Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Dublin is experiencing a surge in Irish speakers, yet opportunities to use the language in everyday life remain scarce.There has been an explosion of new learners around the world thanks to Duolingo, and there are around 45,000 fluent teenagers in the capital city.But, how many people in Ireland have the opportunity to speak Irish outside the classroom?Daithí de Buitléir is Programme Manager with Gaeilge365, a new language innovation programme for Dublin's local authorities. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Author and Actress Claudia Carroll joined Kieran this week to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show, Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD, proposed the introduction of ‘surrender bins’ for knives to tackle violence in Dublin.Would it work?Joining Kieran to discuss is Pat Marry, former Detective, Inspector and Author.

Labour TD Ciaran Ahern has said that there is definitely a case to be made for refresher courses for drivers every time a licence is up for renewal.So, are they needed?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ciaran Ahern, Labour TD for Dublin South West and Richard O’Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County.

The families of those killed in the Creeslough disaster plan to challenge “every aspect” of the plan to redevelop the site.An application was submitted to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new structure that would include a forecourt, shop, post office and space for a memorial garden.Shauna Gallagher is sister to Jessica who was killed in the explosion. Jessica was above the shop when the explosion happened. She joins Kieran to discuss.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the discovery that a scanner bought for over €120,000 for the National Gallery has never been used raises "serious control issues".The scanner, which has been lying idle since it was purchased, is the latest spending controversy to arise within state-funded organisations.There still has not been a suitable lead-lined room found for the special X-ray machine eight years on.Gabija Gataveckaite, Political Correspondent with The Irish Independent joins Kieran to discuss.

Last week Dublin's 3 arena played host to the Premier League Darts final.Last month a 7 million euro darts bar opened on Dawson street.So, what's behind the sports rising popularity - and profits? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports

Middle age can be a challenging time for men, with grumpiness and irritability taking hold…In the Telegraph yesterday the question was asked: is ‘miserable man syndrome’ a real thing?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Esther Mcarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Examiner.

Today marks 3 years of war in Ukraine…Media Consultant & Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Tom Mc Enaney, Author of ‘War in Ukraine: An Irish Man’s Journey’, Brendan Murphy and Luba Healy, Ukrainian woman in Meath join Kieran to reflect.

Knowing what products and medications to buy in order to treat acne with can be utterly confusing in the age of social media.One thing you might have seen are ‘pimple patches’, but what are they, and how do they work exactly? Joining Kieran to explain is Isabel Haugh, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

Do you sometimes struggle to get your children to eat healthy fruit and vegetables? Well, for this week’s Kids Health Check, Fussy Eating Expert Louise Lennox joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris will bring a proposal to Cabinet next month to amend Ireland's 'triple lock’ on the deployment of Defence Forces peacekeepers overseas.Would this be a welcome development?Simon Coveney is a former Cabinet Minister and former Minister for Defence. He joins Kieran to discuss.

You may have seen the recent story of a 71 year old employee for the Hairy Lemon pub being awarded €30,000 for discriminatory dismissal: because of his age.John Mooney told a March 2024 Workplace Relations Commission hearing that his employer informed him in November 2023 that he would be dismissed at Christmastime "because [the pub's] insurance had increased as a result of his age".So, does ageism still exist in the workplaces?Journalist and author Valerie Cox joins Kieran to discuss.

Dublin City Council are to call into inner-city households seeking to fine those who have failed to sign up for waste collection services.Will on the spot fines help to tackle illegal dumping?Joining Kieran to discuss is Conor Walsh, Secretary of the Irish Waste Management Association and Bobby O’Connell Fine Gael Councillor for Castleisland in Kerry.

Plans are being progressed for a Park-And-Ride facility near the M1 in north county Dublin.The National Transport Authority says the 800-space surface car park at Lissenhall, near Swords, will offer commuters an alternative to driving into the city.Will this get people out of their cars?Councillor in Swords, Daragh Butler and Professor in  the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, Brian Caulfield join Kieran to discuss.

This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Elaine Burke, Presenter of ‘Of For Tech’s Sake’ podcast to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Open water swimming really took off 5 years ago during Covid, but have you ever heard of ‘Freezebury’?The Freezebury Challenge adds a minute on to your swim everyday in February. So, for example, on February 1st, you spend a minute in the water. Today, you spend 21 minutes since it’s the 21st.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has tried it, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Ireland will face another challenge in the Six Nations against Wales tomorrow in Cardiff. The boys in green have been flying but can’t they keep the momentum going?Joining Kieran to discuss is Tommy Bowe, Ireland AM Presenter and former Irish International and Mike Ruddock, former Ireland U20’s, Leinster and Wales Coach...

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to talk about fibre. You might think it’s boring - but 85% of people don’t get enough of it!

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