The Hard Shoulder

Irish Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on a flotilla in the Mediterranean headed to Gaza to provide aid, and hopefully break through the blockade. He joins Kieran to give an update on how the journey is going. Image: Reuters

The most stressful time of the day for parents is 7:16am - according to a new survey. The panic of getting kids out the door and on the way to school is the main reason for this. So, why are we in such a rush? Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran to discuss.

While dogs have long been considered meat-eaters, new research and firsthand experiences suggest they may actually thrive on plant-based diets. Would you put your dog on a vegan diet? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Gerry Boland, Founder of and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Sandra Higgins, Director of Go Vegan World and listeners.

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 look powerful!

We are now going back to the 1990’s, when the most successful mixed-sex pop group of all time got together. Steps have sold over 25 million records and are in Dublin today promoting their new musical 'Here and Now' at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from the 23rd of September. Henry McKean met Steps and sent in this 90’s nostalgia report! You can hear more from Steps on the Rewind - Celebrating 1997...

10 years ago this week, the lifeless body of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi was pictured washed up on a Greek beach… The picture taken at the peak of the European migrant crisis received headlines around the world. How have things been 10 years on, and how should we reflect on it? Joining Kieran to discuss is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defence Forces from 2015 until 2021 and J...

With all the talk surrounding a metro line to Dublin Airport, what is actually the fastest way to get there today? We’ve decided to put it to the test! Newstalk’s Ellen Butler is taking the bus, Alex Rowley is taking the car, Meghan O’Halloran is in a taxi and Dylan Hand is riding a bike! Who will win?

The Government has announced the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, but what exactly are the commitments being made? Joining Kieran to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

Under-16s in England will be banned from buying energy drinks such as Red Bull and Monster Energy – thus fulfilling one of Labour’s election promises. Shops, cafes, restaurants and websites will be prohibited from selling energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone under 16. Is it time to consider doing the same here? Donal O’Shea is a Consultant Endocrinologist and th...

A suggestion has been made to remove the option to pay for parking using the Payzone app on residential streets near Croke Park. If this does happen - what does that mean for travelling fans? Former GAA President, Liam O’Neill, and Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County, Richard O’Donoghue, join Kieran to discuss.

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 travel tips for the city of Marrakesh in Morocco!

According to a national survey by CyberSafeKids, there has been a huge uptick in the usage of AI chatbots by children in the country - without any safeguards. Should children be using AI at all? Joining Kieran to discuss is Tech Editor for The Irish Independent, Adrian Weckler.

Last week, a discussion was held on the show on what the Government should consider ahead of budget 2026 when it comes to health, but what about childcare? Joining Kieran to discuss is Tanya Ward, CEO of The Children's Rights Alliance and Louise Bayliss from SPARK.

Former RTÉ Broadcaster joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Gardaí have said today that they believe a missing boy in North Co. Dublin, who has not been seen for over three years, has died. The child is last known to have resided at The Gallery Apartments in Donabate. He would now be seven years old. Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan, who is at the scene in Donabate, for the latest updates, and is also joined by Children’s Rapporteur Caoil...

As reports continue around clothing banks overflowing - is there any way to shift the public’s focus from fast fashion to more sustainable clothing? Freelance Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Sustainable Fashion Educator, Miriam Keegan, join Kieran to discuss…

Following the latest clampdown on dodgy boxes, where 15 retail outlets that help provide the service were targeted across nine counties, the question remains: can you really stop dodgy boxes? Joining Kieran to discuss is Kieron Sharp, Chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk & Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independen...

The number of students to have their Leaving Certificate and Leaving Cert Applied results permanently withheld because of cheating in this year’s exams has risen significantly. Figures from the State Examinations Commission show that 155 results have been permanently withheld because of cheating, more than double the 71 results initially withheld last year… Of course, cheating on your state exams...

Unregulated AI chatbots pose a major threat to children online according to Ireland's child online safety charity, Cyber Safe Kids. To discuss further Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean. 

Over the past 5 years the number of children identified as victims of child trafficking has increased from 0 in 2020 to 10 in 2024… Recent legislative changes have led to better methods of victim identification, but can more be done to protect against trafficking? Liam Herrick is Chief Commissioner at the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and joins Kieran to discuss.

It's been around 8 years since the launch of Sláintecare, and as reforms have been introduced gradually to remove private practice from public hospitals - the overall goal of Sláintecare. The changes, however, may be leading to the ever-increasing cost of health insurance. Joining Kieran to discuss is Tony O'Brien, former Director General of the HSE and Sunday Independent Columnist.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Aoife Lee, Parenting Coach at ParentSupport.ie , to discuss tips and tricks to support your kids if they are experiencing bullying, and ways to spot it.

A flotilla heading to Gaza that had departed Barcelona was forced back to port after a storm hit parts of Spain overnight. They were due to set sail this afternoon, and Kieran caught up with one of those on board, Comedian Tadhg Hickey, just before they set off again.

It’s being argued that the tricolour has been erected across Irish communities as part of an anti-immigration campaign. What is the solution to this? Over how to tackle this issue, Kieran is joined by Labour Cllr for Dublin South Central, Darragh Moriarty.

Episode 1 of ‘The Traitors: Ireland’ is in the books, with twists and turns all over the place. Many fans of the UK series have been waiting for this Irish version to come on air – is it worth the wait? Kieran is joined by 98FM Producer Russell Alford! Image: RTÉ