The Hard Shoulder

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at soup for the winter, and why it doesn’t have to be boring!

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 firing gun has officially been shot today as the Dáil has dissolved, meaning General Election 2024 is on.What are some of the issues which will be at play, and how will the parties look to secure your vote over the next three weeks?Joining Kieran to discuss is Alison O’Connor, Broadcaster and Columnist with the Sunday Times and Pat Leahy, Political Editor at the Irish Times, as well as Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie asking the public for their opinion.

The International Air Transport Association is cracking down on people who “gate lice”, AKA people who don’t adhere to the official boarding lines and start their own queues.Why do we do our own things when it comes to queues, and not adhere to proper etiquette?Jim Elliot is a Comedian and long-time queuer, and joins Kieran to discuss.

The Dáil has officially dissolved as Taoiseach Simon Harris kicks off the next General Election, with November 29th marked as voting day.So, what can we expect, and what do voters want to see changed? Kieran is joined by Political Editor with the Sunday Times, Hugh O’Connell to discuss, while Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie reports.

It's official, the General Election will take place on November 29th.After weeks of speculation, Taoiseach Simon Harris announced the date of the General Election yesterday evening.Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin, joins Kieran to discuss what is to come as Taoiseach Simon Harris dissolves the Dáil on Friday.

The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) has been banned by the Israeli government from operating on their soil and in occupied Palestinian territory. Why was this decision made?Dana Erlich, Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, joins Kieran to discuss this and more, including the proposed Occupied Territories Bill, and Trump’s potential impact on peace in the Middle East.

During the US election, CNN and ABC had 30 second ad breaks of silence, orchestrated by the meditation app ‘Calm,’ which allowed viewers to have a few moments of serenity during the chaotic time.Michael Ryan, a Yoga Meditation Teacher, famously Michael D. Higgins’ Yoga Teacher, joins Kieran to discuss how important meditating is in modern life.

The €9m spend on mobile phone pouches for schools will not be a one-off investment and will cost an additional €2 million a year. That’s according to documents received under a freedom of information request from Sinn Féin.Pearse Doherty, Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin and Party Spokesperson on Finance and Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies join Kieran to discuss.Image: Yondr

While promoting his new film Tom Hanks described being 35 as “That time when your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down and your bones start wearing off…”Is it true? Is 35 where we reach our peak? Joining Kieran to discuss is Journalist and Producer of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast from The Irish Times, Aideen Finnegan and Comedian Steve Cummins.

With Trump successfully winning the race to the White House - what are the thoughts from supporters and otherwise outside Trump Tower in New York City? Kieran Cuddihy has gone there to find out!Image: Trump Tower New York

Earlier in the week, Radio Host on WBAI New York, taxi driver and veteran John McDonagh said on the show that despite what the polls were saying, Donald Trump would win this election…John joins Kieran along with Kirtsten Fleming, Features Columnist for the New York Post, to discuss following Trump’s comeback victory.

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 Trump’s decisive victory in the presidential race, and what’s next for the United States of America.Image: Reuters

With Donald Trump set to become the 47th President of the United States, what are the reactions from voters in each candidates’ home states of Florida and California?Newstalk Reporters Josh Crosbie and Barry Whyte are on the ground, and join Kieran to share what they have heard.

Donald Trump has won the election for President and has secured all branches of the US government, but what are the concerns of those who live in the US?Joining Kieran to discuss are the Co-Hosts of The Irish Stew Podcast, Martin Nutty and John Lee and Shelley Quilty-Lake, an Attorney from Wexford.Image: Reuters

Donald Trump has won the race to become the 47th President of the United States.Joining Kieran to discuss how Trump has one, and in turn, how Harris has lost is Benny Avni, Foreign editor at the New York Sun, Ellen Iones, News reporter for VOX and Ciaran Staunton, Co-Founder of END SEPSIS & Co-Founder of Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.Image: Reuters

Kieran is joined by one of Ireland’s best authors for the Election Special in New York City. You know him from books such as Apeirogon, TransAtlantic and Let the Great World Spin. He’s been living in the Big Apple for over three decades.Colum McCann, Irish Author and Founder of Narrative 4, joins Kieran to discuss.

The election polls and votes are still well under way, but one impact the result could have is on how businesses might be able to conduct operations.So, what president would be more promising for business, and how does an administration affect the markets?Kieran is joined by Tanya Young Williams, Owner of Tanya’s Luxury Fashion Boutique and Gemma Allen, Director for USA market at Irish firm Mason Hayes and Curran and Freelance Writer for Forbes and Nasdaq.

Alan Dershowitz is one of the most notable lawyers in America, who has worked with some star clients such as Mike Tyson, Julian Assange, Jeffery Epstein, but most known for representing OJ Simpon.Kieran sits down with Alan in his home in New York City to get his thoughts on the US Presidential Election.

US Election Day, November 5th, is finally here.Joining Kieran to provide insight on this pivotal day is Neil Vigdor, Reporter at the New York Times and Kirsten Fleming, New York Post’s Features Columnist.Image: Reuters

With voting day finally here for the US Presidential Election, Kieran Cuddihy decided to go down to a polling station in New York City to get a sense of what people are thinking from the ground…

With the US Presidential Election imminent, the Hard Shoulder is broadcasting from New York City to give you the latest updates on what’s happening stateside.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte reports from California to get the reactions on the ground from voters.

Kieran’s guest is a radio host on WBAI New York and a yellow cab Taxi Driver in New York... you may know him as ‘Johnny Two Pints’.John McDonagh joins the show to discuss the election, and to give his opinion what Americans think about Trump and the current Democrat party.Image: Reuters

The Hard Shoulder is broadcasting from New York for the 2024 US election, and it only seemed right to bring together a panel of Irish people living in NYC to get their thoughts on the imminent election.Joining Kieran to discuss is Executive Director of the New York Irish Centre, George Heslin, Global Head of Operations and Events for 150Bond, Irish Actress in New York, Sarah Street, Co-Hosts of The Irish Stew Podcast, Martin Nutty.And John Lee and Shelley Quilty-Lake, an Attorney from Wexford.

With less than 24 hours to go in the US election and more than 77 million votes already cast, are we any closer to knowing who the 47th President of the United States will be?Joining Kieran to discuss is Brigid Bergin, Senior Politics Reporter & host for WNYC on New York Public Radio and Ellen Ioanes, News reporter for VOX.Image: Reuters

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist and Saoirse Hanley Features Writer with Sunday Independent and Sunday World to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

The Hard Shoulder is live this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from New York to bring election coverage, as the race to the White House between Harris and Trump is neck-and-neck.Kieran Cuddihy took to the streets of the Big Apple and interviewed Republican voter Ryan Harte and Democrat voter John right outside Trump Tower to get their thoughts.

You may remember when the Hard Shoulder was live in April from Boston and Austin, and that was thanks to the work that Ireland Gateway to Europe do.Following on from that, the Founder of Ireland Gateway to Europe and Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment, Adie McGennis and Deidre Giblin, Chair of Ireland Canada Business Association and Director National College Ireland join Kieran to announce a new opportunity they have…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at olive oil, and the best ways you can incorporate it into recipes!

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…

Early election tensions are already at play as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are set to block Green Party plans to reduce traffic pollution.This would see tolling charges based on road usage as well as charges on the size of vehicle used.Is this a good idea, or is it just more taxation for motorists?Kieran is joined by Oisin Coughlan, CEO of Friends of the Earth Ireland and Eugene Drennan, Spokesman of the Irish Road Haulage Association to discuss.

The 1st of November means one thing to some people out there: it’s the end of Halloween and the start of the festive season for those proud to be November Christmas celebrators!But, is it too early to start to get into the holiday mood, or are we all just Scrooges?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Jen Hogan, Columnist with The Irish Times.

Early voting in the US is well underway, with suggestions that Harris is currently edging a lead.But, what is at play here, how does the early vote work, and is there any basis from Trump's claims of election interference?Kieran is joined by Tim Malloy, Quinnipiac Polling Analyst and former NBC Journalist to discuss.

The death toll from the floods in Spain has passed 200 and now stands at 205, as residents in the Valencia region were warned to brace for more rain.For the latest updates Kieran is joined by Graham Keeley, Spain Correspondent with The Independent UK, and Caroline Leahy, Secretary of The Midleton and East Cork Flood Protection Group joins to discuss gauging flood risks without a flood warning system.

Former Glasgow Celtic player Rudi Vata has had a career that has taken him all over the world, but he has remained connected to Ireland, with a keen interest in the Irish International Football teams. He has writing a book chronicling his journey…Rudi Vata, Author of “Football, Freedom and Paradise: Rudi Vata – My Story” co-written by Gerry McDade joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.Image: @GerardMcDade on X

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.President Joe Biden has found himself in a bit of hot water after responding to comments made by Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe about Puerto Rico being a pile of garbage - referring to Trump supporters themselves as “garbage”.Jeff joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.Image: Reuters

Former Broadcaster and Correspondent David-Davin Power has passed away at the age of 72.Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Ivan Yates, former Fine Gael Minister and Broadcaster to reflect on his legacy.

Today is the day for ghouls and goblins, and so it’s time for Henry McKean to visit O'Connell Primary in Dublin 1 for a special Halloween Kidstalk!

Our plan for one million electric vehicles by 2030 is simply an illusion, so writes Independent Senator Michael McDowell in the Irish Times.He joins Mandy Johnston to discuss his concerns.

There will be a few changes for this election, including who you can vote for due to boundary changes, gender quota increases, and a lot more.Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to go through all of this is Dr. Jennifer Kavanagh, Lecturer in Constitutional Law at South East Technological University.

It’s less than a week out from the highly anticipated US presidential election, and Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the polls... However, guest host Mandy Johnston’s guest is sceptical of these polls.Karl Deeter, Financial Advisor, joins to discuss why he thinks Trump will win by a higher margin than predicted.

More and more companies are adjusting to a 4-day work week, but is this what is best for productivity, or will it encourage more burnout and longer working days?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Managing Director of Futurewise, Peter Cosgrove and Ellen Kavanagh from Waxperts.

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 look at options for Halloween treats this season!

According to a new survey, opening an umbrella indoors and putting new shoes on a table are some of the top things we are superstitious about.So, Henry McKean asked the people of Cork: are you superstitious?

It’s been 50 years since the blockbuster Rumble in the Jungle fight, where Mahammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the 8th round to take home the World Heavyweight Championship.To look back to one of the biggest sporting events in history, Olympic gold medal Boxer, Michael Carruth and Eoin Sheahan from Off the Ball join Kieran.Image: History.com

As the US Election period enters its final days, how are Democrats feeling as the ballot day comes around the corner?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ed Flynn, Boston District 2 City Councillor.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss how (if you believe it or not) CDs are making a comeback!

YouTube star Spanian has said he was “in shock” after visiting Dublin for the first time.Anthony Lees, more commonly known as Spanian, has 893,000 subscribers on YouTube.He is known for travelling the world and walking through some of its most dangerous and notorious neighbourhoods to see how life really is for people living in these places, and he was not impressed with his visit to the capital.To discuss Dublin’s appeal for tourists, Kieran is joined by Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor, Will Monaghan, Owner of One Society restaurant on Gardner Street and Hidden by One Society in Smithfield and Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

The arguments around the closure of the International Rugby Experience are rumbling on with the Limerick City and County Council meeting yesterday to discuss what happened, and what can be done.One Limerick man, who chronicled the meeting online is Seamus Ryan. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, announced an update on National Development Plan (NDP) delivery and capital expenditure for the third quarter of 2024. The renewed plan was released in 2021, where it was evident travel infrastructure was and continues to be a focal part of the scheme.Minister Paschal Donohoe joins Kieran to discuss the updates.