The Hard Shoulder

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.

Paul Howard, Journalist, Author and Comedy Writer joins Jonathan Healy this week to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!Favourite Book: Trainspotting – Irving WelshHonorable Mention:Me Cheeta: The Autobiography - James LeverCurrently Reading:Our London Lives by Our London Lives by Christine Dwyer Hickey

The mother of two boys who are being held in by their father in Egypt is pleading with An Taoiseach Simon Harris to bring her case up to the Egyptian President during his state visit this week…Mother Mandy Kelly joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Dr Ronan Glynn, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Ireland, and current Health Sector Lead at EY Ireland, was writing in the Irish times about the healthcare debates taking place across the country, and believes we are too focused on the wrong things.The problem solving within the HSE is for immediate issues, rather than long term problems…Ronan joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.

The New Zealand government has proposed banning greyhound racing from 2026 – the reason being that the percentage of dogs injured in races remains significantly high.New Zealand's greyhound racing industry has long faced criticism for not doing enough to protect the welfare of the animals, with three reviews on the industry over the past decade all recommending major changes.Does Ireland need to look at a similar ban?Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy Rae and Katie Corcoran of Greyhound Awareness Cork join Jonathan to discuss.

 Christmas shopping is in full swing and many presents are being purchased online. So how do the parcels get to us, and what kind of pressure is on those delivering them?Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been meeting those who are sorting through the millions of packages arriving into the country.

Newly elected Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes has confirmed this afternoon that his shares in Palantir were only sold in July of this year - contrary to what he had said in his Dublin City Council ethics disclosure…The shares were worth almost €200k.He has been suspended from the Social Democrats parliamentary party.For more on this story, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Craig Hughes, Political Editor at the Irish Daily Mail.

Google has released their ‘Year in Search’ for 2024 – which brings together data from every user to find out what the biggest topics were on the minds of the public. Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to go through the hottest searches of the year is Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo and Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor and Weekend Magazine Columnist at the Irish Examiner.

The next guest has decided to step back from politics, mere months after she was one of the front runners to be leader of the Green Party. Pippa Hackett is Green Party Senator and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and joined Anton Savage on the Hard Shoulder...

Yesterday Syrian armed groups moved into Damascus seizing the capital and forcing Bashar al-Assad to leave for Russia. The news was met with cheers and celebrations around the country. Irish-Syrian journalist Razan Ibraheem joined Anton Savage on the Hard Shoulder programme to give her reaction...

Just because the lights are on and the tree is up, doesn't mean fun and laughter for everyone in the audience. So, how can we survive the celebrations if we're not feeling festive this season and how can we can mind our minds this Christmas?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at healthy meals you can have in December, before the inevitable indulgence on Christmas!Image: @aisling_larkin_ on Instagram

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sealed a massive trade agreement with South America.The deal has been 25 years in the making and seeks to create a free-trade zone spanning more than 700 million people.It’s a deal that is opposed by France, which fears that an influx of cheap poultry and beef imports would undercut farmers.Denis Drennan, President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association 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…

Met Éireann have issued a red weather warning for 6 counties in the west, as Storm Darragh is set to bring stormy conditions across the country…Joining Kieran for more on this is Met Éireann Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly, Sean O’Neill Head of Communications, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Graeme McQueen, Media Relations at DAA and Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus.

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.You don't have to look back far to find one of the biggest stories of the year, and that was the election of the 47th President of the United States: Donald J. Trump.What led to that moment, and how has America settled into the prospect of four more years of Trump?Joining Kieran to look back is Martin Nutty and John Lee, hosts of the Irish Stew Podcast.Image: Evan Vucci / AP

The Irish Greens are hosting the 39th European Green Party Congress this weekend.The Green vote here was wiped this day last week, but this is a trend which is being  witnessed European wide…So what does the future hold for the Green agenda?Oisín Coughlan, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth joins Kieran to discuss.

Up and down the country, trees and lights will be up in preparation of the biggest event (for some) of the year: The Late Late Toy Show!Do we love this institution, or is it a glorified advert?Joining Kieran to discuss are Comedians Jim Elliot and Julie Jay. And Newstalk’s Henry McKean got thoughts from the public!

For this week’s Thursday Interview, Kieran is joined by Donal O’Shea, Consultant Endocrinologist and HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity to discuss his concerns regarding the scale of processed food we are eating, how to tackle obesity and why he chose to dedicate his career to healthcare.

Dermot Whelan, author and Host of The Mind Full Podcast is about to go on tour with his new show Busy & Wrecked. He joined Kieran to discuss how his life experience and research have led him to undergo the mission of his tour to calm the Irish people's minds!For tickets to Dermot's new show "Busy and Wrecked" visit Dermotwhelan.com