The Hard Shoulder

After a meal with friends, how do you settle the bill? Writing in today's Irish Independent, Tanya Sweeney admits having a standoff with her friend over paying a €30 coffee bill and blood was drawn. Why can't we let the other person pay? Is it an Irish thing? Newstalk’s Henry McKean reports from Naas to find out.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to show off different crab dishes!

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…

Russell Crowe's INDOOR GARDEN PARTY featuring his band The Gentlemen Barbers & Lorraine O’Reilly will be playing the The Gaiety Theatre, in Dublin on July 1st.Russell Crowe joined Kieran to discuss everything from cycling, the tour, and his thoughts on Gladiator.

It has been a year since Ireland lost Christy Dignam, the frontman of Aslan.To mark this anniversary and help remember the great man, Kiera Dignam, singer and daughter of Christy, joined Kieran…

Local and EU election counting recently came to a close, but what will these elections mean for the upcoming general election?To discuss, and give his main five takeaways, Kieran is joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Reporter.

This Sunday is Father's Day! That’s a gentle reminder to everyone out there who forgot to pick up a card!Kieran is joined by comedians Steve Cummins and Joe McGuckin to discuss what Father's Day means to them, and the highs and lows of fatherhood.

The Euros kick off this weekend, and football fans all over will be glued to matches over the next few weeks - but how can you deal with a football mad partner?Joining Kieran to discuss is Darren Cleary, Managing Editor of Go Loud and Celebrity Stylist and Journalist, Laura MulletImage: AP

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 Cuddihy to discuss what’s going to happen to Hunter Biden following his illegal gun possession trial, and how Merrick Garland was held in contempt.Image: AP

Cllr Tom McDonnell told Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live that working Irish women should be incentivised to "breed more". Tax breaks and free childcare are some of the incentives Cllr McDonnell believes would encourage women to have more children.Reporter Sarah Madden got reaction from Dubliner's to the councillor's statements, and Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Wendy Grace, Broadcaster and Columnist, to discuss.

A report launched by Families for Reform of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) will look at how families are affected when trying to avail of these mental health services.Joining Kieran to speak about these findings is Hannah Ní Ghiolla Mhairtín, spokesperson for Families for Reform of CAMHS and parent Grainne Morrison.

Many comedians will come together this Friday for a special audience with the Pope. Joining them will be Tommy Tiernan, Ardal O’ Hanlon and Patrick Kielty but why have comedians suddenly decided to make a link with an organisation they previously satirised?Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s own Simon Tierney to discuss.

The CEO of Centre Parcs Colin McKinley was on Business Breakfast defending the difference in prices between Ireland and the UK for the park.A trip to Center Parcs in mid-July might set you back 1000 euros more than its UK Counterpart…Joining Kieran to discuss is TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach, Aisling Larkin and Laura Erskine, Parenting Expert.

Another medal was won for Ireland as the women’s 4x400m relay team took home silver. In total, Ireland took home four medals, the most of any other showing.Joining Kieran to discuss the success are Irish athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan and Phil Healy, the recent Irish athletics silver medalist!

You’ve heard of Clarkson’s Farm, but what about Yellow Belly Farm?  Kieran’s guest, Conor McCauley left a life in tech to set up an organic farm in Midleton. He joins to discuss his experience so far.

The Hard Shoulder is live from Castlemartyr hotel for Newstalk’s Summer Tour - and they offer something hard to find elsewhere in the country - a 2 Michelin star restaurant! Kieran visits Terre to learn all about their operation, and how they’ve been so successful.

East Cork has plenty to offer when it comes to places to visit, stay and eat. You have resources like the Midleton Distillery, Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh and Spike Island.What makes East Cork so special? And what can we do to showcase it more and is East Cork overlooked compared to the West?Joining Kieran to discuss are Michelle Russell, Marketing manager of Spike Island Tours, David Byrne Director of Midleton Campus and Lynda McSweeney, Head of Education at Fota Wildlife Park. 

Kieran Cuddihy is in the lovely gardens of the Castlemartyr resort and joined by Garden Designer, Peter Dowdall.Peter discusses the garden, and how you can make your own as perfect as possible for the summer!

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses how Elon Musk is adding a feature to hide public likes on Twitter / X for paying users.Jess also gives her tech tip and recommendation for the week!

Ireland's largest art and sculpture exhibition, Gormley's Art + Soul has returned to the Castlemartyr for its second consecutive year.  Host to pieces from Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst and Salvador Dali to name a few!To discuss, Kieran is joined by Oliver and James Gormley, owner of one of Ireland's leading contemporary galleries, Gormley’s Gallery, located in Dublin and Belfast. 

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has once again called for the government to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport.The airline's CEO had this advice for the government speaking at the Oireachtas Transport Committee this afternoon.Should it be increased?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ulick McEvaddy, Aviation entrepreneur and businessman and local resident Niamh Maher.

Kieran Cuddihy has escaped the makeshift Hard Shoulder studio in the Castlemartyr hotel for a quick visit to Ballycotton. He speaks with locals about the area, and specifically those working in the fishing industry.

Sinead Ryan, presenter of Newstalk’s ‘The Home Show’, has suggested that cooking classes should be mandatory. So, should cooking classes be made compulsory in schools?  Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Darina Allen, author and founder of Ballymaloe cooking school, who is on a mission to get cookery on the Irish curriculum for everyone.  

The Hard Shoulder is live from the Castlemartyr hotel in Cork, and it would be wrong not to mention some of the stories that the people of the Rebel County are chatting about.Joining Kieran to talk about all things Cork are Michael Moynihan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and KC, from RedFM and Today FM.

The funeral of limerick woman Nicole Morey, who was tragically killed in a dog attack, has taken place.Her death has reignited conversation on how to prevent such attacks and how to manage dangerous dog breeds.Joining Kieran to discuss a bill being put forward in the Seanad that would aim to do just that is Erin McGreehan, Fianna Fáil Senator.

Monster Energy, Red Bull, Prime; the popularity of energy drinks is undeniable, but what health impacts do they have - especially on young people? Should they be banned?Donal O’Shea, the HSE Lead for Obesity, joins Kieran to discuss.

Best selling author known for the ‘Artemis Fowl’ series Eoin Colfer joins Kieran to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder bookshelf!Favourite Book: The Book of conquests by Jim FitzpatrickHonourable Mentions: A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, but the edition with PJ lynch illustrations & Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle.Currently Reading: Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity.  

John Moran is officially Limerick’s first ever directly elected Mayor.He joins Kieran to discuss the win and his next steps.

The government is expected to accept a proposal to join an EU military initiative, which will see Ireland work with other EU nations to help protect our seabed infrastructure against sabotage.What does this mean, and does this potentially edge us closer towards dropping our neutrality?Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League and Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator, join Kieran to discuss.

Professional golfer and three time major winner Pádraig Harrington has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame!He joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the achievement.

The world of athletics is focused on Rome for the European Championships and the Irish athletes are leaving their mark.21-year-old Rhasidat Adeleke claimed silver last night in the women’s 400 metres and the Irish team will be in the relay final tomorrow.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been to Tallaght Athletics Club where Rhasidat began her athletic career:

While their numbers were small in the end, there was some far right candidates who made the cut in the elections and will now have a place in local government.Who are they, what do they plan to do with their seats?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Conor Gallagher, Irish Times Crime and Security Correspondent.

This week is Men's Mental Health Week, highlighting the importance of mental health for men, which can be completely overlooked.Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin Sheahan and Cameron Hill from Off the Ball, and Dr Brian Higgins, Galway based GP. 

Dublin-based friendship group Sunshine Sessions were set up by friends Mila Gratzaer and KK Lewis, who felt disconnected after leaving college. With so many social events seemingly involving alcohol, these events offer a sober option to make friends.Mila joins Kieran to discuss.

There were many opinion polls done on this year's local and EU elections, but how accurate are these polls?Micheal Martin spoke to Andrea Gilligan on Saturday, and threw some doubt onto their accuracy.To discuss, Kieran is joined by John Lee, Executive Editor of the Daily Mail Group Ireland and Stefan Muller, Assistant Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD.

Sinn Féin are set to have fewer elected councillors than they did in the previous election in 2019, and the EU race doesn't look much better. So, why is this the case? Why has their vote bottomed out? Newstalk's Henry McKean has been visiting different parts of Dublin to ask voters for their thoughts, including locals on Meath Street in Dublin 8.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists to discuss acne, as June is Acne Awareness Month.

Ireland won big at the European Athletics Championships over the weekend.   Will we get another medal tonight? Joining Kieran to discuss is World Athletics Legend, Eamonn Coghlan.

With the local elections almost complete and signs showing for the EU elections, what can we expect when all is said and done?Joining Kieran to discuss the future of the Irish political landscape are Ireland Editor at the Irish Independent, Fionnán Sheahan, Fianna Fáil MEP for Dublin Barry Andrews and Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin’s Housing Spokesperson.

Apple is preparing for the biggest developer conference in years as they are set to reveal their latest developments in AI.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Ciara O’Brien, Tech Correspondent for the Irish Times, who is in Silicon Valley for the conference.

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

Kieran is joined by award winning author Kevin Barry, to discuss the highly anticipated new release, ‘The Heart in Winter’, a novel inspired by a trip to Butte, Montana 25 years ago… 

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…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to discuss the different things you can make with strawberries!

Leaving Cert students are set to sit Irish Paper 1 on Monday, however, they’re not the only ones who have an Irish exam coming up...David has travelled to Galway from Minnesota and Rusty is an American living in Galway who will both be sitting an Irish exam tomorrow morning. They join Kieran to discuss why.

Today could mark the start of a golden summer for Irish Athletics as the European Championships get underway in Rome. Rhasidat Adeleke will spearhead Irish hopes in a pivotal championship run with the Paris Olympics just around the corner… Sonia O’Sullivan is Olympic Silver Medalist, World Gold Medalist and 3 time European Gold Medalist, she joins Kieran to discuss.

What makes the perfect TV theme tune? One that sticks in your mind long after it airs? Well, Kieran Cuddihy spoke to the composer behind BBC News, Grand Designs and many more, David Lowe, to find out!Image: Channel 4

The RSA has said that they want to increase the price of the Driving Test and the NCT in an attempt to increase their funding.Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporters Sheila Naughton and Emily Keegan to discuss.

Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins Kieran Cuddihy to celebrate Aldi being in business in Ireland for 25 years! They discuss the impact of the supermarket giant, as well as the weird and wonderful things you can find in the middle aisle. Henry visited Aldi in Rathmines to talk to customers and employees alike about the business.

It is 85 years since the Day landings took place in Normandy in 1944, but what involvement did the Irish have in this historic invasion?Joining Kieran to discuss is Author, Journalist and Broadcaster, Kevin Myers.