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
Aug 12, 2025 • 11min
Should teens be able to drive ‘microcars’?
A Cork City Councillor has proposed that 15 and 16 year olds be allowed to drive ‘microcars’. Quadricycles, as they’re officially known, are small battery-powered cars which are very popular on the continent.So, should it happen?Joining Kieran to discuss is Damian Boylan, a Fine Gael Councillor in Cork City.
Aug 11, 2025 • 6min
Members of the Indian community meet with Simon Harris - how did it go?
Members of the Indian community in Ireland have today met with Tánaiste Simon Harris after a series of violent attacks. They are calling on the Government to act to stop these attacks and have told of a growing fear in the Indian community.So, how did the meeting go?Joining Kieran to discuss is member of the Indian community in Ireland, Senthil Ramasamy, who attended the meeting earlier today.
Aug 11, 2025 • 13min
Alan Fletcher discusses his new tour!
None other than Alan Fletcher, AKA. Dr Karl Kennedy, is in Ireland – he's headlining a bunch of shows across the UK and Ireland over the next while.He joins Kieran to discuss!
Aug 11, 2025 • 9min
Is your smartwatch lying to you?
Research has shown that smartwatches aren’t the best at telling our emotions apart. Researchers at the Dutch University of Leiden have found that wearable devices have trouble differentiating between feelings like tiredness or excitement, and are especially bad at reporting stress.Joining Kieran to tell more is Ciara O’Brien, Tech Journalist at the Irish Times.
Aug 11, 2025 • 11min
Kids Health Check: Transitioning from primary to secondary school
As we approach the end of the summer, many kids and parents across the country will be thinking about heading back to school, but how can you best support your children when they make the move from primary to secondary school?Joining Kieran for this week’s Kids Health Check with her advice is Aoife Lee, from Aoife Lee Parent Support.
Aug 11, 2025 • 20min
Joanna Donnelly on why she left Met Éireann
In April, Met Éireann Broadcaster Joanna Donnelly abruptly stated that she was done broadcasting – shocking the country. She’s remained silent up to now as to the reason for leaving, until today.She joins Kieran in the studio to discuss.
Aug 11, 2025 • 15min
How has dating culture changed?
How has dating culture changed over the years? Are we looking for not just the perfect person, but the perfect life and lifestyle before we settle down? Is that setting us up for failure?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jane Cowan, Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Amanada Brunker, Playwright and Shelly Gray, Dietician and Presenter with Today FM.
Aug 11, 2025 • 6min
Who is Gareth Sheridan?
On Sunday, businessman Gareth Sheridan surprised many by announcing he’s seeking to run for the Áras, but who is he?Joining Kieran to shed some light is Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent.
Aug 11, 2025 • 8min
GAA club install CCTV camera after repeated dog poo on pitches
A GAA club in Donegal is so fed up with finding dog poo on their pitches that they have gone as far as installing CCTV cameras to catch the perpetrators... and their owners.A club in Kilkenny has also flagged this issue on their pitches, so is this a wider community issue?Kieran is joined by Seán Ó hArgáin, Kilkenny Counselor to discuss this.
Aug 11, 2025 • 12min
Is it time for more e-scooter regulation?
Since e-scooters were legalised for public roads last year there have been growing concerns about their dangers. With injuries involving drugs and alcohol having doubled and helmet use decreasing is it time to increase regulations on the scooters?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fine Gael TD Barry Ward and owner of the Bolger School of Motoring, Brenda Bolger.
