Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

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…

Research from the Times suggests that Generation Z, those aged 18-27, are more pro-marriage than previous generations. So, why is this the case, and is marriage back in fashion?Joining Kieran to discuss is Jane Cowan, Student and Irish Examiner Columnist, Tara Fay, International Destination Wedding Planner and Francis Kelleher, Dating Expert and Life Coach.

The introduction of a dedicated public transport police unit is a priority, that’s according to Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan, in an effort to respond to growing concerns over safety on buses, trains, and trams.He has also said that could have the power to arrest.To discuss if we should have transport police, Kieran is joined by Thomas O’Connor, Assistant General Secretary for the NBRU, and Richard O’Donoghue, Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County.

Earlier today, local man Vikat Bhagat was found guilty in India of the 2017 rape and murder of Donegal backpacker, Danielle McLaughlin.Danielle had been backpacking there for two weeks...Danielle’s mother Andrea and sister Jolene join Kieran to discuss following the verdict.

There is a brand new Irish comedy drama on Sky called ‘Small Town, Big Story’ created by Chris O’Dowd. Henry McKean was at the premiere at the IFI, and sent in this chat he had with some of the cast!

US President Donald Trump has announced “reciprocal tariffs” to be enacted soon, but what exactly does that mean for Ireland - and what are the other developments stateside?Jerry McDermott, Executive Director at the Irish Cultural Centre, and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters

Today marks a very prestigious day for everyone in Newstalk towers, as it is World Radio Day!To honour the day and speak about the power of radio, Pat Kenny, Newstalk Presenter and radio royalty, joined Kieran!

The Government has ordered an external review to be carried out into yet another controversial spending of taxpayer's money.It has emerged that almost €7 million was spent on a failed IT system for the Arts Council…Peadar Tóibín, Leader of Aontú and TD for Meath East and Christina Finn, Political Editor at TheJournal join Kieran to discuss.

The 2034 World Cup has been confirmed for Saudi Arabia - and alcohol is planned to be prohibited then.Would this ban be an overall benefit? Or just put fans off going?Former Ireland International, Stephen Hunt and Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O’Shea join Kieran to discuss.

Hamas has today said that they will release more hostages as planned by the deadline.This comes on the heels of the news of US President Donald Trump’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he said they had "agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately…"Are the current movements a sign that Trump’s tactics are getting things done?Daniel Levy is President of the U.S./Middle East Project and former Israeli Peace Negotiator, he joins Kieran to discuss.

With another weightless drug set to come to Irish pharmacies in March - Kieran is joined by two people who have experience with prescription drugs…Belinda Hogan From GLP-1 Insights on Instagram and co-host of The Dose podcast and Paddy Cunningham, other host and content creator join to discuss.Image: Reuters

US President Donald Trump has announced that he has had “lengthy and highly productive phone call” with Vladimir Putin and agreed to work “closely” to possibly see a diplomatic end to the war. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also announced that he has had a similar call with Trump.Jason Corcoran, Journalist and Russia Analyst joins Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates.

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 give advice on blowing your nose properly!

Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden brought in a report earlier around the ethics of surrogacy – a debate that has re-ignited after actress Lily Phillips welcomed her first baby through surrogacy.So, where is Ireland at with it, and is the practice ethical?Joining Kieran to discuss is Annette Hickey, Solicitor specialising in surrogacy and Sandra Adams, advocate for women's sex based rights who recently ran as an Independent Seanad Candidate on the NUI panel.

Cyclone is the first Irish gladiator to be on the long-running BBC show Gladiators, which has had a recent revival.Cyclone joins Kieran to talk about what the process was like to join the show - and discuss her experience so far!Image: BBC

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with US President Donald Trump - and the controversy about what work is being done.Image: Reuters

Today, the DPP confirmed they will appeal the six-and-a-half-year concurrent sentence imposed on Kieran Fogarty for the murder of student journalist Joe Drennan, who was killed in a hit and run.The family of Joe have been protesting against the sentence, and Sarah, Joe’s sister, joins Kieran to discuss.

According to a City Council Chief, some inner-city Dubliners have no sense of pride, and dump their waste daily in the street.Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Kieran to discuss.

A lot of Ireland’s economic success over the past few decades has been down to American multinationals.But, with Trump in office, is our stance over Gaza threatening the country's economic future?Micheal Murphy, Journalist at the Telegraph joins Kieran to discuss.

Lily Collins announced last week that she had welcomed the arrival of her first child through surrogacy.The actress was met with backlash when she didn’t explain why she used a surrogate, with many speculating online that the Emily in Paris star didn’t want to miss out on career opportunities, others said Lily was reluctant to lose her figure.The controversy has reignited the debate around the ethics of surrogacy – just as legislation is about to be enacted that would legalize it here.Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden reports.