The Hard Shoulder

St David’s, an all boys school in Artane, is to start accepting girls this September.  But what is the transition like into a co-educational school from single sex?   To discuss, Kieran is joined by Aaron Wolfe, Principal of Colaiste Eamonn Rís in Cork, whose school began accepting girls in 2019.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly joins Kieran to discuss safe access zones, protests and hospital appointment no-shows.

As the election cycle comes into full swing for the local, European and mayoral elections in Limerick, we are going to be bringing you tons of coverage over the next coming weeks.   To kick things off, we wanted to ask the question about our local government here in Ireland. How does it shape up to modern Ireland, and do we need to do more to empower local councils and authorities? ...

The tents outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street have been removed and asylum seekers have been moved to Crooksling and City West.   Kieran is joined by Newstalk Reporter Stephanie Rohan and Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry White to discuss what they learned at Mount Street, Crooksling and CityWest.

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail and Brianna Parkins, Journalist and columnist with the Irish Times.

Demand for parking at Dublin Airport has soared ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend. Spaces are now at a very limited capacity ahead of a surge in travel. The issue has frustrated both passengers and nearby Swords residents alike. Joining Kieran to discuss is Swords councillor Joe Newman, who says there is a dire need for a privately owned car park at Dublin Airport.

This is The Soapbox. Today, Kieran was joined by Mick Barry, Socialist TD for Cork North Central to talk about why we should keep rent pressure zones.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform of Ireland Paschal Donohoe joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss some of his favourite books… Favourite Book: Solar Bones by Mike McCormack   Honourable Mention : On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder  Currently Reading: Yellen by Jon Hilsenrath 

Tensions are still rumbling on today between the UK and Ireland on the number of asylum seekers coming to Ireland through the north  Should the UK accept the return of asylum seekers? Kieran is joined by Former UK MP and minister, Edwina Currie to discuss.

If you can believe it, it’s been 30 years since Riverdance first debuted on the Eurovision stage in 1994. Kieran is joined by composer Bill Whelan to discuss the impact it has had.

In France it has been proposed that those missing GP appointments should be fined €5.   According to figures we have gotten from the HSE, 513,343 outpatient appointments went unattended last year.  Joining Kieran to discuss is Consultant psychiatrist, Chair of the IMO’s Consultants Committee, Matthew Sadlier and former HSE Director of Digital Transformation, Professor Martin Curley....

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news. Today, Kieran was joined by Michael Kelly, Journalist and Former Editor of the Irish Catholic and Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

Do you often forget where you last put your keys or wallet? Well, the good news is that you are not losing your memories! According to two scientists, it’s just how our brains work.   So how do memories work exactly?   Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin and Author of “Resilience: Lessons from Sir William Wilde on Life After Covid” joins Jonathan to...

A study suggests that we inherit surprisingly little of our parents personality, and we are only slightly more likely to have the same temperament with our siblings than a stranger walking down the street.  To discuss further, Jonathan is joined by Henry McKean, who was asking public if we truly are like our parents.

This is The Soapbox. Today, Jonathan was joined by the Artistic Director of Dublin Theatre Festival to talk about people illegally parking around Dublin City.

This week in our Kid's Health Check, Dr Suzanne Crowe, Consultant in Paediatric Intensive Care at Crumlin Children’s Hospital joined Jonathan to chat about why helmets are important for children.

A “robust” age verification system for social media companies needs to be introduced and enforced.  That is the call in a letter from Education Minister Norma Foley to the Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett.  Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Jonathan to discuss.

It appears the row between Ireland and the UK over migration has deepened after a planned meeting over the issue today between Justice Minister Helen McEntee and UK Home Secretary James Cleverly was cancelled.  Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has told ITV today he has no interest in any migrant return scheme with Ireland.  To discuss Jonathan is joined by John O’Brennan, Professor of European...

At Aontú’s Ard Fheis over the weekend Peadar Toibin made calls for Ireland to have an ‘...international city in Ireland beyond the M50’.   So, what would attract international companies to cities outside of Dublin ?   Joining Jonathan to discuss is Economist and Co-Director of the Spatial and Regional Economics Research Centre at Cork University Business School, Dr Frank Crowle...

The Department of Education has removed ‘Complex Needs’ from the criteria for the allocation of special education hours for schools. This has caused outrage among parents and school staff as students’ allocated hours have been cut.   Jonathan is joined by Primary school principal and host of the ‘If I Were The Minister for Education’ podcast, Simon Lewis and Director and Co-Chair of Neur...

This is the Afternoon Update – The Hard Shoulder’s catch-up on the day's news. Today, guest host Jonathan Healy was joined by Senior Reporter with the Irish Examiner, Liz Dunphy and Presenter of The Neil Prendeville Show on Red FM, Neil Prendeville.

Today is Wish Day! Newstalk is partnering with Make-A-Wish Ireland to celebrate Wish Week. Join us all week as we talk to some incredible children and their courageous families, and hear how Make-A-Wish Ireland have been beacons of light for children facing the toughest battles of their lives.   Make-A-Wish Ireland is dependent on the generosity of the public. You can donate online at ma...

Kieran Cuddihy is joined by comedian Steve Cummins and Features Writer with the Irish Independent Saoirse Hanley to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

The traditional catholic wedding is on the drop! That’s according to the CSO figures for weddings in 2023.  But, why are people choosing alternative options for their big day? And what are the benefits of weddings outside the church?  Ruth Scott, Radio Presenter and Humanist celebrant joins Kieran to discuss.

Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie joins Kieran from Newtownmountkennedy following the protest that occurred at a site earmarked to accommodate international protection applicants. He spoke with people in the town to hear their takes.