The Hard Shoulder

Yesterday on the show the new Irish Rail train timetable was discussed, and how it’s been an issue for commuters. The changes were made to accommodate the hourly Dublin to Belfast train.Today, Newstalk’s Henry McKean was sent out in rush hour to see how it was for passengers. Henry started his journey in Skerries and ended in the new train hub, Grand Canal Dock.

This month, Fair City celebrates a huge milestone: 35 years of gripping drama in Carrigstown! Since its first episode aired back in 1989, this iconic Irish soap has become a television institution, with over 5,000 episodes under its belt. Joining Kieran to look back on some of their favourite memories from their time on the show are former Fair City Actors, Killian O’Sullivan and Claudia Carroll.Image: RTÉ

According to a new study, men are facing a “male friendship recession”, leading to an increase in male loneliness.How did we get here, and what are the effects of said recession?Kieran discusses with John, a man experiencing this loneliness and Diarmuid Lyng, Hurler and Wild Irish Retreater.If you are struggling with loneliness, don't hesitate to reach out. The Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline - 116 123, or you can email them at [email protected].

The American political drama series The West Wing recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!Joining Kieran to look back on the show is one half of the power couple that was the staffers Ed and Larry: William Duffy.

Have you ever felt stuck or paralyzed in your daily tasks, or that you’re simply just going through the motions? You might be experiencing what's called a 'functional freeze': it’s a mental and emotional state where stress or burnout leaves you frozen and unmotivated, though you still appear outwardly functional.To explain more, Kieran is joined by Claire O'Connor, Broadcaster and Life Coach.

Now, with the Budget coming Tuesday week, some organisations are starting to call for different policies to best help them and their sector. One of those organisations is ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.Their CEO, Neil McDonnell, joins Kieran to talk through what they’re asking for.

RTÉ has announced that Ireland will take part in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025. RTÉ wants to hear from artists, performers and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment. Henry McKean is in the RTÉ canteen for the announcement, and joins Kieran to give the latest.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Tom Coleman. Health Scientist and Sleep Expert to discuss what to do when your kids are having trouble sleeping.

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed she is not moving ahead with plans to introduce new hate speech laws saying that it will be dealt with at a later stage as “the incitement to hatred element does not have a consensus”.Minister McEntee has said she is “...adamant that hate crime legislation will be enacted".Was she right to delay it? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Alan Shatter, former Minister for Justice and Ronan Mullen, Independent NUI Senator.

The Budget is just a week away and it seems like the government is positioned to make this a big budget giveaway.But, what is being asked of the government in Budget 2025?Two people who are calling on the government to address their issues are Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Pat Crotty, CEO of the Vintners Federation. They join Kieran to discuss.

Brenda Power on Newstalk Breakfast suggested that Ireland’s new surrogacy law is legalising the sale of children.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Surrogacy Solicitor Annette Hickey and Amy, the mother of a surrogate child.

Delays and overcrowding remain commonplace for commuters after Irish Rail timetable changes were implemented earlier this month.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Mark Gleeson from Rail Users Ireland, Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice and Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off The Balls’s Shane Hannon and Newstalk Producer Dee King to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Charity Liquid Therapy is introducing surfing to people who have mobility challenges and complex needs through inclusive and adaptive programmes.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has travelled to Rossnowlagh Beach to hear all about it, and brings us this report…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at how you can make the most out of a roast chicken!

The investigation into the death of Aoife Johnston in UHL in 2022 has revealed that the death of the 16 year old could have been avoided...Joining Kieran to discuss is Health Correspondent for The Irish Times, Shauna Bowers.

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a 9% increase in taxi fares, and this increase is set to take place from the 1st of December.Newstalk’s Henry McKean asked the people of Athlone if taxis are too expensive, and joining Kieran to discuss is Jim Waldron from the National Private Hire and Taxi Association and Aisling Dunne, Bolt's Head of Public Policy for Ireland.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the rapper and entrepreneur formerly known as Puff Daddy has been placed on suicide watch at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he’s currently being held without bail. This follows his arrest on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and other serious allegations.For the latest on this, Kieran is joined by New York Based Journalist, Harriet Alexander.

There have been complaints from Limerick residents about mistranslated Irish language signs...Why have we let our standard of irish slip so badly, and how can we incorporate a few more words into our everyday life?Joining Kieran to discuss is Today FM Presenter and co host of the how to Gael podcast, Louise Cantillon as well as Mícheál Ó Nualláin, Director of Bhaile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge.

According to a new survey by Currys, more and more parents doubt their kids can operate the cooker or a washing machine, so are sending their kids off to college with high tech devices like an air fryer.Do we need to do more to teach these basic skills such as cooking and cleaning, and how do we get it across to our children?Newstalk’s Henry McKean went to ask the youth of Athlone about their ability to use appliances, and Kieran was joined by JP McMahon, Galway Chef and Restaurateur and Michelle Harding, Founder of School of Life, to discuss.

In preparation for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, Catherine Fulvio is offering her cooking class for TY students who organise one, on top of cash prizes for the school.Catherine joins Kieran to discuss more.

The government has suggested that asylum seekers who are working could have to contribute up to 238 euros toward their state accommodation and services.Is this reasonable and fair to ask of Asylum Seekers coming to Ireland?Kieran is joined by Fergus Finlay, Columnist for the Irish Examiner, to discuss.

It has been 40 years this year since the debut studio album ‘Red Roses for Me’ by the Pogues was released.And for this week’s Thursday Interview, Kieran is joined by Pogues Co-Founder Spider Stacy.

An anti-immigration protest took place today, beginning on O’Connell Street and ending in front of Leinster House.To discuss what happened, Kieran is joined by Louise Burne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Mirror.Image: @louiseburne_ on X

You’ve seen the shocking attacks via pagers in Lebanon over the last few days, but there’s no sign that this bloodshed is going to stop. That’s according to professor Amnon Aran, professor of Middle Eastern Politics at City St. George’s University London. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that he believes that the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury and later doubled down on his comments when asked to defend them. He spoke about it on Newstalk Breakfast earlier this week.Joining Kieran to respond to those comments is Sophie’s son, Pierre-Louis Baudey Vignaud.

The European Union is urging member countries to ban smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces like playgrounds, bus stops, and café terraces as part of its 'Beating Cancer Plan. The aim is to protect citizens from second-hand smoke.However, Irish Minister Jack Chambers has expressed doubts, saying he's 'not sure how workable' the proposal is.Joining Kieran to discuss is John Crowne, Professor and Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Group and Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director of Priority Medical Clinic and GP specialising in Addiction.

Managing the politics, guest list, activities, and goodie bags of your kids’ birthdays can be hectic – and that’s barely scratching the surface of how crazy things can get!Joining Kieran to share their experiences and how best to manage the stress is Host of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy and Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly.

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 options to find the best cookie!

As the legendary Hamilton musical makes its way to the Bórd Gáis on its UK & Ireland tour, Kieran speaks with some of the cast about the show.Shaq Taylor and Sam Oladeinde, who play American Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr respectively, join to discuss.

Following Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie’s report regarding HSE spending on walking aids, including the reveal of figures, David Cullinane, Sinn Féin’s Health Spokesperson joins Kieran to discuss further.

It’s the 30th anniversary of ER, the iconic medical drama that changed TV forever. Joining the show is a very special guest, Yvette Freeman, who played Nurse Haleh Adams on the show for over a decade! Yvette was a fan favourite, bringing heart and soul to the ER team.She reflects on the show and its impact with Kieran.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Henry McKean is taking over! He is at the Ploughing Championships in Laois, and joins Kieran to showcase all of the interesting technology on display from exhibitors.

Stephen Donnelly has announced that he wants to extend the free contraception scheme to 16 year olds. Many have deemed it a brave move - or does it mean we need to rethink the age of consent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Audience Editor and Columnist for the Independent, Saoirse Hanley and member of Ogra Aontú, Luke Silke.

Recently, Nadia Adan, the owner of car dealership Ashford Motors – stirred the pot online about personalised car plates. She asks why people in Ireland can’t get them while you can just over the border. Is there much of an appetite for this, and can it realistically happen?Nadia joins Kieran to discuss.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of ER, the iconic hospital drama...Joining Kieran to reflect on the show is Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Chris Luke and Newstalk's Sue Murphy.

You may know that the HSE does not take back the crutches they give out to their patients - which means, they must buy new sets of walking aids each time. Because of this, millions are spent. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran Cuddihy to share his findings.

Killarney has found itself in the spotlight after American travel writer Rick Steves named it one of Europe’s top tourist traps. Steves described the town as overcrowded with tour buses and tacky souvenirs. Joining Kieran to discuss this is Eoghan Corry, Travel Editor for the Air & Travel Magazine.

Day one of the Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska in Co Laois has ended, and it’s safe to say that it was a success!Henry McKean has been spending time there and asked people what they love about the ploughing…

The next government must not waste a generational opportunity to transform the country, those are the calls for IBEC.The CEO OF IBEC, Danny McCoy, joins Kieran to discuss what the statement means.

Health insurance costs have jumped recently for a whole host of reasons. Alongside this, some reports suggest that you may be paying for a plan which is more expensive than you need.As renewal season approaches, Kieran is joined by Dermot Goode, of totalhealthcover ie and the Lockton Group to go through some health insurance tips.

Actor Rory Cowan joined Kieran Cuddihy to add his favourite book to The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

The Gardaí have launched Project Iompar, an initiative to tackle behaviour on the roads with new vehicles to keep an eye on drivers’ bad habits.Newstalk Reporter Alex Rowley has seen it in action, and reports.

Earlier today An Tánaiste Micheal Martin was on Newstalk breakfast and criticised our judicial system for being so slow…One person who was deeply affected by delays in Ireland’s justice system is Bláthnaid Raleigh, who you will remember waved her anonymity at the sentencing of her rapist Johnny Moran.Bláthnaid joins Kieran to reflect on the trial.Dublin Rape Crisis Centre 24 Hour National Helpline - 1800 778 888

The 93rd Ploughing Championships is well underway with over 300 tractors taking part in the fields. One of the biggest of its kind in Europe. Today saw record crowds and record heat reaching 23 degrees! The sun screen was out, with Michael D and Simon Harris in attendance.Newstalk’s Henry McKean joined Kieran from the Ploughing to give all the details!

According to new figures released by Depaul there has been a 46 percent increase in homelessness in Ireland.Dermot Murphy, Director of Services and Development at Depaul, joins Kieran to discuss the findings.

Now, Former Finance Minister Michael McGrath has been named as the new EU Commissioner for Justice.Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent for Euronews, joins me now with all the details.

The Green Party's deputy leader, Róisín Garvey, is calling out what she describes as "insane" habits around children's transportation, such as kids being driven to school from just across the street. According to Garvey, this car dependency is contributing to a rising number of overweight children, with a quarter of those under nine now overweight.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Grace O’Malley, Clinical Lead, CHI Child & Adolescent Obesity Service.

Kieran’s guest’s short film ‘Waiting Day’ is now up on the RTÉ player after wowing audiences at the Galway film festival last year…Senator Lynn Ruane joins the show to discuss her new film.