The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder 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. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 26, 2025 • 15min
Are 100% mortgages realistic today?
A fresh call has been made to reintroduce 100% mortgages for first time buyers.Independent Ireland leader TD Michael Collins has said there is a clear need for targeted, responsible mortgage products that reflect today’s economic realities.Despite there not being enough supply for demand, hearing 100% mortgages for many will strike PTSD of the Celtic Tiger days…Joining Kieran to discuss is John McGuirk, Editor at Gript.ie and Rory Hearne, Social Democrats Housing Spokesperson and TD for Dublin North-West.
May 26, 2025 • 13min
Do we need more male teachers?
Is the lack of male teachers causing a lack of male role models for children in school?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Simon Lewis, Principal of Carlow Educate Together and Host of the 'If I Were The Minister for Education' podcast and Micheal Kelly, Director of Public Affairs with the Papal Foundation Aid to the Church in Need.
May 23, 2025 • 23min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Ger Gilroy from Off the Ball and Jess Kelly, Newstalk's Technology Correspondent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
May 23, 2025 • 20min
Trade Unionist Mick Lynch talks Trump, Brexit and James Connolly
He’s taken on governments, grilled broadcasters, and championed workers with that unmistakable calm fire. From the picket lines of London to his family roots in Cork and Armagh, Trade Unionist Mick Lynch has never been far from the fight.He is in Dublin for the Tressel Festival, which kicks off this weekend and he is taking part in a discussion tomorrow at 3pm in the Liberty Hall Theatre on his political hero, Irish Revolutionary James Connelly.Mick Lynch joins Kieran to discuss!
May 23, 2025 • 14min
You Are What You Eat: Steak in the summer!
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to discuss how you can cook a beautiful steak in the summer sun!
May 23, 2025 • 14min
Donald Trump threatens 50% tariff on all US imports from EU
US President Donald Trump has said he is recommending a 50% tariff on all goods from the European Union being imported to the United States.It marks an escalation in the continuing trade wars…Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews, Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty and later Joe Lynam, Newstalk Business Editor and Presenter of Breakfast Business join Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters
May 23, 2025 • 26min
Clinical hip surgery audit unveils many unnecessary operations on children
At least 1,800 children who had hip dysplasia surgery are to be medically reviewed following an audit which found surgeons in Cappagh & Temple Street hospitals were carrying out a high number of unnecessary operations…Marie Sherlock, Labour Party TD and Spokesperson on Health, Shauna Bowers, Health Correspondent with The Irish Times and later Elaine Flanagan, Mother of Harlow and David Cullinane Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Health all join Kieran to discuss.
May 23, 2025 • 7min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…
May 23, 2025 • 12min
1 in 5 would not cope with a €1,000 bill - Henry McKean Reports
One in four people in Ireland are ‘clinging on’ when it comes to their finances, according to the Credit Union.Over half of us are financially ‘comfortable’, but 20% of us are just ‘coping’. To discuss further, Kieran is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean.
May 23, 2025 • 5min
Calls to ban Taylor Swift’s favourite cat breed
With their folded ears and big eyes, the Scottish fold cat is beloved by many celebrities including Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. However, there are calls in the UK to ban the breeding of Scottish Folds due to painful genetic deformities.So, what are these problems with this breed and why are they so popular?Clare Meade, Cat Vet with Cat Hospital joins Kieran to discuss.
