The Hard Shoulder

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has once again called for the government to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.The airline's CEO had this advice for the government speaking at the Oireachtas Transport Committee this afternoon.Should it be increased?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ulick McEvaddy, Aviation entrepreneur and businessman and local resident Niamh Maher.

Kieran Cuddihy has escaped the makeshift Hard Shoulder studio in the Castlemartyr hotel for a quick visit to Ballycotton. He speaks with locals about the area, and specifically those working in the fishing industry.

Sinead Ryan, presenter of Newstalk’s ‘The Home Show’, has suggested that cooking classes should be mandatory. So, should cooking classes be made compulsory in schools?  Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Darina Allen, author and founder of Ballymaloe cooking school, who is on a mission to get cookery on the Irish curriculum for everyone.  

The Hard Shoulder is live from the Castlemartyr hotel in Cork, and it would be wrong not to mention some of the stories that the people of the Rebel County are chatting about.Joining Kieran to talk about all things Cork are Michael Moynihan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and KC, from RedFM and Today FM.

The funeral of limerick woman Nicole Morey, who was tragically killed in a dog attack, has taken place.Her death has reignited conversation on how to prevent such attacks and how to manage dangerous dog breeds.Joining Kieran to discuss a bill being put forward in the Seanad that would aim to do just that is Erin McGreehan, Fianna Fáil Senator.

Monster Energy, Red Bull, Prime; the popularity of energy drinks is undeniable, but what health impacts do they have - especially on young people? Should they be banned?Donal O’Shea, the HSE Lead for Obesity, joins Kieran to discuss.

Best selling author known for the ‘Artemis Fowl’ series Eoin Colfer joins Kieran to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder bookshelf!Favourite Book: The Book of conquests by Jim FitzpatrickHonourable Mentions: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, but the edition with PJ lynch illustrations & Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle.Currently Reading: Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity.  

John Moran is officially Limerick’s first ever directly elected Mayor.He joins Kieran to discuss the win and his next steps.

The government is expected to accept a proposal to join an EU military initiative, which will see Ireland work with other EU nations to help protect our seabed infrastructure against sabotage.What does this mean, and does this potentially edge us closer towards dropping our neutrality?Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League and Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator, join Kieran to discuss.

Professional golfer and three time major winner Pádraig Harrington has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame!He joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the achievement.

While their numbers were small in the end, there was some far right candidates who made the cut in the elections and will now have a place in local government.Who are they, what do they plan to do with their seats?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Conor Gallagher, Irish Times Crime and Security Correspondent.

The world of athletics is focused on Rome for the European Championships and the Irish athletes are leaving their mark.21-year-old Rhasidat Adeleke claimed silver last night in the women’s 400 metres and the Irish team will be in the relay final tomorrow.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been to Tallaght Athletics Club where Rhasidat began her athletic career:

This week is Men's Mental Health Week, highlighting the importance of mental health for men, which can be completely overlooked.Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin Sheahan and Cameron Hill from Off the Ball, and Dr Brian Higgins, Galway based GP. 

Dublin-based friendship group Sunshine Sessions were set up by friends Mila Gratzaer and KK Lewis, who felt disconnected after leaving college. With so many social events seemingly involving alcohol, these events offer a sober option to make friends.Mila joins Kieran to discuss.

There were many opinion polls done on this year's local and EU elections, but how accurate are these polls?Micheal Martin spoke to Andrea Gilligan on Saturday, and threw some doubt onto their accuracy.To discuss, Kieran is joined by John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail Group Ireland and Stefan Muller, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD.

Sinn Féin are set to have fewer elected councillors than they did in the previous election in 2019, and the EU race doesn't look much better. So, why is this the case? Why has their vote bottomed out? Newstalk's Henry McKean has been visiting different parts of Dublin to ask voters for their thoughts, including locals on Meath Street in Dublin 8.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists to discuss acne, as June is Acne Awareness Month.

Ireland won big at the European Athletics Championships over the weekend.   Will we get another medal tonight? Joining Kieran to discuss is World Athletics Legend, Eamonn Coghlan.

With the local elections almost complete and signs showing for the EU elections, what can we expect when all is said and done?Joining Kieran to discuss the future of the Irish political landscape are Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent, Fionnán Sheahan, Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin Barry Andrews and Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson.

Apple is preparing for the biggest developer conference in years as they are set to reveal their latest developments in AI.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ciara O’Brien, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Times, who is in Silicon Valley for the conference.

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Kieran is joined by award winning author Kevin Barry, to discuss the highly anticipated new release, ‘The Heart in Winter’, a novel inspired by a trip to Butte, Montana 25 years ago… 

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…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to discuss the different things you can make with strawberries!

Leaving Cert students are set to sit Irish Paper 1 on Monday, however, they’re not the only ones who have an Irish exam coming up...David has travelled to Galway from Minnesota and Rusty is an American living in Galway who will both be sitting an Irish exam tomorrow morning. They join Kieran to discuss why.

Today could mark the start of a golden summer for Irish Athletics as the European Championships get underway in Rome. Rhasidat Adeleke will spearhead Irish hopes in a pivotal championship run with the Paris Olympics just around the corner… Sonia O’Sullivan is Olympic Silver Medalist, World Gold Medalist and 3 time European Gold Medalist, she joins Kieran to discuss.

What makes the perfect TV theme tune? One that sticks in your mind long after it airs? Well, Kieran Cuddihy spoke to the composer behind BBC News, Grand Designs and many more, David Lowe, to find out!Image: Channel 4

The RSA has said that they want to increase the price of the Driving Test and the NCT in an attempt to increase their funding.Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporters Sheila Naughton and Emily Keegan to discuss.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Kieran Cuddihy to celebrate Aldi being in business in Ireland for 25 years! They discuss the impact of the supermarket giant, as well as the weird and wonderful things you can find in the middle aisle. Henry visited Aldi in Rathmines to talk to customers and employees alike about the business.

It is 85 years since the Day landings took place in Normandy in 1944, but what involvement did the Irish have in this historic invasion?Joining Kieran to discuss is Author, Journalist and Broadcaster, Kevin Myers.

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 to discuss the fallout of Trump’s trial, questions of Biden’s cognitive health and how close the election will be.Image: Jane Rosenberg

You will hear nothing about the Local, European or Limerick elections on the Hard Shoulder until everything is said and done; that is because of the broadcast moratorium.But what is a moratorium? And why do we have it?Reporter Josh Crosbie has been asking people if they know what a moratorium is and Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe to discuss.

Kieran’s guests are two lovely people who have joined forces to bring their loveliness directly into your ears via their new podcast ‘The Lovely Show”  Irish Comedians Justine Stafford and Kevin McGahern join Kieran to discuss what you can expect.Image: HeadStuff Podcasts

The number of former pupils from Spiritan schools reporting that they were abused now stands close to 300. Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Patsy McGarry, of the Irish Times. Also calling in is William, a survivor of abuse at Blackrock College to share his story. If you are a victim of abuse, there are resources for you - do not hesitate to reach out.National 24 hour helpline (Dublin Rape Crisis Centre) - 1800 77 8888Or, you can email [email protected]

A male contraceptive gel shows promising results in a clinical trial, but would you trust a man to remember his contraception?  Kieran is joined by Helena Tubridy, Fertility Coach and Ali Ryan, founder of Goss.ie, to discuss.

The European Central Bank has announced an interest rate cut of 0.25%.  So, how will this affect mortgage holders?  To discuss, Kieran is joined by Chief Economist for the BPFI, Ali Ugar and Managing director of Doddl.ie, Martina Hennessy. 

Newstalk's own Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. This series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options. This week, Simon brought a selection of cream cheeses.

Britain, France and Norway have been assisting Ireland in locating Russian subs near Irish shores, but should we be concerned that we do not have the capacity to do this ourselves?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent Senator for Trinity and Security Analyst, Tom Clonan.

The month of June is National Fostering Month in Ireland, so we wanted to delve into the world of fostering, understand what that life of a foster carer is like and the different experiences you can have.Kieran is joined by Theresa Hughey, who was a foster carer for 30 years and on the phone by former footballer and manager, Roddy Collins, who fostered his niece.

The Road Safety Authority calls for a clamp down on drivers that are caught speeding, with a proposed plan to double the points of drivers caught using their mobile phones from three to six.The proposed move is to combat the highest number of recorded road deaths in over a decade, after 81 people lost their lives on Irish roads already since the start of 2024.  What is the solution to reduce these numbers and make our roads safer?Joining Kieran to discuss this is John O’Brian, former Detective Chief Superintendent. 

Election day is nearly upon. Some may be set on who they are going to vote for on Friday, but many will be still unsure. WhichCandidate.ie is an online platform that helps inform voters which candidates best suit their values through a simple questionnaire. But, can an online questionnaire really help you decide who to vote for? Joining Kieran is co-founder of Which Candidate and Director for the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Limerick, Dr Rory Costello.

Why? That is the most asked question from kids! That’s according to a survey carried out by Tesco. “Where’s my…?” and “Do I have to go to school?” were the next most common daily questions. Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden was speaking to parents on the street to find out what are the most weird and wonderful questions they receive each day.Plus, Sheila O’Malley, Wellness Keynote Speaker in the Corporate Sector, joins Kieran to discuss child curiosity. 

The newly released album, “Small Town Heroes” by The 2 Johnnies is inspired by local characters and so-called legends. It tells a familiar story that is relatable to everyone who grew up in rural Ireland, and features songs like 'St. Patrick Drive a Honda Civic' and 'I’m So Hungover I Could Die'.Kieran is joined by the 2 Johnnies (Johnny O’Brien and Johnny McMahon) to tell more.

In a battle of the Macs – Supermac's has won another major trademark court battle in their long running dispute with McDonald’s. The Galway company has been given the green light to expand to other European countries following a landmark ruling. It's after the European Court of Justice backed the Irish fast food chain in a trademark row with McDonald's. Peter Leonard is a barrister who also presents the legal podcast 'The Fifth Court' and joins Kieran to discuss.  

A 23 old woman tragically lost her life in a dog attack in the Ballyneety area of Limerick county. It is being reported the dog was an XL bully on the restrictive breed list Joining Kieran for more information is Newstalk Reporter Jamie O’Hara. Also joining to discuss is Samantha Rawson, expert Dog Trainer and Behaviorist.

On the show the lack of garda checkpoints on our roads were discussed, and a lot of you got in touch. Today, we wanted to speak to regular road users on what they see out there on the roads.Kieran is joined by Ger Hyland, driver and President of the IRHA Damien, a taxi driver in Dublin and Brenda Bolger from the Bolger School of Motoring.

There has been major news in the world of medicine.The world’s first vaccine for treating Melanoma, a common type of skin cancer, has shown extremely impressive results in trials. Joining Kieran to discuss the breakthrough and the development of cancer treatment is John Crowne, Professor and Consultant Medical Oncologist, St Vincent’s Hospital Group.

Irish beaches are known to be one of nation's best assets, and many of us may have ended up at them over the bank holiday weekend But what about those with disabilities? How can they enjoy our beaches this summer?Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird is disability activist and journalist and has been highlighting the inaccessible nature of our beaches, she joins Kieran to discuss.  

The Local and EU elections are nearly upon us, and campaigning is in full swing. Your door may have been knocked on, or your social media page may be getting flooded with candidates promoting their policies. But, how do you create election campaigns that cut through and resonate with voters? Kieran is joined by Derek Mooney, former Campaign Manager, to discuss.  

The UK Ambassador to Ireland Paul Johnston joined Kieran to put his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder bookshelf!Favourite Book: The Masters, C.P. SnowHonourable Mention: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy, Larry TyeCurrently Reading: The Bee Sting, Paul Murray