The Hard Shoulder

A list of proposals was in front of cabinet today, including a sports action plan which will look at improving sports participation for women and young girls. One measure is that research will be conducted on the barriers to sports for young girls, and how the role of school uniforms might impact participation. So, are school uniforms a barrier to taking part in sports and keeping active, and shou...

Members of the hospitality sector are marching on Dáil Éireann in a day of action on issues facing their industry such as the rising costs of operations and the VAT rates. To report on what’s happened at this protest, Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte.

Simon Harris is bringing a Dublin City Taskforce report to Cabinet today which aims to improve and develop the area... But, what recommendations would those living in the city like to see? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Holly Carpenter, Content Creator and Saoirse Hanley, Columnist and Audience Editor for The Independent.

Ryanair is launching a case to the High Court this week seeking an expedited hearing and an injunction against the I.A.A in regards to the airport's contentious passenger cap… Joining Kieran to discuss is Micheal O’ Leary, CEO of Ryanair.

Sinn Féin has found itself mired in yet more controversy following news that Brian Stanley has resigned from the party. Party Leader Mary Lou McDonald spoke to Newstalk Breakfast about the issue this morning. James Lawless, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications joins Kieran to discuss.

A few weeks ago on the show advice was given on how to help your child if they are being bullied. However, there's a chance that your child IS the one bullying. Joining Kieran to discuss how to manage that tricky situation is Tara Logan Buckley, a Senior Clinical Psychologist.

Former Fine Gael TD Kate O’Connell has ­rejected an invitation by Simon Harris to run for the party in the upcoming general election, declaring she will instead run as an Independent in Dublin Bay South. Kate joins Kieran to discuss.

According to a poll of 1,000 people conducted by Census Wide: 98% of Irish people are using streaming services, but the number of people paying for them has shrunk to 78%. So, what explains this? Tech Editor for the Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler joins Kieran to discuss Ireland’s love for the ‘dodgy box’.

It has been over a year since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7th 2023, and the legacy of that continues to cast a shadow over the Middle East... Kevin Myers, Journalist and Historian joins Kieran to reflect and discuss whether or not we are being too anti-Israel.

The government has announced the ‘National Plan for Irish Language Public Services’ which aims to improve our Irish language services. However, do we do enough to encourage those who are not already fluent to speak the language? Joining Kieran to discuss is Podcaster and Broadcaster, Fionnuala Jones and Director of Bhaile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge, Mícheál Ó Nualláin.

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 to look at all the different nut butters to spread on toast, or eat straight from the jar!

It has been 60 years since the Billie Barry Stage School opened, which has produced some of Ireland’s biggest stars. The school is marking its 60th anniversary with the show ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ at the Gaiety Theatre from October 15th to the 19th. Joining Kieran to discuss is Lorraine Barry, Director of the Billie Barry Stage School.

The Environmental Protection Agency has said the slow pace of delivery of wastewater treatment upgrades by Uisce Éireann is ‘unacceptable’. The criticism comes off the back of their Urban Wastewater Treatment report published this morning, which highlights that 16 towns and villages across the country discharge raw sewage daily because their public sewers are not connected to treatment plants. Kie...

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…

The Hate crime legislation is heading before the Seanad next week, and one aspect that won’t be part of it is the Hate Speech offences. Is this a dropped ball for some groups that need protection? Eileen Flynn, Independent Senator and Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Founder and Chair of the Irish Muslim Council join Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s guest epitomises the phrase ‘household name’. He is on our TV screens, on our radio and has been our voice for Eurovision and marked his 25th Eurovision Song Contest this year. Of course, it’s Mary Whelan, and he is celebrating The National Lottery Good Causes Awards - which are taking place tomorrow in Killashee House Hotel in Naas Co Kildare. He joins Kieran to discuss.

After all the craziness this summer at Dublin Airport, a seat cap for next year is to be introduced. However, the DAA, the authority overseeing Dublin Airport, is not happy about it - and their CEO Kenny Jacobs says it will cost the economy hundreds of millions. He joins Kieran to discuss his thinking.

Tanya Sweeney from the Irish Independent recently wrote “School reunions are LinkedIn with gin and tonics, do I really want to go to mine?” Well, is she right? Should we not go to our school reunions? Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease cases are on the rise again as schools are back in full swing… What are the signs to look for and what do you do if your child contracts the illness? Kieran is joined by Dr Afif El-Khuffash, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the RCSI. Image: HSE

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family. Jeff joins Kieran to discuss the damage done by Hurricane Milton in Florida, and how political response could affect the outcome of the upcoming election. Image: AP

A major breakthrough was made in the mammoth Garda investigation into the Kinahan Cartel and their leadership, with the arrest in Dubai of a Senior Kinahan Cartel Lieutenant, Sean McGovern. He will be extradited back to Ireland over the murder of Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan, and other criminal offences. How significant is this, and what does it mean for the remaining Kinahan Cartel in Dubai? Paul Willi...

You may have caught it on BBC last night, but the movie ‘Threads’ has been called one of the scariest and most realistic depictions of a nuclear war. Joining Kieran to discuss why, 40 years later, it still terrifies is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

After years in the making, the landmark Planning and Development Bill was finally approved by the Oireachtas last night, but reaction has been mixed so far. Is it a good idea? And will it help with the Housing Crisis? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips Associates.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and joining Kieran to discuss their own mental health struggles is, Architect Hugh Wallace… If you struggle with your mental health, Aware operate a freephone number at 1800 80 48 48.