The Hard Shoulder

The latest stunt from Just Stop Oil happened today when they sprayed an orange substance on Stonehenge. Fiona Atkinson from Just Stop Oil joined Kieran to discuss why this happened. Image: Just Stop Oil

Newstalk’s newest presenter, Mamobo Ogoro,  Founder and Chief Executive Officer of GORM. She joined Kieran on the Hard Shoulder to talk all about her new show ‘Younified’! This podcast aims to bridge cultural differences and highlight diverse voices by speaking to a range of people reflecting on the reality of living in Ireland today. You can listen to it on air every Sunday at 8pm, or y...

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess discusses the concept of ‘Doomscrolling’ and how social media algorithms suck you in, using AR to map out furniture and a new documentary about Alex Jones.

A new report from the Department of Education has revealed almost a third of secondary school students feel unsafe in school...  The report came with a number of recommendations on preventing and addressing bullying. To discuss, Kieran is joined by Chris Sherlock, Broadcaster and bullying victim, Sean Fallon and later by Minister for Education Norma Foley.

How do you store your food in the summer? Would you put chocolate in the fridge? Or is the press the way to go? Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to ask the public their thoughts, and shares what he found with Kieran Cuddihy.

With Eamon Ryan and Catherine Martin out of the picture, who will be the next leader of the Green Party? Kieran Cuddihy is joined by Roderic O’Gorman and Senator Pippa Hackett to state their cases on why they should be next in line.

With Eamon Ryan stepping down as Leader of the Green Party, and Catherine Martin also announcing she will leave her role as Deputy Leader, what does the future look like for the party? Joining Kieran to discuss is Fionnan Sheehan, Ireland Edit with the Irish Independent.

221+ is a group set up to support women and families affected by the cervical check scandal brought to light by Vicky Phelan in 2018. A report is being launched which is looking at the effect this group has on those using it and the effectiveness of the patient advocate voice. Joining Kieran to discuss are two patient representatives from the group, Lyn Fenton and Caoimhe O’Neill-Forde and Researc...

Author and Irish Examiner Columnist Edel Coffey joined Kieran this week to put her favourite book on the bookshelf! Favourite Book: The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton Honourable Mention: Lullaby by Leila Slimani Currently Reading: All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

Normal People star Paul Mescal debuted a pair of Gucci short shorts at the Gucci Spring/Summer 25 show. It has caused quite a division of opinions online, but will we start to see short shorts infiltrate men’s mainstream fashion? Kieran is joined by Paul Costelloe, Irish Fashion designer, to discuss.  Image: @gucci on Instagram

The Dáil is this evening debating new legislation related to immigration, including signing up to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. But are we making a mistake by signing up to the deal? Barry Ward, Fine Gael Senator and Co-chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee and Declan Ganley, businessman and entrepreneur, join Kieran to discuss.

Leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan has announced that he is stepping down from his role. He joins Kieran Cuddihy in the studio to discuss why, reflect on his career and respond to the Aer Lingus pilots strike.

As more people choose to buy new rather than try to mend what they have, are we raising a generation that can’t fix what we own? Should we spend more time teaching basic skills like sewing and mending appliances? Kieran is joined by Peter Finn, aka ‘Pete the Builder’ and Clare Corrigan from Alterations Centre to discuss.

Ray Houghton scored an incredible goal for Ireland to beat the Italians in World Cup ‘94, which was 30 years ago today. Ray joins Kieran as well as RTÉ’s George Hamilton, who commentated that match, to reflect on the win.

Amid the ongoing pay disputes, Aer Lingus pilots have stated their intention to go on strike. Members of the Irish Airline Pilots’ Association (IALPA) voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action… To discuss this, Kieran is joined by the President of the IALPA, Captain Mark Tighe.

Following the recent local and European elections, Kieran is joined by Brendan Ogle, Independent Candidate in the European Elections. He discusses what it was like running for the first time, and his thoughts on the loss.

The number of young people using a J1 visa to spend time in America has apparently plummeted, but why is this the case? Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean, who has been asking people why they think this is happening.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Maggie Radecka who runs Cut & Fun in Inchicore to discuss haircuts for children who may have sensory issues, or are just getting it done for the first time.

Following short put misses, Rory McIlroy blew a 2-shot lead and did not come away the winner at the US Open. So, did he choke? And how does pressure impact performance in sports? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Enda McNulty, Performance Coach and CEO of McNulty Performance.

Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary sat down with Pat Kenny and laid out his solution to our inability to get things done, with one of those suggestions being a dedicated Minister for Infrastructure. Is he right? Do we need a Minister for Infrastructure? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Dr Frances Ruane, Chair of the state’s National Competitiveness and Productivity Council and Conor Skehan, Sunday Indepen...

EU Member States have passed a nature restoration law as the Australian Minister defies coalition partners but what does this law mean, and what impact will it have in Ireland? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Micheal Fitzmaurice, Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway and Pippa Hacket, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  

Mandy Kelly joined the Hard Shoulder a few weeks ago to tell her story of her two sons Zayn and Kareem who she hasn’t been able to see in 2 years. They are now 3 and 5. Now, a public prosecutor in Egypt has asked Mandy to travel to Egypt to investigate claims that her husband abducted their two children. Mandy joins Kieran again to give an update on the situation.

If you have bought a plastic bottle in the last few weeks you may have noticed the cap attached to the bottle  This is the latest move from the EU's Single Use Plastics Directive.  Will we have to live with the dribble from the milk carton forever or is it something we should get rid of?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Colin O’Br...

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…

After a meal with friends, how do you settle the bill? Writing in today's Irish Independent, Tanya Sweeney admits having a standoff with her friend over paying a €30 coffee bill and blood was drawn. Why can't we let the other person pay? Is it an Irish thing?  Newstalk’s Henry McKean reports from Naas to find out.