Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Do we have an issue with catcalling in this country?Because there seems to be one in Surrey in the UK. Female police officers went undercover as joggers for an entire month to experience the alleged harassment that locals were reporting to the police. So, what did they find out? One police officer was honked at within ten minutes of her running. Then another car slowed down, beeping and making gestures just 30 seconds later...To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Fitness Influencer, Siobhán O’Hagan and Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan.

Now, a new report has shown that many guards are not doing their jobs for road policing properly. The Crowe Report, to give it its official title, says that some Guards may be breaching their code of ethics as they’re unproductive and unconcerned with doing effective work. The Report also says a lack of resources for road policing is a problem.Joining Kieran to discuss was Pat Marry – former detective, inspector, and senior investigating officer, who now works as an author  John Joe O’Connell - member of the Roads Policing Unit and GRA Representative for Kildare Donna Price – President of the Irish Road Victims Association whose son died in a road accident in 2006 –

Fine Gael Presidential nominee Mairead McGuinness has dropped out of the race to become the next president of Ireland.In a statement to Fine Gael Members, McGuinness said the “This decision is not lightly taken and follows a stay in hospital last week.”To reflect on where this leaves the Presidential race and to speculate who may become the next president of Ireland now, Kieran was joined by Shane Coleman, Broadcaster and presenter of Newstalk Breakfast and Sean Defoe Newstalk Political correspondent

From Eddington, together to k-pop demon hunters David O’ Callaghan,   From the Here and Back Again podcast and  Dee Reddy,   Podcaster and Cultural commentator, joined the Hard Shoulder with their top picks for weekend viewing — including the best new films, series, and streaming releases.

Ireland is known to be the land of a "hundred thousand welcomes or “Cead mile failte” In recent times, we have seen and heard about the horrific attacks on members of the Indian community so how true really is the notion of Cead mile failte ?Joining Kieran was Irish Times Journalist and Historian Ronan Mcgreevy,  and Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer at the ESRI to discuss.

Alcohol and drug use among e-scooter users, increased littering within Dublin city's inner city and a Donegal GAA club being forced to install CCTV to deal with dog fouling. This week, there have been a number of stories which seem to suggest that we have a blatant disregard for others. But what is driving the disrespect of our communities?Joining Kieran to discuss was Noel Cunningham, hotelier, and TV personality, author of Guide to Modern Irish Manners, Shane Coleman, Broadcaster and presenter of Newstalk Breakfast IDPTL, Patti Shields, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad.  Brendan Kelly Professor of Psychiatry, At Trinity College Dublin. Brenda Power, Sunday times and Daily Mail Columnist 

Will the two leaders make a deal to bring the war in Ukraine to an end? Or will the conversation be overshadowed by the urge to discuss the "huge untapped potential" for Russia-U.S. economic ties. For the latest on the meeting between president Trump and Putin. Kieran was joined by European Correspondent for Euro News, Shona Murray. And Ukraine Correspondent for Ouest-France, Radio France Internationale, and France24, Emmanuelle Chaze

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.What can be done to resolve the issue of scoliosis treatment in this country?Joining Kieran to discuss is David Cullinane, Sinn Féin's Health Spokesperson and Amanda Coughlan, Co-Lead of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Pediatric Advocacy Group.

A study around the attitudes towards concussions among amateur rugby players was made public today. The study found that an alarming amount of players said they would continue to play rugby despite being aware of their concussion and that they would intentionally avoid seeking medical attention after a suspected concussion.Just last week, two Japanese boxers died from brain injuries after receiving blows to the head which went untreated.This issue is alarming enough that our Women’s Rugby team is introducing mouthguards that will alter when a player may have suffered a blow to the head that warrants getting examined for a concussion. These will be introduced ahead of next week’s World Cup.To unpack all this, Kieran is joined by Colin Doherty, Professor of Neurology at Trinity and Consultant Neurologist at St. James’s.

Would you let Instagram access your camera roll and all the data that comes with it to give you story suggestions and other features? Or is that too much of a privacy concern?For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss this and more.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has called on Tánaiste Simon Harris to meet with the parents of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Clondalkin in Dublin, who died last month following many delays in accessing urgent scoliosis surgery.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley, who waited for three years for surgery for his scoliosis which he finally received in 2020 and Catriona Phelan, mum of 11-year-old Brianna Phelan Somers was born with myelomeningocele spina bifida and scoliosis and had her treatment abroad.

Due to budget constraints, the Government failed to pay members of the Reserve Defence Forces (RDF) last year due to greater-than-expected recruitment.Recruitment to the Reserves has increased in the number of years, with demand set to increase.What is the role of the reserves, and how important is it to invest in them?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Declan Power, Security Analyst and Declan Ganley, Businessman and Entrepreneur.

U2's statement online condemning the war in Gaza has been roundly criticized, with some claiming its performative and fake. But, other artists who say similar things have been widely praised – so what is the formula behind releasing the right statement?Joining Kieran to discuss is John O’Brennan, a Professor of European Politics in Maynooth University.

It’s in our clothing; it’s in our cooking utensils and it’s in our food packaging: microplastics. How worried should we be about its effect on our health?Dr Brendan O Shea, Kildare based GP joins Kieran to discuss.

‘It’s been like 10 minutes.’ That was tennis star Emma Raducanu asking the umpire for a crying child to be ejected at the Cincinnati Open match against Aryna Sabalenka. But, should babies even be at sporting events where players need concentration?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

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 Cancún in Mexico!

Taylor Swift has announced that she will be releasing a 12th album! While we don’t have a release date, we do have an album name which is ‘The Life of a Showgirl’.The album name was revealed this morning on a clip which was teasing her upcoming appearance on the American podcast, New Heights, which is hosted by her NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother.There's no doubt that Taylor Swift is one of the world’s most successful superstars, but how does she do it?Joining Kieran to discuss is Presenter of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan HayesCulleton, Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan and Taylor Swift superfan Emily Bresnahan.

The Irish Pharmacy Union had warned against buying medicine online, claiming that it runs the risk of being harmful or fake. This comes as weight-loss drugs being bought online becomes more popular.Joining Kieran to discuss is Sheena Mitchell, a Pharmacist, health advocate, and owner of Milltown TotalHealth pharmacy who hosts ‘A WonderCare Podcast’.

A new DART station, located between Shankill in South Dublin and Bray in Co Wicklow began operating on Sunday, the first new station in 15 years.Newstalk Reporter Meghan O’Halloran went to Woodbrook Station, to get commuters' reactions, and ask how much they rely on public transport.She joins Kieran to share what she’s heard.

The Ireland India Council has postponed India Day celebrations after recent attacks on their community, citing fears for their safety.Michael Sheehan, Independent Councillor in New Ross, Wexford, thinks the Government should step in to host these celebrations, and joins Kieran to discuss.