The Hard Shoulder

If have used social media in the past few days you have probably seen the artificially generated image  “All Eyes on Rafah”   This image is being shared as apparently social media algorithms are suppressing politically sensitive content and the tame AI image can therefore increase awareness and reach.  Joining Kieran to discuss the implications of this phenomena are Stephen O'L...

Sean’s Bar in Athlone is seemingly the oldest pub in Ireland, saying it was established in 900 AD.  Supervisor Ryan O’Connor joined Kieran to tell all about how the history and life of the pub that’s still going stronger than ever over 1,100 years later. Image: Sean’s Bar

Kieran’s guest nearly died after suffering a cardiac arrest on the side of the pitch before a county semi-final.  When it happened, Cathal Joyce was a flying-fit 25 year old. One shock from a defibrillator at the venue revived him, and he was eventually fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) under his left collarbone.  Now, Cathal campaigns for more access to defibri...

The Hard Shoulder has been to Cork to meet candidates for the European Elections, last week we heard from Dublin – this week we are in Athlone to cover the rather sizable constituency of Midlands North-West.  The constituency was a four-seater, but this election will see it grow to five.  To discuss why they are running, as well as their platforms, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by:  Lisa...

The Hard Shoulder has been to Cork to meet candidates for the European Elections, last week we heard from Dublin – this week we are in Athlone to cover the rather sizable constituency of Midlands North-West.  The constituency was a four-seater, but this election will see it grow to five.  To discuss why they are running, as well as their platforms, Kieran Cuddihy is joined by:  Luke...

Kieran’s guest has written a comedy show all about his brain seizure. The result of which was that he discovered he had a brain tumour. He then takes you on his journey as he underwent neurosurgery to have it removed.   His tour ‘On I Bang’ is on at the Sugar Club on the 25th of June, with tickets on sale now. Miles Jupp joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris in the Dáil has officially recognized the state of Palestine. Joining Kieran to discuss this and the broader conversation is Irish Musician and part of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), Liam Ó Maonlaí. Image: IPSC

The Hard Shoulder is live from Athlone, which gives host Kieran Cuddihy the chance to see some of the sites in the town, including Athlone Marina! He speaks with Joe Grennan, the manager of the Marina, to learn more. Image: Westmeath County Council

The Hard Shoulder is live from Athlone on the beautiful Shannon River. One issue that persists for many of those who live near this river is the proposal of a Shannon to Dublin Pipeline.  This project would see water used from the Shannon to help supply Dublin and surrounding areas with the necessary water for building, business and consumption in the future.   Donal Whelan from the...

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has proposed a new plan that will see EV charging points every 60 km on Irish motorways.   Is this a good idea? And how realistic will it be until we see it rolled out?   Shane O'Donoghue, Editor of completecar.ie , joins Kieran to discuss.

The good weather has started rolling in, which means people are out and about making the most of it. One way is running, which seems to be more and more trendy.   But, what are some important things to consider to make sure you are running safely and not risking injury or harm down the line? David Gillick, Former Irish Olympian joins Kieran to discuss.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has said that cost-of-living measures will be front and centre of this year’s budget.  He was speaking at the annual National Economic Dialogue at Dublin Castle today, which brings various stakeholders in government and society together to discuss the upcoming budget.  Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, joins Kieran to discuss.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Caroline Robbins, Chair of the GP committee of the Irish Dental Association and Dentist at Kiwi Dental in Carlow joined Kieran to discuss taking care of a child’s teeth at home.

A new chocolate bar from Holland & Barrett has come under scrutiny after it claims to help soothe some symptoms of menopause.   Some have accused the bar of ‘menowashing’ and unfairly targeting vulnerable women.   Loretta Dignam, CEO & Founder of the Menopause Hub, joins Kieran to discuss. Image: Holland & Barrett

Overnight, Israel attacked a camp full of displaced Palestinians in Gaza... at least 30 people were killed, and dozens were injured. Kieran is joined by Zak Hania, an Irish-Palestinian man who was trapped in the Gaza Strip for 7 months and returned to Dublin earlier this month to discuss his experience, and share his thoughts on the conflict.

By popular demand, Kidstalk is back! Newstalk’s Henry McKean met the boys of O’Connell Primary, North Richmond Street in Dublin 1. The kids give their thoughts on the European and Local elections.

Kieran’s guest has been calling for changes to the requirements for ISL interpreters in schools. Her two children Pippa and Jack are profoundly deaf and she worries they will fall behind if they don’t get sufficient support...  Kieran is joined by Emma Dooley O'Gorman to discuss.

The National Economic Dialogue has been underway in Dublin Castle today - a stakeholder conference where recommendations will be made for next year’s budget.   Should we have more support for our cost of living crisis? Or are we still even in one?   Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor of Economics at DCU, Edgar Morgenroth and Socialist TD for Cork North Central, Mick Barry.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists!

Nationwide has a special mini-series coming up on the 27th of May, marking 100 years of O’Connell Street since its renaming 100 years ago this May.   Kieran is joined by Anne Cassin, RTÉ TV presenter, to talk about what the brand new Nationwide series is all about!

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to chat about Spanish tapas like Patatas Bravas, Salmajero and Croquettas!

Off The Ball's Ger Gilroy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

The International Criminal Court have ordered Israel to halt its military assault on the city of Rafah, citing "exceptionally grave" conditions.  For the latest on this, Kieran is joined by Freelance Journalist in Israel, Hannah McCarthy...

RTÉ’s 2fm has seen an exodus of presenters over the last period, with stars such as Doireann Garrihy, The 2 Johnnies and now, Jennifer Zamparelli.   What is happening in the station? And is this a sign of things to come?  Joining Kieran to discuss is Keith Walsh, Former RTÉ 2fm Presenter and Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

After losing the past two Champions Cup finals, Leinster will hope to make it third time lucky as they take on French giants Toulouse in this year’s final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.  Kieran is joined by Devin Toner, former Leinster and Ireland player and Tania Rosser, Head Coach of the Leinster Women’s team, to discuss Leinster’s chances.