Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla National Lead for Foster Care joins Kieran to discuss the shortage in foster care they are experiencing…

Content Creator Padraig Wilson McCarthy joins Kieran to look back on some of the best feel-good moments of 2024!

Copper Face Jacks in Dublin city centre has bucked the trend of Dublin’s dying nightlife by recording profits of nearly €3 million, with revenue returning to pre-Covid levels. So, are we being too harsh on Dublin’s nightlife?Joining Kieran to discuss is Ian Redmond, the owner and operator of the Hyde Nightclub and operator of Ohana Tiki Bar.

Research from Cadbury's suggests that half of all adults consider themselves great secret keepers, but sadly a quarter of us can’t help spilling the beans…So, what is the reason why we keep secrets, and why we find it so hard to keep information to ourselves?Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Consultant Psychiatrist at Tallaght University Hospital and Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times join Kieran to discuss.

The Federal Aviation Administration in the US has issued a one-month ban on drone operations in certain areas of New Jersey, unless operators receive special permission from the government due to “special security reasons”.This is as dozens of night-time drone sightings have been reported across New Jersey and other states along the eastern coast of the US over the last several weeks.For more on this, Kieran is joined by US-based Journalist Harriet Alexander.

Dating apps are not as popular as they once were, with around 1.4 million people in the UK leaving the online dating scene in the past 12 months.So, are dating apps dead?Sarah Burke, Dublin Reporter with Irish Independent and Mairead Loughman, Matchmaker and Podcast Host join Kieran to discuss.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Tis’ the season, so this week, Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined Kieran Cuddihy to try offerings of Christmas crackers and cakes!

Musician Gavin James has taken some time out from his Irish Tour, which begins in Whelan’s this week, to join the show!He joins Kieran to discuss his new single: ‘Once in a Lifetime’.

Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran Cuddihy for the Tech Takeover! This week, she discusses her biggest Tech Tips from 2024! Including money, organisation and life-admin.

It was announced today that the Kneecap movie has been shortlisted for TWO Oscars. Best International Feature Film, and Best Original Song for ‘Sick in the Head’.Joining Kieran to discuss the achievement is Head of Distribution for Wildcard Distribution, Gillian Cooper.

The 34th Dáil sat for the first time today.With a bit of business being the selection of a Ceann Comhairle… With the new Ceann Comhairle being Independent TD for Wexford, Verona Murphy.Joining Kieran to discuss what has been happening is Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal Pearse Doherty,  Malcom Byrne, Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford and Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail.

SOSAD is an Irish mental health charity that specializes in care for those suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress. But, in an unfortunate turn of events, funding promised for the charity by Minister of Mental Health Mary Butler has not been delivered. Now, they fear that they’re on the brink of collapse – leaving hundreds without care…Joining Kieran to discuss is the CEO of SOSAS, Carol Murphy.

Socks for Dad, hand cream for mom and a designer collar for Bruno. Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports on the expensive Christmas being enjoyed by Ireland's cats and canines.

Every year, Irish Daily Mail Commentator Philip Nolan leaves a Christmas tip for the binmen. Should we be doing the same?He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Jonathan McDonnell

The 34th Dáil is set to meet for the first time today to elect the Ceann Comhairle, with many new faces elected to experience the Dáil for the first time.What is that first experience of Dáil Éireann like, and what is the first day actually like?Joining Kieran to discuss is Cathal Crowe, Fianna Fáil TD for Clare and Noel Rock former Fine Gael TD.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for killing a Russian General in Moscow, after an explosive device attached to a scooter was detonated.Are we seeing the playing field in the Ukraine War change, and what could the war look like in the future?Bill Browder, Financier and Commentator joins Kieran to discuss.

This week, Presenter Mairead Ronan joins Kieran Cuddihy to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!Favourite book: I Feel Bad About My Neck, by Nora Ephron.Honourable Mention: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down, by Haemin Sunim.Right now: The Racket, by Conor Niland.

The father of Enoch Burke, Sean Burke, has been given a two month jail sentence for assaulting a female Garda in 2023.Stephanie Rohan, Newstalk Reporter, joins Kieran with all the details…

It's time for a Christmas Kidstalk! The kids from South City Community National School, Dublin, talk to Henry McKean about Christmas…

As the 34th Dáil begins tomorrow, one of the first things the new Dáil will do is vote on the next Ceann Comhairle. However, Fianna Fáil have confirmed their support for Independent TD, Verona Murphy in tomorrow’s secret ballot...Joining Kieran to discuss is Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghail.