

The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk. Join us 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. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 19, 2025 • 6min
Kids Health Check: Ear Infections
For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Dr Sandra Cummings, Consultant Audiologist Consultant Audiologist at the Hearing and Balance Center at the Beacon, to discuss what to do when your child gets an ear infection.

May 19, 2025 • 8min
Rhys Darby talks his new tour!
Kieran’s guest is playing the Ambassador Theatre on June 11th, with tickets on sale now from Ticketmaster.Rhys Darby, one of New Zealand’s greatest comedy exports, joins the show!

May 19, 2025 • 12min
Average rent in Dublin rises above €2,000 for the first time
Average rents in Dublin have risen to above €2,000 euro for the first time.The average rent in 2011 would have cost you €765 euro - now it’s €2,053, and they’re continuing to rise right across the country…Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin O’ Broin, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing and Marian Finnegan, Managing Director of Sherry Fitzgerald.

May 19, 2025 • 6min
Gary Lineker leaves BBC early after controversy
Gary Lineker has confirmed he will leave the BBC early and has apologised for a controversial social media post which led to his premature departure.He presented Match of the Day for over 20 years, and was due to front the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup, however this now won’t be the case…Joining Kieran to shed more light on the situation is Martin Lipton, Chief Sports Reporter with The Sun...

May 19, 2025 • 13min
Should we ditch the school uniform?
Last week on the show, Fine Gael Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn joined Kieran for the Thursday Interview and one of the things she spoke about was girls' participation in sports, and why getting rid of school uniforms could help them get involved in sport more easily.So, should we rethink the school uniform to encourage kids to stay active?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sonia O’ Sullivan, Irish Gold Medalist and Sophie Doolan, Women in Sport Lead and Sport for Business 30 Under 30 recipient.

May 19, 2025 • 6min
Man arrested on suspicion of murdering Michael Gaine
A man in his 50s remains in custody this morning on suspicion of murdering Kerry farmer Michael Gaine.The 56-year-old sheep farmer has been missing from his farmyard near Kenmare in County Kerry for eight weeks.The man was arrested yesterday afternoon after Gardaí confirmed on Saturday that materials found on Mr Gaine's farm are partial human remains.Joining Kieran to discuss the latest is Anne Lucey, Journalist in Kerry.

May 19, 2025 • 15min
100,000 children denied dental screening appointments - why?
100,000 primary schoolchildren were denied dental screening appointments last year. Under the HSE, primary school children should be seen by a dentist three times throughout the course of their primary school years.Joining Kieran to discuss why this is happening is Emer Tóibín, Aontú Cllr in Meath and Dr Bridget Harrington Barry, HSE Dentist based in Galway and President-elect of the Irish Dental Association.

May 16, 2025 • 26min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Ger Gilroy from Off the Ball to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

May 16, 2025 • 13min
On the roof with Amanda Brunker!
On a beautiful day like this, Kieran has escaped the regular studio to seek refuge on the Newstalk to bask in the lovely summer sun that has blessed Ireland this week.Joining him for a chat in his makeshift summer studio is Writer and Playwright, Amanda Brunker!

May 16, 2025 • 17min
You Are What You Eat: Food to help you sleep!
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about foods and recipes you can use to help with sleep!


