Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

“Our national parliament is now less powerful and less sovereign — which gives Irish voters less direct say over how we are governed.” So writes David Quinn in the Sunday Independent.He joins Anton, as well as Bobby McDonagh, Former Irish Ambassador to the UK & EU, to discuss.

From HBO, to Netflix specials and now tiktok and instagram reels - comedy has changed a lot in recent years.But are internet comedians and online funnymen making stand up worse or better?For international Joke day, Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden finds out.

Minister of State with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail Emer Higgins said she will ask Dublin City Council to pause the upcoming transport plan that is due to come into effect next month because of concerns about the impact it could have on jobs and retail sales in the city.She joins Anton Savage to discuss.

The Vatican has enforced a strict dress code for employees in St. Peters Factory to cover visible tattoos and piercings...Should we still be asking employees to cover tattoos?Joining guest host Anton Savage is HR and Employment Law Expert from the HR Suite, Caroline Reidy, Owner of Wildcat tattoo studios, Dolores Murray and Chief Political Writer of Spiked Online, Brendan O'Neill.  

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

From a career that began at the age of sixteen alongside Serena Williams to his career peak at the US Open and Wimbledon in 2011, Limerick born Conor Niland, former professional tennis player joins Kieran to discuss his new book, 'The Racket', which delves into the world of elite tennis. 

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to showcase various ways to improve your food when cooking!

That’s right, Taylor Swift isn't the only superstar in town this weekend! Shania Twain is in Malahide Castle, The Saw Doctors are on in Fairview Park and on the other side of town, Longitude is taking place in Marley Park.Joining Kieran to run through all the events in the capital this weekend is Today FM’s Shelly Grey. 

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Apparently, one in 20 people have walked out on a meal at a restaurant without paying, and it seems on the rise according to a UK survey.Sarah is a waitress and apparently knows all about this. She joins Kieran, as well as Adrian Cummins, CEO of the Restaurant Association of Ireland to discuss how much of a problem it is in Ireland.

Taylor Swift has landed in Dublin and her long awaited Eras tour will kick off in the Aviva this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.To discuss the buzz around the concerts, Kieran is joined by a panel of Taylor Swift super fans!Newstalk Producer Sean Reidy, Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn, Independent Columnist, Mary McCarthy and Mary’s daughter Alex all join!

US President Joe Biden has come under fire after an alarming performance against Donald Trump in their first election debate last night.Joining Kieran to dissect the display is Tim Malloy, Quinnipiac Polling Analyst and former NBC journalist, Bob Mulholland Democratic Party Strategist based in California.

Kieran’s guest has just about recovered from last year’s challenge for the Lust for Life mental health charity, but Niall Breslin, aka Bressie, is embarking on yet another gruelling challenge to raise even more money for the charity. “The Rising 2024” will see him really test his limits physically and mentally, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

Do you think you could be Ireland's next big influencer? According to a recent survey, 60% of Irish adults under the age of 35 want to be an influencer. So, what is the reality behind the glamour, the brand deals and the PR events?Joining Kieran to discuss this is Rob Kenny, influencer and Owner of Rob Kenny PR.

It's Pride Week this week, and celebrations are getting underway across the country!Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joins Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to discuss why Pride still matters.   

Tonight, round one of the US presidential debates kicks off on CNN, with Donald Trump facing Joe Biden.What’s the play for the two hopefuls, what should you expect and what should you look out for?To give more information and to preview the debate, Kieran is joined by Jeff Kuhner, Host of The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston and Ed Flynn, Boston District 2 City Councillor... 

Do you eat chicken with your pasta and drink your cappuccino after midday?Well, if so, you are guilty of some of the common faux pas that annoy Italians!Kieran is joined by Luca De Marzio, owner of the Dublin-based Italian restaurant Rosa Madre to discuss some of those food crimes.

There is a shortage of GPs across the country that is leading to patients having to wait weeks, in some cases, for application forms to be signed off by a doctor. GPs say this is purely due to the delays created by the demand on their services.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been examining this, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

Kieran’s says there is such widespread cocaine usage in Ireland, that it’s likely in Leinster house.Speaking in the Dáil, Labour TD Alan Kelly said that we need to change the narrative once and for all when it comes to drug usage in Ireland.Alan joins Kieran to discuss.

You’ve heard about some of the demands from celebrity riders, but what do these stars look for when they come to Ireland?Joining Kieran to discuss is Siobhan Byrne, CEO of Adam & Butler, who booked many holidays for A-listers; including Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift and Channing Tatum.