The Hard Shoulder

Simon Cowell, X-Factor creator and manager for many musical acts including One Direction and Westlife, is looking for a new boy band here in Ireland.He joins guest host Anton Savage to discuss why.If you think you could be in Simon’s next band, auditions are taking place on the 28th and 29th of July in Dublin. Check out simonneedsyou.com

Labour Leader Keir Starmer has suggested that if he is Prime Minister he’ll wrap up work on Friday at 6pm.How realistic is this and can a politician find a reasonable work/life balance?Pat Rabbitte, former Labour Leader, joins Anton to discuss.

Author of ‘Someone in the Attic’ Andrea Mara joined Anton Savage to put her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf this week!Favourite Book: Big Magic: How to Live a Creative Life, and Let Go of Your Fear by Elizabeth GilbertHonourable Mention: The Chimney Sweeper’s Boy by Ruth RendellCurrently Reading: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

Social Democrats Founders and former Leaders Róisín Shortall and Catherine Murphy have announced that they will step down at the next general election.They both join Anton Savage to discuss why.

Violent offenders must be rehabilitated if we are to end the scourge of violence against women, so wrote former Senator Máiría Cahill in the Sunday Independent.She joins Anton to discuss this viewpoint.

Waning housing demand may set the country on course for an oversupply problem in the coming years. That’s according to a new report published this morning by the ESRI.John McCartney is Director of Research at BNP Paribas Real Estate joined Anton Savage to discuss.

You might have heard on Newstalk Breakfast that Dublin has dropped in the Economist's annual Global Liveability ranking.How has living in Dublin become for some communities and do we need to ensure we have a safer Dublin?Two people who have had negative experiences: Ednan Hameed, taxi driver and Mustafa Aker, Turkish man living in Dublin join guest host Anton Savage to discuss.

Ronaldo has been criticised for crying after missing a penalty in the Euros last night. This got us thinking, are men allowed to openly show their emotions?Newstalk's Henry McKean was out asking about it, and joins Anton to share what he's heard.

Dublin City Council is due to discuss the city's transport plan during its full meeting later. This follows calls from Minister of State Emer Higgins for the plan to be postponed.Joining Anton Savage to discuss the viability of the plan, and its potential economic impact on Dublin is Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Keith Gavin, Chairman of Irish Parking Association.

Did you know that comedy is not recognised as an art in the Arts Act of 2003? That means comedians can’t get funding from the Arts Council. Comedian Ailish McCarty has been trying to amend this, and joins Anton to discuss.

Wimbledon kicked off today and has gotten off to a slightly underwhelming start according to guest Jenny Claffey, the former pro tennis player.She joins Anton to look at today’s key takeaways.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Anton is joined by Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Pediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital to discuss what we should pack when bringing our kids on holiday to keep them healthy.

Waste management services warn that the charges on green bins could be increased in response to financial losses due to the Deposit Return Scheme. According to the Irish Independent, these companies are worried that annual losses could amount to €15 million.  In response to this development, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South Central, Bríd Smith, has argued for the privatisation of waste management services to end, due to financial greed.She joins Anton to discuss.

“Our national parliament is now less powerful and less sovereign — which gives Irish voters less direct say over how we are governed.” So writes David Quinn in the Sunday Independent.He joins Anton, as well as Bobby McDonagh, Former Irish Ambassador to the UK & EU, to discuss.

From HBO, to Netflix specials and now tiktok and instagram reels - comedy has changed a lot in recent years.But are internet comedians and online funnymen making stand up worse or better?For international Joke day, Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden finds out.

Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail Emer Higgins said she will ask Dublin City Council to pause the upcoming transport plan that is due to come into effect next month because of concerns about the impact it could have on jobs and retail sales in the city.She joins Anton Savage to discuss.

The Vatican has enforced a strict dress code for employees in St. Peters Factory to cover visible tattoos and piercings...Should we still be asking employees to cover tattoos?Joining guest host Anton Savage is HR and Employment Law Expert from the HR Suite, Caroline Reidy, Owner of Wildcat tattoo studios, Dolores Murray and Chief Political Writer of Spiked Online, Brendan O'Neill.  

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

From a career that began at the age of sixteen alongside Serena Williams to his career peak at the US Open and Wimbledon in 2011, Limerick born Conor Niland, former professional tennis player joins Kieran to discuss his new book, 'The Racket', which delves into the world of elite tennis. 

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to showcase various ways to improve your food when cooking!

That’s right, Taylor Swift isn't the only superstar in town this weekend! Shania Twain is in Malahide Castle, The Saw Doctors are on in Fairview Park and on the other side of town, Longitude is taking place in Marley Park.Joining Kieran to run through all the events in the capital this weekend is Today FM’s Shelly Grey. 

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…

Apparently, one in 20 people have walked out on a meal at a restaurant without paying, and it seems on the rise according to a UK survey.Sarah is a waitress and apparently knows all about this. She joins Kieran, as well as Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland to discuss how much of a problem it is in Ireland.

Taylor Swift has landed in Dublin and her long awaited Eras tour will kick off in the Aviva this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.To discuss the buzz around the concerts, Kieran is joined by a panel of Taylor Swift super fans!Newstalk Producer Sean Reidy, Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn, Independent Columnist, Mary McCarthy and Mary’s daughter Alex all join!

US President Joe Biden has come under fire after an alarming performance against Donald Trump in their first election debate last night.Joining Kieran to dissect the display is Tim Malloy, Quinnipiac Polling Analyst and former NBC journalist, Bob Mulholland Democratic Party Strategist based in California.

Kieran’s guest has just about recovered from last year’s challenge for the Lust for Life mental health charity, but Niall Breslin, aka Bressie, is embarking on yet another gruelling challenge to raise even more money for the charity. “The Rising 2024” will see him really test his limits physically and mentally, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

Do you think you could be Ireland's next big influencer? According to a recent survey, 60% of Irish adults under the age of 35 want to be an influencer. So, what is the reality behind the glamour, the brand deals and the PR events?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Rob Kenny, influencer and Owner of Rob Kenny PR.

It's Pride Week this week, and celebrations are getting underway across the country!Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss why Pride still matters.   

Tonight, round one of the US presidential debates kicks off on CNN, with Donald Trump facing Joe Biden.What’s the play for the two hopefuls, what should you expect and what should you look out for?To give more information and to preview the debate, Kieran is joined by Jeff Kuhner, Host of The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston and Ed Flynn, Boston District 2 City Councillor... 

Do you eat chicken with your pasta and drink your cappuccino after midday?Well, if so, you are guilty of some of the common faux pas that annoy Italians!Kieran is joined by Luca De Marzio, owner of the Dublin-based Italian restaurant Rosa Madre to discuss some of those food crimes.

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.