Is the lack of male teachers causing a lack of male role models for children in school?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together and Host of the 'If I Were The Minister for Education' podcast and Micheal Kelly, Director of Public Affairs with the Papal Foundation Aid to the Church in Need.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Ger Gilroy from Off the Ball and Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

He’s taken on governments, grilled broadcasters, and championed workers with that unmistakable calm fire. From the picket lines of London to his family roots in Cork and Armagh, Trade Unionist Mick Lynch has never been far from the fight.He is in Dublin for the Tressel Festival, which kicks off this weekend and he is taking part in a discussion tomorrow at 3pm in the Liberty Hall Theatre on his political hero, Irish Revolutionary James Connelly.Mick Lynch joins Kieran to discuss!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to discuss how you can cook a beautiful steak in the summer sun!

US President Donald Trump has said he is recommending a 50% tariff on all goods from the European Union being imported to the United States.It marks an escalation in the continuing trade wars…Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews, Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty and later Joe Lynam, Newstalk Business Editor and Presenter of Breakfast Business join Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

At least 1,800 children who had hip dysplasia surgery are to be medically reviewed following an audit which found surgeons in Cappagh & Temple Street hospitals were carrying out a high number of unnecessary operations…Marie Sherlock, Labour Party TD and Spokesperson on Health, Shauna Bowers, Health Correspondent with The Irish Times and later Elaine Flanagan, Mother of Harlow and David Cullinane Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Health all join Kieran to discuss.

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…

One in four people in Ireland are ‘clinging on’ when it comes to their finances, according to the Credit Union.Over half of us are financially ‘comfortable’, but 20% of us are just ‘coping’. To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

With their folded ears and big eyes, the Scottish fold cat is beloved by many celebrities including Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. However, there are calls in the UK to ban the breeding of Scottish Folds due to painful genetic deformities.So, what are these problems with this breed and why are they so popular?Clare Meade, Cat Vet with Cat Hospital joins Kieran to discuss.

Tonight, in Croke Park, a vote will be taking place that could change camogie forever. That is the vote to allow players the decision to choose whether they would like to wear shorts instead of skorts.So, will the vote come to pass? And what will happen to camogie if it does not?Karl O’Brien, Chairperson of Dublin Camogie and Aislinn Connolly, former Galway camogie player and all star join Kieran to discuss.

TikTok Comedian, Musician and Influencer Garron Noone joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Students and households across the country are preparing for their state exams which kick off in two weeks (on June 4th), but what is the best way to approach the paper when it is put in front of you to get the maximum marks you can?Joining Kieran to give some practical advice is Aoife O'Driscoll, English teacher in Cork CBC, textbook author and webinar deliverer at Tralee ED Centre.

10 years ago today, Dublin Castle was the scene of celebrations after the historic victory for Marriage Equality.One of the people involved in the campaign and who was there on that day 10 years ago was Fine Gael TD for the Cork South-Central Jerry Buttimer.Kieran escapes the Newstalk studio and joins him to discuss.

Over 17 hundred complaints were made to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office last year, with almost 600 of those relating to education.So, where do we go from here?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon.