The Hard Shoulder
7,226 episodes — Page 99 of 145
How to make your passwords more secure
Sports clubs, radio personalities and TV programmes are among the most common passwords amongst internet users, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. That’s according to Cyber Skills who has urged people to reconsider their security choices. Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent joined Kieran to discuss...
Finding the connection between the public and statues
Here in Ireland, we love to criticise landmarks, statues and monuments.Many have caused controversy and have gained their own nicknames but others have drawn crowds from around the world.Last week, the statue of Michael Collins was unveiled in Cork and it got us thinking about our relationships with statues and public art.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, sent us this report on our fascination with statues.
Simon Tierney: Vasectomies should be included in free contraception scheme
In the Irish Times today, Simon Tierney is writing about vasectomies and says they should be free to all men to take away the contraceptive responsibility from women and narrow the gender gap on this issue. Simon and Dr. Emmet Kiran, from Gentle Procedures Ireland who performs vasectomies on a daily basis joined Kieran on the show to discuss...
Kieran’s Couch to Comhrá Challenge: Week 1
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. Éamonn Ó Domhnaill, Co-Founder and Director of Education of Gaelteanga joined Kieran to kickstart the challenge...
Aid convoys have 'zero impact on our lives' - Irish-Palestinian man in Gaza
As the Israel-Hamas war continues into its third week, Israeli forces have continued to strike Hamas positions across the Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces said it struck some 320 targets belonging to the Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror groups in the Gaza Strip over the past day. Kieran was joined by Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland and Ibrahim Alagha, who is an Irish Palestinian in Gaza...
Getting rid of your old DVDs
Brian Lloyd , Movies Editor with Entertainment.ie joined Kieran to discuss what to do with your old dvds...
‘We can’t stick with the status quo’ - Citizens' Assembly votes for a liberalised approach to drug use
The Citizens Assembly on Drugs has recommended the ending of the current prosecution of individuals caught with illegal substances for personal use, following the last meeting of the assembly yesterday Chair of The Citizens Assembly On Drugs, Paul Reid joined Kieran to discuss...
Referee abuse 'far too frequent' in Gaelic Games
There were chaotic scenes in Offaly yesterday after referee Barry Tiernan was pushed to the ground by a spectator after Tullamore exited the Leinster club Senior Football Championship against Summerhill. Is this treatment of a GAA official acceptable and do we have an issue in our game regarding respect for those who referee our matches? Rory Hickey, Former GAA Referee and Aisling Maher, Dublin Camogie Captain joined Kieran to discuss...
The success of the traditional Irish pub over franchise chains
Pub group Wetherspoons is putting its regional pubs in Ireland up for sale.The British chain is to sell properties in Cork, Waterford, Galway and Carlow for a guide price of over €10 million.It got us thinking about the Irish pub and even though owners face many challenges, punters generally prefer the old-style pubs to the large franchise.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been in and out of hospitality businesses around West Cork meeting with locals and tourists to hear what makes the best public house.
How to talk to children about conflict and war
Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinty College Dublin and Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght University Hospital and Dr Mary O’Kane, Lecturer in Psychology and Early Childhood Education joined Kieran to discuss how to talk to children about the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel...
'Rocky' franchise 'the greatest boxing movies ever made'
Burt Young, who played Paulie in the ‘Rocky’ films has died aged 83. John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk joined Kieran to pay tribute and look back at the movie franchise...
Cork floods: 'People want action on the ground' - Padraig O'Sullivan
Many parts of Cork have been damaged by extreme flooding. What was only meant to be a status orange alert, has turned into much more than that, with my homes and businesses destroyed by torrential rainfall. What needs to be done going forward to prevent further damage? Kieran was joined by Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central, Padraig O'Sullivan, Cork City Cllr, Joe Kavanagh and Qualified Climate Scientist, Cathal Naol.
'There's nothing like a handwritten letter through the door' - Is it a dying art?
Technology has taken over the majority of what we do in our daily lives. With some schools wanting to implement technology into exam settings, students will no longer use handwriting at all. What does that mean for the future of handwriting. To give us their thoughts on the topic, I am joined by Letter collector and curator, Lis Maguire and Today FM Presenter Louise Cantillon.
Direct Provision system 'not safe for children' - Children's Ombudsman
Children’s Ombudsman Niall Muldoon has warned the Government that history will not judge Ireland well for the way it has treated children in the Direct Provision system. Niall Muldoon joined Kieran on the show following the publishing of a special report on the safety and welfare of Children in Direct Provision...
Marriage 'not as important anymore' for young adults
How do you feel about marriage? Apparently one third of 25 to 34 year olds don't believe marriage is relevant anymore.Kieran was joined by Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Content Editor with Evoke.ie to discuss...
A tour of the new Limerick Female Prison
Limerick’s new female prison opened today.The facility is part of a €70 million project, including the newly opened B Division at Limerick Prison.The design focuses on rehabilitation, which includes en suite rooms, fitted with phones and a greater emphasis on education and health.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been there and he brings us this report.
1973: Ireland joining the EU 'was an exciting time'
In 1973, over 50 years ago, the little island of Ireland took the brave step to join the European Union or the EEC back then. To mark this achivement the CSO have released figures on what Ireland was like back then.Valerie Cox, journalist and author alongside John Kelleher, Producer and former Film Censor joined Kieran to discuss...
'As long as they don't win it' - Should Irish fans now be supporting England?
Should Irish fans be supporting England in the Rugby World Cup now that Ireland have been knocked out?Kieran was joined by George Hamilton, Commentator and presenter with RTÉ and Craig Chalmers, Former Scottish Rugby International to discuss...
Israeli Ambassador to Ireland 'should be expelled’ - Thomas Pringle
Today is day 12 of the conflict between Israel and Gaza and Kieran was joined by Jonathan Crickx, Spokesperson for UNICEF in Palestine to give us an update on efforts to get aid to people Thomas Pringle, Independent TD for Donegal also joined Kieran to discuss...
Difference between Junior Cert and Leaving Cert exams is 'enormous'
After sitting their state exams back in June, more than 70,000 students across the country received their Junior Cert results today. The new grading system for these exams was implemented two years ago, but how good is this system and is it putting students through unnecessary pressure? Kieran was joined by Former Headmaster of St. Andrew College Dublin and Director of Godsil Education, Arthur Godsil and Columnist with The Irish Times, Jen Hogan to discuss...
Planning process for new Children's Hospital 'was inadequate' - Murphy
The new National Children’s Hospital will not open until the late spring or early summer of 2025, it is estimated.For more on this, Kieran was joined by Paul Davis, procurement lecturer at the School of Business in DCU and Catherine Murphy, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North and Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee...
A Look Back at 1973: 'There was a sense at the time that Ireland was incredibly modern'
In 1973, over 50 years ago, the little island of Ireland took the brave step to join the European Union or the EEC back then. To mark this achivement the CSO have released figures on what Ireland was like back then and we have arranged a few guests to help paint a picture for you at home too... Terry Prone, Chair Of The Communications Clinic and Alice Leahy, From the Alice Leahy Trust joined Kieran to take a look down memory lane...
Tuesday Travel: West Cork
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 down south to beautiful West Cork...
'It's a constant struggle to source water and food' - Irish-Palestinian man in Gaza
European Union leaders are currently meeting to decide on a united message on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war after days of mixed messages. Series of social media messages, statements and visits by EU officials sowed confusion about the 27-nation bloc’s intentions after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, triggering a new war in Gaza. Kieran was joined by Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews, Grace O’Sullivan, Green Party MEP and Ibrahim Alagha, and Irish-Palestinian in Gaza...
Common Ground: Has the war on drugs failed?
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 'Has the war on drugs failed?'
President Higgins 'has spoken for the Irish people' - Mac Lochlainn
Yesterday, President Michael D Higgins described Ursula von der Leyen’s comments around the Israel-Hamas conflict as "thoughtless and even reckless".Ursula von der Leyen visited Israel last week, and did not include a call for Israel's retaliation to Hamas attacks to conform with international law. The Taoiseach says he told the European Commission President her response to the conflict in the Middle East "was not helpful".Kieran was joined by Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Fein TD for Donegal and Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell to discuss…
How cool is Smithfield?
Smithfield in Dublin has been voted the 2nd coolest neighbourhood on the planet! This is according to a new article by Time Out in which the Dublin 7 area has taken silver out a list of forty locations across the world. For more on this Kieran was joined by Tomás Mulligan, Manager of Cobblestone Bar, Smithfield and Alice Black, Head of Cinema at Light House Group...
Legislation for mandatory drug testing at the scene of collisions expected 'this year' - Chambers
Yesterday on The Hard Shoulder Kieran was was speaking about the fact that the number of alcohol breath tests carried out at Garda checkpoints has dropped by more than half compared with pre-pandemic levels. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Jack Chambers, Minister of State in the Department of Transport...
'Cash is king' - ECB calls for new law to ban 'no cash' policies
The European Central Bank wants to ban 'no cash' policies in public areas for fear that we will reduce the value of the euro and make it harder for vulnerable people to do their shopping. Kieran was joined by the CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, Vincent Jennings and Spokesperson for the National Private Hire & Taxi Association, Jim Waldron to discuss...
President Higgins 'is not neutral politically' - John McGuirk
President Michael D Higgins has strongly criticised the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. It’s after she made comments on a visit to Israel last Friday, where she did not include a call for Israel's retaliation to conform with international law.John McGuirk, Editor of Gript and Labour Senator Marie Sherlock joined Kieran to discuss...
Rugby World Cup: 'I don't think I'll watch another match' - Ian O'Doherty
Unfortunately it was not to be Ireland’s year as the All Blacks have knocked out the Boys in Green in yet another quarter final exit. Is the tournament viewing is now finished for fans?Sinead Ryan, presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk and consumer journalist with the Irish Independent and Ian O Doherty, Columnist with The Irish Independent joined Kieran to discuss...
Winners and Sinners
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 RSA is defunct' - Verona Murphy
The number of drink-driving checkpoints on the roads is at its lowest level since 2017. An Irish Times analysis of enforcement trends foresees 150,000 drivers in total will be breathalysed by the end of this year. That’s compared to some 314 thousand people who were tested for alcohol at roadsides in 2018. Kieran was joined by Shane Ross, former Minister for Transport and Verona Murphy Independent TD for Wexford to discuss...
'It's the magic' - Henry McKean celebrates 100 years of Disney in Paris
Today is the 100th anniversary of Disney. Henry McKean met Disney fans at Disneyland Paris and sent this report, speaking to people from around the world about their love of the Mouse House, the films, characters and theme parks...
CervicalCheck: Screening community 'must acknowledge failings' - solicitor
Cian O’Carroll, solicitor who represented Vicky Phelan and several other women in the CervicalCheck scandal has criticised RTÉ and Dr Tony Holohan over untruths in an interview done with the former Chief Medical Officer.Kieran was joined by Cian O’Carroll to discuss...
Current SPHE curriculum in schools is 'out of date'
Leaflets about sex education which have recently been distributed in Dublin have included misleading claims about changes to the Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum. The leaflets make a number of claims about the curriculum, which is in the process of being updated by the Government. Siobhan O’Higgins, co-lead on the national Active consent programme, and research fellow in the school of Psychology in the University of Galway and Eric Nelligan, secondary school teacher and Aontú Education Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...
Ireland vs New Zealand Preview
Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Denis Hickie, Former Irish rugby International and Mike Prendergast, Munster Rugby coach to preview tomorrow’s World Cup Quarter Final showdown with the All Blacks...
'The default position is much more pro Israel' in America
Hamas say that Palestinians will not adhere to an Israeli warning for 1.1 million people to flee from Gaza. It comes as Israel looks set to begin a ground offensive in the region. Yesterday, the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reiterated his country’s support for Israel during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Niall Stanage, White House Columnist for The Hill joined Kieran to discuss...
You Are What You Eat: Broccoli
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through the most delicious ways to cook broccoli...
'I think beer is a great thing' - Marco Pogo leader of Austria's Beer Party
In Austria, The ‘Beer Party’, founded by Marco Pogo in 2015 initially as a joke, is now polling at 12 per cent ahead of the Vienna state election. It comes after they promised voters a beer fountain in the capital city Vienna, and an allocation of one barrel of beer per household per month. Kieran was joined by the party’s leader, Marco Pogo...
Sport with Ger Gilroy
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...
'Let’s get the job done' - Henry McKean meets Ireland fans in Paris
As the country holds its breath ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup Quarter Final showdown with the All Blacks - Henry McKean joined Kieran LIVE from Paris after he met with fans around the French capital…
‘This initiative has potential’ - Garda entry age limit to increase to 50
It was announced today that the age limit to become a Garda has increased from 35 to 50. Justice Minister Helen McEntee said earlier today that every new member would be helped as much as possible to get the training and expertise required. Kieran was joined by former Assistant Garda Commissioner John O’Driscoll and David Nolan, who is assistant professor of Sport and Exercise Science in the DCU School of Health and Human Performance...
'People are so awkward' - Gen Z adults actively avoid phone calls
Apparently the Gen Z age group hate answering phone calls.This is according to new study by Sky Mobile that found people between 17-25 years old would much rather communicate through apps like Snapchat or WhatsApp then call, with a third of surveyed finding phone calls awkward. Kieran was joined by Alex Rowley Newstalks Own Gen Z-er, Erin Lally, Influencer and Eimear Neville, Student in UCC...
‘You need emotional support’ - Woman who was homeless hails Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light campaign
The Focus Ireland Shine A Light annual sleepout will take place tomorrow night. The annual event will see companies across the country sleep out all to raise funds for homeless services for Focus Ireland. Kieran was joined by Kelly Ann Byrne, a lived experience Ambassador Focus Ireland and Susan Whyte, Director of Customer Operations at Bord Gais Energy to discuss..Shine A Light 2023 takes place on Friday, 13 October and aims to raise €1.2m to help end family homelessness. Signing up is quick and easy to do. Simply visit shinealight.focusireland.ie to register and select whether you’re sleeping out as an individual or as part of a team. You can then set your fundraising target and a shareable fundraising page will be created for you
RTÉ 'standing still with these so called progressive moves'
RTÉ executives, including Director General Kevin Bakhurst, have once again appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this morning.Kieran Cuddihy was joined by 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 and Trevor Keegan, Chair of the RTE sub branch of the NUJ to discuss...
"There needs to be a strategic plan for where RTE is going" - Minister Simon Harris
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris joined Kieran Cuddihy on Thursday's edition of The Hard Shoulder to speak about college fee reductions, RTE and Metrolink.
'It's comfort viewing' - US sitcom Frasier returns
Frasier, one of the longest running US sitcoms has been rebooted and the new season airs on Paramount+ in the US today. Some early reports have hailed Kelsey Grammer’s "faultless performance". While the Rolling Stone called it an "unfunny, uninspired dud". Comedian Jim Elliot joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss…
Stanley: Changes at RTÉ need to 'move at pace'
RTÉ executives, including Director General Kevin Bakhurst, have once again appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this morning.Kieran was joined by Brian Stanley, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and Sinn Fein TD for Laois-Offaly…
Israel-Hamas war: ‘There is no military solution’ - Former Israeli advisor
The Israeli government have warned that they will continue deny water, electricity and fuel to Gaza until Israeli Hostages have been released. Kieran was joined by Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project and a Former Israeli Peace Negotiator to discuss...