The Hard Shoulder

On January 4th there will be a special dedication concert to Phil Lynott in the 3Arena. Darren Wharton, who you may know as a member of Thin Lizzy, will be performing, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about. This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can get your kids to fall asleep at a normal time!

From midnight last night, the VAT rate applied to the sale of completed apartments was reduced from 13.5% to 9%, but will this kickstart the construction of apartments which we’re being told has all but stalled? Joining Kieran to dig into this is Ollie Lyons, Director and Head of Land Development at JLL and Orla Hegarty, Architect and Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning...

Kieran is joined by Financial Advisor, Broadcaster, and Columnist, Eoin McGee, who’s here to talk about his new show ‘How To Tackle Your Finances’, which gives important financial advice in an ever-shifting world.

Polling day in the Presidential election is rapidly approaching. With just over two weeks of campaigning left, Kieran is joined by candidate Catherine Connolly to discuss recent events, and her thoughts on the campaign so far…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss how Google is changing how their search works with a new ‘AI Mode’... Image: Google

Michael Flynn, AKA Mattress Mick has a new memoir which is called ‘Bouncing Back’, looking at his life, and his many businesses across Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss!

You may have noticed more Gardai on your commute this morning, that’s because today is operation ‘Twin Tracks’. All day, Gardaí have been patrolling on trains and Luases in an engagement campaign to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport. So, should we have something similar to this year-round with dedicated transport police? Joining Kieran to discuss is SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser Joh...

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared war on “fat generals”, but how hard is it to pass an army fitness test? Henry McKean took part in one with the Irish Defence Forces, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on!

Every week for The Ultimate Guide 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 his recommendations for autumn breaks in Ireland!

With all details of Budget 2026 out today, what would be the opposition's view on all of the changes made? Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty.

Sarah Clancy, Community worker and poet in Galway, has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israel for her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla. She joins Kieran to discuss her experience. Image: Reuters

Budget 2026 has been fully revealed today, and with it, the Government’s decision to drop VAT rates to 9% in the Hospitality sector. Joining Kieran to discuss this is Paul Gallagher Chief Executive of the Irish Hotel Federation and Michael Taft, Researcher at SIPTU.

Carer and advocate for education & inclusion Tracy Carroll joins Kieran to discuss the impact Budget 2026 has had on carers, and what more needs to be done.

With Budget 2026 revealed today, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe joins Kieran to discuss the changes made, and the reasoning behind some of the Government’s decisions.

With Budget 2026 revealed, what are your thoughts? Does it do enough, or does it miss the mark in key areas? Joining Kieran to discuss is Susan Hayes Culleton The Positive Economist & Presenter of Taking Stock, Danny McCoy CEO of IBEC, Tom McDonnell from  the Neven Economic Research Institute and later Carly Bailey, One Family Policy Manager.

All has been revealed today for Budget 2026. So, what’s new, and what should you look out for? Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins Kieran to go through the highlights of what has changed. Newstalk's Henry McKean also sends in thoughts from the public.

The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election is tomorrow, Tuesday October 7th. To tell more, Kieran is joined by Art O’Leary, Chief Executive, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Irish Electoral Commission

Big news today is that the Irish members of the Global Sumud Flotilla are en route home after some reports suggested they were subject to violence and aggressive treatment. They are being flown to Greece, where they make plans to come back to Ireland. Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Caoimhe Butterly, Human Rights Activist. Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Optometrist John Weldon to discuss the importance of minding your child’s eyes, and general eye health.

As you will have heard, Jim Gavin has stepped down from the Presidential race. But, what now for Fianna Fáil, and what now for the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin? Joining Kieran to discuss and give their reactions is Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Minister of State Niall Collins, Paidi O’Sullivan, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North Central and Michael Regan, Fianna Fáil Councillor on the Ga...

Why do so many young Irish people move to Australia? Reporter Brianna Parkins is visiting from Australia, and joins Kieran in studio to discuss what life is like over there.

Why do we feel ashamed to be scammed when it happens to so many of us? And what are some of the best ways to spot and avoid a scam? To chat about all this, Kieran is joined by the owner of Pretty Baked Bakery in Donegal, Róisín Gillen, and the Editor of tech website Goosed.ie , Martin Meany.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent, to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Halloween season has started, so we buried Henry McKean alive, and he sent us his funeral! Henry got a sneak peek at the Nightmare Realm (with Fanta) which opens tomorrow in Dublin. The 7,000 square metre experience brings Halloween alive. Warning! This report has jump scares from the start!