The Hard Shoulder

I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here returned to our screens last night boasting a brand new line-up of celebrities.  The line-up includes, Britney Spears sister, This Morning presenter Josie Gibson and Nigel Farage.   Kieran was joined by Newstalk Producer, Sean Reidy and Founder of Goss.ie, Ali Ryan 

On Friday, Josef Puska was was sentenced to life in prison today by Mr Justice Tony Hunt. While sentencing Puska, Justice Hunt said that if he had the authority he would have considered a whole life sentence. Should Ireland introduce whole life sentencing?  Kieran was joined by Former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan and former Senator, Marie Louise O’Donnell to discuss...

It’s getting to that point of the year in which all the Christmas ads are out, we have the Late Late Toy show on the horizon and people are starting to feel festive.  However we are still in November, so it begs the question, is it too early for the Christmas season?  Newstalk's Own Simon Tierney and Niamh Maher Commercial Creative Director with Journal Media joined Kieran to discuss...

Embarking on a global adventure, English comedian and author Dom Joly brings his unique comedic and journalistic perspective to unravel the mysteries behind conspiracy theories.  From questioning the existence of Finland to exploring the minds of die-hard flat earth believers, Dom takes readers on an engaging journey throughout his book.  Kieran was joined by Dom Joly on The Hard Shoulder...

Lower paid workers are set to benefit most as the number of paid sick leave days is increased. It'll rise from 3 to 5 days a year from the 1st of January, at a rate of 70 per cent of gross earnings, with a cap of 110 euro. Paid sick leave is to increase from 3 to 5 days from January 1st.Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with Special Responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail and Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer, Irish Congress of Trade Unions.Junior Minister Neale Richmond also discussed the Fine Gael special conference on Rural Ireland, taking place tomorrow...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Irish chef Paul Flynn, author of ‘Butter Boy’, a brand new cookbook and owner of The Tannery in Waterford...

TRT World Presenter Enda Brady and WLR presenter Damien Tiernan join Kieran on Thursday's edition of The Hard Shoulder to react to Ryan Tubridy joining Virgin Radio in the UK.

Earlier today Josef Puska was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Ashling Murphy.  Kieran was joined by Frank Greaney, Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent to discuss...

Fine Gael are to host a special conference this weekend in Maynooth which will focus on the opportunities and challenges facing the rural part of our country.  One talking point during the event will be “Thriving Rural Ireland”, which got us asking the question on this show, is rural Ireland actually thriving? Kieran was joined by Paul Treyvaud, Owner of Treyvaud’s Restaurant in Killarney and Seamus Boland CEO of Irish Rural Link to discuss...

Cybercrime is considered the most disruptive economic crime facing the business community  That’s according to Grant Thornton Ireland who have reported the economic cost of cybercrime in Ireland to come in at €9.6 billion  So who is most at risk and how can we fight back against it? Sarah Madden Reports...

It’s that time of the week again where Kieran brings you the latest podcast recommendation with the pod squad.  Joining Kieran to discuss this week’s podcast is Ciara King, Radio Broadcaster and Aideen Finnegan, Podcast Producer with the Irish Times This week’s podcast is The Planet Earth Podcast, a behind the scenes look at the famous BBC series featuring the iconic David Attenborough... 

TV writer and author of 'Tough Crowd' Graham Linehan talked to Kieran about his career, being cancelled and the transgender issue.

Cybercrime is considered the most disruptive economic crime facing the business community That’s according to Grant Thornton Ireland who have reported the economic cost of cybercrime in Ireland to come in at €9.6 billion So who is most at risk and how can we fight back against it?  Sarah Madden reports.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin spoke to Kieran on Wednesday's edition of The Hard Shoulder with the latest on efforts to get Irish citizens out of Gaza.

The Government has agreed to provide RTÉ with interim funding of €56 million for this year and 2024, subject to certain conditions being met. As part of RTE's new strategic vision, it was also announced yesterday that the public broadcaster will be cutting more than 400 jobs by 2028 and plans to outsource half of its content production to independent production companies. So what does this mean for the future of the public service broadcaster? Joining Kieran this evening was:Dr Finola Doyle O'Neill, Broadcast and Legal Historian at the School of History, UCC and a former member of the Future of Media Commission Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fail Senator and member of the Oireachtas Media Committee  Irial Mac Mhurcu, CEO of Nemeton Trevor Keegan, Chair of the RTE sub-branch of the NUJ John Lee, Executive Editor, Daily Mail Group Ireland 

Time for ‘Common Ground’, and Kieran was joined as always by Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty and Socialist TD for Cork North Central, and member of the Oireachtas Enterprise, Trade and Employment Committee, Mick Barry. This week the three discussed whether fossil fuels have a role in Ireland in the future or whether their time is up.

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Joined Kieran to discuss the big news in politics this week.Pascal discussed, The National Development Plans Delivery and Capital Expenditure to date, Public sector Pay talks, RTE's Future and what energy credits will look like this year as part of budget 2024.

Independent Senator, David Norris has today announced his retirement from politics. David is the longest-serving senator in Irish History.As a politician, he was hugely influential in gaining rights for the gay community in Ireland challenging the Irish court's ban on Homosexuality.He also ran for president in 1987 and was widely appreciated for his commitment to politics.David took the time to sit down with Kieran to say why now was the right time for retirement.

As normal on a Tuesday, Kieran was joined by Travel Journalist and Lonely Planet author Fionn Davenport. This week we are jetting off to the home of the US president and 90 museums: Washington DC

David Cameron is back. What does his shocking return say about British politics?To discuss, Kieran was joined by Political Commentator Adam Boulton and Dr Jennifer Cassidy, Lecturer in Diplomatic Studies at Oxford University.

RTÉ has told the Government it will reduce staff numbers by 20 per cent in a plan that will be unveiled to staff tomorrow. Kieran discussed the latest with David Davin-Power, a former RTÉ political correspondent.

The Wolfe Tones have been making headlines the last few months with sell-out gigs at EP and the Féile in Belfast but today they are in the headlines once again, as the Irish rebel band have announced they are set to retire.They will hang up their instruments in 2024 after 60 years of performing together. Kieran spoke to Wolfe Tones member Brian Warfield to reflect on the group's successes.

RTÉ cuts, the Irish approach to Israel, Housing For All, and benefits for Ukrainians.Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent for the Irish Daily Mail, joined Kieran to discuss the coming week in politics.

Our coverage of Storm Debi continues. Joining Kieran this time was Keith Leonard, Director of emergency management at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Brian Tapley, Regional Customer and Delivery Project Manager with ESB, Ciara Russell, owner of SIAR in Kinvarra, Galway and Ronan Hennigan, owner of a Londis supermarket in Clarenbridge, Galway 

The Driving Curriculum in Ireland is set to change in an attempt to modernise the test, according to the Chairperson of the RSA, Liz O’Donnell. It comes as road deaths have soared this year. To discuss, Kieran was joined by Brenda Bolger of Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny and Transport Commentator Conor Faughnan.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made a sensational return to politics.Cameron resigned as Prime Minister in 2016 when Britain voted for Brexit. In a shocking turn of events he has now replaced the sacked Suella Braverman. Kieran was joined by Channel 4 News Political Editor Gary Gibbon and former Conservative MP and Minister and former Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe.

Storm Debi has hit Ireland this morning and the country has seen major disruptions to many public services with areas in Galway among the worst hit.To discuss the effects of the bad weather, Kieran was joined by Brian Tapley, Regional Customer and Delivery Project Manager, Joanna Donnelly of Met Eireann, Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Independent, and Martina Kinane, Fianna Fáil Councillor in Clarenbridge, Co. Galway.

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...

Yesterday Jozef Puska was found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy. Since Ashling’s murder and throughout her trial, discussions have been happening around the country about violence against women and how to help keep women safe in Ireland Kieran was joined by Newstalk Breakfast presenter Shane Coleman and Shane Hannon Presenter with Off The Ball to offer what impact this trial has had from a male perspective.

The second annual Divorce in Ireland conference was held online.The summit's existence signifies the increasing prevalence of divorce in this country.But as rates rise, so too may instances of post-marriage remorse.Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on Divorce and regret in Irish Divorcees.

An exciting weekend of sports is ahead of us.The FAI cup final will see St Patrick’s Athletic take on Bohemians on Sunday in the Aviva.Kieran and Ger previewed the game and also chatted about Evan Ferguson's new Brighton contract and the worrying future of FAI funding.

After 118 long days it appears the Hollywood actor strike is at an end – however the pause in production may have ramifications for your favourite TV shows and movies for years to come.Kieran was joined by John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk  to discuss

The ongoing recruitment freeze within the HSE is to be extended to include more staff positions. In a memo sent to senior managers this morning – the HSE said the recruitment freeze is being widened to all categories of staff with the exception of consultants, doctors in training and 2023 graduate nurses and midwives. The move comes as the HSE struggles to battle a 1-and-a-half billion euro shortfall in their budget for 2023. Kieran was joined by David Cullinane, Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Health to reflect on the decision.

Have you ever been out for a meal in a restaurant and a screaming or misbehaving child has ruined your dining experience?A restaurant in the state of Georgia is taking action charging families a surcharge of 50 Dollars for their children’s “bad behavior.” But could dining establishments here in Ireland introduce a similar charge and is it potentially good idea? Joining Kieran to discuss this further was Jen Hogan , Columnist with the Irish Times and Stefanie Preissner, Presenter of the Basically Podcast  

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today as she does every Friday. Aisling is taking us on all on a date today as she talks us through the culinary history of the date and the many tasty treats and meals that can be made with the humble fruit.

Comedian, TV star and author, PJ Gallagher joined Kieran for The Thursday Interview to talk about his new book 'Madhouse' and the new addition to his family...

Jozef Puska has been found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022.Kieran spoke to Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, Eve McDowell, Co-Founder of Stalking Ireland and advocacy specialist at active consent and Orla O’Conner, Director of National Women’s Council .

Jozef Puska has been found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022.Kieran spoke to Ashling's friend, Laura and Ashling's lecturer Dr Ailbhe Kenny, Associate Professor of Music Education at Mary Immaculate College.

Jozef Puska has been found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022.Kieran spoke to Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, Brianna Parkins, Irish Times Columnist and Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent.

Jozef Puska has been found guilty of the murder of Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022.Kieran spoke to Sinead O’Carroll, editor of TheJournal.ie, Ailbhe Smyth, activist and campaigner and influencer, Holly Carpenter.

Sarina Bellissimo, presenter of The Bellissimo Files Podcast, and Newstalk’s own Sue Murphy have joined Kieran once again with all the latest in TV and Movie including 'Sly', the Sylvester Stalone documentary, (I Am) Robbie Williams and Selling Sunsets.

There has been criticism that Sinn Fein have not been engaging with the Israeli Embassy despite saying they will ‘talk to everybody’. This comes as the Ambassador for Israel won’t be receiving an invitation to Sinn Fein’s Ard Fheis taking place this weekend in Athlone. Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Defence, Matt McCarthy and Gerard Craughwell, Independent Senator  

An OECD Alcohol Consumption study has put Ireland in the world's top 10 binge-drinking countries. Kieran was joined by Professor Frank Murray, Chairman of Alcohol Health Action Ireland, Niamh Maher, Commercial Creative Director with Journal Media and Architect, Hugh Wallace.

Newstalk reporter Henry McKean visited a Dublin 7 apartment block that has been infested with rats.He spoke with the residents dealing with the rodents and how they've taken over their community.

RTE Sports Broadcaster Evanne Ni Chuilinn joined Kieran to chat about her new book 'The Great Irish book of Gaelic Games' illustrated by Donough O’Malley.'The Great Irish book of Gaelic Games' is out now and is a perfect introduction to Ireland’s ancient and historic games.  

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 toilet cleaners to the test...

Bobby McDonagh, Former Ambassador to the UK and the EU spoke to Kieran about Sinn Fein's decision not to invite the Israeli ambassador to their Ard Fheis

Claire McKenna, Host of Alive and Kicking on Newstalk and actress, Eilish O’Caroll joined Kieran to discuss the joys of ageing!

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 Bologna ...

Kieran spoke to poet John Cooper Clarke, who has been writing and performing his brand of punk poetry since the 70s. The Irish leg of his tour will include five locations in May 2024.