The Hard Shoulder

Seaweed to you may just be something your dog eats on the beach, but the macroalgae has been described as having incredible benefits. Joining Kieran to discuss the amazing properties of seaweed is Mark Walton, Co-Founder of VOYA.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced that he expects an Irish Covid Inquiry. Is this a realistic goal for the government? And what should we expect?Joining Kieran to discuss is Executive Editor of the Daily Mail Group Ireland, John Lee and Professor Sam McConkey from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In the lead up to the Local and European elections, we're going to be out and about with candidates as they are on the campaign trail.This week, Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie joined multiple candidates on the trail both young and old - including one who’s 19, and another who’s 90!

Nigel Farage has made yet another return to frontline politics – he has announced that he will run as a candidate in the UK General Election for the Reform UK party and has taken the role of party leadership. However, Farage has gone a step further by suggesting that he could lead a 'reverse takeover' of Conservative Party.Kieran is joined by Ann Widdecombe, former Conservative Party MP and Minister and former Brexit Party MEP. 

The Central Statistics Office of Ireland (CSO) is celebrating 75 years collecting data. To discuss the history - and what has changed since its inception, Kieran is joined by Ronan McGreevy, Irish Times Journalist and Historian and Sarah Jayne Tobin, Content Editor at Evoke and host of the ‘Inspire’ podcast.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Social Media Content Creator Holly Carpenter to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists!

The festival season is beginning with Forbidden Fruit kicking off this weekend. Electric Picnic, All Together Now and Longitude are on the horizon and smaller festivals like Night and Day Festival in Roscommon are also taking place. They’re much beloved by patrons, but how important are these festivals, and more importantly how important are they for the artists themselves?Artist Nialler9 joins Kieran to discuss.

With summer well and truly upon us, and with BBQ’s and summer parties being planned, the Shame of having a messy garden may be playing on your conscience!  Joining Kieran to discuss summer garden maintenance is RTÉ’s Super garden Judge Monica Alvarez.

Off The Ball's John Duggan 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 all kinds of cheesecake!

The big news recently is that Donald Trump has been found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records - the first time a US President has been criminally convicted.This is the latest scandal on Trump's CV, with his viability as a presidential hopeful still seemingly intact. But, what are the U.S presidential scandals that shaped US history? Joining Kieran to discuss is Newstalk’s Simon Tierney. 

Have we lost all respect for our older buildings?  Over the years Dublin city’s skyline has seen sometimes rapid and often not pleasant alterations. As new buildings shoot up, some of the old ones come down.  Joining Kieran to share their thoughts are James Kavanagh, social media Influencer and Roisin Murphy, Architect and Broadcaster.

For the June Bank Holiday Weekend another warning has been issued by Gardai to take care on the roads. A new addition to the garda checkpoints is mandatory drug testing. Those who are pulled over for dangerous driving will now be made to do a drug test, as well as for alcohol.Kieran is joined by Sergeant Gavin Coleman to discuss.

New research suggests that older people should be encouraged to be more sexual in nursing homes to look after their mental and physical health. Kieran is joined by Sex Educator Mary-Jane Fox to discuss why she thinks it’s important for elderly people to be more sexual.

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.Jeff joins Kieran to discuss the Trump hush money trail while the jury debates, as well as Robert De Niro’s press conference outside the courthouse, where he called the former president a threat to democracy.Image: CNN

Now, if you were wondering how you can get best out of your fruit and veg, then we might have the solution for you.  Amy Cross, a Cookbook Author and founder of the money-saving food website ‘The Cross Legacy’, joins Kieran to discuss.Amy has some good tips on how to get the most longevity out of your fruit and veg to keep it fresh for longer. 

The completion of the Children’s Hospital in Dublin has (once again) been pushed out to February of 2025, with the overall projected costs being 2.2 billion euro. The hospital was initally meant to be finished in 2020…How did we get to this point, and why does this project consistently face delays? Kieran is joined by Paul Cullen, Former Irish Times Health Correspondent and Paul Davis, Procurement lecturer at the School of Business in DCU to discuss.Also joining Kieran for some reaction to the delay is Catherine Murphy, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North and Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

In the lead up to the Local and European elections, we're going to be out and about with candidates as they are on the campaign trail.This week, Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie joined Tánaiste Micheál Martin going door to door. He also joined Sinéad Lucey Brennan, Barry Andrews on the trail.

Now, the VHI Women’s mini marathon is set to kick off this weekend with many people out in force to taking in the run.  I have two women joining me now who will be part of the run this weekend, Katja Mia, Virgin Media Presenter and Ambassador for VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly.Jess is running to raise money for the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, you can donate here: IDonate.ie/NewstalkOffTheBall 

It has been over a year since new laws were proposed that would make spiking with the intent to sedate or overpower for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act a stand-alone offence and would carry heavy sentences. This bill is currently working its way through the Oireachtas.Joining Kieran to discuss this further is spiking victim Jess Rolland and Mary Crilly, CEO of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork (SVCC).

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 range of ham!

Newstalk’s Henry McKean spoke to children in Turner’s Cross in Cork to get their thoughts on the European and Local elections.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses how the National Broadband Plan isn’t actually near completion - as some articles may have you believe...

The 2024 Leaving Cert will kick off next Wednesday, but what is life like after the Leaving Cert? and is it the be all and end all?  Joining Kieran to discuss are Comedian Karl Spain, Elizabeth Oakes, Entrepreneur and owner of Pure Reflections and Marissa Carter, CEO and Founder of Coco Brown! 

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly today has announced a Hospital Bed Expansion Plan, which will see 3,352 new beds around the country.  He joins Kieran to give more details and discuss.

If have used social media in the past few days you have probably seen the artificially generated image  “All Eyes on Rafah”  This image is being shared as apparently social media algorithms are suppressing politically sensitive content and the tame AI image can therefore increase awareness and reach. Joining Kieran to discuss the implications of this phenomena are Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Olytico and Eamonn Farrel, Editor of RollingNews.ie. 

Sean’s Bar in Athlone is seemingly the oldest pub in Ireland, saying it was established in 900 AD. Supervisor Ryan O’Connor joined Kieran to tell all about how the history and life of the pub that’s still going stronger than ever over 1,100 years later.Image: Sean’s Bar

Kieran’s guest nearly died after suffering a cardiac arrest on the side of the pitch before a county semi-final. When it happened, Cathal Joyce was a flying-fit 25 year old. One shock from a defibrillator at the venue revived him, and he was eventually fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) under his left collarbone. Now, Cathal campaigns for more access to defibrillators and tells the story of how it saved his life.  He joins Kieran to discuss.

The Hard Shoulder has been to Cork to meet candidates for the European Elections, last week we heard from Dublin – this week we are in Athlone to cover the rather sizable constituency of Midlands North-West. The constituency was a four-seater, but this election will see it grow to five. To discuss why they are running, as well as their platforms, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by: Lisa Chambers Fianna Fáil Senator and one of the party’s candidates for the European Election Ciarán Mullooly - Independent Ireland Candidate for the European Election Michelle Gildernew - Sinn Fein MP in Westminster and one of the party’s European Election candidates 

The Hard Shoulder has been to Cork to meet candidates for the European Elections, last week we heard from Dublin – this week we are in Athlone to cover the rather sizable constituency of Midlands North-West. The constituency was a four-seater, but this election will see it grow to five. To discuss why they are running, as well as their platforms, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by: Luke Ming Flanagan Independent MEP and candidate in the European Elections Peadar Tóbín TD and Leader of Aontú and the party’s candidate for the European Elections  Maria Walsh - Fine Gael MEP and one of the party’s candidates for the European Elections

Kieran’s guest has written a comedy show all about his brain seizure. The result of which was that he discovered he had a brain tumour. He then takes you on his journey as he underwent neurosurgery to have it removed.  His tour ‘On I Bang’ is on at the Sugar Club on the 25th of June, with tickets on sale now.Miles Jupp joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris in the Dáil has officially recognized the state of Palestine.Joining Kieran to discuss this and the broader conversation is Irish Musician and part of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), Liam Ó Maonlaí.Image: IPSC

The Hard Shoulder is live from Athlone, which gives host Kieran Cuddihy the chance to see some of the sites in the town, including Athlone Marina!He speaks with Joe Grennan, the manager of the Marina, to learn more.Image: Westmeath County Council

The Hard Shoulder is live from Athlone on the beautiful Shannon River. One issue that persists for many of those who live near this river is the proposal of a Shannon to Dublin Pipeline. This project would see water used from the Shannon to help supply Dublin and surrounding areas with the necessary water for building, business and consumption in the future.  Donal Whelan from the River Shannon Protection Alliance and Mannix Flynn Independent Dublin City Councillor join Kieran to discuss. 

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has proposed a new plan that will see EV charging points every 60 km on Irish motorways.  Is this a good idea? And how realistic will it be until we see it rolled out?  Shane O'Donoghue, Editor of completecar.ie, joins Kieran to discuss.

The good weather has started rolling in, which means people are out and about making the most of it. One way is running, which seems to be more and more trendy.  But, what are some important things to consider to make sure you are running safely and not risking injury or harm down the line?David Gillick, Former Irish Olympian joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that cost-of-living measures will be front and centre of this year’s budget. He was speaking at the annual National Economic Dialogue at Dublin Castle today, which brings various stakeholders in government and society together to discuss the upcoming budget. Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, joins Kieran to discuss.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Caroline Robbins, Chair of the GP committee of the Irish Dental Association and Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow joined Kieran to discuss taking care of a child’s teeth at home.

A new chocolate bar from Holland & Barrett has come under scrutiny after it claims to help soothe some symptoms of menopause.  Some have accused the bar of ‘menowashing’ and unfairly targeting vulnerable women.  Loretta Dignam, CEO & Founder of the Menopause Hub, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Holland & Barrett

Overnight, Israel attacked a camp full of displaced Palestinians in Gaza... at least 30 people were killed, and dozens were injured.Kieran is joined by Zak Hania, an Irish-Palestinian man who was trapped in the Gaza Strip for 7 months and returned to Dublin earlier this month to discuss his experience, and share his thoughts on the conflict.

By popular demand, Kidstalk is back! Newstalk’s Henry McKean met the boys of O’Connell Primary, North Richmond Street in Dublin 1. The kids give their thoughts on the European and Local elections.

Kieran’s guest has been calling for changes to the requirements for ISL interpreters in schools. Her two children Pippa and Jack are profoundly deaf and she worries they will fall behind if they don’t get sufficient support... Kieran is joined by Emma Dooley O'Gorman to discuss.

The National Economic Dialogue has been underway in Dublin Castle today - a stakeholder conference where recommendations will be made for next year’s budget.  Should we have more support for our cost of living crisis? Or are we still even in one?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor of Economics at DCU, Edgar Morgenroth and Socialist TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists!

Nationwide has a special mini-series coming up on the 27th of May, marking 100 years of O’Connell Street since its renaming 100 years ago this May.  Kieran is joined by Anne Cassin, RTÉ TV presenter, to talk about what the brand new Nationwide series is all about!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat about Spanish tapas like Patatas Bravas, Salmajero and Croquettas!

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…

The International Criminal Court have ordered Israel to halt its military assault on the city of Rafah, citing "exceptionally grave" conditions. For the latest on this, Kieran is joined by Freelance Journalist in Israel, Hannah McCarthy...

RTÉ’s 2fm has seen an exodus of presenters over the last period, with stars such as Doireann Garrihy, The 2 Johnnies and now, Jennifer Zamparelli.  What is happening in the station? And is this a sign of things to come? Joining Kieran to discuss is Keith Walsh, Former RTÉ 2fm Presenter and Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

After losing the past two Champions Cup finals, Leinster will hope to make it third time lucky as they take on French giants Toulouse in this year’s final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Kieran is joined by Devin Toner, former Leinster and Ireland player and Tania Rosser, Head Coach of the Leinster Women’s team, to discuss Leinster’s chances.