The Hard Shoulder

Children’s Author and Limerick Native Darren Shan joins Kieran on The Bookshelf to discuss his favourite book.Favourite Book:  Secret Garden – by Frances Hodgson Burnett Honourable Mention: Salem’s Lot by Stephen King  Currently Reading: Illuminations by Alan More 

Criticism has been given towards Katie Taylor over her positive comments regarding Mike Tyson.  Katie said it was a dream to be fighting on the same card as Mike Tyson, which has sparked some discussion considering Tyson’s history of violence against Women.Bernie Linnane, Labour Party Councilor Candidate for Leitrim joins Kieran to discuss. 

There is an event tonight in Emmet Theatre, Trinity College Dublin to mark 76 years of Nakba, Gaza and the struggle for justice in Palestine with a number of speakers taking part.  Amongst them are Shawan Jabarin, General Director of the Palestinian human rights organisation Al-Haq and Lubnah Shomali, Advocacy Manager at BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights who join Kieran to discuss.

The deposit return scheme will be in full swing at the day and night festival this June to help and sustain our local environment.  Joining Kieran to discuss is Bob Coggins from the White Hag Brewery, who believes the Deposit Return Scheme is a perfect example of bureaucracy gone bad…

In the lead up to the Local and European elections, we're going to be out and about with candidates who have a unique background. To kick things off, Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie spoke with some candidates who were born outside of Ireland but now call this country home.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news.Today, Kieran was joined by Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail, and Broadcaster Meghann Scully.

The legendary Godfather of Punk Poetry John Cooper Clarke is to receive a gold medal today from Trinity College for his outstanding contribution to the arts.  He is set to kick off his “Get him while he’s alive” Irish tour tomorrow in Dublin and joins Kieran to chat.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital joined Jonathan to discuss whooping cough.

Over in the UK a government commissioned report has recommended that groups such as Palestine Action and Just Stop Oil get treated like terrorist groups.Joining Kieran to discuss is Just Stop Oil Supporter Harley Brewer.

GAA president Jarlath Burns has defended the use of GAA Go and said he was surprised at criticisms of the service coming from politicians, including Taoiseach Simon Harris. Cork won a thrilling contest against All Ireland Champions Limerick on Saturday night at a sellout SuperValu Páirc Uí Caoimh, but all three of Cork’s Hurling Championship games were broadcast on GAA Go. Diarmuid O’Sullivan, former Cork Hurler and Liam O'Neill, former GAA President join Kieran to discuss.

Reports have said that there are hundreds of children who are going to be left without places in special schools this September. It has been reported there are 161 applicants for just 52 places at just one school on Baggot Street. Joining Kieran is Neasa Sheahan, principal of Catherine McAuley National School in Dublin City, and Carol Wickham, who has not got a place for her daughter in a reading school this September.

Minister for health Stephen Donnelly made a promise to reform emergency departments around the country at the INMO conference last week, but is he capable of delivering his promises?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Former HSE Director General and columnist for the Sunday Independent, Tony O'Brien and Consultant in Emergency Medicine in Mayo, Dr Lisa Cunningham.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news.Today, Kieran was joined by Kevin Doyle, Group Head of News at Mediahuis and Wendy Grace, Broadcaster and Columnist.

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…

Newstalk Reporter, Henry McKean gives Kieran an update on an alleged violent incident between the Dutch delegate and a Eurovision staff member. He also chats with Irish hopeful, Bambie Thug ahead of the next rehearsal.

This week 20 years ago the 2004 championship got under way to a scandalous start with a new theme tune for the Sunday Game. Joining Kieran to look back on this story is Glen Killane - Executive Director of Eurovision Sport and former head of sport at RTÉ, Cyril Farrell - Former Galway manager, and Former Sunday Game Pundit, Gillian Horan.

Mick McCarthy from Off the Ball joins Kieran for an overview of sport this weekend.

Baby Reindeer has been on the forefront of everyone's mind the last few weeks, but what effect do shows like this have on victims? Kieran was joined now by Activist and co-founder of Stalking Ireland, Eve McDowell and Forensic Psychologist at Adult Education UCC, Dr Ciara Staunton

Kieran goes through some of the biggest stories of the day with Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist and Sarah Jayne Tobin, Content Editor at Evoke and Inspire podcast.

Ahead of Bruce Springsteen's tour kick-off in Kilkenny, Kieran is joined by Michael Bossone Organiser of fans for Springsteen Concerts, and Anthony Morrison Owner of Christy’s Bar and Chair of VFI Kilkenny

Kieran is joined in studio by Sarina Bellissimo, Presenter of The Bellissimo Files Podcast, and Newstalk’s own Sue Murphy who have come armed with all the latest TV and Movie recommendations. This week they discuss ‘Bodkin’ and ‘Much Ado About Dying’.

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has announced a new Dublin Taskforce to propose recommendations for improving safety in Dublin's city centre. But will this initiative lead to genuine change? James Geoghegan, Fine Gael Councillor for Dublin, and Darragh Moriarty, Labour Councillor for Dublin, join Kieran to discuss the task force's potential impact.

In this week's Thursday interview, Kieran sits down with Josepha Madigan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, who has recently decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming general election after a decade in politics. Josepha shares her experiences, the reasons behind her decision, and her future plans.

As momentum builds for the Eurovision 2024 final in Malmö, Ireland’s Bambie Thug aims for an 8th victory, security is ramped up ahead of Israel’s semi-final performance, and rumors swirl that Sweden's ABBA will return to mark 50 years since winning Waterloo. In the midst of the frenzy, Eurovision legend Marty Whelan celebrates 25 years as an RTE commentator. He sat down with our reporter Henry McKean for an exclusive interview.

Kieran was joined by Owen Jones, Journalist, Author, and Host of The Owen Jones Podcast, to discuss the protests happening in response to the situation in Palestine.

Kieran was joined by Michael Moynihan, Columnist for the Irish Examiner, and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer at the Independent, to discuss whether we've forgotten how to behave in public. Moynihan argues that "etiquette has been thrown under the bus" and "we're all post-shame."

Kieran was joined by Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment & Communications, TD for Dublin Bay South, and Green Party Leader. They discussed the Dublin Port Company's decision to abandon plans for a multistorey shipping container terminal opposite Sandymount Strand, which Minister Ryan opposed. He shared his thoughts on whether this aligns with the progress he envisions for the site.

Kieran goes through some of the biggest stories of the day with Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at The Communications Clinic and columnist with The Sunday Independent, and Ciara O’Loughlin, News Reporter with Irish Daily Mirror.

Today is the 79th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, after Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies in World War II. There are very few veterans left to give first hand testimonies but Newstalk reporter James Wilson tracked down the Irish 104-year-old Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway who fought in the Battle of Britain. Group Captain Hemingway is the last surviving WWII RAF fighter pilot.James joined Kieran to share all that he learned from Group Captain Hemingway and his role during the war.

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. The series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options. This week Simon brought a selection of crisps… 

The cost of First Communions are more expensive not only because of the cost of living crisis but because of celebratory additions to make the day extra special.But where should corners be cut to keep the cost down? The clothes, the food or the venue?Kieran is joined by Edelle Mellet, Co-Owner Darcy Bow and Siobhan O’Neill White, From Mams.ie to discuss.Image credit: rollingnews.ie

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess gives an update on the UK Cyber-attack. She also gives a recommendation for BorrowBox, a free digital local library app. 

A research team from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI found that long-term vape users are almost certain to develop cancer. John Crown, Consultant Oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital, joined Kieran to share why he thinks cigarettes and vapes should not be available for purchase. 

Over a hundred recommended changes are made for the broadcaster in the upcoming report of governance and culture to be published tomorrow.Kieran speaks to Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland to discuss what can be expected and what changes are hoped to come from the report. Image credit: rollingnews.ie

Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug qualified for the Saturday live finals last night. The Cork singer is the first Irish entry since 2018 to qualify.But what were we doing wrong for six years? Was Ireland too busy reliving the glory days?Kieran is joined by Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times, and Breda Raggett, Former member of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association to discuss how much the Eurovision has changed.Image credit: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Hate crime figures are on the rise with a 12% increase of reports this year.The most commonly recorded hate crimes are anti-race, anti-nationality and anti sexual orientation.But what protections are in place to deter these crimes from happening?Kieran is joined by Padraig Rice Policy and Research Manager at LGBT Ireland and Leon Diop, Founder of Black and Irish to discuss.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news.Today, Kieran was joined by Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler and Chief Sports Writer Irish Daily Star Kieran Cunningham Image credit: rollingnews.ie

Limerick is preparing for its first mayoral election for the county with polls opening on June 7th. Hosting from The Strand Hotel in Limerick, Kieran speaks to some of the hopeful candidates ahead of the election. 

Street artists from around the world are flocking to Limerick City to take part in the Draw Out project which brings derelict buildings to life with a splash of paint. Kieran went out and about with Catherine O’Halloran from Draw Out Limerick to learn more.  

Grass fed verified beef sets the standard for top quality meat in Ireland. But is it true that our cows only eat grass?Kieran is joined by farmer and journalist Hannah Quinn Mulligan to learn more.

Live from Malmö, Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean speaks with Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug ahead of their performance on the Swedish stage.Henry shares with Kieran all the emotions that the artist is feeling about competing, representing the non-binary community and Johnny Logan. Image credit: Image credit: Corinne Cumming/EBU

The Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, is to bring in new regulations to ban the use of electric dog collars. Electric fences will not be included in the ban and pet owners who already use remote controlled electric collars will not be required to remove them. Kieran is joined by City Vet in Limerick Donal Ryan to learn more about shock collars.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Nigel Dugdale, News Reporter at Live95, and Broadcaster Meghann Scully. Image credit: Rollingnews.ie

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…

A new study has found that beer is more enjoyable when served cold. That might seem obvious to you, but not everywhere serves it that way. The report also says that we should be chilling red wines and warming whites a bit more...so what is the correct way? Joining Kieran to give their expert guidance is Dean McGuinness, MD of Premier International Beer, and Brigid O’Hora, from @brideys_wine_chats on instagram.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat about Tex-Mex! Not so much the authenticity, but the benefits you can get with the cuisine.

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…

An Taoiseach Simon Harris says people's families and homes should be out of bounds after protesters held up placards right outside his house last night. 16 protesters held signs which said 'South Dublin Says No Close The Borders'. Even though it was in Wicklow…To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Henry McKean.

Kieran is joined by Trisha Lewis (@trishas.transformation on Instagram) to talk about her own weightloss journey as well as what the ‘Wellfest’ event is all about.Image: wellfest.ie

Dating app, Bumble, made some changes this week which means women no longer have to make the first move! But are Gen Z engaging with dating apps the way they used to? Joining Kieran to discuss is Newstalk’s own Sheila Naughton...