The Hard Shoulder

According to its CEO, gaming platform Roblox is proposing adding online dating to its platform. Should it exist on a platform whose user base consists mainly of kids and teenagers?Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, Cyberpsychology Lecturer at IADT, joins Kieran to discuss.

In recent times, the RSA has come under increased scrutiny for their handling of the Irish driving test. At the start of the year, waiting times had reached an all-time high, leaving learner drivers across the country in outrage over the back log in the system.Since then, waiting times have fallen, allowing many prospective drivers to sit their test, and hopefully swap their L plates for N’s.But, what exactly is the experience of today’s learners sitting their test, and what exactly does it take to pass?Newstalk Reporter Dylan Hand has recently taken his own driving test, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

As party campaigns kick off, The Hard Shoulder’s series learning more about the history of the presidential office continues.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to discuss the creation and evolution of the role of President in this country.

Former Minister and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Shane Ross, joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Childcare providers say that they are being forced to pull out of a Government funding scheme...The Core Funding Grant was set up back in 2022 to help childcare providers with operating costs. However, to avail of this, providers had to commit to a fee freeze…Owners say that given soaring costs over the last number of years, along with wider challenges, they are now being forced to up their fees and in turn pull out of the grant scheme.Joining Kieran to discuss this is one of those making this decision - Rebecca Fleury, who runs six premises across Donegal, as well as Elaine Dunne, from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.Later, Kieran is also joined by Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and TD for Roscommon / Galway.

Last week, the show covered a silent vigil that took place over an unprovoked and racially-motivated attack on an Indian man.Unfortunately, it seems that more attacks on the Indian community are taking place…Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter, has been investigating and joins Kieran to discuss.

This summer, you might be struggling to keep your kids busy while they are out of school, but don’t worry! The Hard Shoulder will be looking at different ways to keep those small ones occupied.Kieran is joined by Finn Fury, son of Finbar Fury and Adam Agee to discuss why you might want to get your kids into trad music.

Earlier today, Conor McGregor lost his appeal against the finding of a civil jury that he raped Nikita Hand.McGregor, who told the civil trial he had consensual sex with Nikita Hand in a Dublin penthouse in December 2018, launched an appeal after a jury of eight women and four men found him civilly liable.Joining Kieran to discuss is Frank Greaney, Newstalk Courts Correspondent.

An estimated 30,000 festival goers expected at All Together Now this weekend, including Kieran!Festivals, even when the weather plays nice can be messy, and potentially disgusting if you are not prepared!So, how does one prepare themselves?Kieran is joined by Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist and Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent, both who will be attending All Together Now this weekend to discuss!