The Hard Shoulder

Green Party City Councillor and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Hazel Chu joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss some of her favourite books...

Denis Villeneuve, the director of the Dune 2 movies says young people want longer films    Speaking in The Times UK Villeneuve said "There is a trend. The youth love to watch long movies because if they pay, they want to see something substantial. They are craving meaningful content." Kieran was joined by John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime to discuss...

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD today welcomed the publication of the School Transport Scheme 2030 report.  It is the largest review of the School Transport Scheme since it was established in 1967.  There are a number of changes with this but the main concern for parents is getting a place on the bus. The change won't happen for the year 24/25 but it will eventually see the “nearest school” rule be abolished Kieran was joined by Caroline, a parent in Gowran, Kilkenny and Catherine Rossiter, Committee Member Sandymount Enable Ireland School Parents Association in Dublin...

The Government are looking to introduce more plain language editors across their departments.   These editors will be tasked in removing dense jargon from texts and making texts more comprehensible for 'Joe Soaps.'  Barry McLoughlin, Senior trainer and Head of Client Engagement with The Communications Clinic to discuss...

The deposit return scheme has been up and running now for four weeks, but how is the scheme fairing?Many people have been airing their frustrations on social media and small businesses have expressed their concerns about the costs being place on them to put the logo on their products.Kieran was joined by Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association and Sinead Ryan, Consumer expert, columnist with the Irish Independent and host of The Home Show on Newstalk...

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and David Hall, CEO of iCare Housing and CEO of Lifeline Services...

This is The Soapbox. Today, Kieran was joined by Rory Hearne, Associate Professor in Social Policy in the Department of Applied Social Studies in Maynooth University, Author of ‘Gaffs'...

Dr Suzanne Crowe, consultant in paediatric intensive care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital joined Kieran to talk about pain relief for children...

Farmers gathered outside Cork Airport earlier today to protest against the airports call to expand passenger numbers when they are being asked to reduce agricultural emissions. Pat OToole, political correspondent for the Irish Farmers Journal and IFA National Environmental Chair, John Murphy to discuss...

There are renewed calls for sunbeds to be banned. It comes as health experts are warning that rates of melanoma cancer have doubled in the past decade.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been looking into the tanning craze and has been speaking with clinicians about the health ramifications.

From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to Trump threatening to pull the US from NATO, is there an increased military threat in Europe? Is it time for an EU Army to be established?Kieran was joined by John O’Brennan, Professor in the Department of Sociology at Maynooth University and Director of the Maynooth Centre for European and Eurasian Studies, Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League,..

Have our cities gotten too grey and do we need to plant more greenery? Cities in Ontario and Belgium have done great work to depave and re-green their cities and Green Party Councillor, Dan Boyle has been calling to do the same in Cork.Kieran was joined by Cllr Dan Boyle and Katherine Rose, Communications & Engagement Coordinator for Depave in Portland, Oregon...

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with The Irish Daily Star to discuss...

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..

The crisis at RTÉ show no sign of abating following the resignation of the station’s chair Siún Ní Raghallaigh overnight. Ms Ní Raghallaigh quit following criticism from the Media Minister Catherine Martin on Prime Time last night over the disclosing of exit packages. The remaining board members are holding an emergency board meeting this evening. Kieran was joined by Willie O’Reilly, Media Analyst and Former Group Commercial Director of RTÉ and Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat about seeds...

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...

The much anticipated Ireland versus Wales 6 Nations match will be take place tomorrow.Kieran was joined by Former Rugby Union referee, Nigel Owens and Welsh singer, actor and former rugby player Ryland Teifi...

2 years ago today, Russia and Ukraine were on the brink of war. With Russia launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in the early hours of February 24th, 2022 With western support dwindling, Ukraine facing manpower strain, and a second term for Donald trump on the cards. What will the future of the conflict look like and what has its impact been?  Kieran was joined by Kira Rudyk, Ukrainian MP and Cormac Smith, Former Adviser to Ukraine's Foreign Minister from 2016 – 2018... 

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Ian Power, CEO of SpunOut and Wendy Grace, Broadcaster and Columnist.Kieran was also joined by Marie Sherlock, Labour Senator to discuss Labour Party's calls on Minister Catherine Martin to resign...

In this cost-of-living crisis, many of us are trying to save money anyway we can. What if your gym membership could qualify as a health expense when claiming tax back? Kieran was joined by Cllr Albert Dolan, Fianna Fáil Councillor Galway and Simon Murphy from Westside Gym to discuss...

As it is election year in the US, every Thursday here on the Hard Shoulder we are going to get the latest from the campaign trail. Kieran was joined by Jeff Kuhner, Host of The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston... 

Israel could potentially miss this year’s Eurovision Song Contest over a row on the country’s entry. The EBU, who organise the event are “scrutinising” the lyrics of Israel’s entry to this year’s competition amid allegations the song is politically motivated.  Kieran was joined by Tom Dunne Newstalk's Own and Adrian Kavanagh, Lecturer at the Maynooth University Department of Geography to discuss...

What is your favourite Irish accent or what accent do you think is the worst? Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has meeting with people from across the country to hear if they ever felt discriminated against due to their accents.

While mothers are traditionally viewed as the primary caregivers at home, in today’s day and age parenting is usually more evenly divided between both mum and dad. However, many mothers still feel they bear the brunt of both childcare and household chores.  Kieran was joined by June Shannon, Mum and Medical Journalist, Mary McCarthy, mum of four and columnist for the Irish Independent and Newstalk’s Henry McKean..  

The Director General of RTÉ Kevin Bakhurst joined Kieran Cuddihy in studio to discuss former members of the RTÉ executive receiving exit packages, the sale of land owned by RTÉ and RTÉ's appearances before a number of Oireachtas Committees...

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Becca Fisher, Journalist with DMG Media and Shane Hannon from Off The Ball...

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 new year. This week Simon and Kieran take a look at bottled water...

This is The Soapbox. Today, Kieran was joined by Alex Cooney, CEO of CyberSafeKids to discuss online safety for children...

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week Jess looked at the ongoing crackdown on dodgy boxes...

Should we extend voting rights in the upcoming referendum to the Irish overseas? Kieran was joined by Keith Mills, Political Commentator and Emma De Souza, Spokesperson & Vice chair of votingrights.ie  to discuss...

Covid-19 taught us just how much we need and crave human connection. Professor Brendan Kelly has authored a book about the tenacity of the human spirit in one of the most trying times we may see in our lifetime.  He joined Kieran on the show to discuss his new book 'Lessons from Sir William Wilde on Life After Covid'...

The Irish Government have agreed to spend up to €50M for the development of Casement Park in Belfast. Damien Duff has criticised the GAA ground receiving this handout for the sake of hosting the Euro 2028 games. Kieran was joined by Alan Cawley, Soccer Analyst and Former League of Ireland Player and Matthew O’Toole, SDLP MLA for South Belfast to discuss...Image: Casement Park

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Ian O’ Doherty, Columnist, Irish Independent and Shauna Bowers, Reporter, Irish Times to discuss...

This is The Soapbox. Today, Kieran was joined by Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent Columnist to discuss the failure and collapse of cost benefit analysis for large scale public projects...

Writer and broadcaster, Barbara Scully joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss some of her favourite books...

Protests are scheduled in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick for March 2nd to demand urgent reforms in Eating Disorder Services across Ireland Many who need to service find obstacle sin the way when trying to reieve help Kieran was joined by Ciara from Limerick and Lauren from Dublin who both suffer with an eating disorder and have met these obstacles in trying to access help and will be taking part in the protest...

Newstalk's Sean Reidy joined Kieran in studio to discuss what to do after dropping your iPhone in water...

Home of the Year, back for its tenth series, resumes tonight at 8:30pm. From renovated classics to architectural marvels, this series will be showcasing twenty-one remarkable homes located in various parts across the country.  Kieran was joined by Home of the Year judges, Hugh Wallace and Sara Cosgrove to discuss...Image: RTÉ

There are renewed calls for a dedicated transport police to be set up to protect staff and passengers.More than 80% of public transport workers who were surveyed say they have suffered abuse on the job.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been meeting with staff who have experienced anti-social behaviour on-board their services.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Jen Hogan, Columnist with The Irish Times and Newstalk Reporter Seán O'Regan to discuss...

What were the big moments from last night’s Baftas? A precursor to the Oscars in 3 weeks time. Henry McKean joined Kieran from London to discuss the moments that people are still talking about...

This is The Soapbox. Today, Kieran was joined by Maia Dunphy, Writer and Broadcaster to discuss her upcoming son's First Holy Communion...

From 2012 to 2021, over 1,000 children were hospitalised as a result of being bitten by a dog. Many children who experience dog bites are usually bitten by dogs in their own home, with children under the age of 5 years being the most at risk.   Kieran was joined by Dr Suzanne Crowe, consultant in paediatric intensive care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital to discuss what to do if your child is a victim of a dog bite...

Barbie and The Banshees of Inisherin are set  to be added the Leaving Cert Curriculum.  From 2026 students will be able to study the box office favourites, but is the curricula trying too hard to be relevant? 

The Love Island All Stars final will air tonight. The show has seen major characters return for another shot have love.But have many people tuned in over the last few weeks or is everyone got Love Island fatigue ? Kieran was joined by Audience editor of Independent.ie, Deirdre Molomby, Fashion Columnist with The Limerick Post, Jodie McCormack and journalist and Host of My Pod on Paper and Orlaith Condon. 

15 years after the first hearing began into the Metrolink project in Dublin, it has finally resumed today and will continue for some weeks.  TheMetroLink will seek to connect Swords to Dublin Airport and also the city centre  Kieran was joined by Brian Caufield, Professor of transportation at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin and Frank McDonald, Former Environment Editor with Irish Times...

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the day's news. Today, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Content editor Evoke and host of the Inspire podcast and John Lee, Executive Director, Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat about beetroot...

The GRA have voted not to invite commissioner Drew Harris to their annual conference. The relationship between Gardai and the commissioner has seemed to worsen over the last few months from disputes over rosters and a vote of no confidence. Anton was joined by Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent, Paul Williams and Former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan...