The Hard Shoulder

Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch is rumoured to run in the next general election for the Dublin Central constituency. Hutch, a convicted criminal who was acquitted of murder in the Regency Hotel shooting, is from the area and apparently has the support of the people.That’s according to Councillor for the North Inner City and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is in Abu Dhabi today to sign a bilateral extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Government approval of the treaty came last Friday, with hopes that it will allow for senior members of the Kinahan cartel to be returned to Ireland in order to face trial.Justice MInister Helen McEntee joins Kieran to discuss.

The Galway Comedy Festival is set to kick off tomorrow with a host of the finest comedians in the world descending on the City of Tribes.Joining Kieran to discuss is one of the headliners: Comedian Russell Howard! They talk about the show, Russell’s podcast, and (of course) aliens!

The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation is seeking the next government to double spending to help grow and support the sector, according to the general election manifesto published by the group today.Chief Executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, joins Kieran to discuss.

The cost of building apartments in our city centres is continuing to spiral, according to the newest Housing For All cost report.A two bed apartment is now more expensive to build in Dublin than a 3 bed semi-detached home.To go through the report Kieran is joined by Eoghan McEndery, Associate at Mitchell McDermott who conducted the report and Conor O’Connell, Director of Housing and Planning at Construction Industry Federation.

Every week, Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has decided to throw his hat back into the ring for the upcoming general election. However, this time he’s running as an Independent.Former Minister for Justice and Independent Candidate for Dublin-Rathdown Alan Shatter, joins Kieran to discuss.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at how you can make an amazing lasagna!

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

A new extradition treaty agreement with the United Arab Emirates is expected to pave the way for the return to Ireland of senior members of the Kinahan crime gang to face trial for crimes here.For more on this, Kieran is joined by Paul Williams, Crime Journalist and author...

Originally from Co. Laois, Noel Fitzpatrick has made a name for himself in the world of veterinary science in England. Known as the ‘Supervet’, Noel has made headlines and hosts his own show about his vet clinic in Surrey, England – and he’s now releasing a new book!Joining Kieran to discuss ‘Dogs and Their Humans’, is Noel.Image: Simon & Schuster

A new report by the ESRI on the Drivers of Income Inequality in the North and South has found some interesting economic details.  One stat that came out from the report was that 80% of northern households receive more in benefits then they pay out in tax compared with around 60% here in the south.Joining Kieran to talk more about the implications of the report on a potential united Ireland is John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin and Research Affiliate at the ESRI.

New research from Cyber Safe Kids has revealed that a quarter of kids aged 8-14 struggle to spend time away from their phone. What impact does this have on a child, and how can we limit screen time?Joining Kieran to discuss is Head of Policy and Public Affairs at ISPCC, Fiona Jennings and Parenting Coach and Author, Allen O'Donoghue.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.He joins Kieran to discuss Kamala Harris’ heated interview with Fox News, and whether or not it was a good idea to go on the network.Image: Fox

Information on who the new chair of the Public Accounts Committee has been revealed with Sinn Féin TD For Galway West and South Mayo, Mairéad Farrell, taking the role.Deputy Farrell joins Kieran to discuss.

You have probably heard the tragic news last night that 31-year-old former One Direction member Liam Payne fell from a third floor balcony in his hotel in Buenos Aires.There has been a lot of talk today about the amount of online trolling the musician received over the last few weeks...Joining Kieran to discuss the effect social media has on mental health is Shannen Reily McGrath, Influencer and former Love Island contestant, Hughie Maughan, former contestant at Big Brother UK and later, Writer and Broadcaster Stefanie Preissner.

Today the Dáil will be discussing the final report by the Commission on Assisted Dying which earlier in the year recommended to the government that there should be some legislation for individuals in special circumstances.The report suggested that assisted dying should be allowed in restricted circumstances, limiting it to those with 6 months to live, or 12 months in the case of a person with a neuro-degenerative disease, illness or condition.How do other countries facilitate assisted dying, and how much do we need this in Ireland?Senator Jim Cowan, Board member with Dying With Dignity Canada and Audrey Farrelly, campaigner for assisted dying join Kieran to discuss.

Gaelic Football could be set to change dramatically as a list of rules changes are being considered by the Football Review Commission, and will be tested tomorrow at the Railway Cup.The commission, which is chaired by Former Dublin Manager Jim Gavin, has suggested a number of changes including the value of points awarded to scores and goals.Eoin Sheahan from Off the Ball joins Kieran to break down these proposals and Philly McMahon, former Dublin Footballer, joins to discuss.

The Dublin Rape Crisis centre has launched their Signs of Hope campaign.The campaign uses direct messages from survivors who have benefited from support and advice in order to encourage survivors to seek support services. Blathnaid Raleigh, survivor of sexual violence joins Kieran to discuss.Image: DRCC

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to compare different hot chocolate options!

Earlier in the show, Journalist and Historian Kevin Myers discussed how he believes that the idea of a two state solution between Palestine and Israel could not happen following the year of conflict.To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the launch of a new site from Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon, which distinguishes between online name-calling, and being called what you are.Image: https://www.sometimesyouare.ie/

The continuous Hate Crime Bill is in the Seanad today as it reaches the final stages of deliberation and amendment before publication.Although the hate speech section of the bill has been removed, some aspects of it still remain.Joining Kieran to discuss if they have any concerns with this new version of the bill is Independent Senator Rónán Mullen and Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward.

For those seeking professional advice to lose a bit of weight, or even just improve their general diet, the choice between a Dietician, Nutritionist or even Nutritional Therapist can be confusing.Joining Kieran to explain the differences is Shelly Grey, Dietician and Presenter on Today FM.

You may have seen in the news that Google is buying nuclear reactors in an attempt to combat their greenhouse gases, and have more access to renewable energy to power their AI initiatives.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Irish Independent Tech Correspondent Adrian Weckler and Donna Gartland, the CEO at CODEMA - Dublin's Energy Agency.

Post primary enrolments are at their highest point on record.Parents have been advised to apply to multiple secondary schools due to pressure on places. The oversubscribed schools are in the commuter belts of Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Galway and Cork. Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean spoke to concerned parents.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Marie Porter, parent of a 6th class student in Greystones and Craig Petrie, Principal of East Glendalough Secondary School in Wicklow Town.

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Patricia Ryan, announced on Friday that she has resigned from the party.She joins Kieran to discuss why…

Members of the hospitality sector have been marching on Dáil Éireann to voice their frustration on a lack of changes for their industry in the most recent Budget.Retired Hotelier Francis Brennan joins Kieran to give his thoughts on the current state of the hospitality industry.

This week, Kieran was joined by Columnist with the Irish Independent Ian O’Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Bus Éireann drivers in Cork were asked not to stop at a shopping centre in Mahon Point due to buses being pelted with stones…Henry McKean visited Cork and met bus drivers and passengers and asked them if they feel safe, and if it is time for a dedicated transport police like in London.

Members of the hospitality industry today marched on the Dáil against what they saw as a lack of action to address issues facing the sector, such as no reduction for VAT.Two people who were at the protest, Claire Nash, Member of the Cork Business Association and Paul Treyvaud, Proprietor of Treyvaud's Restaurant in Killarney and TV Chef, join Kieran to discuss more.

A list of proposals was in front of cabinet today, including a sports action plan which will look at improving sports participation for women and young girls.One measure is that research will be conducted on the barriers to sports for young girls, and how the role of school uniforms might impact participation.So, are school uniforms a barrier to taking part in sports and keeping active, and should we consider ditching them?Kieran is joined by Emma De Souza, Spokesperson & Vice Chair of votingrights.ie and Barbara Ennis Principal of Alexandra College, Dublin to discuss.

Members of the hospitality sector are marching on Dáil Éireann in a day of action on issues facing their industry such as the rising costs of operations and the VAT rates.To report on what’s happened at this protest, Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte.

Simon Harris is bringing a Dublin City Taskforce report to Cabinet today which aims to improve and develop the area...But, what recommendations would those living in the city like to see?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Holly Carpenter, Content Creator and Saoirse Hanley, Columnist and Audience Editor for The Independent.

Ryanair is launching a case to the High Court this week seeking an expedited hearing and an injunction against the I.A.A in regards to the airport's contentious passenger cap…Joining Kieran to discuss is Micheal O’ Leary, CEO of Ryanair.

Sinn Féin has found itself mired in yet more controversy following news that Brian Stanley has resigned from the party. Party Leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the issue this morning.James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications joins Kieran to discuss.

A few weeks ago on the show advice was given on how to help your child if they are being bullied. However, there's a chance that your child IS the one bullying.Joining Kieran to discuss how to manage that tricky situation is Tara Logan Buckley, a Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Former Fine Gael TD Kate O’Connell has ­rejected an invitation by Simon Harris to run for the party in the upcoming general election, declaring she will instead run as an Independent in Dublin Bay South.Kate joins Kieran to discuss.

According to a poll of 1,000 people conducted by Census Wide: 98% of Irish people are using streaming services, but the number of people paying for them has shrunk to 78%.So, what explains this?Tech Editor for the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler joins Kieran to discuss Ireland’s love for the ‘dodgy box’.

It has been over a year since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7th 2023, and the legacy of that continues to cast a shadow over the Middle East...Kevin Myers, Journalist and Historian joins Kieran to reflect and discuss whether or not we are being too anti-Israel.

The government has announced the ‘National Plan for Irish Language Public Services’ which aims to improve our Irish language services. However, do we do enough to encourage those who are not already fluent to speak the language?Joining Kieran to discuss is Podcaster and Broadcaster, Fionnuala Jones and Director of Bhaile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge, Mícheál Ó Nualláin.

Every week, Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

It has been 60 years since the Billie Barry Stage School opened, which has produced some of Ireland’s biggest stars. The school is marking its 60th anniversary with the show ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ at the Gaiety Theatre from October 15th to the 19th.Joining Kieran to discuss is Lorraine Barry, Director of the Billie Barry Stage School.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at all the different nut butters to spread on toast, or eat straight from the jar!

The Environmental Protection Agency has said the slow pace of delivery of wastewater treatment upgrades by Uisce Éireann is ‘unacceptable’.The criticism comes off the back of their Urban Wastewater Treatment report published this morning, which highlights that 16 towns and villages across the country discharge raw sewage daily because their public sewers are not connected to treatment plants.Kieran is joined by Michael Tinsley, Uisce Éireann’s Senior Wastewater Delivery Manager, to discuss.

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

The Hate crime legislation is heading before the Seanad next week, and one aspect that won’t be part of it is the Hate Speech offences.Is this a dropped ball for some groups that need protection?Eileen Flynn, Independent Senator and Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Founder and Chair of the Irish Muslim Council join Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s guest epitomises the phrase ‘household name’. He is on our TV screens, on our radio and has been our voice for Eurovision and marked his 25th Eurovision Song Contest this year.Of course, it’s Mary Whelan, and he is celebrating The National Lottery Good Causes Awards - which are taking place tomorrow in Killashee House Hotel in Naas Co Kildare.He joins Kieran to discuss.

After all the craziness this summer at Dublin Airport, a seat cap for next year is to be introduced. However, the DAA, the authority overseeing Dublin Airport, is not happy about it - and their CEO Kenny Jacobs says it will cost the economy hundreds of millions.He joins Kieran to discuss his thinking.

Tanya Sweeney from the Irish Independent recently wrote “School reunions are LinkedIn with gin and tonics, do I really want to go to mine?” Well, is she right? Should we not go to our school reunions?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to discuss.