Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

“Only in exceptional circumstances should former professional footballers be working as television pundits.”That’s the view of Declan Lynch, Sunday Independent Journalist, who joins Kieran to discuss.

There have been further reactions to Natasha O’Brien’s assaulter Cathal Crotty, member of the Irish Defence Forces walking free following a suspended sentence. She was attacked unprovoked in Limerick, which left her unconscious. Since the verdict, Limerick Pride have released a statement that says they do not welcome Defence Forces in their uniform at their parade.Joining Kieran to give their reactions to the case and discuss is Brian Merriman, Founder of the International Gay Theatre Festival and Cynthi Ní Mhuirchu, MEP for Ireland South.

Have you mastered the art of saying no? Is it something we get better at doing the older we get?Kieran is joined by Brenda Power, Columnist with the Irish Daily Mail and Sunday Times and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with The Irish Independent to discuss. 

John Murphy, SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser and Bus Driver and SIPTU Spokesperson Suzanne Armstrong join Kieran to discuss public transport security after a passenger was allegedly assaulted by a group of youths on Dublin Bus, leaving the interior splattered with blood.

With new green initiatives like the Deposit Return Scheme supposedly improving how much litter you see in Dublin, Newstalk’s Henry McKean went out to ask locals if they see Dublin as a dirty city.He joins Kieran Cuddihy to share what he found.

Every week Kieran Cuddihy will be joined by writer and broadcaster, Keith Walsh and the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

For many who have seen him live, this man doesn't just sing songs, his shows are almost otherworldly experiences, as he tells stories in a very unique way.Ahead of his gigs this month at the Night & Day festival, Damien Dempsey joins Kieran in the studio.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to talk all things roast garlic!

As Take That prepares to kick off their Dulin show tonight in Malahide castle, Kieran is joined by super fan Ellen Kavanagh of Waxperts to get a sense of the excitement.She is a super fan that is no stranger to “ruling the world”, she has never missed a gig, and tonight will be no exception.  

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

Earlier today Natasha O’Brien responded to the suspended sentence of her attacker, Cathal Crotty, on Lunchtime Live with Andrea Gilligan. Crotty attacked her unprovoked on O’Connell Street in Limerick, which left her unconscious.Joining Kieran to discuss the suspended sentence is Dara Robinson, Solicitor and Senior Council and Kathleen Chada, member of SAVE (Sentencing And Victim Equality Group).

As the leaving cert begins to wrap up, many students across the country plan to head off on their 6th year holiday, and with that comes much worry for parents.To discuss, Kieran is joined by broadcaster Claire Ronan, Dr Malie Coyne Clinical Psychologist and author and 6th year Caden Kinsella.

Dublin homeowners face higher local property tax bills under a new power sharing agreement expected to be ratified by Dublin city councillors today.Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor and Former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Daithí Doolin, Sinn Féin Councillor for the Ballyfermot/Drimnagh Area.

It’s bring your dog to work day!But are the so-called “man's best friends” really friends to all? And should they be allowed in the workplace?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Newstalk's own Tara Duggan, Charlie Cullen, owner of Cullen & Co Jewelers and Buster the Cavapoo, family pet and Cullen & Co’s resident office dog. 

Shakyh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council has, of today, become an Irish citizen.He joins Kieran in the studio to celebrate, and discuss the process and how his bid for the European Elections went.

The much-discussed planning and development bill will not be enacted till after the Dáil’s summer recess.But, what exactly is the planning bill? Why was it conceived? And what issues is it looking to address?Roisin Murphy, Conservationist and Architect and Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates join Kieran to discuss.

Adrian Weckler in the Irish Independent gave 10 signs that you're old depending on how you interact with technology. These include using the crying-laughing emoji and keeping your phone on vibrate no matter what.So, are you a technology dinosaur? How many things apply to you?Joining Kieran to discuss is Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer for the Independent.

The Department of Agriculture has been accused of "failures" in relation to the treatment of horses that are being sent for slaughter at the country’s only licensed equine abattoir, which was the subject of an RTÉ Prime Time investigation last week.Fianna Fáil TD James O'Connor was particularly critical following the revelation that the abattoir had received five welfare complaints since 2018.All this has brought renewed attention to whether the industry is in receipt of too much public funding.Joining Kieran to discuss is Aodhán Ó Riordáin , newly-elected Labour MEP for Dublin and Michael Healy Rae, Independent TD for Kerry.   

Cara Darmody from Tipperary earlier this week decided enough was enough and began a protest outside Leinster House, which she promised to continue every week until her demands were met and Simon Harris agreed to meet her.The Taoiseach did agree and has since had a meeting with her. Cara, alongside her dad Mark Darmody, joined Kieran to discuss how it went.

According to Graham Linehan, the word ‘trans’ no longer has any definition.The comedy writer and Creator of Father Ted, was recently in Leinster House speaking on the subject of free speech, and the new hate speech law proposal.Graham joins Kieran to discuss his views.Image: @Glinner on X