The Hard Shoulder

With the clocks going back by an hour in a few days, there have again been calls to abolish daylight savings time.Joining Kieran to discuss is Seán Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South and Professor David Malone from Maynooth University.

Mother Mandy Kelly has launched a fresh appeal to get an Interpol arrest for her ex-husband who kidnapped her two children while they were on holiday in Egypt.Mandy Kelly joins Kieran from Egypt to discuss.

A new campaign, "Stop Crime Against Retailers", launched today at Fallon & Byrne in Dublin, is calling for immediate government action to combat the alarming rise in crime threatening retailers nationwide.A recent ShelfLife retailer survey has revealed that 100% of retailers have experienced criminal activity in the past year.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie went out to ask these retailers for their thoughts on shoplifting, and what they would like to see done. He joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Labour TD Alan Kelly joined Kieran earlier to discuss how he begged his father to go to UHL when he was unwell.Alan mentioned that he wants clarity from Stephen Donnelly on when UHL’s new 96-bed block would open...Joining Kieran to discuss when we might see change is former HSE Director General and Columnist for the Sunday Independent, Tony O’Brien. 

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss how the National Security Agency (NSA) have given out tips to better the security on your tech devices.

The Dáil is set to vote on the final version of the Assisted Dying Report tonight. This is the report which a committee on the issue last March called on the government to legalise assisted dying in certain restricted circumstances.The Bishops of the Catholic Church are calling on TDs to reject the report with the Irish Primate, the Archbishop Eamon Martin calling on members to get in touch with their TDs to express their views.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Chairman of the Bishops’ Council for Life.

Dublin City Council earlier today launched the Dublin Drone Innovation Partnership, which will look at what the future of drones could be.Joining Kieran to discuss what this future use may look like is Bob Foley, a licensed Aircraft Engineer and co-founder of Engineers with Drones.

The reports of overcrowding and staffing issues in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) are commonplace nowadays, with some in the region fearing engaging with those services.No one knows this better than Alan Kelly, Labour TD for Tipperary, who spoke in the Dáil yesterday about having to convince his own crying father to go into the hospital…Deputy Alan Kelly joins Kieran to discuss.

Cork has been named as one of National Geographic’s 25 best places in the world to visit in 2025!Cork is the only Irish entry in a list that includes destinations from across the world.So, what makes the Rebel County so special?Joining Kieran to discuss is Neil Prendeville, Presenter of the Neil Prendeville Show on RedFM and Anne Marie Cronin, Freelance Photographer & Owner of a Photography Gallery in Castletownbere, West Cork.Image: Ireland.com

Today, the famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) Dublin Portal on North Earl Street has connected to a new city in the United States: Philadelphia!Kieran decided to go down during the opening to get opinions from the public.

The European Commission has announced that it will be banning the skincare product retinol, but for what reason?Joining Kieran to discuss is Isobel Haugh, a Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

This week, Kieran was joined by Presenter Mary Kennedy to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

It's 40 years since Michael Buerk’s shocking TV report from Korem in Northern Ethiopia, as families starved to death in front of him. The report moved many, and directly led to the creation of Live Aid and Band Aid.Today, Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Kieran with a report to remember that time.

The Government has been advised to increase driving licence and car testing fees, hike penalties for dangerous road users and expand direct exchequer funding of road safety amid a series of dire financial warnings about the Road Safety Authority.That’s according to an external review into the agency reported by The Irish Times this morning.Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry and Dominic Brophy, Director of the Professional Driving Instructors Association join Kieran to discuss.

Following the tragic death of Liam Payne last week, many people have been fascinated with what happened. Reports today note that traces of a drug called ‘pink cocaine’ was found in his system. But, what is this new drug?Joining Kieran to discuss is Harry Shapiro, the director of Drugwise, a UK based online drug information website.

Coimisiún na Meán, the media regulator this week published its online safety code, promising “an end to the era of social media self-regulation”.Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, X, Pinterest, Tumblr and Reddit will be obliged to comply with the new code, or face fines of up to €20 million, or 10 percent of a platform’s annual turnover, whichever is greater.The code is a legally binding set of rules regulating content on video-sharing platforms with their EU headquarters in Ireland, with the expressed aim of protecting users from harmful content.Niamh Hodnett is Online Safety Commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán and joins Kieran to discuss further.

An update from Microsoft now detects when a user's language is 'not inclusive'. For example: an alternative to maternity leave could be ‘childbirth leave’...Is this language policing? Or should we all be a bit more inclusive?Joining Kieran to discuss is Irish Independent Columnist, Ian O’Doherty and Chairman of The Communications Clinic, Terry Prone.

A plan to revitalise Dublin city centre was launched by Taoiseach Simon Harris today, calling for significant changes across safety, culture and transport.Richard Shakespeare is CEO of Dublin City Council, and joins Kieran to discuss.

A children’s play centre has had to apologise after it decorated its play area with body bags for Halloween. Parents say they were shocked to see such graphic decorations at the soft play centre in Gloucestershire in the UK. So, are some Halloween costumes and ornaments a bit too much?Joining Kieran to discuss is Alison Curtis, Presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM.

With the kids well and truly back to school, head lice are also making their return. These pesky critters spread quickly in classrooms, but don’t worry there are quick tips on how to spot, treat, and prevent them.Kieran is joined by Andrew Hennessy of Head Lice Experts to discuss.Image: HSE

Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch is rumoured to run in the next general election for the Dublin Central constituency. Hutch, a convicted criminal who was acquitted of murder in the Regency Hotel shooting, is from the area and apparently has the support of the people.That’s according to Councillor for the North Inner City and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is in Abu Dhabi today to sign a bilateral extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Government approval of the treaty came last Friday, with hopes that it will allow for senior members of the Kinahan cartel to be returned to Ireland in order to face trial.Justice MInister Helen McEntee joins Kieran to discuss.

The Galway Comedy Festival is set to kick off tomorrow with a host of the finest comedians in the world descending on the City of Tribes.Joining Kieran to discuss is one of the headliners: Comedian Russell Howard! They talk about the show, Russell’s podcast, and (of course) aliens!

The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation is seeking the next government to double spending to help grow and support the sector, according to the general election manifesto published by the group today.Chief Executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, joins Kieran to discuss.

The cost of building apartments in our city centres is continuing to spiral, according to the newest Housing For All cost report.A two bed apartment is now more expensive to build in Dublin than a 3 bed semi-detached home.To go through the report Kieran is joined by Eoghan McEndery, Associate at Mitchell McDermott who conducted the report and Conor O’Connell, Director of Housing and Planning at Construction Industry Federation.

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…

Former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has decided to throw his hat back into the ring for the upcoming general election. However, this time he’s running as an Independent.Former Minister for Justice and Independent Candidate for Dublin-Rathdown Alan Shatter, joins Kieran to discuss.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at how you can make an amazing lasagna!

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…

A new extradition treaty agreement with the United Arab Emirates is expected to pave the way for the return to Ireland of senior members of the Kinahan crime gang to face trial for crimes here.For more on this, Kieran is joined by Paul Williams, Crime Journalist and author...

Originally from Co. Laois, Noel Fitzpatrick has made a name for himself in the world of veterinary science in England. Known as the ‘Supervet’, Noel has made headlines and hosts his own show about his vet clinic in Surrey, England – and he’s now releasing a new book!Joining Kieran to discuss ‘Dogs and Their Humans’, is Noel.Image: Simon & Schuster

A new report by the ESRI on the Drivers of Income Inequality in the North and South has found some interesting economic details.  One stat that came out from the report was that 80% of northern households receive more in benefits then they pay out in tax compared with around 60% here in the south.Joining Kieran to talk more about the implications of the report on a potential united Ireland is John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin and Research Affiliate at the ESRI.

New research from Cyber Safe Kids has revealed that a quarter of kids aged 8-14 struggle to spend time away from their phone. What impact does this have on a child, and how can we limit screen time?Joining Kieran to discuss is Head of Policy and Public Affairs at ISPCC, Fiona Jennings and Parenting Coach and Author, Allen O'Donoghue.

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 Kamala Harris’ heated interview with Fox News, and whether or not it was a good idea to go on the network.Image: Fox

Information on who the new chair of the Public Accounts Committee has been revealed with Sinn Féin TD For Galway West and South Mayo, Mairéad Farrell, taking the role.Deputy Farrell joins Kieran to discuss.

You have probably heard the tragic news last night that 31-year-old former One Direction member Liam Payne fell from a third floor balcony in his hotel in Buenos Aires.There has been a lot of talk today about the amount of online trolling the musician received over the last few weeks...Joining Kieran to discuss the effect social media has on mental health is Shannen Reily McGrath, Influencer and former Love Island contestant, Hughie Maughan, former contestant at Big Brother UK and later, Writer and Broadcaster Stefanie Preissner.

Today the Dáil will be discussing the final report by the Commission on Assisted Dying which earlier in the year recommended to the government that there should be some legislation for individuals in special circumstances.The report suggested that assisted dying should be allowed in restricted circumstances, limiting it to those with 6 months to live, or 12 months in the case of a person with a neuro-degenerative disease, illness or condition.How do other countries facilitate assisted dying, and how much do we need this in Ireland?Senator Jim Cowan, Board member with Dying With Dignity Canada and Audrey Farrelly, campaigner for assisted dying join Kieran to discuss.

Gaelic Football could be set to change dramatically as a list of rules changes are being considered by the Football Review Commission, and will be tested tomorrow at the Railway Cup.The commission, which is chaired by Former Dublin Manager Jim Gavin, has suggested a number of changes including the value of points awarded to scores and goals.Eoin Sheahan from Off the Ball joins Kieran to break down these proposals and Philly McMahon, former Dublin Footballer, joins to discuss.

The Dublin Rape Crisis centre has launched their Signs of Hope campaign.The campaign uses direct messages from survivors who have benefited from support and advice in order to encourage survivors to seek support services. Blathnaid Raleigh, survivor of sexual violence joins Kieran to discuss.Image: DRCC

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran to compare different hot chocolate options!

Earlier in the show, Journalist and Historian Kevin Myers discussed how he believes that the idea of a two state solution between Palestine and Israel could not happen following the year of conflict.To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the launch of a new site from Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon, which distinguishes between online name-calling, and being called what you are.Image: https://www.sometimesyouare.ie/

The continuous Hate Crime Bill is in the Seanad today as it reaches the final stages of deliberation and amendment before publication.Although the hate speech section of the bill has been removed, some aspects of it still remain.Joining Kieran to discuss if they have any concerns with this new version of the bill is Independent Senator Rónán Mullen and Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward.

For those seeking professional advice to lose a bit of weight, or even just improve their general diet, the choice between a Dietician, Nutritionist or even Nutritional Therapist can be confusing.Joining Kieran to explain the differences is Shelly Grey, Dietician and Presenter on Today FM.

You may have seen in the news that Google is buying nuclear reactors in an attempt to combat their greenhouse gases, and have more access to renewable energy to power their AI initiatives.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Irish Independent Tech Correspondent Adrian Weckler and Donna Gartland, the CEO at CODEMA - Dublin's Energy Agency.

Post primary enrolments are at their highest point on record.Parents have been advised to apply to multiple secondary schools due to pressure on places. The oversubscribed schools are in the commuter belts of Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Galway and Cork. Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean spoke to concerned parents.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Marie Porter, parent of a 6th class student in Greystones and Craig Petrie, Principal of East Glendalough Secondary School in Wicklow Town.

Sinn Féin TD for Kildare South, Patricia Ryan, announced on Friday that she has resigned from the party.She joins Kieran to discuss why…

Members of the hospitality sector have been marching on Dáil Éireann to voice their frustration on a lack of changes for their industry in the most recent Budget.Retired Hotelier Francis Brennan joins Kieran to give his thoughts on the current state of the hospitality industry.

This week, Kieran was joined by Columnist with the Irish Independent Ian O’Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Bus Éireann drivers in Cork were asked not to stop at a shopping centre in Mahon Point due to buses being pelted with stones…Henry McKean visited Cork and met bus drivers and passengers and asked them if they feel safe, and if it is time for a dedicated transport police like in London.