The Hard Shoulder

Content Creator Padraig Wilson McCarthy joins Kieran to look back on some of the best feel-good moments of 2024!

Copper Face Jacks in Dublin city centre has bucked the trend of Dublin’s dying nightlife by recording profits of nearly €3 million, with revenue returning to pre-Covid levels. So, are we being too harsh on Dublin’s nightlife?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian Redmond, the owner and operator of the Hyde Nightclub and operator of Ohana Tiki Bar.

Research from Cadbury's suggests that half of all adults consider themselves great secret keepers, but sadly a quarter of us can’t help spilling the beans…So, what is the reason why we keep secrets, and why we find it so hard to keep information to ourselves?Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght University Hospital and Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times join Kieran to discuss.

The Federal Aviation Administration in the US has issued a one-month ban on drone operations in certain areas of New Jersey, unless operators receive special permission from the government due to “special security reasons”.This is as dozens of night-time drone sightings have been reported across New Jersey and other states along the eastern coast of the US over the last several weeks.For more on this, Kieran is joined by US-based Journalist Harriet Alexander.

Dating apps are not as popular as they once were, with around 1.4 million people in the UK leaving the online dating scene in the past 12 months.So, are dating apps dead?Sarah Burke, Dublin Reporter with Irish Independent and Mairead Loughman, Matchmaker and Podcast Host join Kieran to discuss.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Tis’ the season, so this week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy to try offerings of Christmas crackers and cakes!

Musician Gavin James has taken some time out from his Irish Tour, which begins in Whelan’s this week, to join the show!He joins Kieran to discuss his new single: ‘Once in a Lifetime’.

Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran Cuddihy for the Tech Takeover! This week, she discusses her biggest Tech Tips from 2024! Including money, organisation and life-admin.

It was announced today that the Kneecap movie has been shortlisted for TWO Oscars. Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Song for ‘Sick in the Head’.Joining Kieran to discuss the achievement is Head of Distribution for Wildcard Distribution, Gillian Cooper.

The 34th Dáil sat for the first time today.With a bit of business being the selection of a Ceann Comhairle… With the new Ceann Comhairle being Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy.Joining Kieran to discuss what has been happening is Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal Pearse Doherty,  Malcom Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford and Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail.

SOSAD is an Irish mental health charity that specializes in care for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. But, in an unfortunate turn of events, funding promised for the charity by Minister of Mental Health Mary Butler has not been delivered. Now, they fear that they’re on the brink of collapse – leaving hundreds without care…Joining Kieran to discuss is the CEO of SOSAS, Carol Murphy.

Socks for Dad, hand cream for mom and a designer collar for Bruno. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on the expensive Christmas being enjoyed by Ireland's cats and canines.

Every year, Irish Daily Mail Commentator Philip Nolan leaves a Christmas tip for the binmen. Should we be doing the same?He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Jonathan McDonnell

The 34th Dáil is set to meet for the first time today to elect the Ceann Comhairle, with many new faces elected to experience the Dáil for the first time.What is that first experience of Dáil Éireann like, and what is the first day actually like?Joining Kieran to discuss is Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and Noel Rock former Fine Gael TD.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for killing a Russian General in Moscow, after an explosive device attached to a scooter was detonated.Are we seeing the playing field in the Ukraine War change, and what could the war look like in the future?Bill Browder, Financier and Commentator joins Kieran to discuss.

This week, Presenter Mairead Ronan joins Kieran Cuddihy to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!Favourite book: I Feel Bad About My Neck, by Nora Ephron.Honourable Mention: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, by Haemin Sunim.Right now: The Racket, by Conor Niland.

The father of Enoch Burke, Sean Burke, has been given a two month jail sentence for assaulting a female Garda in 2023.Stephanie Rohan, Newstalk Reporter, joins Kieran with all the details…

It's time for a Christmas Kidstalk! The kids from South City Community National School, Dublin, talk to Henry McKean about Christmas…

As the 34th Dáil begins tomorrow, one of the first things the new Dáil will do is vote on the next Ceann Comhairle. However, Fianna Fáil have confirmed their support for Independent TD, Verona Murphy in tomorrow’s secret ballot...Joining Kieran to discuss is Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghail.

As Christmas nears, a lot of us are starting to get worried about the prospect of cooking for the family. But, it can be easier for some than others – including Kieran’s guest.Mark Moriarty: Chef, TV Show Host, and Author joins to discuss all things Christmas food.

Ireland's first medically-supervised injection centre in Merchants Quay is set to open over the Christmas period, nine years after it was approved by a Fine Gael-Labour  government.It will operate for 56hs a week, 7 days a week. It will be open for 18 months during its pilot period, but concerns still remain over the facility…Kieran is joined by Eddie Mullins, Merchants Quay CEO and Cieran Perry,  Independent Dublin City Councillor.

The operator of Holyhead Port, Stena Line, has confirmed that ferry terminals will remain closed until the 15th of January.With no return of services before Christmas, disruption to travellers and to freight shipments will be substantial...Joining Kieran to discuss is Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eoghan Corry, Travel Journalist and Gary Pritchard, Plaid Cymru Cllr. and Leader of Isle of Anglesey Council.

Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig recently launched SkillStack, a new video streaming learning platform which he describes as “Netflix meets TED”. He tells Kieran why he started the business, the calibre of people he got involved with and how NASA gave the whole thing a ringing endorsement…

Former GAA player and analyst, columnist with the Sunday Independent, and co-host of the ‘Free State’ Podcast, Joe Brolly, reacted to the closing of the Israeli Embassy in Ireland

Maria Dickenson, General Manager of Dubray Books joined Kieran to suggest books that would make the perfect gifts this Christmas...Maria's recommendations included: 'I see the moon and the moon' - Sarah Webb and Paul Delaney 'History of Information' - Chris Haughton  'Fia and the Last Snow Deer' - Eilis Fisher and Dermot Flynn  'Our London Lives' - Christine Dwyer Hickey  'Here one moment' - Liane Moriarty   'Drawn to Nature' - Don Conroy  'Wonders of the Deep' - Mensun Bound & Mark Frary  'An Irish Food story' - JP McMahon 

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Joining me is a two-time gold medal Olympian who played a big part in Team Ireland’s record performance at this summer's Paris Olympics.It gives me real joy to welcome Fintan McCarthy, Irish lightweight rower and double Olympic gold medalist…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at how you can use rice to elevate your cooking!

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…

Is the panto the highest kind of art form? Oh no it isn’t! Or, oh yes it is?Well, Henry went out to see a production of Cinderella in The Lark in Balbriggan, and joins Kieran to share his experience, including his conversations with the cast and crew.

The Department of Education has just published some new guidelines for schools – getting rid of provisions allowing students to be excluded in a different room as a punishment. But, how will this affect teaching methods and child development?Joining Kieran to answer those questions is Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick’s National School in Greystones, and Anne Keogh, a Senior Psychologist.

All throughout the month of December, we have been looking at some of the biggest stories of the year, and looking at the people at the heart of it.The Irish summer was full of heavy hitting gigs from Bruce Springsteen, Pink, That That and Coldplay. However, one name took the country by storm: Taylor Swift.Joining Kieran to look back at these gigs is Emily Keegan, Newstalk Reporter and John Meagher, Music Critic and Reporter with Irish Independent.

In the UK, there have been calls for a tax on junk food to be introduced, in a bid to reduce obesity…Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been looking into this, and joins Kieran to share what he’s learned.

More than a week out now until Santa delivers all the good girls and boys around the country their presents, but for adults, Roy Keane has an interesting opinion regarding gift giving… He doesn’t think adults should give each other gifts! Is he right?Holly Carpenter, Social Media Content Creator and Amanda Brunker, Playwright joins Kieran to discuss.

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.This week, Jeff joins Kieran to discuss TIME Magazine picking President-elect Donald Trump as their ‘Person of the Year’...Image: TIME

We are well into Winter now, and according to the Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan, there has been an increase in influenza cases this year - with numbers expected to rise into the new year…Joining Kieran to discuss the importance of getting your flu jab and Covid-19 vaccine this Winter is Chief Medical Officer, Professor Mary Horgan.

Following the dismissal of Eoin Hayes from the party, the Social Democrats have continued talks regarding Government formation.Joining Kieran to discuss how it is going is Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Gary Gannon…

Warning: This item contains reference to sexual assault and violence.40% of adults in Ireland will experience sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.That's according to the most recent data released by the CSO. But what happens to those who report these incidents, and how are they supported through the process of evidence gathering and medical care?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on Ireland's Sexual Assault Treatment Units.

As you may have heard earlier – Andrea Gilligan and Kieran set the new world record for the fastest time to dress someone up as a Christmas Tree! Recording the attempt was David Wilson, Guinness World Records’ ‘Record Specialist’. He joins Kieran to discuss the process of officiating a world record.

We have all had to pay for plastic bags while doing our shopping over recent years, but on a recent shopping trip, Kieran’s guest refused to pay for a bag and instead carried his shopping to the car…Joining to discuss is Presenter and Director, Killian O’Sullivan.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.This week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Anton Save to try different offerings of herbal tea!

According to figures from Ebay, Irish people are far more likely to regift this Christmas than any other European country.  So, what is the art of regifting and how do you make the most of it this festive season?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is Pat Kane, Sustainability Advocate and Founder of Reuzi.

Is Ireland in a much better state than some believe? Will we have another Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil coalition – not because of a lack of choice, but because they’ve earned our vote?Former Ambassador and Consultant Commentator Daniel Mulhall has been tweeting his opinion, and joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Newly-elected Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes was suspended from the party over shares that he sold from a company linked to the Israeli Defence Forces. There is now pressure for him to resign, should he?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin MEP and chair of the Development of Palestinian Relations at the European Parliament…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss why satirical news outlet The Onion was rejected in their bid to purchase Alex Jones’ InfoWars…

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney recently wrote in the Irish Independent questioning whether or not teachers should be called by their first names. So, should we drop the sir’s and miss’?Well, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been gathering thoughts from the public, and joins Anton Savage to share what he’s heard.

Northern Ireland have made the decision to ban puberty blockers indefinitely for under 18s.Is this unfair to members of the trans community, and should it looked to be reversed? Or, should we follow in Northern Ireland’s footsteps and ban it in the Republic?Joining guest host Anton Savage to discuss is Ronan Mullen, Independent Senator and Jude Copeland, LGBTQ Advocate and Activist.

All this month the Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2024’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.One incident was more shameful than others when anti-immigration protests at the former Crown Paint factory on Malahide Road in Coolock turned into rioting...Fianna Fáil Councilor for Artane/Whitehall, Racheal Batten joins Anton to discuss.

Over the past few months, the only time you might’ve heard about Lebanon is in relation to a breaking news story. But, Anton’s next guest was born there and has returned regularly, writing books about his travels.Joining the show to discuss is Dom Joly, the Comedian and Travel Writer.

A nightclub in the UK has raised a few eyebrows with its quirky policy on smartphone use.The Amber Nightclub in Manchester has implemented a strict rule that you must cover your phone’s camera with a sticker to enter with the idea to stop phone use and increase enjoyment and immersion in the event.Is this a good idea, and should Irish nightclubs follow suit?Guest host Anton Savage is joined by Ed Smith from Today FM and Becca Fisher, Music Journalist at DMG to discuss.