The Hard Shoulder

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... 

Trinity students have been fined €214,000 over recent protests. The students, who did so in retaliation to increased programme costs, have been fined as Trinity says the disruptive protests held outside the Book of Kells results in a loss of income for them.Gary Gannon, Social Democrats Education Spokesperson, believes this is an attempt by TCD to “suppress” student protests. He joins Kieran to discuss this, as well as the recent protests occuring outside politicians' homes.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news.Today, Kieran was joined by Ian Power,CEO of SpunOut and Sinead Ryan, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent and the Presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk. Image: Alma Bengtsson / EBU

It's one of the world's fastest growing sports - with investors like Bill Gates and fans like Taylor Swift.But just what is pickleball and who are the growing community of Irish "picklers"?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports

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 to discuss US politics and to chat about the multitude of arrests made at Pro-Palestine college protests.Image: Wisconsin State Journal

The skies of Laois have been closed for air traffic - but why? There is a rocket launch competition happening in Emo Court! Students are taking part in this regional competition to build and launch CanSat's.Kieran is joined by Danielle Willcock, Telescope Operator from Blackrock Castle Observatory and finalist Justin Jahima to learn more.

A new survey from the University of Galway finds that while teenagers are more physically healthy (with less alcohol and tobacco usage), their mental health has gone down.We wanted to speak to the people that this survey represents and hear from them what it’s like being a teenager today.  Kieran is joined by Richard Hogan, Family Psychologist and Columnist with The Irish Examiner to discuss and also speaks with Luke, Aoibhinn, Lenus and Ciara, who are all transition year students.

Summer is here! You might be thinking about doing up the house: a sky light in the kitchen or a gate in your garden... but what do we need planning permission for?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Managing Director for planning from CWPA in Swords and former Irish Planning Institute President, Joe Corr.

Now, an unannounced inspection conducted by HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) found that UHL (University Hospital Limerick) is not “fully managing” the risk to its patients in the hospital amidst overcrowding. Melanie Cleary knows this situation well, when her daughter needed to attend the hospital after a fall. She died only hours after UHL discharged her.  Melanie joins Kieran to discuss.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news.Today, Kieran was joined by Shane Hannon, Presenter from Off The Ball and Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times.

Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran after going to Poland with Iarnród Éireann to check out their new fleet of electrified trains.They discuss what we expect to see from the Dart+ Programme.

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 milk alternatives.

An EU Ban on smoky flavourings could see us lose out on some of our much-loved foods and brands in ham, bacon and crisps. This ban could also have an economic impact on our food sector.  Jack Power, European Correspondent with Irish Times joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Tayto

This is The Soapbox. Today, Kieran was joined by Shane Ross, former Minister of Transport, to discuss road deaths.

Concerns are being raised about the lack of recycling of our electrical goods, as they impact our environment and pose a significant fire risk.  What can be recycled when it comes to your techy items, and what do you do with them? Elizabeth O’Reilly Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland joins Kieran to discuss.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess recommends the best way to print the photos contained in your phone. She also gives a TLDR on Elon Musk’s claims for Tesla’s self-driving capabilities.

St David’s, an all boys school in Artane, is to start accepting girls this September. But what is the transition like into a co-educational school from single sex?  To discuss, Kieran is joined by Aaron Wolfe, Principal of Colaiste Eamonn Rís in Cork, whose school began accepting girls in 2019.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly joins Kieran to discuss safe access zones, protests and hospital appointment no-shows.

As the election cycle comes into full swing for the local, European and mayoral elections in Limerick, we are going to be bringing you tons of coverage over the next coming weeks.  To kick things off, we wanted to ask the question about our local government here in Ireland. How does it shape up to modern Ireland, and do we need to do more to empower local councils and authorities?  Conor Skehan, Sunday Independent columnist and former Chair of the Housing Agency and Hazel Chu, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Dublin City Councillor join Kieran to discuss.

The tents outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street have been removed and asylum seekers have been moved to Crooksling and City West.  Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Stephanie Rohan and Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry White to discuss what they learned at Mount Street, Crooksling and CityWest.

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 Brianna Parkins, Journalist and columnist with the Irish Times.