Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, with reporting from TMZ claiming a cardiac arrest as the cause of death.Off the Ball’s Richie McCormack joins Kieran to look back on the wrestling star’s career, life and controversies.

The recent listeria outbreak has resulted in a recall of 141 ready meals. Despite the convenience of store-bought ready meals, the outbreak is a reminder that consumers have little control over how the products are made or what ingredients are used.Ross Golden-Bannon, member of the Irish Food Writers Guild, joins Kieran to discuss how to make DIY ready meals that are healthier and less expensive than store-bought!

If you are struggling to keep your kids entertained this summer, we have got you covered.Can getting the kids to do DIY help alleviate their summer boredom?Peter Finn also known as Pete the Builder and co-host of ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ joins to discuss!Peter’s show ‘Home Rescue: The Big Fix’ returns in September!

Disabled people in Ireland rely on disability allowance, but strict means testing mean these payments are often revoked.Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, Disability Journalist and advocate, joins Kieran to discuss her own experience, after she was taken off disability allowance for earning €80 over the weekly threshold…

With the news that the previous government's €2 billion retrofitting grant is under review, why is the grant not being taken up by more people? Is it too difficult to avail of, and is it actually saving people any money?Joining Kieran to discuss is former President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, Carole Pollard.

Basketball Ireland say that they are assessing their next steps after being drawn alongside Israel in the group stages of the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers.They say they’re extremely alarmed by the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and have spoken to governing body FIBA Europe in order to address some matters. They say that they are also liaising with the players, Sport Ireland and the Government.The women’s team have previously expressed their unhappiness with being forced to make a decision on whether or not to play against Israel, and did refuse to shake hands with Israeli players during a game last year.To discuss, Kieran is joined by former Basketball Ireland player Rebecca O’ Keefe and Social Democrats TD & Spokesperson on Sport, Sinéad Gibney…

Some mortgage providers have seen an uptick in the number of people taking out four person mortgages.As it becomes harder and harder to buy a home in Ireland, is taking out such a mortgage wise?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Hall, CEO of Icare Housing.

Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss how you can make your bed properly!

A recent investigation from The Journal has found that hundreds of cameras from the Chinese company Hikvision are installed in “hospital wards, university campuses and council offices” around the country. The problem? The products are banned for government use in the UK, USA and Australia.For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this, and whether or not we should be concerned.

The Central Statistics Office has released its report on how Ireland compared to other EU countries on price levels of food, beverages, and tobacco in 2024. Ireland ranked most expensive of all 36 European countries for non-alcoholic drinks, with prices 40% higher than the EU27 average. Food prices were 12% above the average, making Ireland’s groceries the second most expensive in the Eurozone.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Irish Examiner Consumer Columnist, Catriona Redmond, Michelin-starred Chef and owner of Kombu JP McMahon and Head of Social Justice and Policy at St Vincent de Paul, Louise Bayliss.

From putting garlic in your sock for athlete’s foot to taking rescue remedies for nerves, do any natural remedies actually have healing benefits, or are they just wives’ tales?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pharmacist, Health Advocate, and host of the ‘Wonder Care Podcast’, Sheena Mitchell.

Thousands of people have been protesting in Kyiv, urging the President to veto a controversial bill that threatens anti-corruption infrastructure.It marked the first major rally against the government in more than three years of war.The government move has been seen by some as proof that Ukraine is not ready to join the EU.Independent MEP Michael McNamara and Anatoliy Prymakov, Director at Ukrainian Action in Ireland, join Kieran to discuss.

The ESB is hiking the prices on EV charging by up to 15%, which means a significant increase for those who drive electric vehicles.Adrian Weckler is Technology Editor with the Irish and Sunday Independent, and he joins Kieran to discuss.

England’s Lionesses gave ITV its biggest audience of the year last week with many Irish fans turning in to support the women. This is a stark contrast to the often found “Anyone but England” posts from last year’s men’s Euros, so why are we more likely to support the Lionesses?Joining Kieran to discuss is Katheleen McNamee from Off the Ball and Editor of CorkBeo.ie, Joe O’Shea.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his travel tips for the city of Turin in Italy!

The Government’s National Development Plan has been unveiled today, which will see investment to the tune of €200 billion over the next decade.But, will this be all it’s cracked up to be?Joining Kieran to discuss is Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Frances Ruane, the Chair of the state’s National Competitiveness and Productivity Council.

Professor Luke O’Neill, Immunologist at Trinity College Dublin and Newstalk regular joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As Dublin City Council have confirmed stewards will no longer guard the Molly Malone statue, new proposals have been put forward to install flower beds to deter tourists from groping her…Joining Kieran to discuss is Dublin City Councillor for Labour, Fiona Connolly.

The final elements of the €200 billion National Development Plan have been agreed and published earlier today, with the government setting out how we will invest in all our infrastructure for the next 10 years.But, what exactly will the money be spent on, and was every base covered?Mairéad Farrell, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and TD for Galway West/South Mayo and David Timoney, Chief Economist at Davy, join Kieran to discuss.

Have you ever been steered wrong by Google Maps? After one woman ended up on the set of Fair City looking for Lidl, perhaps it's time to question if we have become too reliant on the app to get around?Joining Kieran to discuss is Technology Journalist Elaine Burke and Motoring Editor of the Sunday Independent, Geraldine Herbert.