The Hard Shoulder

"Government must ban HHC!"That's the call from The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland who say presentations of Hexahydrocannabinol addiction have exploded In this report, Newstalk's Sarah Madden looks into the ‘semi-synthetic cannabinoid’, it's availability and potential side effects.

After spending 5 years on the board of the HSE, Fergus Finlay believes for the HSE to work, it needs to be broken into functions rather than regions.Fergus Finlay, Columnist for the Irish Examiner joins Kieran to discuss.

Can you believe it’s been 40 years since the legendary Jessica Fletcher first graced our screens on Murder, She Wrote? That’s right, four decades of solving crimes in the cosy town of Cabot Cove, where no mystery was too tough for the iconic sleuth! And, while Jessica's charm and wit hooked millions back then, we’re seeing a modern-day resurgence of this fascination with crime and murder mysteries.Joining Kieran to discuss this phenomenon is Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Psychotherapist and author Iseult White to discuss health and death anxiety, commonly found in new parents.

The government has come into criticism from some quarters following its decision to drop plans to introduce hate speech laws.One voice of concern came from Alanna Quinn Idris, who lost an eye in an unprovoked assault nearly three years ago.She joins Kieran to discuss.

With Budget day tomorrow, Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe to look back on the biggest budget surprises from the past...

Comedian, playwright and author known for his work on Blackadder and Saturday Live, Ben Elton, joins the show!He joins Kieran to discuss his upcoming show ‘Authentic Stupidity’, and how comedy has changed over the years.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) have been plastered all over the news recently for an overspend for the Dáil bikeshed, and now their 1.4 million security hut. To add onto the pile, reports are emerging about a more than doubling in price for modular homes for Ukrainian refugees. Joining Kieran to talk through this controversy is Karl Deeter, Director of Irish Mortgage Brokers (https://www.mortgagebrokers.ie)

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…

Very special guest, author Jacqueline Wilson, known for the Tracy Beaker series, joins Kieran to discuss her upcoming book - which this time isn’t aimed at young readers.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at the different uses for the humble apple!

All week on the show, the unsung issue of loneliness across our society has been discussed. But, is there a role the government can play as soon as next week’s Budget?Sean Moynihan is CEO of Alone and a member of the Loneliness Taskforce, and joins Kieran 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…

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the level of immigration to Ireland has been too high in recent years. He made these comments on a visit to the US last week when speaking to the University of Notre Dame’s college newspaper The Observer.He joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live earlier and doubled down on his comments. Kieran is joined by David Quinn, Sunday Independent Columnist and People Before Profit TD, Brid Smith to discuss.

Actress Dame Maggie Smith, best known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey has died aged 89. Newstalk’s Henry McKean got reaction from her fans young and old, and Kieran is joined by actor Stephen Rea and television Producer Bill Hughes to discuss the legacy she leaves behind.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney has been writing about the bike shed, but not for the reasons you would think. He believes that the outrage against the cost of the bike shed shows we do not tolerate spending on sustainable transport.He joins Kieran, as well as Brendan Ogle, Social Commentator, Trade Unionist and Activist to discuss.

For a news update from the United States, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Jeff Kuhner.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.They discuss the rumour that Joe Biden could step down as President before the election takes place in November. Would this help or hurt Kamala Harris?Image: Reuters

There has been a rise in new Covid cases due to the new strain: XEC.Is this something to be concerned with? And how infectious is this strain?Jack Lambert, Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases at UCD School of Medicine, joins Kieran to discuss.

New legislation is being briefed to cabinet today regarding the banning of XL bullies.The proposed ban which will come into effect next Tuesday will ban the sale, breeding and importation of the breed and then on February 1st, 2025, it will be illegal to own a XL bully unless the owner has a Certificate of Exemption.Joining Kieran to discuss the rationale of the ban further is the person heading the ban, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Rural & Community Development as well as Marie Hannon, founder of Dogs in Distress.

Many of us probably have fond memories of playing conkers when we were younger, but Chris Emmel, the organiser of Conkerthon, a UK conker tournament, and member of the ‘Active in Redbourn’ community group, decided that he wanted to continue playing conkers into adulthood. However, due to a bad harvest, many are accusing the tournament of tampering with the conkers!Chris joins Kieran to explain more.

You might have heard yesterday that Labour MEP Aodhain O’Riordain wants the Irish Labour party to lead the push for reversing Brexit.Stanley Johnson, Author, former MEP  and Environmental Campaigner is not opposed to this idea, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Loneliness is becoming a bit of a theme on the show this week. Listener John spoke about his personal story, and then yesterday a potential Ministry of Loneliness with Senator Pauline O’Reilly was discussed.Today, Kieran is joined by former Mayo footballer David Brady, who gave his number out during the pandemic to anyone who felt lonely and needed a chat.

One of the biggest topics this week is the negative reaction to Irish Rail’s new timetable. Kieran’s guest believes that nothing about public transport will change unless we complain more about it!Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate Activist and Researcher joins the show.

It’s less than a week until Budget 2025 and various interest groups have been on the show to discuss what they would like to see from this year's plan.For more on this, Kieran is joined by National Spokesperson for SPARK, Louise Bayliss and General Secretary at TUI, Michael Gillespe.

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 for the basis of burritos and the like: wraps!

Israel's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has informed troops to prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon following days of airstrikes on the country.Joining Kieran to discuss what this could mean in the future is Independent Senator Tom Clonan, Security Analyst and retired Army Officer as well as Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the positives and negatives behind smart home devices.

Now, Frances Ford Copolas. Megalopolis seems to be getting a lot of attention, but not for all the right reasons. Joining Kieran to talk through how this $120 million self-funded film came about is Film Critic, Brian Lloyd.Image: Lionsgate

With Budget 2025 almost here, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has returned with another Kidstalk to get the thoughts of the youth on what they would like to see! He went to Bunscoil Chríost Rí in Turners Cross, Cork, and sent in this report.

Today in the Oireachtas Committee on Health, politicians have heard claims that the contractors behind the new National Children's Hospital are holding the hospital hostage for more money.The Hospital Development Board is accusing BAM of unacceptable delays and says it couldn't give assurances for the new June 2025 completion date.Not one single room in the new hospital is up to standard yet, an Oireachtas Health Committee has heard.Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall says an unhelpful standoff has emerged. She joins Kieran to discuss.

A lot of people have been in touch with the show since yesterday, when Kieran spoke to John, a listener, about his experience of the male friendship recession.What can we do on a societal level to tackle the problem of loneliness? Do we need a new Minister to address the problem?That’s the call from Pauline O’Reilly, Green Party Senator, who joins Kieran, as well as Seema Kennedy, Former Conservative MP and Former Co-Chair of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, to discuss.

Aodhan O’Riordain has caused quite a stir after calling for the Irish Labour Party to play a role in reversing the British exit from the European Union.Aodhan joins Kieran as well as Sammy Wilson, DUP Brexit Spokesperson, to discuss.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) went in front of the Finance Committee earlier this afternoon to answer questions on the infamous €335k bike shed! Joining Kieran to discuss is Peadar Toibin, Leader of the Aontu Party and a member of the Finance Committee.

For the release of Irish author Sally Rooney’s fourth book ‘Intermezzo’, Newstalk’s own Ciara Treacy went to Books Upstairs to meet Sally Rooney fans for a special launch event.

Aid Agencies have made calls for public support amidst continued conflict in Gaza, and now Lebanon.CEO of Trócaire, Caoimhe De Barra, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Max Slaughter/ Medical Aid for Palestinians

You may have seen articles about atheists attending Church and finding it beneficial for their health, but what is behind this?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fr. Iggy O’Donovan, Member of the Augustinian Order, Stephen J Costello, Philosopher and Founder and Director of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Ireland and Chris Hynes, Teaching Officer with Atheist Ireland.

As soon as you step into any shop, you’re bombarded with appealing-looking fizzy drinks in the fridge, but how bad are they for you?Joining Kieran is Hazel Windsor-Aubrey, Registered Dietician with the Orla Walsh Nutrition Centre, to talk about all the health risks associated with fizzy drinks.

Chef and owner of L'Ecrivain restaurant, Derry Clarke joined Kieran Cuddihy to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

An Irish family is currently stuck in Lebanon after Israel launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets yesterday.Munir Zabad, his daughter Ghadir, his wife Ghada and their son Hassan from Kilkenny are currently looking for safety outside of Beirut.Munir and Ghadir both join Kieran to discuss their situation.

“Homelessness numbers are heavily impacted by the fact we are seeing many people seek protection in our country”.That’s the comment from Taoiseach Simon Harris which has sparked much controversy in recent days. But, what are the facts behind the rhetoric?Kieran is joined by Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times and John Lannon, CEO of Doras, to discuss.

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.