The Hard Shoulder

The hunger crisis facing Palestinians has been high on the agenda in talks between the British Prime Minister and Donald Trump in Scotland today. It’s as Israel allows foreign countries to parachute aid packages in. So, what is happening, and what’s next in addressing the crisis? Gershon Baskin is a Hostage Negotiator and the Middle East Director for the International Communities Organization, a U...

Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle have been invited to accept the Freedom of the City of Dublin when they visit the capital in September. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, said the couple had received the city's highest civic honor in February 2017 by Dublin City Council, however they have not yet had the opportunity to formally accept it. Is now the right time to...

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Excitement is building across the country as Kerry prepare to take on Donegal on Sunday. The Kingdom will be looking to secure their 39th All-Ireland title, while Jim McGuinness has built up confidence in Donegal. Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie has been around the county to hear how fans are feeling ahead of Sunday.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss pork, and how you can use and enjoy it!

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, including the All-Ireland Football Final.

A silent vigil has been held outside the Department of Justice by members of the Indian community in response to a man who was brutally attacked in Tallaght. Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte joins Kieran with the latest updates.

The All-Ireland Football Final is this Sunday, Donegal taking on Kerry in Croke Park. So, who will come out on top? Former Kerry All-Ireland winner Killian Burns and Donegal legend Brian McEniff join Kieran to discuss.

Energy company Flogas is to increase its variable electricity charges by around 7%, with effect from 25 August. Why is this being done? Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin, Spokesperson on Finance, and TD for Donegal, joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland has some of the longest school holidays in Europe, which can make it a struggle for parents to organize childcare. Education Minister Helen McEntee has defended the length of summer holidays—three months for secondary schools and two months for primary schools. McEntree said, “Our teachers work hard, our schools are very active throughout the year. I think the time that’s taken throughout...

Amazon has withdrawn plans for a €300 million industrial plant after it was denied access to electrical connections within its stated time frame. More than 500 jobs were expected to be created in northwest Dublin’s Ballycoolin because of the project. Sunday Independent Columnist Conor Skehan says that the project’s cancellation is a consequence of government policies. He joins Kieran to discuss.

John Fardy, Presenter of 'Screentime' and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

As party campaigns kick off, it's week 2 The Hard Shoulder’s president series, learning more about the history of the presidential office. Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to discuss some of Ireland’s ugliest elections!

Peter Hanly, Actor and Playwright joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, with reporting from TMZ claiming a cardiac arrest as the cause of death. Off the Ball’s Richie McCormack joins Kieran to look back on the wrestling star’s career, life and controversies.

The recent listeria outbreak has resulted in a recall of 141 ready meals. Despite the convenience of store-bought ready meals, the outbreak is a reminder that consumers have little control over how the products are made or what ingredients are used. Ross Golden-Bannon, member of the Irish Food Writers Guild, joins Kieran to discuss how to make DIY ready meals that are healthier and less expensive...

If you are struggling to keep your kids entertained this summer, we have got you covered. Can getting the kids to do DIY help alleviate their summer boredom? Peter Finn also known as Pete the Builder and co-host of ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ joins to discuss! Peter’s show ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ returns in September!

Disabled people in Ireland rely on disability allowance, but strict means testing mean these payments are often revoked. Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, Disability Journalist and advocate, joins Kieran to discuss her own experience, after she was taken off disability allowance for earning €80 over the weekly threshold…

With the news that the previous government's €2 billion retrofitting grant is under review, why is the grant not being taken up by more people? Is it too difficult to avail of, and is it actually saving people any money? Joining Kieran to discuss is former President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, Carole Pollard.

Basketball Ireland say that they are assessing their next steps after being drawn alongside Israel in the group stages of the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers. They say they’re extremely alarmed by the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and have spoken to governing body FIBA Europe in order to address some matters. They say that they are also liaising with the players, Sport Ireland and the Governme...

Some mortgage providers have seen an uptick in the number of people taking out four person mortgages. As it becomes harder and harder to buy a home in Ireland, is taking out such a mortgage wise? Joining Kieran to discuss is David Hall, CEO of Icare Housing.

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 make your bed properly!

A recent investigation from The Journal has found that hundreds of cameras from the Chinese company Hikvision are installed in “hospital wards, university campuses and council offices” around the country. The problem? The products are banned for government use in the UK, USA and Australia. For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this,...

The Central Statistics Office has released its report on how Ireland compared to other EU countries on price levels of food, beverages, and tobacco in 2024. Ireland ranked most expensive of all 36 European countries for non-alcoholic drinks, with prices 40% higher than the EU27 average. Food prices were 12% above the average, making Ireland’s groceries the second most expensive in the Eurozone. Jo...

From putting garlic in your sock for athlete’s foot to taking rescue remedies for nerves, do any natural remedies actually have healing benefits, or are they just wives’ tales? Joining Kieran to discuss is Pharmacist, Health Advocate, and host of the ‘Wonder Care Podcast’, Sheena Mitchell.