The Hard Shoulder

Minister of State Robert Troy said today that he was not trying to exclude those with a disability, carers or a parent without access to childcare when suggesting that local authorities should prioritise workers when it comes to social housing. But, he has maintained that he wants work to pay for workers. With the housing crisis as it currently is, does that say something about whether work pays o...

With the deadline approaching for candidates for the next Presidential election, who will be on the ballot on voting day? Joining Kieran with the latest updates is Political Reporter with The Journal, Jane Matthews, and, to discuss, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Leitrim County Council, Mary Bohan.

Much excitement over the weekend as Kate O’Connor won silver in the Women’s Heptathlon, all while Cian McPhillips just missed out on an 800m medal, coming fourth. Joining Kieran to reflect on the World Championships, and whether more support is needed for our athletes, is former Olympian, and former CEO of Sport Ireland, John Treacy.

How important is religion when it comes to ceremonies in life? Instead of a holy Communion, can kids have a different type of event? Joining Kieran to discuss is Columnist with the Irish Independent, David Quinn and Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of the ‘Better with Money’ podcast with the Irish Times.

Agóid Náisúinta na nGael, a National Protest for the Irish Language, took place in Dublin over the weekend. Chief among protesters’ demands is more housing in the country’s Gaeltacht areas… Newstalk Reporter James Wilson took a trip down to Cape Clear in Cork to find out about the impact of the housing crisis on our native language, and sends in this report.

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…

Eoin O’Malley is Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, and his new book, ‘Charlie V Garret’, details the fascinating rivalry between Charles J. Haughey and Dr Garret FitzGerald… He joins Kieran to discuss!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the art of snacking, and how you can do it without going overboard!

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action. Plus, Cathal Denehy, Freelance Sports Journalist, joins to discuss how things are going at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Mary Lou McDonald has said Sinn Féin will endorse a presidential candidate with ‘plenty of Irish’ ahead of tomorrow's announcement, causing speculation on who the likely candidate will be… Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Fionnán Sheehan, Ireland Editor with The Irish Independent.

Irish author, Naoise Dolan has said she accepts that death is a “necessary risk” as she prepares to set sail on the Global Sumud Flotilla on Saturday from Italy, delivering aid to Gaza. She joins Kieran to discuss…

South Dublin County Council has recently passed a motion calling for a moratorium on new data centres being built in the area unless they operate wholly on renewable energy resources. However, People Before Profit Cllr Jess Spear doesn’t believe this motion goes far enough… She joins Kieran to discuss.

Dublin’s four local authorities will meet this month to commence their drive for national legislation to enable councils to implement a tourist tax. Representatives are coming together to lobby the government to give councils the power to introduce a “transient visitor levy” on overnight stays in hotels, short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnbs, and other accommodation. The proposed tax, led b...

John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

In today’s day and age, we are constantly being fed news. In fact, most of us can’t seem to escape the news! With news alerts flooding our phones, many people struggle to switch off from what is happening across the globe. This of course can be very fatiguing, but what can we do to stop this? Joining Kieran to discuss this is Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Kelly and Ela...

Christine Duff of The Traitors Ireland fame joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Neil and Donna Sands, the Irish couple behind the landmark Tattle Life case, are seeking to appear before the Oireachtas to discuss online abuse after appearing in Westminster on Monday. The pair will also request that Google be called to appear before the media committee to explain its continued monetisation of the platform. Neil and Donna Sands join Kieran to discuss. Image: goss.ie

He’s already secured some support, but what are his odds of reaching the Áras? Joining Kieran to discuss his Presidential hopes is Entrepreneur and Businessman, Gareth Sheridan.

To date, 57 people have drowned in Irish waters this year… Emergency services are also reporting a higher number of rescue operations than 2024. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting with those who work at sea, and volunteer in recovery missions. He sends in this report.

US television host Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was pulled from the air last night, hours after the US government threatened to cancel broadcasting licences because of comments the host made about the killing of far-right activist Charlie Kirk… The stunning move by network ABC to remove one of America’s most influential late-night shows was blasted by critics as government censorship, but celebr...

Should smartphones and gaming devices be confiscated from repeat offenders of anti-social behaviour? Well, that is what the Dáil is being asked today! Independent Dublin TD Paul Gogarty is behind the motion, which also suggests imposing curfews and fining parents… Joining Kieran to discuss this is Youth Worker from Justask.ie Declan Keenan and former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan.

26% of Irish adults have no retirement plan in place.   That's according to new figures released by the Consumer and Competition Protection Commission.   So what's standing in the way of proper pension planning, and why do 61% of those without a plan expect the State Pension to fund their retirement?   Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

When it comes to the farming industry in Ireland, there is no shortage of challenges for those involved. But, what are the major concerns for farmers today? Joining Kieran to discuss is President of the Irish Farmers Association, Francie Gorman.

How is tech changing the farming industry? Joining Kieran to discuss is Seamus Kenny, Founder of Kilkenny start up Autocoupler and Breifne O'Brien, Tech Journalist with Agriland to discuss!

‘Man flu’ is a term used to describe a mild illness, but with exaggerated symptoms. Men take more sickies on average than women, five sick days a year, compared to just four days for women. So, does this fit the bill for you? Henry McKean has been asking people at the Ploughing Championships, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.