The Hard Shoulder

There is a shortage of GPs across the country that is leading to patients having to wait weeks, in some cases, for application forms to be signed off by a doctor. GPs say this is purely due to the delays created by the demand on their services.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been examining this, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s says there is such widespread cocaine usage in Ireland, that it’s likely in Leinster house.Speaking in the Dáil, Labour TD Alan Kelly said that we need to change the narrative once and for all when it comes to drug usage in Ireland.Alan joins Kieran to discuss.

You’ve heard about some of the demands from celebrity riders, but what do these stars look for when they come to Ireland?Joining Kieran to discuss is Siobhan Byrne, CEO of Adam & Butler, who booked many holidays for A-listers; including Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift and Channing Tatum.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Kieran to compare different varieties of canned fish.

New research from the World Health Organisation has revealed that 1.8 billion adults are at risk of disease from not doing enough physical activity.That's one third of the world's population not reaching the baseline amount of exercise, which is 3 times a week...Joining Kieran to discuss is Physiotherapist and founder of Personal Health, Andrew Dunne and Founder of Beyond BMI, a medically-led obesity management pathway, Harriet Treacy. 

While it is arguably safer to ditch sunbathing in favour of fake tan, how do we begin to celebrate our paleness?Kieran is joined by Mairead O'Hagan Anderson, joint owner of Killybegs Seafood Shack and parent to discuss this. 

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses how patients in Ireland will soon be able to access their medical records online!

Aer Lingus have cancelled a whopping 270 flights so far affecting hundreds of customers...What should you do if you have had your plans affected by Aer Lingus?Joining Kieran to answer your questions is Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk and Consumer Journalist with the Irish Independent, Sinead Ryan.

Waterways Ireland is proposing to redesign parts of the Grand Canal bank in Dublin in an effort to prevent future encampments of asylum seekers.So, does the Grand Canal need a redesign?Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor and Kevin Byrne from the South Georgian Core Residents’ Association all join Kieran to discuss.

Apparently, Taylor Swift’s pre-show demands include mac and cheese and Red Bull! What are some other celebrity riders? And what would you put on yours?Newstalk’s own Henry McKean joined Kieran Cuddihy with celebrity demands, and thoughts from the public.

Zak Hania was trapped in the Gaza Strip for 7 months and returned to Dublin last month, previously giving his harrowing experiences of living in that warzone to The Hard Shoulder.Unfortunately, Zak’s life continues to be deeply changed by this war, as ten of his family members were killed overnight in Gaza.He joins Kieran to discuss.

Every week for Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, he’s not alone! Fionn as well as Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to talk about Las Vegas, Nevada.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to get the public’s reactions to the sad passing of GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh. They share their memories and fondness for the sporting legend…

From Drew Barrymore to Macaulay Culkin, child stars were never far from our screens. However, they haven’t gone away. With online platforms like Tiktok, it's easier than ever to become a child celebrity.But, what are the effects and impacts from being a part of that world? And do we need to be more careful about young people on social media?Dr Francis Rees, Doctor of Law, joined Kieran to discuss.

Former RTÉ journalist Tommie Gorman has sadly passed away at the age of 68.Joining Kieran to reflect on his passing is former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and former RTÉ journalist Sean O’Rourke.

Jack Chambers has been selected to take on the role of Minister for Finance, replacing Michael McGrath, who has been nominated by the Government as Ireland’s next European Commissioner.Harry McGee, Political Correspondent with the Irish Times, joins Kieran to discuss who Jack Chambers is for those who don’t know, and why he has been chosen.

Irish actress Eilish O’Carroll joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to place her favourite book on the Bookshelf!Favourite Book: The Kite Runner, Khaled HosseiniHonourable Mention: A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled HosseiniCurrently Reading: Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

The Irish sporting community was shocked the hear about the passing of legendary GAA commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.Joining Kieran to offer tribute and remember the man is Presenter Mary Kennedy, Sports Commentator Des Cahill, Diarmuid Lyng, former Wexford Captain and Off the Ball Presenter and Hector Ó hEochagáin, Irish television Presenter.

Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RTÉ, has launched a new year plan to take RTÉ into a new direction which includes increasing content spend, moving Fair City production off the RTÉ site and more.Kevin joins Kieran to discuss the plans.

A protest is to take place this evening outside the Dáil in solidarity with Natasha O'Brien and other survivors of gender-based violence.One of those attending is Meav McLoughlin-Doyle, whose ex-husband was jailed for six years in March for domestic abuse.Meav joins Kieran to discuss.If you feel impacted by the recent coverage, or are a victim of domestic violence - you can call the Women’s Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline, 1800 341 900.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Paul Kealy, Managing Director of Tony Kealys to discuss the importance of car seats for children, and how to secure them properly.

The UK General Elections are set to hit the polls next week on the 4th of July, but one set of elections that is going under the radar and might prove more impactful to Ireland are the elections in France.Who are the key players? And what does the outcome suggest for Ireland and the Eurozone?Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs, and Marie-Luce Paris, Director for the Human Rights Centre in UCD join Kieran to discuss.

As Taylor Swift and her army of Irish Swifties prepare for her upcoming Dublin shows starting this Friday, how is Taylor planning to travel? And what impact is the Eras Tour having on the environment?Kieran is joined by Miriam Gormally, climate advocate and sports coach with a particular interest in sports/event sustainability, to discuss. Image: Dassault Aviation

“Only in exceptional circumstances should former professional footballers be working as television pundits.”That’s the view of Declan Lynch, Sunday Independent Journalist, who joins Kieran to discuss.

There have been further reactions to Natasha O’Brien’s assaulter Cathal Crotty, member of the Irish Defence Forces walking free following a suspended sentence. She was attacked unprovoked in Limerick, which left her unconscious. Since the verdict, Limerick Pride have released a statement that says they do not welcome Defence Forces in their uniform at their parade.Joining Kieran to give their reactions to the case and discuss is Brian Merriman, Founder of the International Gay Theatre Festival and Cynthi Ní Mhuirchu, MEP for Ireland South.

Have you mastered the art of saying no? Is it something we get better at doing the older we get?Kieran is joined by Brenda Power, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Times and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with The Irish Independent to discuss. 

John Murphy, SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser and Bus Driver and SIPTU Spokesperson Suzanne Armstrong join Kieran to discuss public transport security after a passenger was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths on Dublin Bus, leaving the interior splattered with blood.

With new green initiatives like the Deposit Return Scheme supposedly improving how much litter you see in Dublin, Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to ask locals if they see Dublin as a dirty city.He joins Kieran Cuddihy to share what he found.

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…

For many who have seen him live, this man doesn't just sing songs, his shows are almost otherworldly experiences, as he tells stories in a very unique way.Ahead of his gigs this month at the Night & Day festival, Damien Dempsey joins Kieran in the studio.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to talk all things roast garlic!

As Take That prepares to kick off their Dulin show tonight in Malahide castle, Kieran is joined by super fan Ellen Kavanagh of Waxperts to get a sense of the excitement.She is a super fan that is no stranger to “ruling the world”, she has never missed a gig, and tonight will be no exception.  

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…

Earlier today Natasha O’Brien responded to the suspended sentence of her attacker, Cathal Crotty, on Lunchtime Live with Andrea Gilligan. Crotty attacked her unprovoked on O’Connell Street in Limerick, which left her unconscious.Joining Kieran to discuss the suspended sentence is Dara Robinson, Solicitor and Senior Council and Kathleen Chada, member of SAVE (Sentencing And Victim Equality Group).

As the leaving cert begins to wrap up, many students across the country plan to head off on their 6th year holiday, and with that comes much worry for parents.To discuss, Kieran is joined by broadcaster Claire Ronan, Dr Malie Coyne Clinical Psychologist and author and 6th year Caden Kinsella.

Dublin homeowners face higher local property tax bills under a new power sharing agreement expected to be ratified by Dublin city councillors today.Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Daithí Doolin, Sinn Féin Councillor for the Ballyfermot/Drimnagh Area.

It’s bring your dog to work day!But are the so-called “man's best friends” really friends to all? And should they be allowed in the workplace?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Newstalk's own Tara Duggan, Charlie Cullen, owner of Cullen & Co Jewelers and Buster the Cavapoo, family pet and Cullen & Co’s resident office dog. 

Shakyh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council has, of today, become an Irish citizen.He joins Kieran in the studio to celebrate, and discuss the process and how his bid for the European Elections went.

The much-discussed planning and development bill will not be enacted till after the Dáil’s summer recess.But, what exactly is the planning bill? Why was it conceived? And what issues is it looking to address?Roisin Murphy, Conservationist and Architect and Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates join Kieran to discuss.

Adrian Weckler in the Irish Independent gave 10 signs that you're old depending on how you interact with technology. These include using the crying-laughing emoji and keeping your phone on vibrate no matter what.So, are you a technology dinosaur? How many things apply to you?Joining Kieran to discuss is Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer for the Independent.

The Department of Agriculture has been accused of "failures" in relation to the treatment of horses that are being sent for slaughter at the country’s only licensed equine abattoir, which was the subject of an RTÉ Prime Time investigation last week.Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor was particularly critical following the revelation that the abattoir had received five welfare complaints since 2018.All this has brought renewed attention to whether the industry is in receipt of too much public funding.Joining Kieran to discuss is Aodhán Ó Riordáin , newly-elected Labour MEP for Dublin and Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry.   

Cara Darmody from Tipperary earlier this week decided enough was enough and began a protest outside Leinster House, which she promised to continue every week until her demands were met and Simon Harris agreed to meet her.The Taoiseach did agree and has since had a meeting with her. Cara, alongside her dad Mark Darmody, joined Kieran to discuss how it went.

According to Graham Linehan, the word ‘trans’ no longer has any definition.The comedy writer and Creator of Father Ted, was recently in Leinster House speaking on the subject of free speech, and the new hate speech law proposal.Graham joins Kieran to discuss his views.Image: @Glinner on X

What are your adult kids costing you if they are still living at home? The average adult costs about €4,575 per year.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan, journalist and author Suzanne Harrington and Robert Whelan, Managing Director at Rockwell Financial Planning Advisors.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joins Kieran to compare Rice Krispies, from name brand to generic versions.Image: Kellogg’s

The world is more complicated than ever, with issues all over social media to champion, but one interesting aspect is audiences wanting their influencers to weigh in on certain topics or political issues.Is this fair? And should we expect influencers to post their opinions online?Kieran is joined by Stefanie Preissner, writer and broadcaster and Stephen O'Leary, Founder at Olytico to discuss.

The latest stunt from Just Stop Oil happened today when they sprayed an orange substance on Stonehenge.Fiona Atkinson from Just Stop Oil joined Kieran to discuss why this happened.Image: Just Stop Oil

Newstalk’s newest presenter, Mamobo Ogoro,  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GORM. She joined Kieran on the Hard Shoulder to talk all about her new show ‘Younified’!This podcast aims to bridge cultural differences and highlight diverse voices by speaking to a range of people reflecting on the reality of living in Ireland today.You can listen to it on air every Sunday at 8pm, or you can listen to it now(!) as a podcast on the Newstalk app, powered by GoLoud.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses the concept of ‘Doomscrolling’ and how social media algorithms suck you in, using AR to map out furniture and a new documentary about Alex Jones.

A new report from the Department of Education has revealed almost a third of secondary school students feel unsafe in school... The report came with a number of recommendations on preventing and addressing bullying.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Chris Sherlock, Broadcaster and bullying victim, Sean Fallon and later by Minister for Education Norma Foley.