The Hard Shoulder

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.Kieran was joined by Jonathan Cronin, from Of Cronin, Charles Hendy, from The Mary Wallopers, Liam Ó Maonlaoí, Musician and Mundy to discuss...

The Council of Europe has released a report which examines the way history is taught across seventeen European countries, including our own. The way subjects are taught in Ireland can often be a topic of debate so let's see how Ireland fared. Kieran was joined by Journalist and Historian, Ronan McGreevy and Aodhan Ó Riordain, Labour Party TD and Education Spokesperson...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.His death was announced by his wife Victoria Mary Clarke and by The Pogues this morning.Gerry Adams, Former President of Sinn Fein joined Kieran to discuss...

One Scottish Hotel has set its stall out for Christmas by announcing after 53 years of serving Mince Pies, it will stop. Glynhill Hotel & Spa, in Glasgow has decided to save on food waste by not including the Christmas desert which is no longer a favourite amongst its customers. Darina Allen Chef, Author and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School joined Kieran to discuss and told him the best way to go about making them... 

COP28 has finally gotten underway in Dubai and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been in attendance today.  Throughout the climate conference we want to cut through the noise and tell you exactly what has been discussed. Sadhbh O’Neill, senior climate advisor to Friends of the Earth Ireland joined Kieran to discuss... 

Today the Council of Europe has released a report which examines the way history is taught across seventeen European countries, including our own. The way subjects are taught in Ireland can often be a topic of debate so let's see how Ireland fared.  Kieran was joined by Carl O’Brien, Education Editor with The Irish Times to discuss...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.His music was wide reaching and touched some many people both here in Ireland and outside.  Pat Carty, Writer for Hot Press Magazine and Broadcaster joined Kieran to discuss...

Billy Hann the CEO of Dublin Bus was before the Oireachtas Transport committee today.  One of suggestions he made is for Dublin needs to reduce it’s car congestion and go on a car diet. This will hopefully improve the ability of our public transport to perform.  Do we need a car diet in the capital?  Kieran was joined by Michael Pidgeon Green Party Councillor and Shane O’Donoghue Editor for CompleteCar.ie 

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 festive season. This week Simon and Kieran put a variety of tubs of Christmas chocolate to the test...

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to end today after a six day pause in the conflict with mediators now working hard to extend it. How does the situation look and what does a lift in the ceasefire look like in the coming days? Patrick Bury, Senior Security Lecturer at the University of Bath, Former NATO Analyst and Army Officer joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show...

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has been in front of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, saying that Garda will get stronger pepper spray, and the Public Order Unit will be provided with tasers.This is following the riots in Dublin last week. Kieran was joined by James Lawless, Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, and Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North and Tara McManus, who is the Deputy General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association…

Alcohol-free months such as Sober October, No-Drink November and Dry January make being sober seem like more of a fun challenge and allow people to see the upsides of giving up the drink for a few weeks. It also has put people onto the growing movement of ‘sober curious’ people.  Kieran was joined by Ciaran Bradley, Digital Editor of Newstalk to discuss... 

The riots in Dublin are still dominating the news.One element that has been improving since the riots is footfall in the city, there are indications that shoppers are starting to return.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, met with those who are visiting Ireland to hear their views on the violence.

Garda Commissioner appeared before the Oireachtas Justice Committee today to be questioned on the violence and chaos in Dublin city centre last week. Barry Whyte joined Kieran on the show to discuss what he heard at today's hearing...

Sinn Féin have been having a go at the Government by using a particular photo to make their point. Gabija Gataveckaitė, Political Reporter with Irish Independent joined 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, Fionn joined Kieran to give him tips for a trip to the Okanagan valley...

The Dáil has been hearing reaction today to the Dublin Riots last Thursday, and what this means for Minister Helen McEntee.Kieran was joined by Senator Lisa Chambers, Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and the EU, Louise O’Reilly, TD and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Workers' Rights, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Neasa Hourigan, the Green Party’s Finance & Health Spokesperson, and TD for Dublin Central...

The annual Ireland Gateway To Europe trip to the US has announced it will return in 2024. Now in its 12th year, it comprises of an annual mission of 50 business leaders and Irish media to the US. Kieran was joined by Adie McGennis, Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and one of the founders of Ireland Gateway to Europe  

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. Continuing the series, ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The series continued with a debate on 'Are we over-reliant on technology?'...

This evening the Dáil continued to hear statements in relation to the riots and violence in Dublin City Centre on Thursday last.Kieran was joined by Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal and Labour Party Senator, Marie Sherlock...

With winter days growing shorter and nights darker, road safety should become even more important. Cyclists and e-scooterists who neglect night lights and high-visibility gear put themselves at a greater risk. Should laws be put in place to mandate reflective gear for cyclists on public roads at night? Kieran was joined by Joe O’Shea, Columnist for the Irish Mirror and Una Morrison, Chairperson for the Dublin Cycling Campaign…

Cuán – that is the most perfect town in the world to live in. Never heard of it? Well it is the anonymised Irish town that Daniel Miller, professor of anthropology from University College London, relocated to for 16 months.  Daniel Miller joined Kieran to discuss.We have a hunch what town ‘Cuán’ might be and have assembled a panel of Cuán-siders to tell us what they love about their town. Skerries locals Henry McKean Newstalk’s Own and Margot Fox, Mental Health and Wellbeing Coach joined Kieran on the show too...

Sinn Féin and Social Democrat representatives have both said they have no confidence in Helen McEntee, Minister of Justice. Kieran was joined by Newstalk's Seán O’Regan and Fionnán Sheahan is the Ireland Editor for the Irish Independent to discuss...

Labelling the mob from Dublin riots last Thursday as a ‘far-right’ faction only serves to give validation”. Those are the thoughts of Paul Williams Crime Journalist with The Irish Independent... 

Over the next few weeks, Kieran Cuddihy will be taking Irish classes as part of a 'Couch to Comhrá in 6 Weeks' challenge and each Monday he will be sharing his journey alongside some Irish speakers.  Victor Bayda, Language Planning Officer for South Kerry Gaeltacht joined Kieran to continue the challenge...

The fallout is ongoing following the riots that hit Dublin’s streets last Thursday. We’ve had calls for the Minister of Justice to step down, we’ve had fierce criticism of the Garda Commissioner as well as threats and rumours of more riots. But one of the common denominators in much of the commentary has been talk about a ‘far right’ element to the riots. Joe Brolly, barrister and co-host of the Free State Podcast joined Kieran to discuss...

COP28 kicks off in the UAE later this week. Is COP a worthwhile exercise or a waste of time? Environmental activist and Guardian Columnist George Monbiot joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Talks on a new public sector agreement get under way this evening. The scale of any possible deal will hopefully become a bit clearer by later this evening. Kieran was joined by John King, SIPTU’s Deputy General Secretary with responsibility for the Public Service and Kieran Mulvey, Former Director General of the Workplace Relations Commission...

There is a GAA player’s charter from a club doing the rounds on social media the weekend with quite a strict set of rules for its players.  Some of these rules include five months of no holidays, no drinking and no trips to Australia, US or Canada. This begs the question, are clubs becoming too strict and will rules like this harm the passion of players? David Brady Former Mayo Footballer and Valerie Mulcahy, former Cork footballer join me now... 

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 capital city is attempting to get back to normal today after the horrific stabbing of three children and one woman yesterday which were followed by hours of rioting and looting. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris described last night’s riots as “disgraceful” and said a  'hooligan faction driven by far right ideology' contributed to the unrest.Kieran was joined in studio by Ray McAdam, Fine Gael Councillor for North Inner City Dublin and Neale Richmond, Minister of State with responsibility for Employment Affairs & Retail Businesses, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town, Ciaran Cuffe, Green Party MEP for Dublin, Pat Leahy, Former Assistant Garda Commissioner, Hazel Chu, Green Dublin City Councillor, Lorraine O’Connor of the Muslim Sisters of Eire and Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Justice and TD for Dublin Bay South, Jim O’Callaghan....

It’s one of life’s age old questions – how to make the perfect steak.Well one physicist thinks he has cracked the code – and it involves a microwave. Physicist George Vekinis who has published books about the science involved in cooking and Gary O’Hanlon Chef consultant to the O’Sullivan’s Group in Paris joined Kieran to discuss...

Three young children have been injured in a ‘serious incident’ in Dublin city centre. The suspected stabbing happened shortly after 1:30 pm this afternoon Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East.One young girl has suffered critical injuries, while two other children are being treated for less serious injuries. A woman is also being treated for serious injuries.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Newstalk Chief Reporter Barry Whyte, Independent councillor for the North Inner City Nial Ring and Siobhán Kearney, who was on the scene in the aftermath of the incident...

Three young children have been injured in a ‘serious incident’ in Dublin city centre. The suspected stabbing happened shortly after 1:30 pm this afternoon Gaelscoil Coláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square East.One young girl has suffered critical injuries, while two other children are being treated for less serious injuries. A woman is also being treated for serious injuries.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Janice Boylan, Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor for the North Inner City and Marie Sherlock, Labour Senator to discuss...

CEO of An Post, David McRedmond is this years recipient of EY’s Special Recognition Award, and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards in Powerscourt. Kieran was joined by Frank O’Keefe, EY Ireland’s Managing Partner and Bobby Kerr, Presenter of Down To Business on Newstalk...

The government is proposing legislation to change the Triple Lock.  These purposed changes could mean that the Government can react quicker to deploying Defence Forces aboard, but does this challenge our neutrality? Kieran was joined by People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West, Paul Murphy and Fianna Fail Senator and Leader of the Seanad Lisa Chamber to discuss..

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 and Kieran put a variety of children's yoghurts to the test...

Just 3,000 homes across Ireland have been found liable for the new Vacant Homes Tax.  That is despite over 50,000 homes being initially identified as potentially liable by Revenue as of 20th November.  Labour Leader Ivana Bacik and Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD and Party Housing Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

It is 60 years ago today that John F. Kennedy had died after being shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. The Kennedys have historically left an indelible mark on US politics, but what about now? Is the Kennedy family still the force it once was? Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer in University of Galway and co-director of the Kennedy Summer School joined Kieran to discuss...

Today marks the publication of the Healthy Ireland Survey for 2023, which is the eighth annual survey by the Department of Health.The survey looks at general trends across multiple factors on the health of the Irish nation. It looks at issues such as general health, smoking, alcohol, GP visits, and mental health.The survey found a decline in people reporting good health and an increase in the use of e-cigarettes and antibiotics. Kieran was joined by Mary Butler, Minister of State in Department of Health for Mental Health and Older People and Fianna Fail TD for Waterford...

According to Israel’s Channel 12, Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand is one of 50 hostages that will be released by Hamas in an exchange for 150 Palestinians held by Israel. It comes as a 4 day pause on the conflict is due to come into effect tomorrow. Kieran was joined by Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent at Euronews and Sean Bell, Retired former fighter pilot and current defence consultant and co-host of the Red Matrix podcast...

Irish-Palestinian man Ibrahim Alagha has spoken to Kieran a number of times on The Hard Shoulder while stuck in Gaza amongst the ongoing conflict.  Ibrahim and his family have since managed to leave Gaza and return home. Ibrahim Alagha joined Kieran Cuddihy in studio…

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Fine Gael Senator, Regina Doherty, and Socialist Party TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry. Continuing the series, ‘Common Ground’, they will debate some of the biggest, most divisive topics around. The series continued with a debate on 'Can society do more to combat violence against women?'...

Today, the Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying heard a powerful testimony from a man who has since died from Motor Neurone Disease. Gino Kenny, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid West was there and he joined Kieran to discuss... 

Irish Times columnist Jen Hogan spoke to Josh Crosbie on Newstalk Breakfast about the importance of inclusion in children’s parties. Kieran was joined by comedian and co-founder of ZoomParty.ie Steve Cummins and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Mary McCarthy to discuss...

The European Parliament has backed new draft legislation aimed at enhancing consumer rights to opt for product repairs rather than replacements. Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss…

The Chief of Hamas said earlier today that a truce agreement with Israel was near. It happened as assaults on Gaza continued and rockets were still being fired into Israel. How likely is a significant ceasefire? Kieran was joined by Kim Sengupta, World Affairs Editor for The Independent in the UK…

The Republic of Ireland take on New Zealand in a friendly at the Aviva stadium on Tuesday evening.One name that is the focus of attention is manager Stephen Kenny. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with fans to see how they feel about his performance as manager.

Over the next few weeks, Kieran Cuddihy will be taking Irish classes as part of a 'Couch to Comhrá in 6 Weeks' challenge and each Monday he will be sharing his journey alongside some Irish speakers.  Comedian Julie Jay joined Kieran to continue the challenge...