The Hard Shoulder

Another Government spending controversy was discussed on the show yesterday - with a €120,000 x-ray scanner for the National Gallery being left unused since its purchase in 2017.Today, Kieran is joined by Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications Media and Sport and Fine Gael TD for Limerick County to discuss why he thinks it will actually be put into use soon…

Dublin's tallest building, a 25-storey residential tower, has been given the green light.Developer Johnny Ronan has secured planning permission for the apartment block on North Wall Quay in the docklands; 550 apartments are planned across three blocks as part of the Waterfront South Central scheme, which will include a restaurant and viewing terrace at the top of the tallest building.Is high-rise the present and future of building?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ian Lumley, Heritage Officer with An Taisce and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor with the Irish Times.

Is the Mental Health Bill fit for purpose?To discuss, Kieran is joined by two people who aren’t so sure: Dr Lorcan Martin, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist and President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and Patricia Casey, Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater Hospital and Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at University College Dublin.

Dublin is experiencing a surge in Irish speakers, yet opportunities to use the language in everyday life remain scarce.There has been an explosion of new learners around the world thanks to Duolingo, and there are around 45,000 fluent teenagers in the capital city.But, how many people in Ireland have the opportunity to speak Irish outside the classroom?Daithí de Buitléir is Programme Manager with Gaeilge365, a new language innovation programme for Dublin's local authorities. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Author and Actress Claudia Carroll joined Kieran this week to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show, Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD, proposed the introduction of ‘surrender bins’ for knives to tackle violence in Dublin.Would it work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pat Marry, former Detective, Inspector and Author.

Labour TD Ciaran Ahern has said that there is definitely a case to be made for refresher courses for drivers every time a licence is up for renewal.So, are they needed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ciaran Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West and Richard O’Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County.

The families of those killed in the Creeslough disaster plan to challenge “every aspect” of the plan to redevelop the site.An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office and space for a memorial garden.Shauna Gallagher is sister to Jessica who was killed in the explosion. Jessica was above the shop when the explosion happened. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the discovery that a scanner bought for over €120,000 for the National Gallery has never been used raises "serious control issues".The scanner, which has been lying idle since it was purchased, is the latest spending controversy to arise within state-funded organisations.There still has not been a suitable lead-lined room found for the special X-ray machine eight years on.Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Correspondent with The Irish Independent joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week Dublin's 3 arena played host to the Premier League Darts final.Last month a 7 million euro darts bar opened on Dawson street.So, what's behind the sports rising popularity - and profits? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports

Middle age can be a challenging time for men, with grumpiness and irritability taking hold…In the Telegraph yesterday the question was asked: is ‘miserable man syndrome’ a real thing?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Esther Mcarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Examiner.

Today marks 3 years of war in Ukraine…Media Consultant & Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Tom Mc Enaney, Author of ‘War in Ukraine: An Irish Man’s Journey’, Brendan Murphy and Luba Healy, Ukrainian woman in Meath join Kieran to reflect.

Knowing what products and medications to buy in order to treat acne with can be utterly confusing in the age of social media.One thing you might have seen are ‘pimple patches’, but what are they, and how do they work exactly? Joining Kieran to explain is Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

Do you sometimes struggle to get your children to eat healthy fruit and vegetables? Well, for this week’s Kids Health Check, Fussy Eating Expert Louise Lennox joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris will bring a proposal to Cabinet next month to amend Ireland's 'triple lock’ on the deployment of Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas.Would this be a welcome development?Simon Coveney is a former Cabinet Minister and former Minister for Defence. He joins Kieran to discuss.

You may have seen the recent story of a 71 year old employee for the Hairy Lemon pub being awarded €30,000 for discriminatory dismissal: because of his age.John Mooney told a March 2024 Workplace Relations Commission hearing that his employer informed him in November 2023 that he would be dismissed at Christmastime "because [the pub's] insurance had increased as a result of his age".So, does ageism still exist in the workplaces?Journalist and author Valerie Cox joins Kieran to discuss.

Dublin City Council are to call into inner-city households seeking to fine those who have failed to sign up for waste collection services.Will on the spot fines help to tackle illegal dumping?Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Walsh, Secretary of the Irish Waste Management Association and Bobby O’Connell Fine Gael Councillor for Castleisland in Kerry.

Plans are being progressed for a Park-And-Ride facility near the M1 in north county Dublin.The National Transport Authority says the 800-space surface car park at Lissenhall, near Swords, will offer commuters an alternative to driving into the city.Will this get people out of their cars?Councillor in Swords, Daragh Butler and Professor in  the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, Brian Caulfield join Kieran to discuss.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Elaine Burke, Presenter of ‘Of For Tech’s Sake’ podcast to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Open water swimming really took off 5 years ago during Covid, but have you ever heard of ‘Freezebury’?The Freezebury Challenge adds a minute on to your swim everyday in February. So, for example, on February 1st, you spend a minute in the water. Today, you spend 21 minutes since it’s the 21st.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has tried it, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland will face another challenge in the Six Nations against Wales tomorrow in Cardiff. The boys in green have been flying but can’t they keep the momentum going?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tommy Bowe, Ireland AM Presenter and former Irish International and Mike Ruddock, former Ireland U20’s, Leinster and Wales Coach...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about fibre. You might think it’s boring - but 85% of people don’t get enough of it!

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…

Sinn Féin will boycott St Patrick's Day events at the White House next month over US President Donald Trump's stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.Is this the right move? Joe Brolly is a Barrister and Co-Presenter of the ‘Free State Podcast’ with Dion Fanning. He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

New runners, tracksuits and gaming consoles are usually high on the gift list for our small ones, but what do you get your children when they are teenagers or beyond, especially if they are earning themselves?Joining Kieran to discuss is Steve Cummins, Comedian and Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie.

Leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald and First Minister Michelle O’Neill have confirmed this morning that they will not be travelling to the White House for St. Patrick’s Day, due to President Trump’s comments and policies on Gaza.Sinn Féin TD and Spokesperson for Justice, Matt Carthy, joins Kieran to discuss.

Women’s Aid has launched a new Ally Action campaign, which is calling on men to become allies in ending gender-based violence.We have been looking at what work is already underway to try and educate/rehabilitate men who have been violent to their partners.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been speaking to those working in this area, and he has also met a former participant of the service.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this report you can contact MOVE Ireland on 065 684 86 89 or Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900

The families of those killed in the Creeslough disaster plan to challenge “every aspect” of the plan to redevelop the site.An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office and space for a memorial garden.Damien Tansey is Senior Counsel and Solicitor with Damien Tansey Solicitors, who represents family members of victims of the Creeslough explosion. He joins Kieran to discuss.

One of the recommendations by the Social Democrats on Dáil reform is making the Dáil prayer a time for reflection, rather than a Catholic prayer.Is it a good idea?Kieran is joined by Senator Ronan Mullen and Social Democrat TD Gary Gannon to discuss.

Drivers in Ireland forked out over €478 million in road tolls last year.New figures released to Newstalk under the Freedom of Information Act have shown that Transport Infrastructure Ireland collected a record €212 million in M50 tolls last year - marking an 11.5% increase year-on-year.Port Tunnel revenues were €32 million in 2024, up from €28.8m in 2023.Meanwhile, the rest of the road network outside of Dublin collected €190m - increasing to €234m including VAT.So, where is the money going, and what do drivers think? Sean O’Neill, Director of Communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland joins Kieran to discuss. Jason Cullen, Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition and Eugene Drennan, Spokesperson for the Irish Road Haulage Association also join to discuss.

Yesterday marked the final day of the first stage of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry…Joining Kieran to discuss is Helen Kerr, who was in a café in Omagh when the explosion occurred.

You’ve heard of fast fashion, but is there such a thing as fast furniture? Do you find yourself throwing out IKEA furniture every couple of months?Joining Kieran to discuss is Architect Róisín Murphy and Climate Change and Environmental Researcher, Sadhbh O'Neill.

Spain's former football federation boss Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso and ordered to pay a fine of €10,800 and has also has a restraining order attacked to this.Will this have a lasting impact on women’s sport?Meghann Scully is a freelance broadcaster and joins me now…

Housing seems to be the number one issue of attack for the Opposition over the first couple of weeks of Leaders’ Questions.Has it left the Government floundering?Seán Defoe is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, and he’s been looking into this. He joins Kieran to discuss.

US President Donald Trump has launched a new attack online on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a "dictator" and saying he has done a "terrible job"...For more on this, Kieran is joined by Volodymyr Solohub, Freelance Journalist in Ukraine and Larry Donnelly Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.

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 give advice on saying curse words properly!

With Donald Trump in office, should the Irish Government keep their opinions on US politics at bay for the next 4 years? Or risk its relationship with the country?Following on from his conversation with Sean Spicer, Kieran is joined by Fianna Fáil TD for East Cork, James O’Connor, to discuss.

You might remember Tracy Carroll, she is the mother of Willow, who has spoken on the show before about issues she faced dealing with the HSE…She has now settled her case with the HSE, and has been working to better the system. Tracy Carroll joins Kieran to discuss.

Today, 40 years ago, a brand new soap opera was launched…Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, following the stories of local residents, mainly killing each other and having affairs.But, how realistic is Eastenders to real life?Henry McKean visited London during Bafta Awards week and sent this report from the real Eastenders, speaking with pub landlords, London cabbies and locals!Image: BBC

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the Irish Text Relay Service, the importance of accessibility in technology, as well as give her tech recommendations for the week!

The IDA has announced a new 5-year plan which would create 75,000 new jobs if achieved, in hopes to navigate the possibly difficult economic times ahead for Europe…To go into details of the plan, Kieran is joined by the Chairman of the IDA Ireland, Fearghal O’Rourke.Image: Reuters

A new TikTok trend which has been doing the rounds suggests that a spoonful of butter might help your baby sleep through the night.This has since been debunked, but what causes these ideas and trends to spread so quickly, and why do we believe them?Kieran is joined by Stephen O’Leary, CEO of Olytico and Pete Lunn, Founder and Head of the ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit to discuss.

Now, the Government has announced that they intend on living planning exemptions for cabins built on private land to be used by family members in order to alleviate those seeking houses in the current market.Joining Kieran to discuss this potential change is Minister of State at the Department of Housing, John Cummins, as well as one man who has had continued issues with planning permission on his own land, Sean Meehan.

Bosses at the Iceland Supermarkets in the UK have said that they could offer small jobs to those facing conviction to combat overcrowding and help them rehabilitate.Is this a good idea, and are we doing enough to help those in our who are going through our prison service?Joining Kieran to discuss is Comedian Willa White…

It's been reported today that the long-awaited National Children's Hospital will be costing an extra €850 million and not set to open until 2026…Kieran’s guest believes that Simon Harris should resign, or furthermore, be fired for signing off on the project.Leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín, joins to discuss.

Executive Chef at The K Club Gary O’Hanlon joined Kieran this week to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

Senior officials from Russia and the United States met in Saudi Arabia today to begin talks on improving ties and negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine…To tell more, Kieran is joined by Europe Correspondent with Euronews, Shona Murray.Image: Reuters

With less than a month away until almost all the Irish Ministers embark on their St Patrick’s Day missions, one of the Ministers holding the fort while they are gone is Minister of State Micheal Healy-Rae.He joins Kieran to discuss.

Did you know that if you flush the toilet with the seat up, you could be breathing in dirty air - along with getting your bathroom surfaces filthy?In that sense, what are the dirtiest things in your home?Microbiologist, Ana Burns, joins Kieran to discuss.

St Patrick’s Day is not far away, and a flock of Irish politicians will be heading over to woo President Trump...But, is this a good tactic?Joining Kieran to discuss is former White House Press Secretary and Host of the Sean Spicer Show, Sean Spicer.