
The Hard Shoulder Highlights
The Hard Shoulder Highlights with Kieran Cuddihy on Newstalk.
Join Kieran every weekday afternoon from 4-7pm for a round-up of the day’s events, interviews with the people at the centre of the stories – and a bit of craic along the way.
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Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 9min
Would you prefer a world without the internet?
A new study has found that almost half of young people would prefer a world without the internet, with many even opting for a digital detox. But, what would a world without it look like for a generation who have never known a world without it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jane Cowan, Student and Irish Examiner Columnist and Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist and author of ‘Home is where the start is’.

Jun 3, 2025 • 14min
The Bookshelf with Tony Cantwell
Comedian Tony Cantwell, who will be doing his first solo show in two years ‘You Cry Weird’ at the Dublin Fringe on September 12th, joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Jun 3, 2025 • 8min
Are Ireland’s bail laws too lax?
In 2024, suspects in over 400,000 crimes were out on bail.Are Ireland's bail laws too lax?In high profile crimes, is the argument that the system sometimes prioritises the presumption of innocence, over public safety, a valid question?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent MEP for Ireland South, Michael McNamara.

Jun 3, 2025 • 12min
Liam Cunningham on the aid ship aiming to break Israel’s blockade
An aid ship has headed to Gaza from Sicily, aiming at breaking Israel’s blockade.Greta Thunberg is on it, and Kieran’s guest was in Sicily for a few days lending his support.Actor Liam Cunningham joins to discuss.

Jun 3, 2025 • 8min
Do we need a national database for dog microchips?
Calls have been made for a national database for dog microchip registration to replace the current four database system to aid a crackdown on dog breeding regulation, and enable dog wardens to identify the dogs involved in attacks on livestock…But, how essential is a central database?Joining Kieran to discuss is Maeve O'Connell, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Rathdown, who is calling for the change, and Limerick-based Veterinarian, Donal Ryan.

Jun 3, 2025 • 6min
How easy is it to buy guns on the dark web?
Evan Fitzgerald was on bail for gun charges when he entered a Carlow shopping centre yesterday and fired shots, before fatally shooting himself.Last year, he was caught with guns and ammunition which he admitted to having bought on the 'dark web', a part of the internet where users operate through anonymity.But, what is the dark web, how common is it to buy guns here, and what can be done about it?Joining Kieran to answer some of these questions is Cyber Security Expert, Ronan Murphy, Chief Strategist for Forcepoint and Chairman of SmartTech247.

Jun 3, 2025 • 7min
Pedestrians and cyclists urged to “Be Sound” to each other on shared greenways
Pedestrians and Cyclists need to “Be Sound” to each other on shared greenways.Officials from Dublin City Council are soon to launch an information campaign to “remind all users of their responsibilities” along traffic free paths along Dublin’s canals and rivers.Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Green Party Councilor, Janet Horner.

May 30, 2025 • 23min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

May 30, 2025 • 13min
Gearóid Farrelly on masculinity, comedy and Dancing with the Stars
Comedian and Writer Gearóid Farrelly joins Kieran for a chat while he is on tour for ‘Gearóid Rage’!

May 30, 2025 • 16min
You Are What You Eat: 7 Salads, 7 Days
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to discuss how you can make 7 (maybe 6) salads to cover 7 days!