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 20, 2025 • 7min
What is the best way to tackle rising motor insurance premiums?
New figures from the Injury’s Resolution Board show that motor accident claims over the past 6 years are down 30%, and the value of those awards paid for claims are down over 40%.Yet, insurance premiums remain stubbornly high…So, what’s the best way to get the best deal on your motor insurance?Shane O’Donohue, Editor of CompleteCar.ie, joins Kieran to discuss.
May 20, 2025 • 13min
At what age should you let your kids be independent?
Would you let your four-year-old go for a walk alone?Are we protecting them from danger, or are we hindering their development by not allowing them to be independent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr Clare Moriarty, Postdoctoral Researcher working at Trinity Research in Social Sciences in Trinity College Dublin and Jen Hogan, Journalist with the Irish Times.
May 19, 2025 • 16min
Ten years on from Ireland’s Marriage Referendum and its influence
In 2015, Ireland made history becoming the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. A decision that sent waves across the world.As we look back on its 10th anniversary, we want to look at the ripple effects of the vote and how it influenced another nation, Australia, to get its people to vote for marriage equality...Tiernan Brady, Global Director of Inclusion and Clifford Chance and the Director of the Australian Yes Campaign, joins Kieran to discuss.
May 19, 2025 • 12min
UK and EU reach landmark new trade deal - what does it mean for Ireland?
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is hosting European Union chiefs today for a landmark summit to usher in a closer relationship, in the first meeting of its kind since the UK formally left the European Union more than five years ago…But, what will this mean for Ireland?Joining Kieran to discuss is Britain's Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston…
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.
