The Hard Shoulder

This week 20 years ago the 2004 championship got under way to a scandalous start with a new theme tune for the Sunday Game. Joining Kieran to look back on this story is Glen Killane - Executive Director of Eurovision Sport and former head of sport at RTÉ, Cyril Farrell - Former Galway manager, and Former Sunday Game Pundit, Gillian Horan.

Mick McCarthy from Off the Ball joins Kieran for an overview of sport this weekend.

Baby Reindeer has been on the forefront of everyone's mind the last few weeks, but what effect do shows like this have on victims? Kieran was joined now by Activist and co-founder of Stalking Ireland, Eve McDowell and Forensic Psychologist at Adult Education UCC, Dr Ciara Staunton

Ahead of Bruce Springsteen's tour kick-off in Kilkenny, Kieran is joined by Michael Bossone Organiser of fans for Springsteen Concerts, and Anthony Morrison Owner of Christy’s Bar and Chair of VFI Kilkenny

Kieran goes through some of the biggest stories of the day with Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs consultant and Irish Times columnist and Sarah Jayne Tobin, Content Editor at Evoke and Inspire podcast.

Kieran is joined in studio by Sarina Bellissimo, Presenter of The Bellissimo Files Podcast, and Newstalk’s own Sue Murphy who have come armed with all the latest TV and Movie recommendations. This week they discuss ‘Bodkin’ and ‘Much Ado About Dying’.

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, has announced a new Dublin Taskforce to propose recommendations for improving safety in Dublin's city centre. But will this initiative lead to genuine change? James Geoghegan, Fine Gael Councillor for Dublin, and Darragh Moriarty, Labour Councillor for Dublin, join Kieran to discuss the task force's potential impact.

In this week's Thursday interview, Kieran sits down with Josepha Madigan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, who has recently decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming general election after a decade in politics. Josepha shares her experiences, the reasons behind her decision, and her future plans.

As momentum builds for the Eurovision 2024 final in Malmö, Ireland’s Bambie Thug aims for an 8th victory, security is ramped up ahead of Israel’s semi-final performance, and rumors swirl that Sweden's ABBA will return to mark 50 years since winning Waterloo. In the midst of the frenzy, Eurovision legend Marty Whelan celebrates 25 years as an RTE commentator. He sat down with our reporter Henry McK...

Kieran was joined by Owen Jones, Journalist, Author, and Host of The Owen Jones Podcast, to discuss the protests happening in response to the situation in Palestine.

Kieran was joined by Michael Moynihan, Columnist for the Irish Examiner, and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer at the Independent, to discuss whether we've forgotten how to behave in public. Moynihan argues that "etiquette has been thrown under the bus" and "we're all post-shame."

Kieran was joined by Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport, Climate, Environment & Communications, TD for Dublin Bay South, and Green Party Leader. They discussed the Dublin Port Company's decision to abandon plans for a multistorey shipping container terminal opposite Sandymount Strand, which Minister Ryan opposed. He shared his thoughts on whether this aligns with the progress he envisions for...

Kieran goes through some of the biggest stories of the day with Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at The Communications Clinic and columnist with The Sunday Independent, and Ciara O’Loughlin, News Reporter with Irish Daily Mirror.

Today is the 79th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, after Nazi Germany surrendered to the Allies in World War II. There are very few veterans left to give first hand testimonies but Newstalk reporter James Wilson tracked down the Irish 104-year-old Group Captain John Paddy Hemingway who fought in the Battle of Britain. Group Captain Hemingway is the last surviving WWII RAF fighter pilot. James...

Newstalk's own, Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy for the series 'The Shopping Trolley Hotline'. The series will give listeners pause when they’re filling their trolleys, to consider their options. This week Simon brought a selection of crisps… 

The cost of First Communions are more expensive not only because of the cost of living crisis but because of celebratory additions to make the day extra special. But where should corners be cut to keep the cost down? The clothes, the food or the venue? Kieran is joined by Edelle Mellet, Co-Owner Darcy Bow and Siobhan O’Neill White, From Mams.ie to discuss. Image credit: rollingnews.ie

Jess Kelly, Newstalk Technology Correspondent joined Kieran for the Tech Takeover. This week, Jess gives an update on the UK Cyber-attack.  She also gives a recommendation for BorrowBox, a free digital local library app. 

A research team from the University of Medicine and Health Sciences at RCSI found that long-term vape users are almost certain to develop cancer.  John Crown, Consultant Oncologist at St Vincent’s Hospital, joined Kieran to share why he thinks cigarettes and vapes should not be available for purchase. 

Over a hundred recommended changes are made for the broadcaster in the upcoming report of governance and culture to be published tomorrow. Kieran speaks to Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media of Ireland to discuss what can be expected and what changes are hoped to come from the report. Image credit: rollingnews.ie

Ireland's 2024 Eurovision entrant Bambie Thug qualified for the Saturday live finals last night. The Cork singer is the first Irish entry since 2018 to qualify. But what were we doing wrong for six years? Was Ireland too busy reliving the glory days? Kieran is joined by Conor Pope, Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times, and Breda Raggett, Former member of the Irish Countrywomen’s Ass...

Hate crime figures are on the rise with a 12% increase of reports this year. The most commonly recorded hate crimes are anti-race, anti-nationality and anti sexual orientation. But what protections are in place to deter these crimes from happening? Kieran is joined by Padraig Rice Policy and Research Manager at LGBT Ireland and Leon Diop, Founder of Black and Irish to discuss.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler and Chief Sports Writer Irish Daily Star Kieran Cunningham  Image credit: rollingnews.ie

Limerick is preparing for its first mayoral election for the county with polls opening on June 7th.   Hosting from The Strand Hotel in Limerick, Kieran speaks to some of the hopeful candidates ahead of the election.  

Street artists from around the world are flocking to Limerick City to take part in the Draw Out project which brings derelict buildings to life with a splash of paint.  Kieran went out and about with Catherine O’Halloran from Draw Out Limerick to learn more.  

Grass fed verified beef sets the standard for top quality meat in Ireland. But is it true that our cows only eat grass? Kieran is joined by farmer and journalist Hannah Quinn Mulligan to learn more.