The Hard Shoulder

With the next Presidential Election looming, questions remain on who exactly will be on the ballot. Fianna Fáil seem to be in two camps, with backing for both MEP Billy Kelleher and Jim Gavin - with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern not ruling himself out. There are also questions about who Sinn Féin’s pick will be, and if Catherine Connolly could get their support. Joining Kieran with the latest upda...

If you are someone who loves a loyalty card, then should you ask yourself: is the company I’m loyal to as loyal to me? Joining Kieran with her tips and tricks for getting the best subscription deals is Caitríona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Examiner…

Speaking on the Hard Shoulder last week on the issue of shoplifting, former Garda Inspector and Risk Assessor Tony Gallagher called on the Government to explore the privatisation of the prisons service, as capacity continues to impact sentencing among other issues… So, is he right? Could the privatisation of prisons help alleviate the current problems around prison capacity? Joining Kieran to disc...

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Ruth Scott, Broadcaster and Humanist Celebrant to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Twenty years ago today, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. To remember the day, Kieran is joined by Jean Whitfield and Michael Leyden, who were in the city at the time on their honeymoon.

Beans beans, good for your heart, beans beans… you know the rest! Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss butter beans!

Off The Ball's Cameron Hill joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

With the Irish version of the TV series ‘The Traitors’ revealed to be filming in Slane Castle in County Meath, what more can we expect in the future from the venue? Joining Kieran to discuss all is son of the late Lord Henry Mount Charles, and Custodian of Slane Castle, Alex Coyningham.

Ireland will be looking to continue their winning ways against Spain on Sunday in the Women's Rugby World Cup, following a comprehensive win against Japan last weekend. Joining Kieran to look ahead to the fixture is Fiona Hayes, former Ireland international and two-time 6 nations winner, as well Aoife McDermott, former Ireland International.

With more movement on the Irish Presidential race today, the question remains on who will come out on top for Fianna Fáil, with MEP Billy Kelleher putting his name in the hat, and Minister James Lawless officially backing Jim Gavin, who is yet to actually announce if he is running. Also, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has not ruled out running yet… Joining Kieran to break this down and more is News...

The Electric Picnic music festival kicks off today and across the weekend in Stradbally, County Laois - featuring big artists like Chappell Roan, Hozier and Kneecap. Will you be attending, will you be vicariously living it through social media, or will you be ignoring it from home? Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and has been talking to attendees, he joins Kieran to share what he’s heard....

Some small rural schools across Ireland are being excluded from the school meals scheme. To shed some light on the situation and why it’s happening, Kieran is joined by a concerned parent from Kerry, Michael Coady, Principal of St James National School in Stradbally, Co Waterford, Rebecca Miller and Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director of food supplier Carambola, Colm O’Brien.

Kieran is joined in the Kennedy Summer School by Sharon Clancy, singer and actress, to discuss her journey to becoming a jazz musician, and her upcoming debut jazz album!

As the first round of the CAO offers have been made to thousands of students across the country, what follows for many is a scramble for student accommodation as shortage drives prices… Joining Kieran to discuss all of this is Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless.

Joining Kieran in this year’s Kennedy Summer School in New Ross to discuss his life covering politics is one of Ireland’s best known Journalists in print and broadcasting, Sean O’Rourke!

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald turns 100 this year, and joining Kieran to discuss its significance is Dr of Modern History Brian Murphy, Professor Kirk Curnutt, Author and Researcher and Sarah Churchwell, Professor in American Literature.

Over 60 years on from John F. Kennedy’s visit to New Ross, it is a day that is still remembered fondly. Kieran is joined by Anna Sinnott, who was there when the late US President visited in 1963, to look back on the experience.

In the current era of Trump and his influence internationally, what are Irish-American relations like today? Joining Kieran to discuss is former Massachusetts State Senator and State Representative, Linda Dorcena Forry.

From That Small Island is a four-part documentary series which looks at the story of Irish people, and one of the main focuses, the Irish diaspora: over 80 million of them.  Joining Kieran to discuss the series and the current diaspora is Briona Ní Dhiarmada, Writer, Academic and Filmmaker, Colm Mac Con Iomaire, Musician and Eamonn Hore Director of Services for Wexford County Council.

There are many ways that you can examine the current presidency of Donald Trump - whether that be around international relations, tariffs, and the conflicts around Ukraine and Palestine. Joining Kieran to talk all things Trump is Tanya Gordienko, Ukrainian Analyst, Bill Forry, Boston Journalist and Greg Ballard, former Mayor of Minneapolis. Image: Reuters

The Hard Shoulder is live today from New Ross for the annual Kennedy Summer School festival, which runs for the next three days celebrating Irish and American history, politics and culture. Joining Kieran to give an overview of the Kennedy Summer School are the Directors: Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at UCG and Columnist with theJournal.ie and Eileen Dunne, former RTÉ Journalist.

Health Minister Jennifer Caroll MacNeill has said that she “absolutely” plans on introducing legislation for nicotine pouches under other nicotine legislation. But, how harmful really are nicotine pouches, and what legislation isn't required? Dr Garrett McGovern  is a GP specializing in addiction and Medical Director of Priority Medical Clinic Dundrum. He 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 (and when) you should properly retire!

Today and over the next few days, emotions will be running high across the country as thousands of children begin school for the very first time. Brand new uniforms are being put on, crayons and toys will be taken out, and the first day of eight years of primary education will get underway. Newstalk Jessica Woodlock visited one school on its first day back today, and joins Kieran to share what she...

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to Trump’s comments on putting more tariffs on countries that follow EU internet regulations - which includes Ireland and the American tech companies it hosts. Image: Reuters