The Hard Shoulder

You might have heard yesterday that Labour MEP Aodhain O’Riordain wants the Irish Labour party to lead the push for reversing Brexit.Stanley Johnson, Author, former MEP  and Environmental Campaigner is not opposed to this idea, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Loneliness is becoming a bit of a theme on the show this week. Listener John spoke about his personal story, and then yesterday a potential Ministry of Loneliness with Senator Pauline O’Reilly was discussed.Today, Kieran is joined by former Mayo footballer David Brady, who gave his number out during the pandemic to anyone who felt lonely and needed a chat.

One of the biggest topics this week is the negative reaction to Irish Rail’s new timetable. Kieran’s guest believes that nothing about public transport will change unless we complain more about it!Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate Activist and Researcher joins the show.

It’s less than a week until Budget 2025 and various interest groups have been on the show to discuss what they would like to see from this year's plan.For more on this, Kieran is joined by National Spokesperson for SPARK, Louise Bayliss and General Secretary at TUI, Michael Gillespe.

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 options for the basis of burritos and the like: wraps!

Israel's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, has informed troops to prepare for a ground invasion of Lebanon following days of airstrikes on the country.Joining Kieran to discuss what this could mean in the future is Independent Senator Tom Clonan, Security Analyst and retired Army Officer as well as Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East Correspondent for The Economist.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the positives and negatives behind smart home devices.

Now, Frances Ford Copolas. Megalopolis seems to be getting a lot of attention, but not for all the right reasons. Joining Kieran to talk through how this $120 million self-funded film came about is Film Critic, Brian Lloyd.Image: Lionsgate

With Budget 2025 almost here, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has returned with another Kidstalk to get the thoughts of the youth on what they would like to see! He went to Bunscoil Chríost Rí in Turners Cross, Cork, and sent in this report.

Today in the Oireachtas Committee on Health, politicians have heard claims that the contractors behind the new National Children's Hospital are holding the hospital hostage for more money.The Hospital Development Board is accusing BAM of unacceptable delays and says it couldn't give assurances for the new June 2025 completion date.Not one single room in the new hospital is up to standard yet, an Oireachtas Health Committee has heard.Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall says an unhelpful standoff has emerged. She joins Kieran to discuss.

A lot of people have been in touch with the show since yesterday, when Kieran spoke to John, a listener, about his experience of the male friendship recession.What can we do on a societal level to tackle the problem of loneliness? Do we need a new Minister to address the problem?That’s the call from Pauline O’Reilly, Green Party Senator, who joins Kieran, as well as Seema Kennedy, Former Conservative MP and Former Co-Chair of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness, to discuss.

Aodhan O’Riordain has caused quite a stir after calling for the Irish Labour Party to play a role in reversing the British exit from the European Union.Aodhan joins Kieran as well as Sammy Wilson, DUP Brexit Spokesperson, to discuss.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) went in front of the Finance Committee earlier this afternoon to answer questions on the infamous €335k bike shed! Joining Kieran to discuss is Peadar Toibin, Leader of the Aontu Party and a member of the Finance Committee.

For the release of Irish author Sally Rooney’s fourth book ‘Intermezzo’, Newstalk’s own Ciara Treacy went to Books Upstairs to meet Sally Rooney fans for a special launch event.

Aid Agencies have made calls for public support amidst continued conflict in Gaza, and now Lebanon.CEO of Trócaire, Caoimhe De Barra, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Max Slaughter/ Medical Aid for Palestinians

You may have seen articles about atheists attending Church and finding it beneficial for their health, but what is behind this?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fr. Iggy O’Donovan, Member of the Augustinian Order, Stephen J Costello, Philosopher and Founder and Director of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Ireland and Chris Hynes, Teaching Officer with Atheist Ireland.

As soon as you step into any shop, you’re bombarded with appealing-looking fizzy drinks in the fridge, but how bad are they for you?Joining Kieran is Hazel Windsor-Aubrey, Registered Dietician with the Orla Walsh Nutrition Centre, to talk about all the health risks associated with fizzy drinks.

Chef and owner of L'Ecrivain restaurant, Derry Clarke joined Kieran Cuddihy to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

An Irish family is currently stuck in Lebanon after Israel launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets yesterday.Munir Zabad, his daughter Ghadir, his wife Ghada and their son Hassan from Kilkenny are currently looking for safety outside of Beirut.Munir and Ghadir both join Kieran to discuss their situation.

“Homelessness numbers are heavily impacted by the fact we are seeing many people seek protection in our country”.That’s the comment from Taoiseach Simon Harris which has sparked much controversy in recent days. But, what are the facts behind the rhetoric?Kieran is joined by Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times and John Lannon, CEO of Doras, to discuss.

Yesterday on the show the new Irish Rail train timetable was discussed, and how it’s been an issue for commuters. The changes were made to accommodate the hourly Dublin to Belfast train.Today, Newstalk’s Henry McKean was sent out in rush hour to see how it was for passengers. Henry started his journey in Skerries and ended in the new train hub, Grand Canal Dock.

This month, Fair City celebrates a huge milestone: 35 years of gripping drama in Carrigstown! Since its first episode aired back in 1989, this iconic Irish soap has become a television institution, with over 5,000 episodes under its belt. Joining Kieran to look back on some of their favourite memories from their time on the show are former Fair City Actors, Killian O’Sullivan and Claudia Carroll.Image: RTÉ

According to a new study, men are facing a “male friendship recession”, leading to an increase in male loneliness.How did we get here, and what are the effects of said recession?Kieran discusses with John, a man experiencing this loneliness and Diarmuid Lyng, Hurler and Wild Irish Retreater.If you are struggling with loneliness, don't hesitate to reach out. The Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline - 116 123, or you can email them at [email protected].

The American political drama series The West Wing recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!Joining Kieran to look back on the show is one half of the power couple that was the staffers Ed and Larry: William Duffy.

Have you ever felt stuck or paralyzed in your daily tasks, or that you’re simply just going through the motions? You might be experiencing what's called a 'functional freeze': it’s a mental and emotional state where stress or burnout leaves you frozen and unmotivated, though you still appear outwardly functional.To explain more, Kieran is joined by Claire O'Connor, Broadcaster and Life Coach.

Now, with the Budget coming Tuesday week, some organisations are starting to call for different policies to best help them and their sector. One of those organisations is ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.Their CEO, Neil McDonnell, joins Kieran to talk through what they’re asking for.

RTÉ has announced that Ireland will take part in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025. RTÉ wants to hear from artists, performers and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment. Henry McKean is in the RTÉ canteen for the announcement, and joins Kieran to give the latest.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Tom Coleman. Health Scientist and Sleep Expert to discuss what to do when your kids are having trouble sleeping.

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed she is not moving ahead with plans to introduce new hate speech laws saying that it will be dealt with at a later stage as “the incitement to hatred element does not have a consensus”.Minister McEntee has said she is “...adamant that hate crime legislation will be enacted".Was she right to delay it? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Alan Shatter, former Minister for Justice and Ronan Mullen, Independent NUI Senator.

The Budget is just a week away and it seems like the government is positioned to make this a big budget giveaway.But, what is being asked of the government in Budget 2025?Two people who are calling on the government to address their issues are Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Pat Crotty, CEO of the Vintners Federation. They join Kieran to discuss.

Brenda Power on Newstalk Breakfast suggested that Ireland’s new surrogacy law is legalising the sale of children.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Surrogacy Solicitor Annette Hickey and Amy, the mother of a surrogate child.

Delays and overcrowding remain commonplace for commuters after Irish Rail timetable changes were implemented earlier this month.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Mark Gleeson from Rail Users Ireland, Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice and Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off The Balls’s Shane Hannon and Newstalk Producer Dee King to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Charity Liquid Therapy is introducing surfing to people who have mobility challenges and complex needs through inclusive and adaptive programmes.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has travelled to Rossnowlagh Beach to hear all about it, and brings us this report…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at how you can make the most out of a roast chicken!

The investigation into the death of Aoife Johnston in UHL in 2022 has revealed that the death of the 16 year old could have been avoided...Joining Kieran to discuss is Health Correspondent for The Irish Times, Shauna Bowers.

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a 9% increase in taxi fares, and this increase is set to take place from the 1st of December.Newstalk’s Henry McKean asked the people of Athlone if taxis are too expensive, and joining Kieran to discuss is Jim Waldron from the National Private Hire and Taxi Association and Aisling Dunne, Bolt's Head of Public Policy for Ireland.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the rapper and entrepreneur formerly known as Puff Daddy has been placed on suicide watch at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he’s currently being held without bail. This follows his arrest on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and other serious allegations.For the latest on this, Kieran is joined by New York Based Journalist, Harriet Alexander.

There have been complaints from Limerick residents about mistranslated Irish language signs...Why have we let our standard of irish slip so badly, and how can we incorporate a few more words into our everyday life?Joining Kieran to discuss is Today FM Presenter and co host of the how to Gael podcast, Louise Cantillon as well as Mícheál Ó Nualláin, Director of Bhaile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge.

According to a new survey by Currys, more and more parents doubt their kids can operate the cooker or a washing machine, so are sending their kids off to college with high tech devices like an air fryer.Do we need to do more to teach these basic skills such as cooking and cleaning, and how do we get it across to our children?Newstalk’s Henry McKean went to ask the youth of Athlone about their ability to use appliances, and Kieran was joined by JP McMahon, Galway Chef and Restaurateur and Michelle Harding, Founder of School of Life, to discuss.

In preparation for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, Catherine Fulvio is offering her cooking class for TY students who organise one, on top of cash prizes for the school.Catherine joins Kieran to discuss more.

The government has suggested that asylum seekers who are working could have to contribute up to 238 euros toward their state accommodation and services.Is this reasonable and fair to ask of Asylum Seekers coming to Ireland?Kieran is joined by Fergus Finlay, Columnist for the Irish Examiner, to discuss.

It has been 40 years this year since the debut studio album ‘Red Roses for Me’ by the Pogues was released.And for this week’s Thursday Interview, Kieran is joined by Pogues Co-Founder Spider Stacy.

An anti-immigration protest took place today, beginning on O’Connell Street and ending in front of Leinster House.To discuss what happened, Kieran is joined by Louise Burne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Mirror.Image: @louiseburne_ on X

You’ve seen the shocking attacks via pagers in Lebanon over the last few days, but there’s no sign that this bloodshed is going to stop. That’s according to professor Amnon Aran, professor of Middle Eastern Politics at City St. George’s University London. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said that he believes that the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury and later doubled down on his comments when asked to defend them. He spoke about it on Newstalk Breakfast earlier this week.Joining Kieran to respond to those comments is Sophie’s son, Pierre-Louis Baudey Vignaud.

The European Union is urging member countries to ban smoking and vaping in outdoor spaces like playgrounds, bus stops, and café terraces as part of its 'Beating Cancer Plan. The aim is to protect citizens from second-hand smoke.However, Irish Minister Jack Chambers has expressed doubts, saying he's 'not sure how workable' the proposal is.Joining Kieran to discuss is John Crowne, Professor and Consultant Medical Oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital Group and Dr Garrett McGovern, Medical Director of Priority Medical Clinic and GP specialising in Addiction.

Managing the politics, guest list, activities, and goodie bags of your kids’ birthdays can be hectic – and that’s barely scratching the surface of how crazy things can get!Joining Kieran to share their experiences and how best to manage the stress is Host of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy and Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly.

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 options to find the best cookie!