Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Tanya Sweeney from the Irish Independent recently wrote “School reunions are LinkedIn with gin and tonics, do I really want to go to mine?” Well, is she right? Should we not go to our school reunions?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease cases are on the rise again as schools are back in full swing…What are the signs to look for and what do you do if your child contracts the illness?Kieran is joined by Dr Afif El-Khuffash, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the RCSI.Image: HSE

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.Jeff joins Kieran to discuss the damage done by Hurricane Milton in Florida, and how political response could affect the outcome of the upcoming election.Image: AP

A major breakthrough was made in the mammoth Garda investigation into the Kinahan Cartel and their leadership, with the arrest in Dubai of a Senior Kinahan Cartel Lieutenant, Sean McGovern. He will be extradited back to Ireland over the murder of Noel ‘Duck Egg’ Kirwan, and other criminal offences.How significant is this, and what does it mean for the remaining Kinahan Cartel in Dubai?Paul Williams, Crime Journalist and author, joins Kieran to discuss.

You may have caught it on BBC last night, but the movie ‘Threads’ has been called one of the scariest and most realistic depictions of a nuclear war.Joining Kieran to discuss why, 40 years later, it still terrifies is Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent.

After years in the making, the landmark Planning and Development Bill was finally approved by the Oireachtas last night, but reaction has been mixed so far.Is it a good idea? And will it help with the Housing Crisis?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips Associates.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and joining Kieran to discuss their own mental health struggles is, Architect Hugh Wallace…If you struggle with your mental health, Aware operate a freephone number at 1800 80 48 48.

The state of Florida is prepping for Hurricane Milton, which is set to hit the south of Florida tonight…Kieran speaks with Jacqui Goddard, Miami correspondent for the Times London, Royston Brady, former Lord Mayor of Dublin and Meteorologist Todd Gross ahead of the expected touchdown.Image: NOAA/AP

Kieran’s guest’s new book defines Ireland's history and culture in 100 foods, ‘An Irish Food Story: 100 Foods That Made Us’ comes out October 10th.Joining to discuss is Author, Chef and Restaurateur, JP McMahon.

Countries are re-arming in response to growing security threats. Economic security risks are leading to a rethinking of EU state aid rules, competition and trade policies. With public opinion shifting against immigration across the continent, how the EU and its members handle asylum applications from outside the bloc is rising up the agenda.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Dan O’ Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Senior Fellow at UCD.

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has weighed in on the upcoming planning bill in a video posted online last night with Irish actress Alison Oliver, making it clear that he is against the idea.So, is he right? Should we not have liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals in Ireland?Oisín Coughlan, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth and Brian Leddin, Green Party TD and Spokesperson for Transport, Climate Action and Environment join Kieran to discuss.

Cork and Clare kids band the ‘Cabin Krew’ went viral over the summer for their song ‘The Spark’ which got over 2 billion views! The song was recently longlisted for 2 Grammy Awards: the ‘Best Dance/ Electronic Song’ and for ‘Song of the Year’. Joining Kieran to discuss are Lucy and Kada, members of the group.Image: @thekabinstudio Instagram

Trinity College Dublin has officially renamed its former Berkeley Library after Irish poet Eavan Boland. Berkeley’s name became contentious due to his colonial past, and so the Student Union led a campaign to rename it.Jenny Maguire is Student Union President of the Trinity College Dublin, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Trinity College Dublin

Israel is expanding its ground offensive in southern Lebanon day after day. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of 1.2 million people from the region as they attempt to escape the horrors of war.Joining Kieran to discuss this unfolding humanitarian disaster is Deputy Representative of UNICEF Lebanon, Ettie Higgins.Image: Reuters

Legalese, language used in legal documents, has made navigating legal battles incredibly difficult for people who haven’t studied law. But now, some are saying that it’s entered into the healthcare sector.Joining Kieran to discuss is Dr. Suzanne Crowe, a Paediatric Intensive Care Consultant and President of the Irish Medical Council.

Transport Commentator Conor Faughnan joined Kieran Cuddihy to put his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder’s Bookshelf!

In 2017, Gareth Landy was told that he couldn’t have kids. He now has 2 children and a diagnosis labelling him XXY, meaning he has an extra X chromosome. But, what was his story, and why is he speaking before the Seanad today?Joining Kieran to discuss is Gareth Landy, a male fertility advocate.

Customer service in Ireland is getting worse with nearly half the top 150 brands performing poorly last year. That’s according to a new survey published today.Conor Pope is Consumer Affairs Correspondent with The Irish Times and joins Kieran to discuss.

Has the American tourist influx put the native Irish customer under pressure to tip more? Have they influenced our tipping culture from rounding up to 10% and now, in some cases, 20%?Henry McKean visited Man O' War Gastro Pub in North County Dublin, where he met Irish staff and US customers, and sent in this report.

The OPW has landed in more hot water; it has been revealed that the OPW has paid more than €300,000 in legal fees in an arbitration case on the proposed building of a National Children’s Science Museum in Dublin.Joining Seán to discuss is Social Democrat TD and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Catherine Murphy...