The Hard Shoulder

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Has our reliance on technology and AI meant we have lost our literacy skills? Is this problem getting worse?Joining Kieran to discuss is Aidan Regan, Professor in the School of Politics and International Relations in UCD and Thomas Kenny, of Kennys Bookstore in Galway, and later Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic.

We’re edging closer to budget 2026 but if you’re hoping for a bit of relief in terms of taxes, you should probably lower expectations….it is the first budget of the new Government term after all!Joining Kieran to look into the crystal ball of what we can expect is Dr Tom McDonnell, of the Neven Economic Research Institute and Susanne Rogers, Research and Policy Analyst at Social Justice Ireland.

There’s huge excitement in Dublin as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings face each other this Sunday in Croke Park. It’s the first regular season NFL game to take place in this country.Newstalk Reporter David O’Connor has been looking at all aspects of the sport, including merchandising and safety, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Former Rehab CEO Angela Kerins has submitted €2.1 million euro in legal costs as a result of the court action she took against the Houses of the Oireachtas...It’s a saga that, in total, has lasted for more than a decade now.For more on this, Kieran is joined by Martin Wall, Public Policy Correspondent for the Irish Times.

Chris Andrews, Sinn Féin Senator, is on board the Spectre boat in the flotilla that is destined for Gaza when it was attacked by Israeli drones and struck four times on Tuesday night…Chris joins Kieran from the boat to discuss and give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is Dr Muhamed Shaallan, a Surgeon who was in Gaza…

It's definitely early to think about it, but as we enter the last quarter of the year, you may already be imagining the budget for Christmas... What are the spending tips to follow now, so you don’t end up feeling the effects in January?Joining Kieran with her top tips is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

Former US President Barack Obama will be awarded the Freedom of Dublin today, with some Independent Dublin Councillors calling for a boycott.Dublin City Council voted in 2017 to grant him the honour, and he has decided to accept it in a ceremony in Dublin with Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and a number of councillors in attendance.Do you think it’s good that this is happening?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent Dublin City Councillor Cieran Perry, as well as Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan.

Ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 24th, posters are popping up across the country, which raises the question: are they still necessary?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shelly Heterich Quinn, former County Councilor and Ger Deere, Mayo County Councilor.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can (in the best way possible) break up with someone…