Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through some of her favourite 'Good Mood Foods'...

The funeral of Shane MacGowan has taken place in Nenagh, Co Tipperary.Fans from around the world travelled to pay their respects for the Pogues frontman.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie was there to capture the atmosphere.

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action...

COP28 continued today and Sadhbh O’Neill, senior climate adviser for Friends of the Earth Ireland joined Anton to discuss...

There are record levels of respiratory syncytial (sin-seet-ee-al) virus (RSV) being recorded across the country. RSV mainly affects babies and is putting children’s hospitals under huge pressure.  Almost 1,000 cases of RSV were recorded last week, and almost 370 patients, most of them children, were hospitalised.  Dr Máire Finn, GP at Ennis Centric Health joined Anton to discuss...

Coimisiún na Meán, Ireland’s new body for regulating broadcasters, on-demand services, and online media, and supporting media development, has opened a public consultation on its draft Online Safety Code for video-sharing platform services.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly spoke to Niamh Hodnett, the Online Safety Commissioner about the new code today and she joined Anton Savage to discuss..

It’s the 8th of December and for many people of a certain vintage that can only mean one thing – it's Culchie Shopping Day! Rural Ireland’s annual pilgrimage to the big city for the Christmas shopping. Anton Savage was joined by Columnist with the Farming Independent and Author of ‘Matters of Great Indifference’, Jim O’Brien and Comedian Katherine Lynch...    

The shops are filling up as Christmas shopping lists are being ticked off.Southern reg plates will be seen crossing the border in search of some bargains, while others are browsing online.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been looking at how shopping habits have changed around Christmas:

Today saw former Prime Minister Boris Johnson appear before the Covid-19 inquiry for a second day Hard questioning brought out an emotion Johnson who insists “I do care and did care” about the pandemic and was not indifferent to it Kieran was joined by Adam Boulton, political commentator to discuss...

Turkey and ham will be on the table for most dinner tables across the country this Christmas Day but for many Cork households there is another staple on the plate every Christmas – spiced beef. And one man who is synonymous with this Cork dish is Tom Durcan from Durcan Meats in Cork's English Market, whose spiced beef has been recently named the best in Ireland. Tom joined Kieran in studio in Republic of Work in Cork...

Buyers in Cork need a combined €100,000-plus in salary in order to buy a new house. This goes up to over €120,000 if you go to Dublin. Is it harder to buy than ever, and why? Kieran was joined by Brian McCarthy, Socialist Party councillor for Cork City North West and former Chair of the Fiscal Advisory Council and Lecturer in Economics at UCC, Seamus Coffey...

We have all reverted to checking out Doctor Google in recent years, but have we become cyberchondriacs? Cyberchondria is defined as when searching the internet for medical information leads to extreme health anxiety. For more on this Kieran was joined by Cork GP, Dr. Doireann O’Leary...

Yesterday we saw division in the Dail as TDs debated our immigration policies. The Rural independent TDs brought forward a motion looking for tighter rules Leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns said that “Vulnerable asylum seekers are going to be freezing on our streets this Winter, and misinformation like this does nothing but put a target on their backs.” Holly Cairns, TD for West Cork and Leader of the Social Democrats joined Kieran in Republic of Work in Cork...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from Republic of Work in Cork today.To discuss some of the issues affecting the area and look at how Cork is performing as a city, Kieran was joined by Cáit Caden Business Reporter with the Irish Examiner, Tadhg Hickey, Comedian and Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo 

Beginning February 1, we will see a 15 cent levy added to every aluminium can or plastic bottle sold in Ireland. Customers will have to return their empties to the  'reverse vending machines’ to get their deposit back.  Kieran was joined by Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association and Ossian Smyth, Minister for Circular Economy 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 festive season. This week Simon and Kieran put a variety of houmous to the test...

A private members motion was up for debate this morning in the Dáil by Rural Independent TDs on immigration.  This will be the first time in the Dáil’s history that a debate on immigration concerns was held.  Kieran was joined by Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry and Aodhan O’Riordan, TD and Labour Party’s Education spokesperson... 

Taylor Swift has been named Time Magazine Person of the Year 2023. She beat out tough competition for the accolade shaking off Barbie, King Charles and Vladimir Putin. She even out did the Trump prosecutors.  Newstalk’s Own Sean Reidy joined Kieran to discuss...

The government has today announced that four new special schools are to open to provide more places for students with special educational needs. The schools will be located in the South Kildare area, Enfield in Meath, Limerick City, and Gorey in Wexford. Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...

With so much of the world revolving and spread out across social media, we’re taking a look back on the Year On TikTok 2023.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been checking who done has been growing their followers on the platform this year and what have been the most popular trends.

Beginning February 1, we will see a 15 cent levy added to every aluminium can or plastic bottle sold in Ireland. Customers will have to return their empties to the  'reverse vending machines’ to get their deposit back.  Kieran was joined Colin O’Byrne, Project manager at VOICE, Alan O’Reilly, from Carlow Weather and Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link. 

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 Koh Samui and Chiang Mai...

Sinn Fein has tabled a motion of no confidence for the Minister of Justice Helen McEntee. Pressure has been mounting on the Justice Minister since the riots, with Mary Lou McDonald describing Minister McEntee’s position as no longer tenable.  Kieran was joined by Sean O’Regan, Newstalk Reporter and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire Sinn Fein Spokesperson on Education & Skills.... 

Toll charges are set to increase from January 1st 2024.  The M50 toll charge is set to increase by 40 cent based on your type of vehicle where on national roads could see increases by 50 cent. Kieran was joined by Sean O'Neill Director of Communications with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Michael Collins, Independent TD... 

Alex de Koning, spokesperson for British Environment group, Just Stop Oil will be speaking at a SciCom event tomorrow at the Aviva Stadium at a conference that focuses on the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. Alex de Koning joined Kieran on The Hard Shoudler this afternoon...

The Government has today confirmed plans to hold referendums on constitutional references to family and care in March 2024. The proposed referendums will be held on International Women's Day on 8 March would broaden the definition of family beyond marriage in the constitution. Kieran was joined by Senator and Chair of the Green Party Pauline O’Reilly and David Quinn, the head of the Iona Institute. 

Winning the Grand National in 2018 with Tiger Roll in 2018 was one of the highlights of a glittering career for one of Ireland’s greatest ever jockeys. However Davy has now decided to swap the racetrack for the ballroom floor as the latest contestant announced in the new series of Dancing with the Stars. Davy Russell joined Kieran on the show this afternoon...

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has sought Cabinet approval for a proposed extradition deal between Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.  The move could see as Gardaí seek the extradition of members of the Kinahan organised crime group. Kieran was joined by Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor with the Sunday World...  

COP28 continued today and Sadhbh O’Neill, senior climate adviser for Friends of the Earth Ireland joined Kieran to discuss...

The CSO results today showed us how we are travelling since 2016, and what did we learn That you can’t break a habit and we still love our cars.  63% of us, or over 1.2 million of us, jump in the car when we want to go somewhere. Why are we not looking for more sustainable options like walking, cycling or public transport? Kieran was joined by Fejlin Jose, Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition and Geraldine Herbert Motoring Journalist with the Irish independent...

In a statement this afternoon, a spokesperson for the Department of Integration has said that it can no longer provide accommodation to all international protection applicants, due to a severe shortage. They have said that tents and sleeping bags will be provided to people where required. Kieran was joined by Tom McEnaney, Media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, who has helped over 1,000 refugees get into Ireland and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dun Laoghaire to discuss...

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.  Luke Fitzgerald, Former Leinster player and Irish International joined Kieran to continue the challenge...

In a statement this afternoon, a spokesperson for the Department of Integration has said that it can no longer provide accommodation to all international protection applicants, due to a severe shortage. They have said that tents and sleeping bags will be provided to people where required. Kieran was joined by Teresa Buczkowska is a migrant rights expert, and formerly of the Immigrant Council of Ireland and Enda O’Neill, Head of Office at the UNHCR Ireland …  

GAAGO will stream a total of 38 exclusive GAA championship games next year.GAAGO, initially provided live coverage for international audiences since 2014, but gained exclusive rights to cover championship matches last year. The jointly owned venture from RTÉ and the GAA came under criticism for being behind a paywall.Seán Kelly, former President of the GAA and Fine Gael MEP joined Kieran to discuss...

COP28 continued in the United Arab Emirates today. Sadhbh O’Neill, Senior climate advisor for Friends of the Earth joined Kieran to discuss what happened today.Kieran was also joined by Jennifer Whitmore, Social Democrats TD for Wicklow and spokesperson for Climate, Environment & Biodiversity and Kevin McPartland, CEO of Fuels for Ireland...

A recent study conducted by the Nevin Economics Research Institute and the UCD School of Business reveals that Ireland's most undesirable roles are often filled by women and younger workers, whereas men predominantly occupy the most top positions.Henry McKean joined Kieran with this report...

It’s 70 years since Hugh Hefner published the first edition of Playboy with none other than Marilyn Monroe on the cover.  Though, no one was able to buy the 1953 issue in Ireland and they couldn’t get the 1963 or 73 issues either.  But Ireland has a storied history with the magazine none the less, from IRA smugglers, to uproar in Tralee and even interviews with the Healeys Rae. Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports. 

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..

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through some of her favourite 'Good Mood Foods'...

Recently focus has been put into online content and how it played a role in the riots last week.  Misinformation is everywhere and in Ireland we are not immune, so what does misinformation look like and how does it take hold in our society? Razan Ibraheem, Jounalist specialising in content verification joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder

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...

Today, Ireland is taking its first steps in our space adventure!  EIRSAT-1 is Ireland’s first satellite, and it is being launched into orbit from 6pm at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.  The head of the Team Professor Lorraine Hanlon, Professor of Astronomy at UCD joined Kieran from California Image: European Space Agency

King Charles was speaking today the second day of COP28. Our own Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will give his own speech tomorrow at the climate summit.  The Taoiseach will pledge that Ireland will spend 225 million from 2025 to tackle climate change which is the highest figure Ireland has given towards this issue. Sadhbh O’Neill, Senior climate advisor for Friends of the Earth joined Kieran to discuss what happened today...

Sinn Féin has confirmed it has tabled a motion of no confidence in Justice Minister Helen McEntee following the riots in Dublin last week. A vote will now be held in the Dáil next Tuesday. Kieran was joined by Pa Daly, Sinn Féin spokesperson on Justice Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with Special Responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail to discuss...

Ade Adepitan, former Paralympian with Team GB and TV presenter, joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his new documentary 'The Big British Beef Battle'...

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.  Comedia Julie Jay joined Kieran to continue the challenge...

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&n

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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

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.  

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  

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...

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

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.

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.

For this week's Common Ground, Kieran was joined 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. We asked: is war ever justified?

It’s the first Tuesday of November, and this time next year, on the first Tuesday of November 2024, we will see one of the most anticipated US elections in recent times. Who are the likely frontrunners, and what are the issues dearest to US voters?Kieran spoke to Bob Mulholland, a Democratic Party Strategist based in California, and Jerry McDermott, Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Centre and former Norfolk County Sheriff. 

Minister for Education Norma Foley spoke to Kieran about the government's new guidelines encouraging parents to hold off on buying smartphones for children.

There is no end in sight to the four-month Hollywood Strike, as there is still no agreement between the actors’ union and studios. Negotiators for the Screen Actors Guild say they couldn’t agree to the studios’ “last, best and final offer”.    Joining Kieran to discuss was Natalie Britton, Actress and Member of SAG AFTRA and Tim Gray, Executive Vice President of the Golden Globes.

It is one month today since the Hamas attacks that sparked the latest conflict between Israel and Palestine.Is there any prospect of peace? Kieran spoke to John O’Brennan, Professor and Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration at Maynooth University. 

The cabinet has approved new guidelines that will encourage parents not to purchase smartphones for their children in primary school. To discuss, Kieran was joined by Alex Cooney, CyberSafeKids CEO & Co-Founder, Brian Barron, Portlaw National School principal, and Aodhan O’Riordan, Labour Party’s Education spokesperson.

Times are changing, and the Simpsons is still on air, but classic jokes on the hit cartoon such as Homer strangling Bart haven't exactly aged well.Movie reviewer and editor of Geek Ireland Olivia Fahy spoke to Anton about the show's attempts to stay relevant.

Eight hundred teaching posts in primary schools here are unfilled as of this moment. Principal of Rathcoole Educate Together Gemma Maher joined Anton to speak about difficulties the education sector faces due to this shortage.

The government's approach to Ukraine, Sinn Féin's new housing plan, and an Irish Covid inquiry in the works.Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent for the Irish Daily Mail, joined Anton to discuss the coming week in politics.

800 teaching posts in primary schools here are unfilled as of this moment. This is because of a shortage of school teachers, as set out by a survey carried out by primary teacher union the INTO. General Secretary of the INTO joined Anton to discuss.

Motions are being put forward through the council to fly the Palestinian Flag over City Hall in an act of solidarity with people in Gaza.  Should public buildings be used as way to show solidarity with the suffering of Palestinians or it necessary to remain neutral?Cllr Noeleen Reilly and Cllr David McManus joined Anton to discuss.

Dublin Marathon could be forced to get a new route further outside the city. Reports in the Sunday Independent said Dublin City Council and the National Transport Authority were unhappy about the “disproportionate adverse impact” the race has on public transport services. Anton spoke to Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne about the future of the Marathon.

An architectural firm in the UK has mocked up plans to build hundreds of homes at a north London golf club.The proposals are for 650 homes to be built on Enfield Golf Club's 18-hole course. Here in Ireland, should we be looking to rezone some golf courses for the purpose of housing? To discuss, Anton was joined by Feljin Jose, chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition, and Off The Ball’s Nathan Murphy. 

This week for the latest edition of Winners and Sinners Kieran was joined by Comedian, Jim Elliott and the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists...

Its National Sandwich Day! Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat us through the magic of the lunchbox staple.

What gets on your nerves when you got out for a meal? Maybe it’s a complex Menu, where you spend 10 minutes of your meal googling what your dinner actually is?Well, Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie took the time to chat with restaurateurs, chefs and menu makers on why nenus are sometimes complicated. He also took to the streets to hear what the public had to say on menu illiteracy.

People Before Profit have called for the nationalisation of childcare free for whoever wants to use the service.The proposed System would see childcares become public servants and would be funded via the budget surplus.The proposal comes as the Childcare system in the state has been facing a multitude of problems, often leaving parents with no access to essential childcare.Joining Kieran to discuss the potential and practicality of such a system was Hazel de Nortúin,  People Before Profit Councillor for Ballyfermot/Drimnagh ward and founder of  Teanga Beo  and Rowena Fisher , Pre-school childcare provider and Owner at Phylls preschool 

The conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate day by day despite calls for a humanitarian pause from major world leaders.With no end to hostilities in sight, Kieran was joined again by Ibrahim Alagha an Irish Citizen on the ground in Gaza to give us an update on the situation. He was also by joined Prof. Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. A Palestinian Canadian physician, born and raised in Jabalia Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip and author of ‘I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor’s Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity’ 

This week on the Thursday interview Kieran was joined by James O'Brien, LBC Radio Presenter to talk about his new book, "How They Broke Britain" As well as delving into his 20-year-plus career as one of the UK's top broadcasters and journalists.

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 try the cheapest beers in the supermarkets. To find out whether they can compete with the big brands of the beer world

The Fifa World Cup looks to be heading to Saudi Arabia in 2034 after Australia confirmed they would not be bidding for the tournament. Fifa had ruled that only Asia or Oceania could host the tournament due 2030 edition being spread across several continents. Philippe Auclair, France Football Correspondent and investigative reporter for Josimar...

Anton Savage 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 'Do we care about the North'...

The Oireachtas Social Protection Committee is calling for the pension deferral age to be raised from 70 to 75. This would mean you would have the option to work for longer, should you feel fit enough to do so, and access an enhanced rate of the pension when it’s eventually drawn down.Anton Savage was joined by Celine Clark, Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs at Age Action, Michael McMahon, Acting Chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and Journalist and Author Valerie Cox to discuss...

Bruce Springsteen is on the way back to Ireland already! 'The Boss' will play at Kilkenny’s Nowlan Park, Cork’s Páirc Uí Caoimh and Dublin’s Croke Park on May 12th, 16th and 19th next year. Anton Savage was joined by Tom McCormack who also serves Organiser of fans for Springsteen Concerts and James Coughlan aka Jimi the Barber from Clare... 

Rain warnings are in place ahead of Storm Ciarán which is set to hit tomorrow night. Anton Savage was joined by Brandon Creagh Meteorologist with Met Eireann, John Sweeney, Climatologist and Professor Emeritus at Maynooth University and Siobhan McGuigan, Owner of the Carlingford Arms Pub and Restaurant in Louth…

Has Halloween become too Americanised? Anton Savage was joined by Brenda Power, columnist with The Irish Daily Mail and Alison Curtis, Presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM 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...

This weekend is a big weekend as it’s the Dublin Marathon. Jarlath Regan, comedian who is currently on tour with his show ‘Yer Man on Tour’ and is running the Dublin Marathon and he joined fellow marathon runner Kieran Cuddihy to look towards the race on Sunday...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through how to make the most of the spices in your cupboard...

James Blunt is a fantastic musician and has been in the industry for around 20 years, receiving over 5 grammy nominations for his work. His new album ‘Who We Used to Be’ is out now and he joined Kieran Cuddihy in studio to chat about this and his life and career thus far...

Tomorrow night is the night - the night many thought Ireland may be competing for the Rugby World Cup, but alas the two Southern Hemisphere giants of South Africa and New Zealand will fight it out at 8pm in the Stade de France. John Robbie, former Irish international and radio host in South Africa and rugby analyst Brent Pope joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...

Bacon and eggs, bread and butter, Tom and Jerry are just some of the more iconic duos in the world. A new poll as fish and chips as the world most iconic duo. Our very own dynamic duo, Newstalk Breakfast’s Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly joined Kieran to discuss this on The Hard Shoulder...

Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan says Irish roads are not safe for experienced cyclists, let alone school children. He made the remark during a debate that came after the 155th death on Irish roads in 2023. The same number of people have died in 10 months of this year as in the 12 months of 2022.Henry McKean has been out and about speaking to parents and children who try and cycle to school…

It’s the Weekend Takeover here on Newstalk with Irish Life, and we’re asking how you might get your financial house in order? Laura Duffy, Wealth Management Consultant with Irish Life joined Kieran to discuss..

Over half of Ireland’s wastewater discharges are not meeting EU standards. That’s according to the latest EPA Urban Waste Water Treatment report.  Kieran was joined by Michael Tinsley, Uisce Eireann’s wastewater spokesperson... 

Reports in the Irish Mirror suggest that senior Government ministers are eager to combat the excessive use of phones - particularly smartphones – and there may be plans to ban them. Kieran was joined by Karl Hegarty, Career Guidance Counselor at St. Kevins, Dunlavin and founder of PhoneAwayBox.com, and Rachel Harper, who is the principal at St Patrick’s National School in Greystones...

Diagnoses of serious abnormalities in cervical screening have fallen by almost 60 per cent. That’s according to a new study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science on the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine. Kieran was joined by Dr Lucy Jessop HSE Immunisation Lead and Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the National Immunisation Office... 

Bus Éireann has been marking the 70th anniversary of Busáras. The bus station is an iconic building that has transported millions of passengers since services began in October 1953. So is the building truly iconic? Kieran was joined by architect, Róisin Murphy and Sinn Féin TD, Eoin Ó Broin, the author of ‘The Dignity of Everyday Life: Celebrating Michael Scott’s Busáras’...

Across the country many parents are fighting to help their children get assessed and access help for dyslexia, but many come up against barriers with waiting lists, financial issues or with no access to supports systems and technologies that are very much needed. Kieran was joined by Aisling, who is the mother to 11-year-old Charlie and Heather, who is the mother to 13 and 12-year-old dyslexic daughters... 

There have been reports of Cabinet disagreement over Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s proposals to limit the offer of state-provided accommodation for Ukrainian refugees to 90 days. Kieran was joined by John Lannon, CEO of Doras and Michael McNamara, Independent TD for Clare...

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, with Halloween around the corner, Simon and Kieran take a look a some of the options for barmbrack on the shelves...

The United Nations’ secretary general Antonio Gutterres has called for an immediate ceasefire to end “epic suffering” in the Gaza Strip. In an address yesterday Mr Gutterres criticised the Israeli response to the Hamas attacks earlier this month. In response Israel’s Ambassador to the UN called on Mr Gutterres to step down from his position. Kieran was joined by Alistair Bunkall, Middle East Correspondent for Sky News and Lior Haiat, Spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs ... 

Dating App Tinder have announced users can give access to up to 15 people over  24 hours, who can view profiles and suggest possible matches even without an account.Tinder is now letting family members suggest potential partners on the dating app. Kieran was joined by Henry McKean to discuss...

Reports of Cabinet disagreement over Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s proposals to limit the offer of state-provided accommodation for Ukrainian refugees to 90 days. Some are saying that doing so would only pass the issue on to another department. What is our strategy moving forward on housing Ukrainians? Kieran was joined by Tom McEneaney, media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine and Teresa Buckowska, formerly with the Immigration Council of Ireland and migrants rights expert...

The EU Tax Observatory has suggested a minimum 2% tax rate on billionaires' global wealth. They have said that it would raise well over €200 billion a year. Kieran was joined by Neasa Hourigan, Green Party TD for Dublin Central and spokesperson on Finance and Health and Seamus Coffey, the former Chair of the Fiscal Advisory Council and Lecturer in Economics at UCC...

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. Ahead of Halloween, Fionn joined Kieran to tell him about Ireland's spookiest locations...

Robert Watt, Secretary General of HSE was today discussing the increased costs of running in the Irish health sector.  He was before the Oireachtas Health Committee who met this morning to examine the funding allocated in the health Budget. Mr Watt also claimed that Ireland’s hospitals have a ‘weak productivity’ due to lack of funding into physical infrastructure and a lack on IT investment including digitalisation.  Tony O’Brien, former Director General of the HSE joined Kieran to discuss...

Businesses and organisations worst hit by flooding during Storm Babet could get up to €100,000 in financial aid under new plans brought to cabinet today. The scheme will allow for quick payments of €10,000 and audited and assessed payments of up to €100,000. Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment joined Kieran to discuss this and also calls for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland and the ongoing conflict in Gaza...

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 'Should the Israeli Ambassador be expelled?'...

Sinn Fein are calling for the Government to increase funding in the health budget stating that it is underfunded and will have an adverse effect on our health services. The party will speak on this motion tonight in Dáil Eireann with members from the Department of Health already meeting in front of the Oireachtas Health Committee to discuss this issue around funding. David Cullinane, Sinn Fein's Health Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Brian Lloyd , Movies Editor with Entertainment.ie joined Kieran to discuss what to do with your old dvds...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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. 

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.  

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...

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...

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.

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... 

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?'

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…

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... 

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...

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 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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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... 

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...

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...

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...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through the most delicious ways to cook broccoli...

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...

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...

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…

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...

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... 

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 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...

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.

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…

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…

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...

Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss her new book 'From Malin Head to Mizen Head: A Journey Around the Sea Area Forecast’...

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 Amsterdam...

Healthcare spending of €22.5bn announced in Budget 2024 was announced yesterday, and it was roundly criticised as insufficient to meet rising demand in the sector. The budget has been the focus of contention with the HSE, already estimating a shortfall of up to €1.1bn in this year’s spending. Kieran was joined by Matthew Sadlier, who is chair of the IMO’s Consultants Committee and Brian Turner, Health Economist, Cork University Business School at UCC...

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 take a look a some of the options for honey on the shelves...

Israel has kept on the offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza, where entire districts lie in rubble. It’s as Israeli forces find more victims five days after the Islamist militants' onslaught on its southern towns. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke to Pat Kenny this morning, and explained that while Israel has a right to defend itself, he is concerned about how far things might go. To discuss this, Kieran was joined by Alan Shatter, Former Minister for Justice, Fellow of the Israel Council on Foreign Relations & Chairperson of Magen David Adon Ireland snd Gino Kenny, who is People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West...

RSV season is upon us, RSV season. It is a virus that can affect us all but which can be very serious in infants under two years, in particular. Broadcaster, podcaster and mother Sile Seoige and Dr Máire Finn, who is a GP at Ennis Centric Health joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Israel’s blockade of Gaza is continuing with the regions sole power plant now being forced to close down. Israel cut all supplies off to Gaza in retaliation for Hamas attacks on Israel which erupted last weekend. Meanwhile Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the formation of an emergency coalition with the country’s main opposition. Kieran was joined by Bel Trew, International correspondent for The Independent and Sean Bell, retired Air Vice Marshal who served with the UK military and current adviser with global defence consultants UDSS... 

Petrol and diesel cars are set to be banned by 2025 in Stockholm’s City centre.  The move is aimed at reducing noise and traffic congestion as well as improving air quality for its citizens. This begs the question, should we do something similar for our city centres? Kieran was joined by Sadhbh O'Neill, Lecturer in Climate Policy and Environmental Politics at DCU and John Mitchell, Owner, Mitchell Car Accessories on Capel St to discuss...

Environment Minister and Leader of the Green Party joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the measures announced under the Budget 2024 package today…

Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe have announced a budget package for the coming year worth €14 billion.Sarah Meredith, Tax Director at Grant Thornton, Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post and Danny McCoy, CEO with IBEC joined Kieran to discuss personal finance measures announced today, with thanks to Grant Thornton...

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the measures announced under the Budget 2024 package today…

Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe have announced a budget package for the coming year worth €14 billion.Kevin Devenney, Tax Director at Grant Thornton joined Kieran to discuss personal finance measures announced today, with thanks to Grant Thornton...

Ministers Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe have announced a budget package for the coming year worth €14 billion. This is split between expenditure measures of €5.3 billion, €1.1 billion worth of tax measures and a €6.4 billion core package. A reduction in childcare fees, an increase in carbon tax and an increase to the rent tax credit are among the biggest measures. Kieran Cuddihy was joined on The Hard Shoulder by a panel of guests to discuss the measures announced today. Guests include: John Lee, Executive Editor Daily Mail Group Ireland, Emmet Oliver, Lecturer and The Hard Shoulder’s Business Correspondent, Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance, Louise O’Reilly, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Fingal, Adrian Cummins, CEO Restaurants Association, Donall O'Keeffe, CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association and Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald....

Tomorrow, Michael McGrath and Paschal Donohoe will unveil Budget 2024.  Kieran spoke to some of the interest groups ahead of the Budget including Elaine Dunne, Federation of Early Childhood Providers, Neil McDonnell CEO of ISME  and Mike McMahon, who co-owns the award-winning Mother Mac’s pub on High Street in Limerick City. 

The last 3 days have seen an escalation of violence between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas.  Earlier today Israel has ordered a 'complete siege' of Gaza, saying authorities will cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel.Kieran was joined by Dana Erlich, Israel's Ambassador to Ireland.

Newstalk reporter spoke to Israelis and Palestinians who have made Ireland their home, and an Irishman, John Costello, living in Tel Aviv.Image: Irish Citizen Kim Dante missing after festival massacre.

The President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen expressed her support for Israel online saying that Israel has the right to defend itself, and that the EU stands with them. Ruth Eglash, Freelance reporter in Jerusalem and Clare Daly, Independent MEP for Dublin.

Ahead of budget 2024 founder and head of ESRI's behavioural research unit, Pete Lunn spoke to Kieran about managing personal finances.

According to the Association of Catholic priests it will become more likely to see lay members rather than priests officiating funeral masses due to lack of vocational numbers in the priesthood. Fr. Tim Hazelwood, Parish priest at Killeagh, Cork and Ruth Scott, Radio Presenter and Humanist celebrant spoke to Kieran.

Ireland's next Rugby World Cup match will see them take on the All Blacks. Rugby Commentator, Ryle Nugent, spoke to Kieran ahead of the match.

In response to the attacks by Hamas militants, Israel has ordered a 'complete siege' of the Gaza Strip and the cutting off of food, fuel, electricity and water supplies to the area. Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid spoke with Kieran.

Plans have been announced by the Labour party in the UK that if they got into government that they would make kids brush their teeth in school.  Under this plan, kids would be supervised when brushing their teeth to help prevent tooth decay which is apparently a leading cause of hospitalization of childrenIs this a solid plan and should we look to do something similar here in Ireland?  Joining Anton Savage to discuss was Dr. Caroline Robbins,  Chair of the GP committee of the Irish Dental Association, and a Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow.

Ahead of Ireland's 4th game in the Rugby World Cup tomorrow and off the back of a heroic win against the Springboks.Anton Savage was joined by Andy Nicol, Former Scottish international, and Mike Prendergast, Munster Rugby coach to preview the game in Paris.

After 5 years off our screens Big Brother is returning. The first episode airing on Sunday the 8th of October on ITV.But what was it like to be on the show? What impact did it have on the lives of contestants? And how has society changed since the show's heyday?Anton Savage was joined by Craig Phillips, Big Brother Winner Season One , Hughie Maughan , Big Brother runner up Season Seventeen 

Former Labour Leader and TD Brendan Howlin has announced his retirement from politics and will not contest the next general election.He was first elected to the Dáil for Wexford in 1987 a seat he held for three and a half decades. Brendan took the time to chat with Anton Savage on why now, his and labours time and legacy in government and what he will miss most about political life.

Comedian Legend JimEoin is touring the country playing in Vicar Street Dublin on October 12th and 15th and Galway for the Galway Comedy festival on October 24thJim took the time to sit down with Anton Savage on the show ahead of his tour where they chatted about his jobs over the years, emigrating to Australia, and the odd way his comedy career started.

Now we are kicking off this week's Final Furlong, where we look back at some of the stories that have caught our eye over the past week!   Joining Anton Savage for this edition of The Furlong was:   Presenter on 98FM Suzanne Kane, Comedian Jim Elliot and commercial director with Journal Media Niamh Maher  

1 in every 30 adults has a gambling problem. That is the rather stark finding in a new ESRI report which has been released today. Oisin McConville Counsellor and Former Armagh Footballer joined Anton Savage to discuss his own experience with gambling addiction... 

Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defense, Uachtaráin Fhianna Fáil and TD for Cork South Central joined Anton Savage on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his recent visit to Ukraine, attitudes towards asylum seekers and security of politicians in Ireland…

If all the world’s dogs went vegan it would save more greenhouse gas emissions than those produced by the UK.  That is according to research advocating the environmental benefits of plant-based pets. So is this true, and is it healthy for your pet to go vegan? Pete Wedderburn AKA Pete The Vet joined Anton to discuss...

European Union countries reached a breakthrough this week in years-long negotiations over reforming migration rules. The agreement, when finalised, would allow countries more flexibility in migration and asylum rules when the number of people arriving is exceptionally high. Former Integration Manager with the Immigrant Council of Ireland Teresa Buczkowska told Newstalk Breakfast this morning why more needs to be done...  Trade unionist Brendan Ogle joined Anton Savage to discuss...

The question around the safety of our politicians was called into question after the appalling scenes from the protest outside Leinster House a fortnight ago.  Reviews are now underway with a taskforce on politician's safety meeting this morning with submissions being placed forward to about how to best tackle further issues with suggestions of excursion zones for the public around the building or the possible use of the defence force... Anton Savage was joined by Lisa Chambers Fianna Fail Senator and leader of the Seanad to discuss...

Did you know that Stephen’s Green public toilet is costing over 390,000 to run per year. Is this too much and do you think we should have more toilets?  One proposal which was rejected by Dublin City rates was to instead use that money to offer restaurant's rates to open their loos to the public, so we asked restaurants owners to chime in on this idea.Anthony Grey, Owner of Eala Bhan and Hooked Restaurants in Sligo and Gina Murphy Owner of Hugo's restaurant Dublin joined Anton Savage 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 Maldives....

The UK and Ireland are set to be named as hosts of Euro 2028 by UEFA next Tuesday. It’s after Turkey withdrew from the bidding process, after their bid with Italy to host the 2032 tournament was successful. The UK and Ireland bid for 2028 is now unopposed. Kieran was joined by Stephen Hunt, former Irish International and Brian Gartland, Former Dundalk Captain 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 take a look a some of the options for cheddar cheese on the shelves...

With just 6 days to go until Pashcal Donohoe and Michael McGrath reveal the 2024 Budget. Today, Sinn Féin have launched their alternative budget. The party has proposed a package of €6.8 billion with €1.35 billion set aside for cost-of-living measures. Kieran was joined by Pearse Doherty Sinn Féin’s Finance Spokesperson...

Omid Djalili is an Iranian-British actor and comedian you would remember him from his fantastic appearances in The Mummy and Gladiator. He’s about to kick off his tour in Ireland this November and joined Kieran to discuss...

The UK and Ireland are set to be named as hosts of Euro 2028 by UEFA next Tuesday. It’s after Turkey withdrew from the bidding process, after their bid with Italy to host the 2032 tournament was successful. The UK and Ireland bid for 2028 is now unopposed. Kieran was joined by Lisa Fallon, who is a UEFA Pro Licence football coach, who is currently working with FIFA in their High-Performance Department and Off The Ball’s Stephen Doyle to discuss...

There are thousands of more cases of Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in Ireland compared to the same time last year. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre's latest report shows cases of Chlamydia have increased by over 40 per cent year-on-year. Kieran was joined by Dr Aisling Loy, Consultant in Genito-Urinary Medicine St James’s Hospital and Himerus Health (www.himerushealth.ie) to discuss...

The Road Safety Authority's annual conference took place today. One of the areas focused on was the use of e-scooters.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, has been meeting with road users, including e-scooter users, to hear their thoughts on the legislation.

John Ryan is one of 13 players to have played for Munster over 200 times but what many won’t know is that he has played his entire career with inflammatory bowel disease. Munster and Ireland rugby star John Ryan has now teamed up with Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland to raise awareness on the issue...

Off The Balls Ger Gilroy Joined Kieran to preview this weekends Sport and everything else sport. The two had a chat on the League of Ireland concluding, The Premier League and crisis yet again at Manchester United and finally Ireland's 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign is already in preparation.

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 'Is Ireland’s childcare model broken beyond repair?'

Medicines such as the contraceptive pill could be made available over the counter without the need for a GP prescription. That’s according to new draft legislation proposed by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.  Madeleine Ni Dhalaigh Vice Chair of the GP Committee of the IMO and GP in Castlerea, Roscommon joined Kieran to discuss...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by actor, comedian and writer Jack Whitehall, ahead of his tour coming to Ireland later this week....

RTÉ's teletext service Aertel will be shut down from next Thursday.Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology correspondent joined Kieran to discuss some other forgotten bits of tech...

The Cabinet has approved a Bill which would see a restructuring of An Bord Pleanala as part of a major overhaul of Ireland’s planning system. Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien joined Kieran to discuss...

Many strands of the cost-of-living crisis are being put under the microscope ahead of the Budget next week.Questions have been asked if the attention around bills and fuel prices may be exaggerating the impact in some quarters.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, spoke with people who are feeling the rising costs.

Earlier today, Kieran Cuddihy spoke to boxer Carl Frampton. During the interview he was asked if he had any regrets working with MTK, the sports management company founded by Daniel Kinahan of the Kinahan cartel. But how powerful was the MTK management in the boxing world and how involved the Kinahan’s were in the company?  Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sportswriter Daily Star joined Kieran to discuss... 

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee TD has today welcomed the granting of Irish citizenship to 3,000 new Irish citizens in three separate ceremonies at the Convention Centre in Dublin. Henry McKean was one of them being granted Irish Citizenship and he joined Kieran to discuss...

An Irish amatuer flyweight champion, W&A World flyweight champion, IBF and W&A World Super-Bantaweight champion is just some of the crowns belonging to Carl Frampton A champion boxer from Belfast, he conquered the boxing world in his career from 2009 to 2021. Carl was also massive symbol of peace in his time and he has written a book on his life and joined Kieran to discuss...

Reports from the Irish Times today that up to 30,000 people on their third or subsequent provisional licence have never sat a driving test. In some cases, learners have been driving on them for over 30 years without ever holding a full licence. Brenda Bolger from the Bolger School of Motoring joined Kieran to discuss...

Kieran was joined in studio by Oisin Davis, director of Great Irish Beverages and to discuss his latest book 'Irish Kitchen Cocktails'...

The Citizens’ Assembly on Drugs Use is set to recommend liberalisation of the laws around possession of common illegal drugs, according to its chairman Paul Reid.  The assembly is coming to an end this month and has been deliberating on all aspects of illegal drugs from services, funding and policy. Kieran was joined by Aodhán Ó Riordáin, Labour TD for Dublin Bay North TD and spokesperson on Education & Justice to discuss...

U2 have opened their residency at a brand-new auditorium 'Sphere' in Las Vegas. The band is performing 25 shows up to December 16th - with crowds of nearly 20,000 people due each night.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly was there and joined Kieran to discuss...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through the most delicious ways to introduce halloumi into your meals...

With the rise of phone and online Scams, a phenomena has emerged known as of Scam Baiting. Where a small group of individuals take the fight back to the Scammers. Kieran was joined by Stephen Kearney, Scam Baiter and Jim Browning, Youtuber and professional Scam Baiter to discuss... 

Ian Madigan, former Irish Rugby international and Leinster and Ulster player announced his retirement last week and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

The Department of Education is to survey parents as part of efforts to encourage more Catholic schools to divest to multi-denominational patronage. The current Programme for Government commits to have 400 multi-denominational primary schools by 2030. However there are only 150 as of today out of over 3,000 schools. Kieran was joined by Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together and Alan Hynes, Chief Executive of the Catholic Education Partnership to discuss...

It’s the first ever National Compliment Day organized by the young people’s mental health charity Jigsaw. But how can a compliment change our mood and our path in the day and do we hand out enough compliments?  Henry McKean has been out finding out do people give compliments?

The Hard Shoulder is LIVE from The Palace Bar on Fleet Street in Dublin. The pub is celebrating it's 200th anniversary.To celebrate the iconic Irish pub culture and The Palace Bar's anniversary, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by writer and broadcaster Keith Walsh, Irish Times columnist Brianna Parkins crime journalist with the Irish Independent, Paul Williams, owner of The Palace Bar, Willie Ahearn, Journalist Roy Curtis and many more...

The Hard Shoulder is LIVE from The Palace Bar on Fleet Street in Dublin. The pub is celebrating it's 200th anniversary. Dublin has changed so much in that period and only in the last few years has this city seen such change from culture, architecture or business.  To discuss the changing face of Dublin and Kieran was joined by Frank McDonald, Former Environment Editor with the Irish Times, Donal Fallon Host of the Three Castels Burning Podcast and Influencer, Holly Carpenter...

We broadcasted live from the Palace Bar on Fleet Street to mark its 200th anniversary.Many guests contributed to the programme for the launch of the Palace Porter.Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie spent the day meeting with some of the local characters who share many fond memories of the establishment.

Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran LIVE in The Palace Bar in Dublin to chat through some tips on how to save a few quid with rewards schemes and loyalty programmes

We’ve seen over the last two days how €157m worth of drugs was seized off the MV Matthew ship off the coast of Cork. Paul Williams, crime journalist with the Irish Independent joined Kieran LIVE in The Palace Bar in Dublin to discuss...

The Hard Shoulder is LIVE from The Palace Bar on Fleet Street in Dublin. The pub is celebrating it's 200th anniversary. To fully understand the influence of this bar and the history of it’s origin and success, Kieran was joined by the owner, Willie Ahearn, and licensed trade historian, Eamon Casey to discuss...

Rank and file Gardaí have voted to withdraw from voluntary overtime throughout October. The GRA has been holding a special conference in Kilkenny following a no confidence vote in Commissioner Drew Harris in a dispute over rosters. Anton Savage was joined by James Morrisore, Deputy General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association 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 take a look a some of the options for lunch meats on the shelves...

It’s the largest drug seizure in the history of the state according to one senior garda - a total of over 2 kilogrammes of suspected cocaine with a street value of €157 million has been seized off the south-east coast last night. Gardaí have said today that about 25 people were on board, but said they cannot comment on the possibility of further arrests. Anton Savage was joined by Cathal Berry, Independent TD for Kildare South and former Army Ranger and Duncan Bullivant, CEO of the Henderson Risk group in the UK, and former British army officer and diplomat to discuss...

'Winnie the Pooh: The Deforested Edition', is the latest version of the iconic children’s story and it is aiming to increase awareness and to teach issues around climate change to children.  But is children’s literature a good place to discuss complex issues such as climate change or are we just clutching at our pearls?  Helena Duggan, Children’s Author joined Anton Savage to discuss..Image: Who Gives A Crap

If you stepped outside, or even looked out your window, at any stage today, you’ll have noticed the weather hasn’t been particularly great all day. Well, that’s all thanks to Storm Agnes, the first storm of this winter season.Anton Savage was joined by Andrew Sherlock, a meteorologist with Met Eireann and our reporter Jamie O’Hara in Cork, where the weather has been particularly bad...

Can you remember the last time you checked your voicemail? Well, apparently you shouldn’t have to worry about that anymore, because, according to etiquette experts, the way we use our phones is changing. Phone calls are out, text messages are in. But are there times when a call is just necessary?Writer and broadcaster Stefanie Preissner and Mary McCarthy, columnist with the Irish Independent joined Anton Savage 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 Istanbul....

The Shine Festival is set to kick off this October with a range of events that aims to inspire young women across Ireland.  The festival is run by The Shona Project: Empowering and Inspiring the girls of Ireland and will feature events and talks from speakers across many sectors including health, sport, politics and business.   One of the speakers, Ellen Gunning, CEO of MetaComms joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...Image: The Shona Project/Debbie Hickey.

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 'Is the far left as bad as the far right?'

The Oireachtas Committee on Assisted Dying has been told today that twelve Irish people have travelled to Switzerland to die with Dignitas since 2003 Also, nearly 100 Irish people have become members of the group, which provides physician-supported accompanied suicide.  This is almost double the rate it was two years ago.  Gino Kenny, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West, and member of the Committee joined Kieran to discuss...

Fans of the Great British Bake Off are counting down the hours to the start of season 14 of the show, which kicks off this evening. The show is always a massive success when it returns to our screens, but what is it actually like to be on the other side of the camera for a show like this? Kieran was joined by 2021 winner of the series, Giuseppe Dell’Anno to discuss...

Landlords could pay less tax on rental income going forward.  Proposals are being put forward in advance of budget talks intensifying this week.    One proposal circulated by the Department of Housing suggests a lower rate of tax or increased exemptions for landlords. Kieran was joined by Mike Allen, Director of Advocacy at Focus Ireland and Mary Conway, Spokesperson for The Irish Property Owners Association...

The issue of assisted dying was back before an Oireachtas committee on the issue today. Dignitas which operates in Switzerland where the practice is legal was one of those before the committee today Dignitas member Silvan Luley told TDs this morning that its Irish membership grew from 57 to 80 between 2020 and last year, and that 13 people have travelled to Switzerland to end their lives since 2003, most recently in 2020. Independent Senator Ronan Mullen is on the committee and joined Kieran to discuss this along with comments made by Joe Brolly on The Hard Shoulder about the need for hate speech legislation … 

Ireland’s air quality is not good enough. That’s according to the World Health Organisation who said that the quality of Irish air is just below the standard of the organisation.  One of the ways suggested to promote cleaner air is to introduce more sustainable ways to heat our homes and to stop burning of solid fuels but is that practical - can we actually ban fires in our homes?  Kieran was joined by John Sodeau Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at UCC and Seamus Boland CEO of Irish Rural Link to discuss...

Author Manchán Magan joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his new book 'Wolf-Men and Water Hounds: The Myths, Monsters and Magic of Ireland'...

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there will be a public inquiry into the State’s handling of the Covid 19 pandemic in order to “learn lessons” for the future. For more on this Kieran was joined by Peadar Toibin, TD and Leader of Aontú and Kingston Mills, Professor of Experimental Immunology and Director at Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute... 

The CSO have released this year's migration figures for Ireland.  Some of the key takeaways is that Ireland’s population has grown by 2 percent with over 120,000 people coming to Ireland. Alongside that we saw that of Irish people leaving our shores and returning home, there is a net zero of Irish people leaving.  Kieran was joined by Alan Barrett, CEO of the ESRI... 

Should there be an inquiry into how we handled Covid in this country? Kieran was joined by Paul Moynagh, Head of the Department of Biology and Director of the Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research at Maynooth University and Michael McNamara, Independent TD for Clare, and the former Chair of Oireachtas Covid 19 Committee to discuss...

 Whenever you’re a spectator at a sporting event, it can hard to control your emotions and passion often gets in the way. Quite often, that can result in foul language or a rising temper, which can easily get out of hand. Behaving that way at a big game like Ireland vs South Africa is one thing, but are we forgetting to change our attitude towards our kids sporting games? Kieran was joined by journalist, columnist and author, Jen Hogan and Newstalk's Technology correspondent, Jess Kelly to discuss...

It may be best known for embarrassing dance challenges, but Tiktok is fast becoming the information app of a new generation. News is broken on twitter, journalists are filing on Instagram - but should we fear the tiktokification of news, or is social media creating a better-informed youth than ever before?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge ahead of the Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and South Africa.TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach Aisling Larkin joined Kieran to discuss pub grub ahead of the big game tomorrow, joined on this occasion by none other than travel expert Fionn Davenport to discuss the sights to see and places to travel in South Africa...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge ahead of the Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and South Africa.BJ Botha, World Cup Winner with South Africa joined Kieran to preview the game... 

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge. Tonight celebrates Culture Night 2023 all around the country and Jo Mangan, Director of the Performance corporation and Willie White, Artistic Director, Dublin Theatre Festival joined Kieran to discuss...

Ryle Nugent, former Head of Sport at RTÉ and legendary commentator, joined Kieran Cuddihy LIVE in The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge to preview the Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and South Africa...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge ahead of the Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and South Africa.Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the presence of technology and AI in sport...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge ahead of the Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and South Africa.Henry McKean joined Kieran LIVE from Paris ahead of the game...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge ahead of the Rugby World Cup clash between Ireland and South Africa. Kieran was joined by by two armchair rugby fans, Sinead Ryan, presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk and Ian O’Doherty columnist with the Irish Independent to preview that massive match tomorrow and to hear why the love the game...

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk today, Eddie Wilson, CEO of Ryanair, was not happy with the DAA, after cancelling 17 routes and moving 19 more to alternative EU airports. Kenny Jacobs, CEO of DAA joined Kieran to discuss...

Around 200 protesters held a demonstration outside Leinster House yesterday. Those in attendance beared signs and banners featuring anti-immigration slogans.Kieran was joined by Joe Brolly, co-host of the Free State Podcast to discuss...

 The final day of the National Ploughing Championships takes place in Ratheniska in Co Laois today and over the course of the past three days there have been a number of activities taking place, including a world record welly throw and brown bread competitions. But today, one event will answer the long burning question, who is Ireland’s favourite saint?Fr David Vard, parish priest in Stradbally, joined Kieran to announce the result of the vote.

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by David Davin Power, former RTE Correspondent and Trade Unionist, Brendan Ogle to discuss yesterday's protests outside Leinster House...

How high should we build in Dublin? Yes the debate has been sparked again. Some say developments need to go up to increase housing stock others say it will ruin Dublin’s image. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been getting the pulse of the city.

Some 200 protesters held a demonstration bearing signs and banners featuring anti-immigration slogans outside Leinster House yesterday. Politicians, journalists and staff were verbally abused as they entered the parliament and those inside were advised by Gardaí to be careful when leaving.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Razan Ibraheem, a journalist specialising in misinformation to discuss...

What is the cost of contentment in each country?That’s what a recent study out of Harvard University focused on, finding the highest cost of happiness was in Iran at nearly €232,000 and the lowest was in Sierra Leone at just over 8 grand.Ireland was rudely left off the list of 173 countries, but our own reporter Sarah Madden has been looking into it for us instead.

The Dáil resumed following the summer break today. However, politicians, journalists and staff have been advised not to leave amidst protests that are happening outside Leinster House. Independent TD for Kerry Michael Healy Rae and Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mirror joined Kieran to discuss...

Today marks 25 years since the establishment of TV3. To celebrate this and look back on the memories down the yers, Kieran was joined by Anna Daly, former presenter on TV3 and Virgin Media, former CEO David McRedmond and Aidan Cooney, former presenter on Ireland AM from 1999 until 2018, and now presenter of Q102 Breakfast...

A trans rights march took place at the weekend, and one of the images that caught some attention was the face of Vladimir Lenin on transgender flags. Senator Michael McDowell has been writing about it in The Irish Times and he joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

Today is National Fitness Day in the UK and they’re encouraging everyone to get out and be active as much as possible. Do we need this same encouragement here? Particularly for young people, what are we doing to keep our kids fit? And what’s the difference between being fit and being physically active. Kieran was joined by Brendan O’Keefe, assistant professor of Physical Education in the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at UL...

As we have been hearing throughout the day, the proposed plans to the Leaving Cert examinations have been shelved.  One the cited reasons was the increased prevalence of GenAI, that’s your ChatGPTs, in examinations and school projects but how strong has the impact of AI been on education sector and is it too late to reverse the damage? Kieran was joined by Michael Madden, Professor of Computer Science & Head of Machine Learning Research Group, University of Galway to discuss...

Finance Minister Michael McGrath has today asked all state owned bodies to continue to accept cash payments. It came following criticism of the NCT service for attempting to move to a cashless system. One such body which has moved cashless in recent times is the GAA, a move which has garnered much criticism. Two former Presidents of the GAA, Sean Kelly and Liam O’Neill joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss..

Tens of thousands attended the second day of the Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois, for what was a mostly dry day.There may be vintage tractors and brand new machinery on display, but one growing trend among young farmers is online content creation.Social media apps are now full of cows being milked, tractors baling silage and sheep being sold.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, is at the Ploughing meeting with those who are flying the flag for Ireland on Farm Tok.

From Vibrant pink shirts in the Dáil to Dublin football kits in Seanad – there has been a fair share of fashion faux pas in the government buildings. But should there be a dress code? That’s not the thinking in the US, where Senators are now allowed to wear whatever they want to when debating or voting on bills.  Michael Healy Rae Independent TD for County Kerry and Gino Kelly, People Before Profit TD for Dublin Mid-West 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 oldest of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura...

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 young people today better off than their parents?'

There has been a story that has dominated the headlines over the last couple of days, and that is Russell Brand.  The comedian faces allegations of controlling, abusive and predatory behaviour, following a joint investigation by The Sunday Times, The Times and Channel 4 Dispatches.  Kieran was joined by Meirion Jones, former Editor of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in the UK – he previously led an investigation in to Jimmy Saville...

The Central Bank has signalled caution ahead of Budget 2024, lowering its forecasts for growth in the economy, while also saying that the Government's spending plans for the upcoming Budget risk adding to inflation. Kieran was joined by Michael McMahon, who is the acting chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and Michelle Murphy Research and Policy Analyst with Social Justice Ireland to discuss...

The Clockwork Door Time House in Temple Bar has decided to not partake in this year’s Culture Night as a result of anti-social behavior in the capital city.  The venue took part in Culture Night last year and while trying to celebrate, their equiipment was sadly robbed.  Kieran was joined by owner of The Clock Work Door Time House, Ciaran Hogan to discuss...Image: Instagram via The Clockwork Door

Gardai in Cavan and Monaghan are have launched a probe in to comments made by Sean Quinn.The complaint has been made by Mannok directors Liam McCaffrey and John McCartan following comments made on The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk.Kieran was joined by crime journalist with The Irish Independent, Paul Williams for more on this...

An Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action was held today on the importance of biodiversity loss across Ireland. Praising farmers for the work they have done to maintain a healthy environment were one of the topics mentioned by Dr Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin.  Yet many changes still need to be made to maintain Ireland’s biodiversity and reduce the risk of extinction.Kieran was joined by associate professor in the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics, Dr Aoibhinn Ni Shúilleabháin to discuss...

Comedian Reginald D. Hunter joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss his upcoming irish tour and allegations against Russell Brand...

Kieran was joined by former Irish rugby international and Chairman of The One Small Step Campaign, Trevor Ringland, to discuss the Irish sporting anthem 'Ireland's Call' why it was ever needed in the first place and why we might need to hold on to it...

On 29th of September the Irish Cancer Society is holding their Relay for Life event. One of the society's ambassadors and manager of Shamrock Rovers Stephan Bradley joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

The HSE's commissioned an external review into aspects of orthopaedic surgery at Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. It follows a number of serious spinal surgical incidents there. Roisin Shortall, Social Democrats TD and Health Spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

Are you aware that the majority of your bins can be traced to your weekly shop in the supermarkets?  That’s according to a new survey by Voice Ireland who found 66% of waste items in Irish recycling bins can be traced back to supermarkets and that 59% of these supermarket waste items were made from plastic.  This begs the question should we cut down on packaging and in particular our plastics when it comes to shopping? Tad Kirakowski, Chief Executive of Voice Ireland and Craig Hutson Owner of Minimal Waste Groceries joined Kieran to discuss...

The HSE's commissioned an external review into aspects of orthopaedic surgery at Children's Health Ireland at Temple Street. It follows a number of serious spinal surgical incidents there. Priscilla Lynch Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent joined Kieran to discuss...

Every year when rugby matches take over our screens again, and particularly around World Cup season this time around, there’s an age old debate of should we sing Ireland’s Call? Or should we just sing Amhrán na bhFiann. Or should we get a new national anthem altogether?Kieran was joined by Damien Tiernan, WLR FM Presenter, and John McGahon, Fine Gael Senator...

A hole on Portmarnock beach this week excited one local astronomy enthusiast, as it looked like it may have been a meteor strike. However, it soon became clear that the hole had actually been dug by two local lads.Charlie Wallace, Portmarnock beach hole digger joined Kieran to discuss...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to talk all things buffets

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 Bord Pleanála has today rejected the application from U.S Corporation New Fortress Energy to build a LNG terminal on the Shannon Estuary. Kieran was joined by Don Moore , Chair of the Energy and Climate Action Committee at the Irish Academy of Engineering  and William Hederman, Member of Slí Eile organisers of climate camp ...

Ireland’s world cup campaign shot off last week with a demolition of Romania in Bordeaux. Ireland are now off to Nantes where they will face off against Tonga in match game two in Pool B.  Kieran was joined by Former Ireland and Munster player and Newstalk’s Own Alan Quinlan to get all the latest on the boys in green...

Around the country the Government parties have been assembling across the country for their think-Ins ahead of the start of the next Dáil term.   Kieran was joined by Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent who was at the Fine Gael Think in in Limerick and Hugh O’Connell, Deputy Political Editor, Irish Independent who was at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin for Sinn Fein’s event... 

A new era for the Late Late Show begins tonight, as Patrick Kielty officially takes the reins.  Is the show still the force it once was? Kieran was joined by Terry Prone, chairman of the Communications Clinic and Deirdre Molumby, pop culture and entertainment expert...Image: Andres Poveda

Tonight is the night the Late Late Show returns to your screens, with the debut of host Patrick Kielty. There has been plenty of chat about to expect. Our reporter Henry McKean has been asking people whether they will watch the show and even met the man in charge, Patrick Kielty...

 This week is End Child Poverty week and throughout it the station has been having conversations on the topic  With Budget 2024 on the horizon, Tanya Ward Chief Executive of the Children's Rights Alliance

There are plans to transform Dublin's transport system and road layouts.New proposals announced show a push towards more public transport, cycling and pedestrianisation infrastructure, and a move away from the private car.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie, met with users of different modes of transport, to hear their views on the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan.

That was a little taster of a new tribute to one of Ramsay Street’s most beloved characters: Susan Kennedy, who is married to the one and only Dr Karl Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher in the iconic Aussie soap Neighbours.As many of you will know, Alan has played Dr. Karl Kennedy on the show for 28 years and has released a new album The Lighter Side Of Alan Fletcher ahead of the tv series returning to our screens on Amazon Freevee on 18th September 2023.  Alan joined Kieran to preview the new series...

The Quays in Dublin are set to close to car traffic under new proposals from the City Council. A consultation is now open on a new draft Dublin City Centre Transport Plan.Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Hazel Chu, Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party, Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town  and Jim Waldron, Spokesperson for the National Private Hire & Taxi Association to discuss...  

The ECB is to raise interest rates by 25 basis points. Their reasoning, inflation continues to decline but is still expected to remain too high for too long.  Kieran was joined by Dan O’Brien, chief economist of the Institute of International and European Affairs and Marian Finnegan is managing director for Sherry Fitzgerald. 

Changes are set to be on the way for Ireland’s speed limits following the publication of a government review.  Speed limit on national secondary roads is to reduce from 100km/h to 80km/h while in urban built up areas speed will be limited to 30km/h.  Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Transport joined Kieran to discuss...

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in an interview with The Times, has said that junk food should be made more expensive in order to tackle obesity amongst the poor.  He wants the sugar tax expanded over there. A sugar tax is in play over here, but this begs the question, does it go far enough?  Kieran was joined by Donal O’Shea, clinical lead on obesity with the HSE and Ian O'Doherty, Columnist wirh Irish Independent...

School is back in earnest, and many primary schools are wrestling with pupils’ love for their smartphones. Some schools, as we’ve covered on this programme, choose to ban them. But is banning them a futile exercise in a world where social media is ubiquitous?  Kieran was joined by Colman Noctor, child and adolescent psychotherapist 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 take a look a some of the options for fig rolls on the shelves...

A public consultation is opening today in relation to the quays in Dublin City Centre. The basic plan coming out of the City Council is for no more through traffic on the quays, except for buses, taxis and bikes.  Kieran was joined by Green Party Councillor Michael Pidgeon to discuss...

RTÉ have been front of the Oireachtas Media Committee today, on a week where there has been much discussion over the governance of the State broadcaster’s finances. Kieran was joined by Emma O’Kelly, chair of the NUJ Dublin Broadcasting Branch. 

The Galway Comedy Festival kicks off next month, with an impressive line-up of comedians bringing their humour to the city. Comedian John Colleary joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder...Image: John Colleary

Trinity College Dublin Student Union are blockading the Book of Kells today to protest against the rise in the cost of on-campus student accommodation.  Newstalk Reporter Aoife Kearns was there and joined Kieran to discuss...

RTÉ executives appeared before the Oireachtas Media Committee once again today.Sean Defoe, Newstalk's Political Correspondent joined Kieran with the latest...

Members of the Garda Representative Association have overwhelmingly voted no confidence in the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. The motion passed with almost 99% voting in favour.  Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the GRA and Michael Doyle, Senior News Reporter with The Irish Sun 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 city of love, Paris...

An Garda Síochána have announced that they will be rolling out the use of body cameras as part of a pilot scheme in the coming year to prevent further crime on Irish streets. When absolutely necessary, Gardaí will switch on these cameras to improve public and gardai safety and to reduce challenges around arrest. Kieran was joined by Executive Director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Liam Herrick and Christy Galligan, Former Sergeant with An Garda Síochána with more than 30 years’ experience…

RTÉ bosses are back in front of the Oireachtas tomorrow over their payments scandal – the Media Committee the first to get a go after the summer break.  The broadcaster has submitted hundreds of pages of documents to the committee and  Kieran was joined by Jack Horgan Jones the Political Reporter for the Irish Times to discuss…

It was love at first taste - that's how Tadhg Hickey, comedian and actor described his first interaction with alcohol. This encounter would go on to define the Corkman's relationship with drink.   “A Portrait of the Piss Artist as a young man” is Tadhg's new book and is an honest account into alcoholism, addiction and the process of recovery and he joined Kieran to discuss...

Vision Zero is the RSA’s strategy for getting to zero deaths and injuries on our roads by 2050. Some people are worried about how authorities might be making certain decisions about our roads.  Kieran was joined by Conor Skehan, columnist with the Sunday Independent to discuss...

Kieran was joined by Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer for the Irish Daily Star and Roddy Collins, Irish football legend to discuss the future of Stephen Kenny as Ireland manager...

Kieran Cuddihy was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Seán Quinn, businessman and author of his new book ‘Seán Quinn, In My Own Words’... 

When the USC was introduced in 2010, we were all promised it was a temporary measure to help us out of the financial crisis. 13 years later, we’re still paying it and there’s no sign of it stopping. With recent news that we’ve entered a budget surplus, a lot of people are beginning to wonder why the tax is still necessary. Kieran was joined by Dr Aidan Regan, associate professor in the School of Politics and International Relations at UCD, and, Fianna Fail Senator Malcolm Byrne to discuss...

Ireland manager Stephen Kenny has had a string of bad luck since taking on the job. Last night’s 2-1 loss to the Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium leaves Ireland on just three points in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.It begs the question, is it time for Stephen Kenny to go? Henry McKean joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. This week's you are what you eat sees Aisling Larkin, TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach give Kieran tips for the best snacks for a rugby match...

Kieran was joined LIVE from International Rugby Experience in Limerick by Pat and Faye Shortt…

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign is set to kick-off tomorrow with our first Pool B game against Romania in Bordeaux.   Kieran was joined by Marcus Horan, Former Munster and Ireland Player and Ian Dowling, Two Time Heineken Cup Winner with Munster...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. Kieran Cuddihy was given a special tour of the new attraction by Barry Hannon, CEO of International Rugby Experience in Limerick...

Today Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced plans for Community Safety Wardens to be deployed in Dublin City Centre.   Kieran was joined LIVE at the International Rugby Experience in Limerick by former Mayor of Limerick, John Gilligan to discuss crime in Limerick...

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the International Rugby Experience in Limerick City. Kieran was joined by Sean Golden, Chief Economist and Head of Policy for Limerick Chambers,  John Moran, Member of the Limerick Economic Forum, chair of Liveable Limerick and board member of Shannon Airport and Elisa O’Donovan, Social Democrat Councillor for Limerick City West to chat about the positive aspects of Limerick, issues people are facing and the future of the city and county...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe to discuss IFA protests, ESRI recommendations for a second tier child benefit scheme and energy costs...

Kieran was joined by Pete Lunn, the founder and head of the ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit to discuss why we cheat...

The Irish Farmer Association have picketed a meeting today in Dublin called by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue this morning, following a cut in Ireland’s nitrates derogation limit.  The derogation was set to help limit the effect agriculture has had on Ireland’s water supply but after an EPA report showing a decline in water quality, the cut has been called.   Tadhg Buckley, Director of Policy of the IFA and Sinead O’Brien, CEO Of SWAN (Sustainable Water Network) joined Kieran to discuss...

We’ve heard of smart speakers and smart TVs and even smart doorbells, but have you heard of smart washing machines or smart ovens? Well, companies are already working on convincing you that you need these appliances, but do you? Are we approaching a time when your whole house is listening to you and nothing is private anymore? Kieran was joined by Elaine Burke, technology journalist and host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ podcast...

A report published yesterday by the ESRI recommended a second tier of child benefit. The benefit would be heavily means tested and would aim to address chronic child poverty for the most vulnerable families in Ireland.   Kieran was joined by Tanya Ward CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Louise Bayliss, spokesperson of SPARK (Single Parents Acting for the Rights of Kids)...

The Irish Farmer Association have picketed a meeting today in Dublin called by Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue this morning, following a cut in Ireland’s nitrates derogation limit.  The derogation was set to help limit the effect agriculture has had on Ireland’s water supply but after an EPA report showing a decline in water quality, the cut has been called.Kieran Cuddihy met farmers on the picket outside Dáil Éireann to discuss their reasons for protesting...

Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers has announced he plans to reduce speed limits on roads across the country. This move is getting a mixed reaction. Kieran was joined by Shane O’Donoghue, editor of completecar.ie and Alan Cheevers, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Galway City East 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 take a look a some of the options for peanut butter on the shelves...

Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers has announced he plans to reduce speed limits on roads across the country.Kieran was joined by Leo Lieghio, A member of the Irish Road Victims Association and Brian Caulfield, Professor at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin to discuss...

Dublin authorities need to be 'a bit more imaginative' about public toilets in the city, the DublinTown CEO has said. We are asking, would you mind spending a penny to spend a penny? Henry McKean went to ask the public and joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Hector is coming back to our screens and he’s off to the dizzying sites of Southeast Asia in his new show Ó Na Phillippines Go Dtí Na Solomons.   Returning to the area after 20 years, the man himself will be exploring the bustling metropolises of Manila and Singapore to the most rural parts of Papa New Guinea and the Soloman Islands. Hector joined Kieran to discuss this, the RTÉ pay controversy and the return of the Tommy, Hector & Laurita Podcast...

Budget 2024 is right around the corner and Alcohol Action Ireland are calling for an introduction of excise duties on alcohol and also a levy on drink companies such as Diageo.Sheila Gilheaney, CEO at Alcohol Action Ireland and Michael O’Donovan, Chair of the Cork City and Cork County Branch Vintners Federation of Ireland joined Kieran to discuss...

This summer has been one of our country’s worst in years when it comes to tragic road deaths. New plans brought forward by Junior Minister for Transport Jack Chambers are hoping to change that, with a reduction in speed limits on Irish Roads. IKieran was joined by Mairéad Forsythe, volunteer with the Love30 Campaign, and Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice. Mairéad, do you think this is the right approach to improving road safety?

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 up to Belfast...

A survey released yesterday by a sponsor of the IRFU Energia found "the country's number one sport", with 31% of respondents claiming it is their "favourite sport".   Soccer came in at 27 percent, Gaelic Football at 23 percent and Hurling and Camogie at 19%.  Kieran was joined by David Kelly, Chief Sportswriter for the Irish Independent, Jason Byrne GAA Correspondent with the Irish Sun and Rob Hartnett, Director of Sport for Business to discuss...

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 'Is Ireland an unequal society?' 

1 in 4 women dies from heart disease and stroke yet research has shown that heart disease in women has been under-researched, under-diagnosed, and under-treated for far too long.   This September the Irish Heart Foundation is running the ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign with support of the HSE and Healthy Ireland, to increase awareness of the risk of heart disease and stroke in women and the fact that this risk increases as women enter menopause.  Kieran was joined by ambassador for the Irish Heart Foundation’s ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign, broadcaster Maura Derrane...  

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has travelled to Dubai where he is will meet with police there to discuss how Kinahan cartel leaders could be extradited to Ireland.   The leaders of the cartel Christopher Kinahan along with his sons Daniel and Christopher Junior are believed to still be based in the United Arab Emirates  In a statement, An Garda Siochana said Commissioner Harris and senior garda officers regularly liaise and work with international law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs.  Crime Correspondent with Irish Independent, Paul Williams joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

The Mental Health Commission yesterday published individual reports on the child and adolescent mental health services in the nine community healthcare organisation areas of the HSE.  It showed that over 4,400 people were on CAMHS waiting lists nationwide.  Kieran was joined by Naomi and Emer, from Families for Reform of CAHMS, who have been engaging with the system for years...

Ukrainian refugees are to be accommodated in tents on the Electric Picnic site in Stradbally Co Laois. The Department of Integration has signed a six-week contract for use of a site from September 5th.The site has a capacity to hold 750 people, which the Government has said will be used on a "phased, contingency basis".

Is Rugby Ireland’s favourite sport? A survey released yesterday by a sponsor of the IRFU Energia found "the country's number one sport", with 31% of respondents claiming it is their "favourite sport".     Soccer came in at 27 percent, Gaelic Football at 23 percent and Hurling and Camogie at 19%.     Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig, Today FM’s Cathal Minogue and The Journal’s Editor Sinéad O’Carroll joined Kieran Cuddihy to discuss...

Yesterday, in Stradbally, The Wolfe Tones performed for the biggest crowd in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena since the festival started.   Although many of the songs by the rebel music group were written before many attendees were born, the crowd had a wide range of ages – many of whom sang 'Oh, ah, up the Ra' to the band's song 'Celtic Symphony'.  We wondered what it was like to be there in the thick of it all. Sean Defoe was joined by Sean Reidy, Newstalk's own, and Sharon Murray who were both at the Wolfe Tone gig.  

Now lots of you will remember my next guest as being one of the key figures in murder investigations – Dr Marie Cassidy served as the State Pathologist from 2004 to 2018.  Tonight she returns to our screens on RTÉ with episode one of her new series Dr. Cassidy’s Casebook – The Femicide Cases.  Dr. Marie Cassidy joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show...

Our political correspondent Sean Defoe joins us for the Political Diary and breaking news Sean – the government has collapsed and we are going to the polls! Ok we aren’t but a new opinion poll over the weekend has shown that Sinn Féin continues to lead in the polls.  So we set Sean a bit of homework – if we went to the polls today what would the next Dáil look like and who could be in government? 

Broadcaster and keen shopper Jonathan Healy was having a bit of a cleanout this weekend and found something with value! He’s been on a mission to validate it and joined us to give us an update.Consumer Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Times Connor Pope also joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show this evening.

Yesterday, in Stradbally, Portlaoise, The Wolfe Tones performed for the biggest crowd in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena since the festival started.   Although many of the songs by the rebel music group were written before many attendees were born, the crowd had a wide range of ages – many of whom sang 'Oh, ah, up the Ra' to the band's song 'Celtic Symphony'.  Are our youth unaware of the meaning or do they not understand the implications? Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Bertie Ahern, Former Taoiseach and one of the architects of the Good Friday agreement to discuss...

You would have no doubt seen all the beautiful sunny pictures coming out from Electric Picnic over the weekend.  And the positive news is that this weather is set to continue as we are experiencing a little Indian summer whilst other parts of Europe such as Spain are experiencing rain.  Joanna Donnelly, Meteorologist, Met Eireann joined Kieran on the show with a weather update.

A warning was sounded this weekend by the Gardai about the possibility of higher quantities of the deadly drug Fentanyl arriving in Ireland. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used as an anesthetic in controlled circumstances. But it has proved popular with criminal organisations as well as it is much stronger than heroin by weight.   There is concern that fentanyl may enter global markets at speed as heroin production has been reduced by a Taliban push to stop opium production in Afghanistan.   Drug and alcohol researcher and CEO of the Anna Liffey Drug Project Tony Duffin joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show. 

Newstalk Breakfast’s Shane Coleman this morning on saying young people singing rebel songs run the risk of romanticising the "horrible and ugly" Troubles.The Wolfe Tones surprised many by performing for the biggest crowd in Electric Picnic’s Electric Arena in the festival’s nearly 20-year history. But are we being over-sensitive to their song Celtic Symphony with the lyrics ‘Ooh Ah up the Ra.’ And Did young people sing along to it?Henry McKean met young people coming back from EP, and joined us on the show.

For out weekly sport slot Kieran was joined as always by Ger Gilroy from off the Ball to look back at the biggest sporting stories of the week.

Joining Kieran to chat about American politics was Terry Prone, Chair of the Communications Clinic, Renee Chenault-Fattah, Former NBC News Anchor and Pat Gatling, New York human rights lawyer 

Now we are kicking off this week's Final Furlong, where we look back at some of the stories that have caught our eye over the past week!   Joining Kieran for this edition of The Furlong this evening are:   Irish architect Hugh Wallace, and former model and influencer Holly Carpenter 

This week's you are what you eat sees Aisling Larkin, TV Chef and Mindful Eating Coach take Kieran on a journey through the many layers of pasta.

We’ve heard today that one of the leading Energy suppliers Energia has announced a cut in its home energy prices. Those on the company's Smart meter plans will see unit rates cut by 20%. Dual fuel electricity and gas rates will also fall by 20%. Is this the start of a trends across the board? Well one man who will be happy to see this is Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport and Leader of the Green Party and joined Kieran in studio 

Garda have been urging more caution on the roads, following a series of fatal accidents this summer.  But one suggestion that has been mentioned is speed limiters - the idea that car can limit your speed to the speed limit required.  Should this sort of thing be mandatory on our vehicles?  Michael Pidgeon is Dublin City Councillor for the Green Party … and Michael Healy Rae is Independent TD for Kerry.  They joined Kieran to discuss. 

Our reporter Josh Crosbie joined the show from Stradbally to give us the latest at day one of Electric Picnic.

New Data from Census 2022 suggests that 21 percent of Irish property owners have 2 or more spare bedrooms in their homes.   Should we be urging homeowners to be open the doors to renters who may need them or should we be encouraging some to downsize their homes?   Pat Davitt, CEO of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link joined Kieran to speak about this.  

As you’ll likely know at this stage, Vera Pauw’s contract as Republic of Ireland manager will not be renewed, and there has been quite the fallout.   Among other things, she felt her position was undermined, particularly during the World Cup.  To get us up to speed, Kieran joined by Mark Tighe, senior news reporter for the Sunday Independent and former football manager Roddy Collins. 

Kieran Cuddihy was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Keith Rolls, Partner at Coleman Legal Solicitors to discuss the latest CAMHS report...

Jim Bergin is leading one of Ireland’s biggest companies with over 2,000 employees and sales revenue of a staggering 3 billion euro. All this while attempting to keep the farmers of Ireland happy. Kieran was joined by Jim Bergin, CEO at Tirlán and he is also one of the speakers at this year’s Kennedy Summer School in New Ross…

While broadcasting LIVE from the Dundrody Visitor Centre as part of the Kennedy Summer School, Kieran Cuddihy took a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by one of the speakers at the Kennedy Summer School, award winning journalist Dermot Murnaghan. Dermot is known for his impressive career in the industry, working for companies such as the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky News, across many memorable breaking stories, like the deaths of both Diana Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth II...

Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, who has had a long distinguished career in Ireland’s Defence Forces culminating in serving as the Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2021...

The Mental Health Commission has published individual reports on the child and adolescent mental health services in the nine community healthcare organisation areas of the HSE.  These individual reports outline issues within particular regions - with an overall 4450 patients on waiting lists for servies.  Verona Murphy, Independent TD for Wexford joined Kieran to discuss...

Kieran was joined by Dr Kathryn Cramer Brownell, Associate Professor of History at Purdue University. She’s one of the guest speakers at the Kennedy Summer School, and she focuses on the area of celebrities and showbiz in politics... 

The Hard Shoulder was LIVE from the Dunbrody Visitor Centre in New Ross for the Kennedy Summer School. Kieran was joined by Eileen Dunne, former broadcaster at RTÉ and Larry Donnelly, long time commentator on US politics on our airwaves and a Law Lecturer at the University of Galway. Both are directors of the Kennedy Summer School...

Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton was an indestructible fighter. Over the first 43 fights of his professional career, he was unbeaten.  Thousands of fans travelled wherever he fought from London to Las Vegas, and he quickly became boxing’s man of the people.   A new Sky Documentary film ‘Hatton’ which will air at 9pm on Sky Documentaries and NOW on Thursday 31st August and explore Ricky’s extraordinary success and also his struggles inside and outside of the ring.Ricky Hatton joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder 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 take a look a some of the options for olives on the shelves...

Kieran was joined by Darragh O’Brien, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss today's constituency review from the Electoral Commission and more issues relating to housing and Airbnb...

It’s a nervous day for families across the country as students receive their CAO offers – 6 in 10 have received their first preference.  There has been criticism this year for the continued use of grade inflation in the Leaving Cert with has kept points for many courses high. Kieran was joined Pól Ó Dochartaigh Deputy President and Registrar of the University of Galway who was previously served as chair of the CAO... 

The Electoral Commission has published its constituency review, recommending an increase of 14 TDs to 174 deputies in the next Dáil  In this scenario, the number of constituencies would increase by four from 39 to 43.  So what impact does this have around the country?  Kieran was joined by Shane Coleman from Newstalk Breakfast, Sean Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent and Claire McGing, who is an academic specialist in gender and politics in IDT Dun Laoghaire to discuss...

School season is back into full swing, and the dreaded conversation of homework is back in households once again. In a recent exclusive Newstalk poll, carried out by Amárach, we asked our listeners if it’s time to ban homework from schools once and for all. 35 per cent of those who responded said it was a thing of the past for primary levels and it’s time to get rid, while 18 per cent think it should also be banned in secondary schools. Kieran was joined by Jennifer Horgan, teacher and Irish Examiner Columnist and Mary McCarthy, columnist for the Irish independent 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 Vancouver...

Should wolves be reintroduced to Irish wildlife? Kieran was joined by Killian McLaughlin, founder of the Wild Ireland Wildlife Park and John Joe Fitzgerald, vice president of Irish Natura and Hill Farmer’s Association to debate this...

There is great concern that Irish Horseracing could be under threat due to the proposed Gambling Regulation Bill which would ban ads between 5:30am and 9pm.  Paul Hensey, chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses and Aodhan O’Riordain is Labour TD for Dublin Bay North, as well as their Education and Justice spokesperson joined Kieran to discuss...

There are only days to go before 70,000 people will take to the fields around Stradbally for Electric Picnic.Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie got a sneak peek of the festival and spoke with Kieran about what people can expect.

Green Party Leader Eamonn Ryan previously called for wolves to be reintroduced in to the wild in Ireland.  What exactly would happen if this did happen?  Kieran was joined by Kilian Murphy Quantitative ecologist with UCD who has been crunching the numbers... 

Yesterday, Enoch Burke returned to Wilson's Hospital School, where he formally worked and believes he has a right to be there. He says he is standing up for what he believes in.  Diarmuid Lyng, Owner of Wild Irish Retreat and former Wexford Hurler joined Kieran to discuss...

There have been calls on the Government to scrap plans to increase excise on fuel next week.  From this Friday, September 1st, excise duty rates will increase by 7 cent for petrol and 5 cent for diesel.  Peadar Toibin, TD and the leader of Aontú and Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward joined Kieran to discuss...

Michelle Obama has been voted the most inspirational woman of all time. A new poll of parents of girls aged between 6 and 10 put the former first lady at the top, with Harry Potter actor Emma Watson second, while Nobel-winning scientist Marie Curie third.   To drill down into the list and see who made the cut, I’m joined by Barbara Scully, author and broadcaster, Saoirse Hanley, Features writer with Sunday Independent and Jess Kelly, Newstalk's tech correspondent 

Spain prosecutors have opened a preliminary sex abuse investigation into Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.  Rubiales has refused to step down from his role despite criticism of his kiss with Spain forward Jenni Hermoso following the country’s World Cup final win last Sunday.  Miguel Delaney Chief Football Writer at The UK Independent joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show...

Enoch Burke returned to Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath today as the new school year got underway. It is understood Mr Burke entered the school building and set up in a corridor. He is is locked in ongoing legal proceedings against the school after he was dismissed following alleged gross misconduct.  To give us an update Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent...

Change is on the way to Ireland’s electoral system is due to be revealed this Wednesday which could be set to be one of the most radical overhauls of the system in generations.  Our political correspondent Sean Defoe has the details... 

Eoghan Corry, Travel and Aviation journalist and Editor of Air and Travel Magazine joined Kieran to discuss the cancellation of flights from Irish airports following problems with Air Traffic Control in Britain.

David Quinn, in his article in the Sunday Independent yesterday, questioned if Down Syndrome was disappearing from the world.  David details that because of ever more sophisticated screening tests, conditions such as Down syndrome can be detected in the womb at ever earlier stages of pregnancy. David stated that in almost every case where the condition is detected, the baby is aborted. Former Professor of the Rotunda, Professor Fergal Malone provided statistics in late 2022 that stated 95% of cases in the Rotunda, the mother traveled to the UK for an abortion  Why is this and are people with Down syndrome disappearing from our society? Former Mayor of Drogheda, Michael O’Dowd, father to Conor (27) who has Down syndrome and is an Aontu representative in Louth joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show.

Fine Gael TD Colm Burke has been calling for the age limit to buy tobacco to be raised to 21 years of age. He wants the change in order to help Ireland meet its public health target of a less-than-5 percent smoking rate by 2025. John Mallon, spokesperson for Forest Ireland and Professor Des Cox is chair of the Policy Group on Tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin both joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show to discuss...

“I feel like Chicken tonight! Chicken tonight!” What autumn dinners did your hard-working parents serve up night after night growing up? And what did they make for your packed lunch?Newstalk reporter Henry McKean joined Kieran Cuddihy on the show...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to back to school lunches...

More than 40,000 international visitors have descended on Dublin for an American football game on Saturday.Notre Dame will take on Navy at the Aviva Stadium in an event that is thought to be worth more than 140 million euro to the Irish economy.Tours and accommodation are booked out with US tourists enjoying what’s on offer.Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been meeting with them to see what they think of the Emerald Isle.

Access to the HPV vaccine is being expanded to include young men aged 21 and under. That vaccine is named after Laura Brennan, who campaigned for higher uptake of the vaccine, and her father Larry joined Kieran to discuss...

Leaving Certificate results will be available from Friday morning, with first round CAO offers out next Wednesday.To discuss grade inflation and Leaving Cert reform, Kieran was joined by Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchins College Limerick and Aontú spokesperson on education alongside John Walshe, Former Advisor to Education Minister Ruairi Quinn...

Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins has suggested a streamlining of the process for licenses for taxi drivers to help tackle the ongoing shortage in Dublin City and around the country. Kieran was joined by Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins, Jim Waldron, spokesperson for the National Private Hire and Taxi Association and Kieran Harte, General Manager for Uber…

The fallout is continuing in Russia from the apparent death of the head of the Wagner Group and orchestrator of an attempted coup in June Yegveny Prigozhin.  Prigozhin was listed as a passenger of the private jet which crashed 185 miles north of Moscow.  For more on this, Kieran was joined by General Richard Barrons, former head of the UK’s joint forces command & leading UK Defence expert... 

Ahead of Leaving Cert Results being announced tomorrow, there have been calls that we should have harsher grading for the Leaving Cert.  Calls have been made by some universities that post-pandemic measures for students have led to grade inflation which has been attributed to high dropout rates for first year students.  Carl O’Brien, Education Editor with Irish Times joined Kieran to discuss...

There was lots of reaction on the show yesterday to the new Fair City, Fergal, who was introduced last Sunday. He seems to be a conspiracy theorist with views that lean to the right.  Kieran was joined on The Hard Shoulder by Killian O’Sullivan, director and producer, and former actor on Fair City to discuss...

Earlier this week, Mary Earps, the goalie for the English Women’s team was criticised for swearing in a moment of passion during the World Cup final. She was called disgusting and un-ladylike.   In 2023, is swearing still frowned upon and seen as unladylike if a woman swears?  Kieran was joined by Holly Carpenter, Former model and social media influencer and Michelle Harding, Founder of the School of Life Etiquette school...

Yesterday we saw the UK's first-ever succesful womb transplant. It was hailed by doctors as 'dawn of new era' in fertility treatment.  The recipient's sister, who already has children, donated her womb to her younger sibling, who was born without a uterus.  Kieran was joined by Dr. Peter Boylan, former master of the National Maternity Hospital...

Over 100 public houses have closed their doors permanently so far this year.  That number is expected to increase by the end of the year, as an average of 152 pubs have closed annually since 2019.  Kieran was joined by Adrienne McCarthy, owner of McCarthy Bar is Castletown Bere in West Cork and Independent TD for Tipperary, Mattie McGrath...

Kieran Cuddihy went to Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow to meet with the legendary journalist and broadcaster, Charlie Bird and his wife Claire, who is looking to help raising funds for Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement.   Anyone or any businesses can register now to host a coffee morning on September 21, or on a date that suits them, at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If they can not host or attend one, a donation can be made at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate. 

A new survey out today says four in five Gen Zs, aged between 9 and 24, rate it as the ultimate decade. But is it?Henry McKean went to find out what people think...

The space race is back!  India has today become the first country to land in the lunar south pole region of the moon.  The Vikram lander from Chandrayaan-3 successfully touched down just after half 12 today making India just the fourth country to reach the moon.  Space Commentator Leo Enright joined Kieran to discuss...

Business owners in Dublin City have been meeting with senior Gardaí today to discuss tackling crime.  It is because of concerns about an increase in shop-lifting, aggression and anti-social behaviour.  Kieran was joined by Alan Campbell is the owner of The Bankers Bar and former Assistant Garda Commissioner, Pat Leahy to discuss...

Fergal, the newest addition to the cast of Fair City, a conspiracy theorist believes that the pandemic was planned to aid the banks and 'the country is full.'  John McGuirk, editor of Gript and Stefanie Preissner, writer and broadcaster joined Kieran to discuss... Image: RTÉ

Every week for Tuesday Travel on The Hard Shoulder we take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world. This week, travel journalist, Nicola Brady joined Kieran to give him tips for a trip to the Beehive State, Utah...

Have you seen noticed an increase in the use of recreational drugs like cocaine? The use of the drug has been suggested to be commonplace and cocaine use in society is 'mind-blowing.' That’s according to Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories who joined Kieran to discuss...

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 'Could we use our Garda force better?'

One of the UK’s most prolific serial killers Lucy Letby was sentenced to 14 whole life sentences for the murder of 7 babies however she was not in court for the sentencing or to hear any of the victim impact statements. And indeed, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has suggested the UK will potentially change the law to compel those found guilty to be in court to hear the statements when they are read out to court. But what is the value of those statements in terms of the perpetrator hearing them or indeed for the families of the victims of crime getting to have their say. Kieran was joined by Kathleen Chadha who lost her two boys Eoghan (10) and Ruairi (5) when they were murdered by their father in 2013 and by Andrew Furlong, who’s daughter Nicola (21), was killed in 2012 in Tokyo…

Race organisers of the Youghal Ironman did not have clearance by Triathlon Ireland Technical Officials to go ahead with the race. The race saw the deaths of two men, Brendan Wall and Ivan Chittenden after they got into difficulties in the swim element of the event. Kieran was joined by Lisa Shine, a spectator at the Ironman in Youghal who was there supporting her sister, Fiona....

New figures provided by the HSE to the Irish Independent show that the Cork and Kerry community healthcare organisation still had the longest ­CAMHS waiting list in the country. 976 young people are currently waiting for help there, with that figure being around 4,300 nationwide. Kieran was joined by Gary Stack a GP in Killarney, and Matthew Sadlier, who is a consultant psychiatrist, and Chair of the IMO’s Consultant Committee...

The Rose of Tralee returned last night and the finale will be taking place later at the Kerry Sports Academy. Some say it’s stuck in the past but there have been changes to the event over the years. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie is in Tralee speaking with previous winners and locals about the evolvement of the festival.

Since the pandemic, gig etiquette has been called into question more than ever, as fans find new and outrageous ways to interact with their idols. Is this the end of gig etiquette as we know it? Today FM’s Ed Smith joined Kieran to discuss...

The Rose of Tralee festival returns to our screens tonight and Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie joined Kieran from Tralee where he met with those on the street and behind the scenes...

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged assault on Grafton Street yesterday morning. It’s the latest incident of its kind to take place in the capital over the last couple of months. Kieran was joined by Jim O’Callaghan, Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Bay South and their spokesperson for Justice and Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town to discuss…

The rock band Queen have removed 'Fat Bottomed Girls' from their greatest hits on a universal music streaming service aimed at kids. But the song will still be available on other streamers and to buy on old fashioned records. Many have said this is so called ‘woke cancel culture’ or is modernisation and diversity? Kieran was joined by Newstalk's Henry McKean to discuss this further....

Post mortem examinations are to be carried out on the two men who died during an Ironman event in Cork yesterday . 44-year-old Meath man Brendan Wall, who lived in the UK, and 65-year-old Ivan Chittenden from Toronto in Canada after they got into difficulties in the swim element of the event. Kieran was joined by Tom, who was at the Ironman event yesterday and has done triathlons so is experienced in this whole world...

Over 27,000 students enrolled in private post-primary schools for the last academic year, a record number. It represents a 6 per cent increase in the number of students attending private schools over the last five years. Kieran was joined by Michael Clark, Fianna Fail County Councillor for Killiney-Shankill and Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin Education spokesperson and TD for Longford-Westmeath to discuss...

Sentencing has occurred of the nurse Lucy Letby who was found guilty of killing seven infants in her care and the attempted murder of six babies. Justice James Goss at the Manchester Crown Court handed down the most severe sentence possible under British law. Kieran was joined by Vincent McAvinney, journalist and broadcaster to discuss...

The England Women's World Cup dreams were dashed after a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final yesterday. Across social media it was clear that Irish fans were delighting in their loss. Why do we support the downfall of English sports teams? Kieran was joined by Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry to discuss....

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...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to learn how best to use peaches in your cooking and baking...

RTÉ has revealed that contact talks have broken down with Ryan Tubridy and the broadcaster will not be returning to the air. Niamh Smyth TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Media Committee and Garett Harte, Managing Director of Harte Media and former Editor in Chief of Newstalk...

Swappie research has revealed almost half of Irish people continue to hoard their old tech. Kieran was joined by Newstalk's Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss...

England’s Lionesses will be looking to “bring it home” this Sunday as they take on Spain in the World Cup final. It is the first appearance for both nations in the final. Former Ireland international Karen Duggan joined Kieran to discuss...

Irish troops are to provide weapons training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Does this go against the government's pledge to provide only non-lethal support? Kieran was joined by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Fianna Fail Defense Spokesperson, Lisa Chambers to discuss...

The legendary broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died after a brief illness at the age of 88. For more reaction to this, Kieran was joined by Dame Esther Rantzen to discuss...

Aiden Aslin joined the Ukrainian Marines in 2018. Four years later, he was stationed at the front line in Mariupol, where he was part of a mass surrender. He was singled out for his British passport and was taken as a prisoner of war. Now, he, along with the help of John Sweeney, has written a book about his experience in their book 'Putin’s Prisoner: My time as a prisoner of war in Ukraine'. Both John and Aiden joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...

The legendary broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson has died after a brief illness at the age of 88. Broadcaster Gloria Hunniford and Alastair Campbell, writer, communicator, consultant and co-host of ‘The Rest Is Politics' joined Kieran to discuss...

AI has found its way into every profession there is and now the music industry is being threatened as well. Should we take these threats seriously? Kieran was joined by Dr. Martin Clancy from Trinity College Dublin and musician Ultan Conlon...

The TV licence is back in the spotlight again following the publication of the Grant Thornton report yesterday into secret payments from RTE to Ryan Tubridy. Latest figures show that since news of the controversy emerged in June, TV licence renewals have fallen by one-third compared to the same period last year. Larry Bass, CEO of ShinAwiL production company joined Kieran to discuss...

The discussion has been rumbling on the last few weeks about the decision to have cashless ticketing at the National Ploughing Championships this year We are a month out from the National Ploughing Championships and some people are still not happy Kieran was joined by Jackie Flannery, From the Irish Rural Association and Anna Marie McHugh, from the National Ploughing Association to discuss...

Ireland take on England this weekend as part of their World Cup warm-up. The team were training at the IRFU's High Performance Centre in Blanchardstown. Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent was there to get an insight into the tech used to better the team's performance...

According to a new report by Trinity College Dublin researchers, vacant properties and land in Irish city centres are an “inevitable outcome” of the State’s planning system and property markets. The report highlights what it calls an ‘inherent tension’ between planning and the market. Cian O’Callaghan is associate Professor in Urban Geography with the School of Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin, and he led this research and Hugh Wallace is Director with Douglas-Wallace Architects to discuss...

Today Grant Thornton released a long-awaited report that looked into Ryan Tubridy’s pay and how RTE under-declared his 2017-2019 income by €120,000. The board have acknowlegded governance “failures” in this regard Kieran was joined by Willie O’Reilly, former RTE Commerical Director and media commentator and Emma O’Kelly, Chair of NUJ Broadcasting Branch to discuss

Cities around the world are trying to move to a more cycling friendly approach to minimalise congestion and fulfil their environmental duties. Historically, Dublin have always been credited with being impressive in their action however, the progress has halted significantly. Kieran was joined by Dr Robert Egan, research fellow in Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin to discuss...

Today, Grant Thornton released a long-awaited report that looked into Ryan Tubridy’s pay and how RTE under-declared his 2017-2019 income by €120,000. The board have acknowlegded governance “failures” in this regard Kieran was joined by Terry Prone, Chair of the Communications Clinic and Brian Stanley, Sinn Fein TD and chair of the Public Accounts Committee to discuss...

As the Bank of Ireland IT glitch comes clearer, allowing customers to transfer up to €2,000 from their account even if they didn’t have the funds. Transferring money from their Bank Of Ireland accounts to their Revolut accounts, then using their Revolut cards to withdraw money from the ATMS. But have we lost our moral compass? Many of us knew it was wrong but queued up anyway to get the cash. Henry McKean has been speaking to people who got caught up in it...

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 Italian lakes...

Yesterday, Kieran was joined by by Brian Warfield of the Wolfe Tones and Ben Lowry of the Belfast Newsletter. It was after pro-IRA songs were sung at the Wolfe Tones Feile gig in West Belfast over the weekend. On the 25th anniversary of the Omagh bombing, it begs the quesiton is there is any workable route to proper reconciliation, and to move on. Kieran was joined by Joe Brolly of the Free State Podcast to discuss…

25 years ago in August of 1998, four months after the Good Friday Agreement was signed the Real IRA detonated a car bomb in Omagh. In doing so they claimed the lives of 29 men, women and children, among them a mother heavily pregnant with twins and shattered the thin veil of peace. Kieran was joined by novelist and newspaper columnist Martina Devlin and Omagh bombing survivor, Nicola Emery to discuss...

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 'Is the Rose of Tralee out of date or harmless fun?'

In July of this year, the All-Island Rail Review included plans for a LUAS line that connects Mahon to Ballincollig. However, in recent months it has faced some obstacles and opposition on numerous grounds, most recently due to the prospect of demolition work for the route to work. Kieran was joined by Peter Horgan, Labour representative for the City to discuss...

Today, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe have launched the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan 2022-2025. The plan aims to double the Number of public service apprenticeships to 750 by 2025. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris joined Kieran to discuss...

Last week on the programme we heard about the different types of lab-grown meat that will be coming to a shop near you soon. But today we turn our attention to the great debate of our time. How do you like your steak? Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been meeting with diners and chefs to find out what makes the perfect steak.

Standing at 120 meters tall in the heart of the capital, The Spire is a source of contention among the Irish public. For some, it is an impressive piece of art that’s both stylish and elegant. For others it is an ‘uninspiring’ waste of space. Kieran was joined by Michael Kelly, Editor with the Irish Catholic and Documentary Maker, Luke McManus to discuss...

There have been reports today that the Government could move up to €8 billion from their Sovereign Wealth Fund into housing. The money, it is suggested, would go to the Land Development Agency. Kieran was joined by former Chair of the Land Development Agency, John Moran to discuss...

40 years ago today Eamonn Coghlan became a World Championship gold medalist in Helsinki in the 5000m. He joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the historic win... Image: Athletics Ireland

Over the last two weeks Kieran has been joined by parents from Families for Reform of CAMHS to discuss the ongoing crisis and staff shortages in the service. For more on this, Kieran was joined by Children’s Ombudsman, Niall Muldoon and Independent TD for Clare, Violet-Anne Wynne to discuss

Hollywood remains at a standstill today as the ongoing strike which has paralysed all major TV and movie productions has hit the one-month mark. Members of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have been on strike since 14 July, after negotiations over new contracts Kieran was joined by Tim Gray Variety’s senior VP and awards editor and Natalie Britton, actress and member of SAG-AFTRA to discuss...