The Hard Shoulder

Investigations are continuing into a fire at a disused pub in Ringsend in Dublin that had been earmarked for use for homeless accommodation.  Speculation in the area had suggested the site could be used for refugee accommodation while local councillors have criticised the lack of communication from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive.  Kieran was joined by Teresa Buckowska, formerly of...

Micheál Martin has said it is not feasible to ban children from using social media, but said the government could be stronger in warning of its hazards and spoke about social ‘contracts’ schools could adopt when dealing with the use of their students and social media  Are the government doing enough? Are we at a crisis point when to comes to our children and their access and usage of social m...

Israel has confirmed it is pulling some of its forces out of Gaza but it does appear there is no end in sight for the war with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting the war will last “many months.”  Kieran was joined by General Sir Richard Barrons who previously served as one of the six ‘Chiefs of Staff’ leading the UK Armed Forces and is now the co chairman of Universal Defenc...

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s daily catch up on the news.  Today, Kieran was joined by Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post and Sean O’Regan, Newstalk reporter.... 

Kieran Cuddihy was joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Comedian Jim Elliott to look back on the year of 2023...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran today to chat through some of her top tips for Christmas dinner...

As we wind up for the Christmas period, it’s good to spend the festive season reflecting on the year and looking ahead to 2024.  To offer a Christmas message at this is a spiritual time of year, Fr Brian D’Arcy, Author and Broadcaster joined Kieran on the show today...

Yesterday on the show we were talking about the big pop culture moments of 2023 and you could not omit Taylor Swift from that list. From her Era’s tour, to her box office hit movie and being named Time Person of the Year, it’s fair to say 2023 was Taylor’s year.  But not everyone agreed. We got this text in “Taylor Swift-the rebirth of bubble gum, junior infants songwriting laced with mediocr...

We are just 3 days away from the big day but for many on the day they will be looking for their local Christmas Day Swim.    Bríd Graham Owner and Director of Splash Swim Schools Ireland and a swimming teacher joined Kieran on the show to discuss...

Now 2023 has been an impactful year for news between conflict, riots and politic ongoings.   However, we are going to put that to one side for now and take positive look back at some of the good news stories of the last year...  Rachael Ryan From 98fm joined Kieran on the show to discuss..

Tom Doorley, Food and wine columnist with the Sunday Times is here to talk us through his own dinner plans and how other countries celebrate Christmas...

Emmet Oliver , The Hard Shoulder’s Business Correspondent joined Kieran on the show to take a look back at the year in business...

Golfer Padraig Harrington joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss how to get more kids involved in sport and what the future looks like for world golf...

Author, podcaster and playwright, Michael Harding joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder today for a catch up...

Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer for the Independent in the UK joined Kieran to discuss a court of justice ruling on the European Super League project...

There has been a wealth of wins, losses and plenty of gaffs along the way when it comes to the culture events this year.     We take a look back at some of the moments which really captured the news at the time.   Brian Lloyd Movies Editor with Entertainment.ie joined Kieran to discuss...

The Irish public have spoken about what animals and flowers should appear on the Irish passport, with the Irish Wolfhound and Shamrock topping their respective lists.  But should we just be considering just animals and flowers, and if so, what symbols should be picked to best represent Ireland.   Saoirse Hanley, Features writer with the Irish Independent, Steve Cummins, Comedian and co-f...

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss record overcrowding in hospitals in 2023, work underway on the new National Maternity Hospital on Vincent’s Campus, funding for adult hospices and Mary Lou McDonald's calls for Robbie Keane to resign as Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. manager...

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 Christmas Puddings to the test...

Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald has hit out at former Irish international footballer Robbie Keane over managing Israeli Club Maccabi Tel Aviv FC claiming that sports and genocide don’t mix.  Are these statements fair and should Robbie Keane be criticized for working for an Israel team?  Cllr David McManus Fine Gael Councilor for Rathfarnham-Templeogue and Bríd Smith, People Befor...

Three quarters of workers will respond to work emails over Christmas, according to a new study. Henry McKean joined Kieran with this report...

Reduced speed limits are moving a step closer as the Cabinet is expected to approve the publication of a new bill to legislate for default limits.  The Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 sets the target of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030 - and one of those ways is by reducing speed limits across the road network.  But will it work?  Do speed limits make people go slo...

One of the biggest stories from this year was the visit the US President Joe Biden made to Ireland in April of this year  Biden checked a big item off his bucket list when he visited Ireland and his ancestral home, making it a deeply personal and wistful journey.  Kieran was joined by Mark Duffy, a Councillor for the Ballina Municipal District (Cathaoirleach during visit) and was a big p...

For many we are heading into holiday time but for lots of shops and restaurants it will be the busiest time of the year.  But, should shops should stay closed on Stephen’s Day? Kieran was joined by Conor Pope Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times and Deirdre Walsh, Owner of Molly Fulton’s Bar and Restaurant in Sligo...

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 travelling around Ireland in 2024...