The Hard Shoulder

The Department of Agriculture has been accused of "failures" in relation to the treatment of horses that are being sent for slaughter at the country’s only licensed equine abattoir, which was the subject of an RTÉ Prime Time investigation last week.Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor was particularly critical following the revelation that the abattoir had received five welfare complaints since 2018.All this has brought renewed attention to whether the industry is in receipt of too much public funding.Joining Kieran to discuss is Aodhán Ó Riordáin , newly-elected Labour MEP for Dublin and Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry.   

Cara Darmody from Tipperary earlier this week decided enough was enough and began a protest outside Leinster House, which she promised to continue every week until her demands were met and Simon Harris agreed to meet her.The Taoiseach did agree and has since had a meeting with her. Cara, alongside her dad Mark Darmody, joined Kieran to discuss how it went.

According to Graham Linehan, the word ‘trans’ no longer has any definition.The comedy writer and Creator of Father Ted, was recently in Leinster House speaking on the subject of free speech, and the new hate speech law proposal.Graham joins Kieran to discuss his views.Image: @Glinner on X

What are your adult kids costing you if they are still living at home? The average adult costs about €4,575 per year.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan, journalist and author Suzanne Harrington and Robert Whelan, Managing Director at Rockwell Financial Planning Advisors.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Kieran to compare Rice Krispies, from name brand to generic versions.Image: Kellogg’s

The world is more complicated than ever, with issues all over social media to champion, but one interesting aspect is audiences wanting their influencers to weigh in on certain topics or political issues.Is this fair? And should we expect influencers to post their opinions online?Kieran is joined by Stefanie Preissner, writer and broadcaster and Stephen O'Leary, Founder at Olytico to discuss.

The latest stunt from Just Stop Oil happened today when they sprayed an orange substance on Stonehenge.Fiona Atkinson from Just Stop Oil joined Kieran to discuss why this happened.Image: Just Stop Oil

Newstalk’s newest presenter, Mamobo Ogoro,  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GORM. She joined Kieran on the Hard Shoulder to talk all about her new show ‘Younified’!This podcast aims to bridge cultural differences and highlight diverse voices by speaking to a range of people reflecting on the reality of living in Ireland today.You can listen to it on air every Sunday at 8pm, or you can listen to it now(!) as a podcast on the Newstalk app, powered by GoLoud.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses the concept of ‘Doomscrolling’ and how social media algorithms suck you in, using AR to map out furniture and a new documentary about Alex Jones.

A new report from the Department of Education has revealed almost a third of secondary school students feel unsafe in school... The report came with a number of recommendations on preventing and addressing bullying.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Chris Sherlock, Broadcaster and bullying victim, Sean Fallon and later by Minister for Education Norma Foley.

How do you store your food in the summer? Would you put chocolate in the fridge? Or is the press the way to go?Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to ask the public their thoughts, and shares what he found with Kieran Cuddihy.

With Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin out of the picture, who will be the next leader of the Green Party?Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Roderic O’Gorman and Senator Pippa Hackett to state their cases on why they should be next in line.

With Eamon Ryan stepping down as Leader of the Green Party, and Catherine Martin also announcing she will leave her role as Deputy Leader, what does the future look like for the party?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fionnan Sheehan, Ireland Edit with the Irish Independent.

221+ is a group set up to support women and families affected by the cervical check scandal brought to light by Vicky Phelan in 2018.A report is being launched which is looking at the effect this group has on those using it and the effectiveness of the patient advocate voice.Joining Kieran to discuss are two patient representatives from the group, Lyn Fenton and Caoimhe O’Neill-Forde and Research Lead from the University of Limerick, Dr Elaine Kinsella.

Author and Irish Examiner Columnist Edel Coffey joined Kieran this week to put her favourite book on the bookshelf!Favourite Book: The House of Mirth by Edith WhartonHonourable Mention: Lullaby by Leila SlimaniCurrently Reading: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Normal People star Paul Mescal debuted a pair of Gucci short shorts at the Gucci Spring/Summer 25 show.It has caused quite a division of opinions online, but will we start to see short shorts infiltrate men’s mainstream fashion?Kieran is joined by Paul Costelloe, Irish Fashion designer, to discuss. Image: @gucci on Instagram

The Dáil is this evening debating new legislation related to immigration, including signing up to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact.But are we making a mistake by signing up to the deal?Barry Ward, Fine Gael Senator and Co-chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee and Declan Ganley, businessman and entrepreneur, join Kieran to discuss.

Leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan has announced that he is stepping down from his role.He joins Kieran Cuddihy in the studio to discuss why, reflect on his career and respond to the Aer Lingus pilots strike.

As more people choose to buy new rather than try to mend what they have, are we raising a generation that can’t fix what we own?Should we spend more time teaching basic skills like sewing and mending appliances?Kieran is joined by Peter Finn, aka ‘Pete the Builder’ and Clare Corrigan from Alterations Centre to discuss.

Ray Houghton scored an incredible goal for Ireland to beat the Italians in World Cup ‘94, which was 30 years ago today.Ray joins Kieran as well as RTÉ’s George Hamilton, who commentated that match, to reflect on the win.

Amid the ongoing pay disputes, Aer Lingus pilots have stated their intention to go on strike. Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action…To discuss this, Kieran is joined by the President of the IALPA, Captain Mark Tighe.

Following the recent local and European elections, Kieran is joined by Brendan Ogle, Independent Candidate in the European Elections.He discusses what it was like running for the first time, and his thoughts on the loss.

The number of young people using a J1 visa to spend time in America has apparently plummeted, but why is this the case?Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean, who has been asking people why they think this is happening.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Maggie Radecka who runs Cut & Fun in Inchicore to discuss haircuts for children who may have sensory issues, or are just getting it done for the first time.

Following short put misses, Rory McIlroy blew a 2-shot lead and did not come away the winner at the US Open.So, did he choke? And how does pressure impact performance in sports?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Enda McNulty, Performance Coach and CEO of McNulty Performance.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary sat down with Pat Kenny and laid out his solution to our inability to get things done, with one of those suggestions being a dedicated Minister for Infrastructure.Is he right? Do we need a Minister for Infrastructure?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr Frances Ruane, Chair of the state’s National Competitiveness and Productivity Council and Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist and former chair of the Housing Agency.

EU Member States have passed a nature restoration law as the Australian Minister defies coalition partners but what does this law mean, and what impact will it have in Ireland?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Micheal Fitzmaurice, Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway and Pippa Hacket, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  

Mandy Kelly joined the Hard Shoulder a few weeks ago to tell her story of her two sons Zayn and Kareem who she hasn’t been able to see in 2 years. They are now 3 and 5.Now, a public prosecutor in Egypt has asked Mandy to travel to Egypt to investigate claims that her husband abducted their two children.Mandy joins Kieran again to give an update on the situation.

If you have bought a plastic bottle in the last few weeks you may have noticed the cap attached to the bottle This is the latest move from the EU's Single Use Plastics Directive. Will we have to live with the dribble from the milk carton forever or is it something we should get rid of? Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Colin O’Brien, Coordinator with VOICE.  Image: @sheilaoflanagan 

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…

After a meal with friends, how do you settle the bill? Writing in today's Irish Independent, Tanya Sweeney admits having a standoff with her friend over paying a €30 coffee bill and blood was drawn. Why can't we let the other person pay? Is it an Irish thing? Newstalk’s Henry McKean reports from Naas to find out.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to show off different crab dishes!

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…

Russell Crowe's INDOOR GARDEN PARTY featuring his band The Gentlemen Barbers & Lorraine O’Reilly will be playing the The Gaiety Theatre, in Dublin on July 1st.Russell Crowe joined Kieran to discuss everything from cycling, the tour, and his thoughts on Gladiator.

It has been a year since Ireland lost Christy Dignam, the frontman of Aslan.To mark this anniversary and help remember the great man, Kiera Dignam, singer and daughter of Christy, joined Kieran…

Local and EU election counting recently came to a close, but what will these elections mean for the upcoming general election?To discuss, and give his main five takeaways, Kieran is joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Reporter.

This Sunday is Father's Day! That’s a gentle reminder to everyone out there who forgot to pick up a card!Kieran is joined by comedians Steve Cummins and Joe McGuckin to discuss what Father's Day means to them, and the highs and lows of fatherhood.

The Euros kick off this weekend, and football fans all over will be glued to matches over the next few weeks - but how can you deal with a football mad partner?Joining Kieran to discuss is Darren Cleary, Managing Editor of Go Loud and Celebrity Stylist and Journalist, Laura MulletImage: AP

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 Cuddihy to discuss what’s going to happen to Hunter Biden following his illegal gun possession trial, and how Merrick Garland was held in contempt.Image: AP

Cllr Tom McDonnell told Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live that working Irish women should be incentivised to "breed more". Tax breaks and free childcare are some of the incentives Cllr McDonnell believes would encourage women to have more children.Reporter Sarah Madden got reaction from Dubliner's to the councillor's statements, and Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Wendy Grace, Broadcaster and Columnist, to discuss.

A report launched by Families for Reform of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) will look at how families are affected when trying to avail of these mental health services.Joining Kieran to speak about these findings is Hannah Ní Ghiolla Mhairtín, spokesperson for Families for Reform of CAMHS and parent Grainne Morrison.

Many comedians will come together this Friday for a special audience with the Pope. Joining them will be Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’ Hanlon and Patrick Kielty but why have comedians suddenly decided to make a link with an organisation they previously satirised?Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney to discuss.

The CEO of Centre Parcs Colin McKinley was on Business Breakfast defending the difference in prices between Ireland and the UK for the park.A trip to Center Parcs in mid-July might set you back 1000 euros more than its UK Counterpart…Joining Kieran to discuss is TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach, Aisling Larkin and Laura Erskine, Parenting Expert.

Another medal was won for Ireland as the women’s 4x400m relay team took home silver. In total, Ireland took home four medals, the most of any other showing.Joining Kieran to discuss the success are Irish athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan and Phil Healy, the recent Irish athletics silver medalist!

You’ve heard of Clarkson’s Farm, but what about Yellow Belly Farm?  Kieran’s guest, Conor McCauley left a life in tech to set up an organic farm in Midleton. He joins to discuss his experience so far.

The Hard Shoulder is live from Castlemartyr hotel for Newstalk’s Summer Tour - and they offer something hard to find elsewhere in the country - a 2 Michelin star restaurant! Kieran visits Terre to learn all about their operation, and how they’ve been so successful.

East Cork has plenty to offer when it comes to places to visit, stay and eat. You have resources like the Midleton Distillery, Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh and Spike Island.What makes East Cork so special? And what can we do to showcase it more and is East Cork overlooked compared to the West?Joining Kieran to discuss are Michelle Russell, Marketing manager of Spike Island Tours, David Byrne Director of Midleton Campus and Lynda McSweeney, Head of Education at Fota Wildlife Park. 

Kieran Cuddihy is in the lovely gardens of the Castlemartyr resort and joined by Garden Designer, Peter Dowdall.Peter discusses the garden, and how you can make your own as perfect as possible for the summer!

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses how Elon Musk is adding a feature to hide public likes on Twitter / X for paying users.Jess also gives her tech tip and recommendation for the week!

Ireland's largest art and sculpture exhibition, Gormley's Art + Soul has returned to the Castlemartyr for its second consecutive year.  Host to pieces from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Salvador Dali to name a few!To discuss, Kieran is joined by Oliver and James Gormley, owner of one of Ireland's leading contemporary galleries, Gormley’s Gallery, located in Dublin and Belfast.