The Hard Shoulder

Thousands of people have been protesting in Kyiv, urging the President to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure. It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war. The government move has been seen by some as proof that Ukraine is not ready to join the EU. Independent MEP Michael McNamara and Anatoliy Prymakov, Director at Ukra...

The ESB is hiking the prices on EV charging by up to 15%, which means a significant increase for those who drive electric vehicles. Adrian Weckler is Technology Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

England’s Lionesses gave ITV its biggest audience of the year last week with many Irish fans turning in to support the women. This is a stark contrast to the often found “Anyone but England” posts from last year’s men’s Euros, so why are we more likely to support the Lionesses? Joining Kieran to discuss is Katheleen McNamee from Off the Ball and Editor of CorkBeo.ie , Joe O’Shea.

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 Turin in Italy!

The Government’s National Development Plan has been unveiled today, which will see investment to the tune of €200 billion over the next decade. But, will this be all it’s cracked up to be? Joining Kieran to discuss is Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Frances Ruane, the Chair of the state’s National Competitiveness and Productivity Council.

Professor Luke O’Neill, Immunologist at Trinity College Dublin and Newstalk regular joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As Dublin City Council have confirmed stewards will no longer guard the Molly Malone statue, new proposals have been put forward to install flower beds to deter tourists from groping her… Joining Kieran to discuss is Dublin City Councillor for Labour, Fiona Connolly.

The final elements of the €200 billion National Development Plan have been agreed and published earlier today, with the government setting out how we will invest in all our infrastructure for the next 10 years. But, what exactly will the money be spent on, and was every base covered? Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and TD for Galway West/South Mayo and David Timoney,...

Have you ever been steered wrong by Google Maps? After one woman ended up on the set of Fair City looking for Lidl, perhaps it's time to question if we have become too reliant on the app to get around? Joining Kieran to discuss is Technology Journalist Elaine Burke and Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent, Geraldine Herbert.

The final elements of the €200 billion National Development Plan have been agreed and published earlier today, with the Government setting out how we will invest in all our infrastructure for the next 10 years. So how will the €200 billion be spent? Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform and Digitalisation, Fianna Fáil Deputy Leader and TD for Dublin City West, Jack Chambers, join...

A new tower on Tara Street has drawn the ire of some, including Frank McDonald, writing in the Irish Times. It begs the question: are our city plans and planning structures fit for purpose? Joining Kieran to discuss is Róisín Murphy Architect, artist, conservation activist and Lecturer in Griffith College Dublin and Tony Reddy of Reddy Architecture and Urbanism.

In the past few months, it has been noted that Russian tankers are engaging in suspicious and sometimes bizarre behaviour off the coast of Ireland. Ireland’s extremely limited ability to monitor these vessels has led to environmental and national security concerns among many Irish officials, as these ships continue to sail through the country’s exclusive economic zone. Joining Kieran to discuss th...

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & founder of Cogni Kids to discuss how you manage bathtime and hair washing if it tends to make your kids distressed.

Is all well between Ireland and the US? The US Ambassador to Israel has recently suggested that the Irish may have “fallen into a VAT of Guinness”, because of our stance on Israel and Palestine. This is all in the wake of the Occupied Territories Bill, which will be continuing to make its way through the Oireachtas. But, what are relations like? Is this souring things? Niall Stanage is White House...

From today, robust age verification checks must be strictly enforced on video-sharing platforms based in Ireland and the rest of Europe. The age verification requirements are part of a broader effort to create a safer online environment for children and address harmful content such as cyberbullying and the unwanted promotion of self-harm and eating disorders. So, how will they be enforced? Joining...

If you’re not washing your bath towel after every two uses, then you’re risking your personal hygiene and exposure to bacteria. Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology in the University of Leicester, joins Kieran to discuss.

A UK surgeon volunteering with Medical Aid for Palestinians’ Emergency Medical Team at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza has reported alarming levels of malnutrition, particularly among children, and evidence of targeted shootings of civilians at Israel’s militarised distribution points… Nick Maynard is that surgeon, and joins Kieran to discuss.

There is a tower that has reared its head around Trinity College and College Green – a new tower of build-to-rent apartments, but is there room for towers of that in Dublin? Joining Kieran to discuss this is Frank McDonald, former Environment Editor for the Irish Times, welcome to the programme and Executive Director of Progress Ireland, Sean Keyes.

Excitement is building in Munster as Cork and Tipperary prepare to battle it out in Croke Park on Sunday. It is the first time the two counties have met in an All-Ireland decider and by all accounts tickets have never been in such demand. Newstalk reporter, Josh Crosbie has been in the Rebel County soaking up the atmosphere.

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…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to the Korean delicacy kimchi, and how you can enjoy it to the fullest!

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…

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan has said that he believes drugs should remain criminalised - saying that countries who have decriminalised or legalised certain substances face more issues than before. Is he right? Joining Kieran to discuss is Garrett McGovern, Addiction Specialist and Medical Director, Priority Medical Clinic in Dundrum and Patricia Casey, Consultant Psychiatrist in the Mater...

It all kicks off this Sunday as Cork face Tipperary in the All Ireland Hurling Final. Who will clinch it in the end? To give their 2 cents Kieran is joined by Jimmy Barry Murphy, Cork GAA legend and Nicky English, Former Tipperary Captain.

The original Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California turned 70 this week. With beloved characters roaming the grounds, fireworks, parades, and over 50 attractions, Disneyland is the definitive theme park. How did it corner the market with its business model? Stuart McHugh from Disneyland Paris Tips for Irish joins Kieran to discuss.