The Hard Shoulder

We have all been aware of inflation the last few years but one of the side effects of this is… Shrinkflation! Well Ritz crackers are the next beloved snack to be a victim of shrinkflation… The number of crackers has reduced 30% however the price stays the same! Kieran is joined by Consumer Affairs Correspondent and Pricewatch Editor with The Irish Times, Conor Pope and Co-Presenter of Fully Charged on Spin 1038, Aisling Bonner to discuss.Image: Brett Jordan

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 spoke with some candidates who are running in an election for the first time.

A Louth Councillor, Pio Smyth is calling for a dog DNA database to be created so we can crack down on dog fouling! Joining Kieran to discuss is John Fulham, Public Engagement Manager at the Irish Wheelchair Association, Dave O'Reilly Greystones Tidy Towns Chairman and Dónal Ryan from the City Vet in Limerick to discuss the issue.

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 Trump’s claim that the Department of Justice were ready to shoot him during his 2022 raid, and why Democrats and Republicans alike are furious with the ICC for their arrest warrant on Netanyahu.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a homeowner, it’s hard to avoid the words ‘interest rate’. But how do you know if you’re getting the best possible rate?To talk about this, and the importance of shopping around we have teamed up with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Sinead Ryan, Journalist and presenter of the Home Show here in Newstalk joins Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s guest has not seen her two sons in two years… Mandy Kelly’s sons Zayn and Kareem, who are now 5 and 3, were taken by her estranged husband to his home in Egypt back in April 2022. Mandy’s case has been backed by the Taoiseach, and she today met with Children’s Ombudsman Niall Muldoon. She joins the show to share her story.

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 barbeque sauces!

There have been many reactions to Ireland’s decision to recognise Palestine as a state. One person who has been calling for this for a long time is actor and musician Steve Wall.He joins Kieran to give his reaction…Image: Kathrin Baumbach

A leak from the UK has led to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing a new general election for the 4th of July.Joining Kieran to discuss what this means is London-based Journalist, Enda Brady...

Everyday the issue of immigration is being discussed on the airwaves and on our screens. We see the quotes ‘Ireland is Full’ and ‘Close our borders’ on a continual basis, with many now using this as their platform for upcoming elections.What impact is this having on migrants who call Ireland home for the last 5, 10 or 20 years?Kieran’s guest Linda was born in Uganda, but has lived in Ireland for over 20 years, contributing to society and living her life. She has been in Ireland longer than she lived in Uganda, and yet is made to feel like she does not belong here.She joins the show to share her story.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses the new 4 foot tall robot you can buy for 16 grand. Is that remotely worth it?She also gives tips on Trello and recommends the NYT Daily podcast.Image: Unitree Robotics

The Europa League Final kicks off at 8pm tonight in the Aviva Stadium with Atalanta and Leverkusen going head-to-head.  But who will raise the Europa League trophy? Newstalk reporter Sheila Naughton is speaking from the event…

There have been calls by Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore to get rid of best before dates on food as it leads to food waste. Is this a fair idea? And what do best before date actually mean?Shelly Grey, Presenter Today FM and Dietician joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris announced that Palestine will be recognised as a state by Ireland.Joining Kieran to debate whether or not this is the right choice is, Political Commentator, Adam Boulton and People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett...Adam also comments on the announcement of a general election in the UK of the 4th of July.

Now it is just over 2 and a half weeks until Ireland goes to the polls in the Local and European elections.   Last week the show had on many of the candidates in the Ireland South Constituency – this week we have turned our attention to the Dublin Constituency. We heard from Brendan Ogle, Ciaran Cuffe and Sinead Gibney on Monday, and today it is the turn of Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil candidate and a sitting MEP, Clare Daly the Independent Candidate and sitting MEP and Daithí Doolan, the Sinn Féin Dublin City Cllr and the party’s candidate.

Earlier today Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced Ireland will be recognising Palestine as a state... So what is the reaction to this news across the pond?  Joining Kieran is Former Chief of Staff for Donald Trump and Chair of Actum Global Consultants, Mick Mulvaney.

Outside the O'Reilly Hall is an encampment protest of about 100 tents organised by the students of UCD, showing solidarity to Gaza. Former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, a member of Ireland's Jewish community, wanted to engage with the students but found it difficult. Newstalk's Henry McKean went along to see how Alan got on.There are strong views in this report, some might disagree with. 

Hair loss can be a problem for both men and women, and is very emotionally taxing when it happens... Joining Kieran to discuss how we can deal with hair loss is Trichologist and owner of Trua and Remi, Claire Fullam.

UK research found that only thirty per cent of families commit to a traditional pocket money routine...So what is the best routine anyway? Should we be giving our kids money every week, or should they work for the few bob they want?Kieran is joined by Adrian Barry from OffTheBall and Aoife Lee, parenting coach from ParentSupport.ie to discuss.

Newstalk’s own Pat Kenny joins Kieran on The Bookshelf to discuss his favourite book, ‘The Bonfire of the Vanities’ by Tom Wolf.

You may have heard that a 73-year-old man with a suspected heart condition  died and 30 were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit turbulence.But, what exactly is turbulence? And should you be scared of it?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Cabin Crew for an International Airline & Host of the ‘Bad Air Hostess’ Podcast, Paula Gahan.

Ireland needs another quarter of a million homes, but can the government bridge the gap?The Minister For Housing Darragh O’Brien is with Kieran to discuss the new Housing Commission report and what needs to be done to reach housing targets...

Happy International Tea Day! International Tea Day means giving recognition to tea and the people who work in the tea business.Kieran is joined by Jenna Logan, Clement and Pekoe’s Resident Tea Sommelier to introduce us to new tea most of us have never heard of before from places all around the world...

Yesterday on the show we spoke to Sophie Cole, a teacher in Cork who spoke to us about how she was attacked in her classroom...  To follow on from that discussion, Kieran is joined by Collette Butler, Principal of Cara Junior School, a mild to moderate ASD school.

With local and European elections around the corner, we’re keeping voter turnout on the mind.Young people will no doubt be weighing up their options at the moment, but there is a preconception that young people aren’t engaged enough to vote in June. Leon Diop, writer, founder of Black and Irish Organisation and Social Inclusion Activist and Calvin O’Brien, Co-host of ‘Talking Bollox’ join Kieran to discuss.

A local election candidate for Artane-Whitehall in Dublin Linkwinstar Mattatil Matthew was forced to take down election posters on Friday night after being harassed, intimidated and subjected to a barrage of racist abuse.  Linkwinstar Mattatil Matthew is with Kieran to share his story…

Comedian PJ Gallagher becomes a mental health warrior in a new RTÉ documentary called ‘Changing My Mind’, which explores mental health in Ireland. It’s airing on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Monday 20th May at 9.35pm.Kieran is joined with PJ to delve into his personal experiences, insights and the powerful message PJ Gallagher hopes to spread about mental health awareness.

The business lobby group IBEC has called for an “immediate pause” to the implementation of Dublin City Council’s transport plan  Kieran is joined by some business owners in the city: owner of Skechers stores around the country and Asics on Henry Street, Paul Gallagher and Sales Manager at Sweeney & O’Rourke, catering showroom located on Pearse Street, Paul Woodborne.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital joined Kieran to discuss how to protect your children’s skin in the sun.

Now it is just over 2 and a half weeks until Ireland goes to the polls in the Local and European elections.   Last week we met many of the candidates in the Ireland South Constituency – this week we are turning our attention to the Dublin Constituency. We will here from more of the candidates later in the week, but today Kieran is joined by:Brendan Ogle - Independent Candidate in the European Elections.  Sinead Gibney - Social Democrats Candidate in the European Elections.Ciaran Cuffe - Green Party MEP and Candidate in the European Elections.

Kieran’s guest is an Irish Comedian, Actor and Presenter who takes his new tour ‘Tragedy Plus Time’ to Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny and Galway this June.Ed Byrne joins Kieran to discuss what the tour is about, and how long we should wait before making a joke about certain topics.

Kieran has escaped the studio to check out the Dublin - New York Portal as it reopens. Safe to say, there’s still plenty of excitement around there - with a parrot and even someone doing backflips! He talks to people on the street to get their thoughts on the spectacle.

There have been reports across the country of assaults on teachers and SNA’s in schools.  Kieran’s  guest, Sophie Cole, was assaulted in her classroom 17 months ago, and has been left with complex regional pain syndrome. She joins the show to share her story.

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and the presenter of Tech Talk on Newstalk, Jess Kelly to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat about chocolate cake and why eating in moderation is important.

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 night club is opening on D’Olier Street tomorrow night which promises to bring back the nights we enjoyed in the 90’s...  But, are the days of the night club still numbered?  Joining Kieran to discuss is owner of Hyde Nightclub and Venue and operator of Ohana Tikki Bar, Ian Redmond, DJ and Producer, Mark McCabe and Comedian, Kathryn Lynch. Also joining are listeners to share their thoughts and memories.

After 17 seasons, the show Operation Transformation has been cancelled by RTÉ.Joining Kieran to discuss the show’s history and why this happened is Dr Eva Orsmond, Specialist in obesity, founder of Dr Eva’s Clinic and judge on the show for its first seven seasons.

Today marks 50 years since the Dublin Monaghan bombings. On the 17th of May 1974, three car bombs went off in Dublin and another in Monaghan, the loyalist attack killed 33 people in total…Kieran’s guest is a professional photographer who witnessed the Dublin blasts, Tom Lawlor. 

This week the Minister with responsibility for the recently introduced deposit return scheme Ossian Smyth has told the Dáil that he accepts the scheme has had “teething issues”. Joining Kieran to talk through how it can be improved and how in general it is performing is CEO of the Deposit Return Scheme, Ciaran Foley.

A major accident on Dublin’s M50 has led to increased traffic and travel delays.Kieran is joined by Graeme McQueen, Media relations Manager with the DAA, Harry McCann, Media Relations Executive for Dublin Bus and Sean O'Neill, Director of Communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland for more information.

It is just over 3 weeks until Ireland goes to the polls in the Local and European elections. Over the next few weeks, we are going to hear from the candidates on the Euro trail ahead of polling day on Friday June 7th. The Hard Shoulder is in Cork today six candidates for the Ireland South constituency join Kieran to discuss their campaigns.They are:Cynthia Ní Mhurchú - Fianna Fáil Candidate for the European Elections  Niamh Hourigan – Labour Candidate for the European Elections Michael McNamara – Independent Candidate for the European Elections  Paul Gavan - Sinn Féin senator and a party Candidate for the European Elections     John Mullins - Candidate for Fine Gael in the European Elections    Lorna Bogue - Leader of an Rabhartha Glas and European Election Candidate   

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 talk Trump Vs Biden, as the Presidential debates are back on the agenda.

It’s been announced that IBM will create 800 jobs in AI across Cork, Dublin and Waterford. Cork is quickly becoming a hub for tech and AI – why is this?  Kieran is joined by a man who knows all about Tech, AI and Cork, Venture Partner at Sure Valley Ventures, DC Cahalane, to discuss.

Over 600 free beds previously used by Ukranians in Ireland have been earmarked for International Protection applicants. Would this be a good idea? Or should they be used for something else?To discuss, Kieran is joined by John Lannon, the CEO of Doras and Paul Treyvaud, TV Chef and Proprietor of Treyvaud’s Restaurant in Killarney.

Ballymaloe Festival of Food is a new three-day food festival that this year celebrates 60 years of Ballymaloe running from the 17th to the 19th of May. Kieran is joined by Rachel Allen, Irish Chef and Columnist for the Irish independent, Fern Allen, host of the Ballymaloe History Tour and Food Coach Tracie Daly to discuss the event.

Plans for Cork’s biggest ever wind farm have been denied by An Bord Pleanála following a local campaign against it with over 10,000 signatures.Kieran is in Cork and is joined by Neil Lucey, owner and manager of the Gauganne Barra Hotel and member of the campaign to discuss.

With summer and warmer days on the way, 1 in 4 people are heavily suffering from hay fever in Ireland. The Clinical Director of Allergy Ireland, Iseult Sheehan joins Anton to answer all of your allergy-related questions.

It’s National Bike Week, and we’ve heard different takes on cycling from The Grand Tour’s James May and Cyclist Nicholas Roache.Joining Anton to discuss the week and if bikes should have license plates is Martina Callanan from irishcyclingcampaign.ie and the Galway Cycling Campaign. 

Bike Week is a celebration and promotion of the benefits of cycling. It began on Saturday the 11th and is ongoing until Sunday the 19th of May – so you should already be pedalling!There are lots of exciting events happening throughout Ireland during the week. To talk more, Anton is joined by professional road bicycle racer and cyclist, Nicholas Roache.