The Hard Shoulder Highlights

The UK Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling this morning, backing the biological definition of women in the UK’s Equality Act.This means that the term “woman” in the legal aspect will not include transgender women - which might have a wider implication on policy decisions down the road.Joining Kieran to react to this ruling is Laoise de Brún BL, CEO and Founder of The Countess and Karen Sugrue, Co-Chair for Mammies for Trans Rights and Psychotherapist and Sociology Lecturer in TUS Limerick.

A Cork Pub Owner thought it was a late April Fools when he found out his pub would be demolished to make way for the Cork Luas. The 2 Billion infrastructure project caught some by surprise.Henry McKean went to Cork to find out more, and joins Kieran to discuss.

With April being Autism Awareness on the program, we have heard from parents who have been battling to get adequate services for their children.But, from a legal perspective, how much has the state infringed on the rights of children and their families by failing to provide care?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Gareth Noble, Partner at KOD/Lyons and Solicitor specialising in child law.

Tucker Carlson, the American media personality, was in Ireland yesterday – he interviewed Conor McGregor, while also visiting his pub in Crumlin.It was reported that approximately 40 people showed up at the Black Forge Inn.But, why did this happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is one of those who attended: Conor Lenihan, former Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation, and former Fianna Fáil TD.

A study has found that we love it when plans suddenly get cancelled and consider it a tiny triumph. We love 'jomo' or the joy of missing out. Finding money in your coat pocket or getting the last parking space are the small wins that cheer us up.Henry McKean asked these people what 'pick me ups' put a smile on their face!

Irish Singer and Musician Brian Kennedy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Dublin City Council met yesterday to discuss the aftermath of the chaos over the weekend by the Grand Canal in Portobello which saw people littering, urinating and defecating in the area.Labour Party Councillor Dermot Lacey joins Kieran to discuss…Image: Damien Storan

Earlier today, the ‘Grace’ Report was published.This is the final report of the first phase of the Farrelly Commission, which examines the 'Grace' case allegations and why she was placed in the home and not removed until 2009.Speaking at the publication of the report today Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality said that “It goes without saying that what Grace experienced was both intolerable and utterly unacceptable…"Minister Foley and Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter with the Irish Examiner join Kieran to discuss.

Home is where the heart is, but what if your home was the heart of the cultural revival? Well, that’s what Diarmuid Lyng, Owner of Wild Irish Retreats and former Wexford Hurler is offering with his new fundraiser to buy a space in Kilkenny.Diarmuid Lyng joins Kieran to tell more.

Kieran has left Newstalk headquarters and is in Buswells as the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group and Scoliosis Advocacy Network are holding a press conference calling on action in continued failures on paediatric care.Una Keightley, Co-Lead Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, and Claire Cahill Co-Founder of Scoliosis Advocacy Network join to discuss.Image: @mulvanypeopleb1 on Twitter