The Hard Shoulder

With the rise of the use of ChatGPT to ask simple questions or for information, are we in danger of seeing the decline of Wikipedia use, especially among younger people?Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist With The Irish Times, joins Kieran to discuss.

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…

Speaking at a book launch, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that he believes the case against Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury.The Minister for Foreign Affairs made the comments at the launch of the book ‘Sophie: The Final Verdict’ by journalist Senan Molony in Dublin.It has led to Sophie’s family calling for a public enquiry.Joining Kieran Cuddihy to discuss is Jean Pierre Gateau is Uncle to Sophie Toscan Du Plantier and Frank Buttimer, Solicitor who represented Ian Bailey.

The final episode of The Grand Tour, ‘One for the Road’, marks the end of Jermey Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May’s iconic screen trio for over 20 years, since, of course, Top Gear. Joining Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the sure to be emotional ending and share his interview with James May and Richard Hammond is Newstalk Reporter Alex Rowley.Image: Amazon

It is International Day of Strikes against Night Flights and there is a planned demonstration kicking off near the North Runway of Dublin Airport.Dr Niamh Maher, Resident of St Margeret's and the Ward Residents Association and Dean Mulligan Independent Cllr for Fingal, are taking part tonight, and join Kieran to discuss.

Twenty-five schools have shifted from single-sex to co-ed in the past three years, reflecting rising demand for mixed education. Now, 70% of secondary students attend co-ed schools, up from 65% a decade ago. The trend is expected to grow, as the government no longer funds new single-sex schools. Schools like Mercy Secondary in Inchicore have seen enrolment surge after making the switch. The school’s principal, Michelle O’Kelly, joins Kieran to discuss.

The Late Late Show returns for another season, and it's the second one for host Patrick Kielty. Newstalk’s Henry McKean interviews Patrick ahead of the show to get a sense of the excitement, and see how things have changed.

With school well and truly back, Henry McKean visited students to ask them about after school activities!

It’s time now for What to Watch and as ever Kieran was joined in studio Sue Murphy, Newstalk’s own and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime with all the latest TV and Movie recommendations

Now today Sinn Féin have announced that they plan to introduce a €10 a day childcare with just €345 million in State funding...But, what about supports for those who want to stay at home to raise their children?Joining Kieran is Broadcaster and Columnist, Wendy Grace...

Newstalk reporter, Henry McKean, found out what makes a perfect apology...

Actor, Jared Harris, spoke to Kieran about his new movie 'Reawakening' which is in cinema’s this Friday September 13th .

Campaigner, Louise O’Keefe, successfully took Ireland to the European Court of Human Rights for the abuse she suffered in primary school in West Cork. She Spoke to Kieran about her journey to redress.

Newstalk's Tech Correspondent, Jess Kelly, is back with her tech recs of the week.

The National Planning Framework is open for consultation until tomorrow evening, Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor of the Irish Times spoke to Kieran about how we need to rethink our investing strategy.

As we’re all aware, James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa from the Lion King, passed away this morning.Journalist Jeanne Wolfe joined Kieran to speak on some memories she has of him over the years

This week, comedian Killian Sundermann placed his favorite book on The Hard Shoulder's Bookshelf!

Last weeks of the OPW’s €335,000 Dáil bike shed shocked and angered many across the country. Former manager of the OPW, Allen Morgan, joined Kieran in studio to discuss the OPW's history of overspending public money.

Apple has revealed the hotly-anticipated iPhone 16, along with a whole slate of new products.Joining Kieran Cuddihy to tell you what you need to know is Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent.Image: Apple

The debates are beginning tomorrow between the two U.S. Presidential hopefuls, and no doubt Kamala Harris would be keen to build on what was an uplifting national conference for the Democrats.However, not everyone was too pleased with what Harris has to offer, and says that the left are disappointed.Brendan Ogle, Social Commentator, Trade Unionist and Activist joins Kieran to discuss.

The Paralympics team flying back from Paris got a hero's welcome at Dublin Airport today, and Henry McKean was there to soak up the atmosphere! He joins Kieran Cuddihy to share his report.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Tara Logan Buckley, Clinical Psychologist, to discuss how to best support your child if they are experiencing bullying.

Tánaiste Michael Martin has hit out at Minister of State in the Department of Finance, Neal Richmond, over his calls to increase the Stamp Duty, saying the sensible thing to do was wait for review before suggestions of raising it.To discuss whether or not it should be, Kieran is joined by Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror.

It’s not been too long since we experienced the fantastic achievements of Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics!One of the contributing factors to that feel-good factor was certainly the early bronze medal win by Mona McSharry.Mona joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the whole experience.

Australia is better at recruiting Gardaí from Ireland than our own Government.That’s according to Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín, who was speaking amid news today that Garda numbers fell significantly over the summer months.He joins Kieran to discuss…

During Ireland and England’s football match in the Aviva last Saturday - Irish fans were heard booing as the English anthem ‘God Save the King’ played in the stadium. Did Irish football fans cross a line?Joining Kieran Cuddihy to discuss is Eamon Delaney, Author and Commentator, Kieran Cunningham Chief Sports Writer at the Irish Daily Star and Mark Lawrenson  Former BBC Pundit and Irish International Footballer.

This week guest host Jonathan Healy was joined by Esther McCarthy, LifeStyle Editor at the Irish Examiner and Joe O'Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Tomorrow, Ireland faces England in the Nations League game at the Aviva Stadium, but do we care about English Irish rivalry? And, should we?Guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Barbara McCarthy, Journalist and football enthusiast and Ronan Mc Greevey, Irish Times Journalist and co-author of ‘The Kidnapping’ to discuss.

As the show is in Cork today, it only seemed right to look at a special part of its culture, spiced beef! Guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Tom Durcan, of Tom Durcan Meats in Cork’s English Market to discuss what makes the beef so special, and what you can have it with.Image: Tom Durcan Meats

Is the use of regional airports the most logical approach to relieving the passenger cap in Dublin airport?Guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Dee Ryan, former CEO of Limerick Chamber and member of the Government’s Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have announced they are launching an investigation into Ticketmaster Ireland and their handling of the Oasis ticket sales...Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Sinead Ryan, Columnist Columnist and Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk.

Figures released this week show that classrooms were overcrowded, despite pupil numbers falling.Some parents who have found themselves in a supersized class of 37 is Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Musician, Broadcaster Founding member of ‘The Hothouse Flowers’.He, alongside his partner Siona Ó Braonáin and Contributor to the Irish Independent John Walsh join guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Gen Z actually long for a steady relationship, and are looking for a traditional romance. Not one night stands and bed hopping as previously thought. They want to make love less often, according to a new study by The Kinsey Institute.Newstalk’s Henry McKean made this special report.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said he is sticking to the commitment he made when he took office that the Government would complete its full term.But, do we believe him? Will the Dáil reach full term?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is John Lee, Executive Editor Daily Mail Group Ireland and Paul Hosford, Deputy Political Editor with the Irish Examiner.

In another example of government overspending, the infamous Leeside trees cost €300,000 to install, and around €15,000 a year to maintain.Is it time to get rid of them?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Fianna Fáil Councillor for Cork City North-West, John Sheehan and Labour Councillor for Cork South-Central, Cork City South East, Peter Horgan.

As the winter months approach, so does the cold and flu season. So, what vitamins should we take to keep ourselves healthy and combat the dark days and lack of sunshine?Kieran is joined by Sarah Bererton, owner of Natural Life, to discuss.

Yesterday, a school shooting took place in Georgia - where a 14 year old boy killed 4 and wounded 9. It’s become commonplace for this to happen in the United States, and each time calls for stricter gun controls are made.Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent and Matt Mayer, Former Senior Official in the US Department of Homeland Security under the Bush Administration, join Kieran to discuss if gun control promises would have any effect on the upcoming US election.

This month is Alopecia Awareness Month, and joining Kieran to discuss what it’s like living with Alopecia is Claire Fulham, Trichologist from Trua Trichology Clinic and Gail Porter, TV Presenter, Broadcaster and Charity Ambassador.

A study found that 9 out of 10 parents get annoyed when they get a one-word answer from their kids, but how can we support them to open up, even if they say their day was “fine”?Kieran is joined by Steve Cummins, Comedian and Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and Author of ‘Love in and Out’ to discuss.

The Leinster House bike shed has taken over the news in the last couple of days, but this is not the first time the government has overspent…Joining Kieran to remind you of some of the other times the government made this kind of mistake is Author and Journalist, Seamus OReilly.

Electric Ireland have announced further cuts to energy prices, but is energy inflation on the decline?Joining Kieran to discuss is Consumer Editor for The Irish Times, Conor Pope and Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie, Darragh Cassidy.

According to a new survey in the UK: food, beer garden and atmosphere are the most important factors in deciding what makes the perfect pub.To have a chat about what makes the Irish pub so special, Kieran is joined by Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and Freelance Journalist, Mike McMahon, Co-Owner of award-winning Mother Mac’s Pub and Pat Carty from Hotpress.

Today, a 1,700 report on the Grenfell Tower fire was published. The report concluded that the fire was “the culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry.”Ireland’s construction industry also has its own issues with building defects.To discuss, Kieran is joined by by Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, Mick Clifford, and Claire MacAfee, a former resident of a defective apartment.

Taoiseach Simon Harris met with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. They held a press conference which included the signing of a joint memorandum. So, what was agreed to?Chief Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte was there, and joins Kieran to discuss.

When it comes to motherhood, anyone having a baby over the age of 35 is deemed to be going through a ‘geriatric pregnancy’ or to be of an ‘advanced maternal age’.However, many feel that this terminology is outdated.Kieran is joined by two women who had children at above 35 to discuss their opinions on the term.

A new Online Health Taskforce has been instructed to develop a public health response to the harms caused to children and young people by some types of online activity.Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss.

The Scoping Inquiry Report for sexual abuse in schools released yesterday, which complied over 2400 sexual abuse allegations against 42 religious orders, representing over 308 schools.One of the schools was Blackrock College, and Kieran Cuddihy to discuss is a survivor of abuse there, William.If you were affected by this podcast, you can contact support at One In Four, nationwide, at 01 662 4070. Or, at oneinfour.ie

Children are not telling parents when they get upset online. According to CyberSafeKids 25% of 8 to 12 year olds are bothered by harmful content or unsolicited contact. Meanwhile phone ownership has risen in primary school-aged children, despite ‘smartphone-free’ initiatives.For this edition of Kidstalk, Henry McKean looked at cyber safety with St Kevin's School in Sallynoggin, Dublin.To find out more, check out cybersafekids.ie

Dublin Airport passenger numbers are soaring to new heights. The DAA has issued a warning that Dublin Airport is to exceed its annual passenger cap of 32 million, while also applying to increase its limit to 40 million.Joining Kieran to discuss is resident of St Margarets and the Ward Residents Association Niamh Mar, and Sabrina, who is a resident in Portmarnock.

As school is back in swing for another year, some children with special needs are being left behind in what is being described as a ‘Hunger Games’ system.That’s according to Tracey Carroll, mother of daughter Willow with special needs. She joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss.