The Hard Shoulder

With the show taking place in Kenmare, it made sense to invite some Kerry royalty on. Kieran is joined by Jackie Healy-Rae, Independent Councillor for Kerry and Maura Healy-Rae, Independent councillor for the Killarney Municipal District to discuss their family, careers and life in Kerry.

Kenmare is just a few hundred metres back from Kenmare Bay, with beautiful coastal scenery and wildlife. Newstalk’s Henry McKean got ship shape and went on the Kenmare Bay Boat Tour! He joined Kieran to discuss, and share what he experienced.

The Hard Shoulder is in the beautiful Kenmare and the Lansdowne Hotel for the Newstalk Summer Tour!Joining Kieran are Karen Coakley, founder of Kenmare Foodie, Paul O’Connor former Kerry Footballer and Joe Thoma, artist and fiddle player with band, “Doctor Strangely Strange”. They discuss what makes this part of Kerry so special.

Roberta Metsola, the re-elected President of the European Parliament today addressed new MEP’s, outlining her vision for the EU.In her speech, she addressed the need for the EU to protect girls like Nicole Fox (Coco) from hate and violence.Joining Kieran to discuss is Jackie Fox, mother of Nicole Fox.

With a new government forming in the UK and a new government on the horizon here in Ireland, Kieran’s guest has been questioning how many MP’s and TD’s have had third level education compared to in the past.Joining to discuss is Sunday Independent Columnist, Conor Skehan.

Now the Abbey Theatre is to close its doors for all of August – sending alarm bells throughout the Dublin theatre scene.Joining the show to discuss the current state of Ireland's theatre industry is playwright, Jimmy Murphy.

This week, Author and Psychologist Katriona O’Sullivan joined Kieran Cuddihy to put her favourite book on the Hard Shoulder bookshelf!Favourite Book: ’Oh the Places You’ll Go!’ - Dr SeussHonourable Mention: ‘The Coast Road’ - Alan MurrinCurrently Reading: ‘Close to Home’ - Michael Magee

All over the papers today we’ve been hearing about JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate.But, who is the Senator from Middletown, Ohio?Kieran is joined by Butler County Auditor and Middletown, Ohio resident Nancy Nix and Joe Statzer, Executive Director of the Butler County Republican Party to learn exactly that.Image: Joe Maiorana / AP

Amazon Prime Day is here! With deals to be had on everything from books, to technology, clothes, gardening equipment, air fryers, TV’s...you name it - they have it.But, what effect does that have on the highstreet and all the retail stores that are doing their best to bring you value and expertise?To look more into this  Kieran is joined by Louis Copeland, Owner of Louis Copeland & Sons, Sarah Kenny, manager of Kennys Bookshop in Galway and Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence.

The Hard Shoulder crew will be embarking on a four hour drive to Kenmare as part of Newstalk’s Summer Tour, and listeners have been sending in what they should listen to.Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Tech Correspondent, joins Kieran to share the listeners’ suggestions, and Thomas Gregg, Dublin Taxi Driver and Eugene Drennan, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association join to discuss what they listen to daily.

New figures today revealed that 14 out of 15 learner drivers involved in fatal crashes in Ireland last year did not have a fully licensed driver with them. Elsewhere, 1 in 10 Irish motorists have admitted having driven after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.These are two of several examples of recklessness on our roads.But why do people persist on behaving like this, when they know there’s a risk to their lives? Stella O’Malley, Psychotherapist and Author joins Kieran to discuss.

A new report by the ESRI has found burning coal, peat and wood is associated with poorer mental health. So, should we give up the fire all together?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Tara Shine, CEO of Change by Degree and Ambassador for Harvey’s Point Hotel in Donegal, Noel Cunningham.

The Republican National Convention is getting underway in Milwaukee today just days after the attempted assassination of Trump on Saturday night...Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran from the convention to talk about what the atmosphere is like, and Matt Mayer, former Senior Official in the Bush administration and Political Commentator joins to discuss what the reaction has been in the Republican party. Later, former CIA Agent Rupal Patel joins to discuss how the attempted assassination was able to happen in the first place.Image: Gene J. Puskar, AP Photo

Priests when delivering service often discuss political topics in a neutral tone. However, Kieran’s guest believes that the Church has a right wing bias.Father Michael Commane, Columnist with Mediahuis and Dominican priest joins the show to discuss.

President Micheal D Higgins is to meet with the council of state to deliberate and assess the constitutionality of Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024.Joining Kieran to explain what exactly the council of state is, why it's used and its legal structures is Dr. Laura Cahillane, Senior Lecturer in law at the University of Limerick.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Grace O’Malley, Clinical Lead for CHI Child and Adolescent Complex Obesity Service and Senior Lecturer in RCSI School of Physiotherapy to discuss the growing problem of teen and childhood obesity. 

Arrests have been made in Coolock, where protesters have clashed with Gardaí after a fire broke out at a site due to be developed to house asylum seekers.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been getting reactions from locals, and Kieran Cuddihy is joined by John Lyons, Independent Councillor for Artane-Whitehall and later, Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice to discuss.

If dark and disturbing TV shows can negatively impact our mood, then why are we so attracted to them?Psychotherapist Maxine Walsh and Brian Lloyd, Movies Editor at Entertainment.ie join Kieran to discuss.Image: FX

This week guest host Joe Molloy is joined by writers and broadcasters Keith Walsh and Stefanie Preissner to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Joe Biden maintains he will stay in the presidential race despite ever increasing calls to end his campaign.Biden at a NATO press conference last night made some two significant blunders: calling Ukrainian President Zelenskyy ‘President Putin’ and calling Camilla Harris ‘Vice President Trump’...Joining guest host Joe Molloy to discuss is Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent.

Wimbledon wraps up this weekend, and everyone has been focused on the big players Murray, Alcarez, Sinner...But what about the unsung heroes of the competition? Joining the show to tell us what it's like to work behind the scenes is Hebe Lawson, Today FM Producer and former Wimbledon Ball Girl.

Cathal Crotty was discharged from the Defence forces yesterday at one minute to midnight. He was given a three-year suspended sentence for beating Natasha O'Brien unconscious in an unprovoked attack in Limerick city on the 29th of May, 2022.Joining guest host Joe Molloy to give her reaction is Natasha O’Brien.

A viral tweet of a child cycling with the caption ‘No kid remembers their best day in front of the TV’ has received backlash on X with user’s responding with their favourite TV memories...Joining Joe Molloy to share their fond memories of watching television is Chef and Food Lecturer, Edward Hayden and Newstalk’s own, Caoimhe Harney. Image: Nickelodeon

Today is July the 12th, with tens of thousands partaking in the celebrations up north.The festivities have the potential to flare up tensions between the two communities in the north, but so far, today’s celebrations have been peaceful.Joining guest host Joe Molloy to explain the meaning of the twelfth, its history and its contemporary significance is Rev Mervyn Gibson, Grand Secretary of the Orange Lodge.

Brianna Parkins wrote in the Irish Times today that all 25 year olds should do a year in either hospitality or retail...Is this something we should introduce here? Will it make young people better equipped to deal with the world?Joining guest host Joe Molloy to discuss is JP McMahon, chef, author and restaurateur and Barry Duff from the Lock & Brew Café.

The National Apprenticeship Office is running a ‘One More Job initiative’ that provides supports for small businesses to employ apprentices...Joining Emmet Oliver to tell more is Stakeholder and Engagement Manager with the National Apprenticeship Office, Damian Walshe.

For a news update from the United States, Emmet Oliver 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 Democrat support for Biden, his speech at the NATO summit and more.

Does AI make us lazy? Well, guest host Emmet Oliver’s next guest was in front of The Oireachtas Committee on Education to discuss just this!Joining the show to discuss is Seán O’Sullivan, this year’s BT Young Scientist Winner. 

65% of Dubliners have witnessed anti-social behaviour in the city centre, while  over 90% feel the problem has worsened in the past 10 years.That’s according to a new Fianna Fáil survey published this morning.So is Dublin really safe? To discuss, Emmet Oliver is joined by Tony Gallagher, ex Garda inspector, Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for the North Inner City and Declan Keenan, Youth Worker with Just Ask. 

News broke last night that at long last the coveted role of Irish Football Manager has been filled! Heimir Hagrimmson has taken the job – but who is he?Off the Ball’s Mick McCarthy covered it on the show yesterday, but to learn more, Emmet Oliver is joined by Sports Editor for RUV Iceland, Einar Orn Jonsson.

World leaders have gathered in Washington DC this week for a summit marking 75 years since the formation of NATO.So, how did that summit go? Erin Baumann, Professor of International Relations and Politics at Boston College discusses with Emmet Oliver.And, joining to discuss if the military alliance has been a force for good are People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, and former Irish Army soldier and Defence Analyst, Declan Power.

There has been much discussion about President Joe Biden since his first election debate performance, with many questioning if he is fit to run for a second term in office.His age is a big point of discussion, and Newstalk’s Simon Tierney was writing about this in the Irish Independent saying how this shows how ageism is one of the last tolerated prejudices in society.To discuss, guest host Emmet Oliver is joined by Simon and Chairman of the Communications Clinic, Terry Prone.

Irish people have longed for land since time immemorial - but with a housing crisis and an aging population, many of us will have to rent into middle age. Newstalk's Sarah Madden talks to Ireland's lifelong renters, and those hoping to escape the fate.

International renowned actor Alec Baldwin is in court today.He is accused of involuntary manslaughter after videographer, Halyna Hutchins was killed when a firearm discharged on the set of a film she and Baldwin were filming.Joining Mandy Johnston to give the latest on the trial is U.S. Based Reporter with the Times UK, Harriet Alexander. Image: Court TV

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Mandy Johnston to compare and bite into different rice cake offerings!

Tomorrow the Dáil adjoins for annual recess. With the past year being full of dramatic debate and deliberation.Joining Mandy Johnston to look back on the winners and losers of the Dáil in the first half of year some of the most notable moments is Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant and Irish Times Columnist and Political Editor of The Irish Times, Pat Leahy.

After a long eight-month wait, Heimir Hallgrimsson has been appointed as the Republic of Ireland football team’s manager. So, who is he?Off the Ball’s Mick McCarthy joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

News came today of a third elephant at Dublin Zoo testing positive for a deadly virus that has killed two young members of the small herd.Zinda, who was seven years old, died from the disease at Dublin Zoo yesterday, while Avani died from the same disease last Monday, the 1st July. Their mother, Asha, now has the virus.Gerry Creighton, Global Elephant Care Consultant, joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined guest host Mandy Johnston for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses the new lineup of products from tech giant Samsung, including new earbuds and the next generation of foldable phones.Image: Samsung

Businesses will, from today, have access to a range of government supports through the new National Enterprise Hub, launched by Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke.He joins Mandy to discuss.

Tomorrow, new legislation is being brought before the Seanad, making it a legal requirement for porn sites to ensure those under 18’s cannot access pornographic material. Failure to do so on their part will result in financial penalties under the proposed measures.Rónán Mullen, Independent NUI Senator, is proposing the legislation and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Do you have a nickname? If so, is there a funny story behind it? Or is it something people just… get? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public for their nicknames, and joins the show to report.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald joined Mandy Johnston on the show to discuss the situation surrounding Tori Towey.The 28 year old has been detained in the United Arab Emirates for attempting to take her own life, as the Dáil heard she was a victim of domestic violence. The Taoiseach has announced that her travel ban has been lifted, and she is returning to Ireland.  

Is football finally coming home?A win tonight against the Netherlands would leave the England team one win away from their first major tournament win since 1996.But is Ireland backing the Three Lions?To discuss, Mandy Johnston is joined by Ian O'Doherty Columnist with the Irish Independent, Ciaran Bradley, Digital Editor at Newstalk and Aidan McCarthy, Technologist and Writer.Image: @england

The Semi-Finals for the Euros are on tonight, with France facing Spain. What can we expect from this and other games?Joining Mandy Johnston to discuss is Off the Ball’s Joe Molloy.Image: UEFA

The upcoming budget will be framed around a massive tax and spending package of €8.3 billion.That is what Government Ministers confirmed today when they published the Summer Economic Statement.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe and John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin join Mandy to discuss.

It’s time for our weekly book series, the Bookshelf!Join us each week on Tuesday where we’ll be asking some well-known heads what their favourite books are, and why.   This week Mandy Johnston is joined by Co-Author of “The Kidnapping” Historian and Irish Times Journalist, Ronan McGreevy.Best Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de CervantesHonourable mention: Stalingrad by Anythony Beevor Currently Reading: This is My Sea By Miriam Mulcahy  Walled in by Hate: The Friends and Enemies of Kevin O’Higgins by Arthur Mathews 

The Semi-Finals of the Euros begin tonight as Spain take on France...RTE have had 6.6 million streams of the competition so far, but how does this compare to other years?Joining Mandy to discuss is Chief Sports Writer for the Daily Star, Kieran Cunningham.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers alongside Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe published their Summer Economic Statement, which outlines their intent for the upcoming budget.Minister Chambers joined Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Can we really rewind the clock when it comes to age? What options are out there for people who want to stay young forever? Well, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking experts and even trying some treatments himself(!) and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.