Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

“Homelessness numbers are heavily impacted by the fact we are seeing many people seek protection in our country”.That’s the comment from Taoiseach Simon Harris which has sparked much controversy in recent days. But, what are the facts behind the rhetoric?Kieran is joined by Kitty Holland, Social Affairs Correspondent of The Irish Times and John Lannon, CEO of Doras, to discuss.

Yesterday on the show the new Irish Rail train timetable was discussed, and how it’s been an issue for commuters. The changes were made to accommodate the hourly Dublin to Belfast train.Today, Newstalk’s Henry McKean was sent out in rush hour to see how it was for passengers. Henry started his journey in Skerries and ended in the new train hub, Grand Canal Dock.

This month, Fair City celebrates a huge milestone: 35 years of gripping drama in Carrigstown! Since its first episode aired back in 1989, this iconic Irish soap has become a television institution, with over 5,000 episodes under its belt. Joining Kieran to look back on some of their favourite memories from their time on the show are former Fair City Actors, Killian O’Sullivan and Claudia Carroll.Image: RTÉ

According to a new study, men are facing a “male friendship recession”, leading to an increase in male loneliness.How did we get here, and what are the effects of said recession?Kieran discusses with John, a man experiencing this loneliness and Diarmuid Lyng, Hurler and Wild Irish Retreater.If you are struggling with loneliness, don't hesitate to reach out. The Samaritans 24 Hour Helpline - 116 123, or you can email them at jo@samaritans.ie.

The American political drama series The West Wing recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!Joining Kieran to look back on the show is one half of the power couple that was the staffers Ed and Larry: William Duffy.

Have you ever felt stuck or paralyzed in your daily tasks, or that you’re simply just going through the motions? You might be experiencing what's called a 'functional freeze': it’s a mental and emotional state where stress or burnout leaves you frozen and unmotivated, though you still appear outwardly functional.To explain more, Kieran is joined by Claire O'Connor, Broadcaster and Life Coach.

Now, with the Budget coming Tuesday week, some organisations are starting to call for different policies to best help them and their sector. One of those organisations is ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.Their CEO, Neil McDonnell, joins Kieran to talk through what they’re asking for.

RTÉ has announced that Ireland will take part in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland in May 2025. RTÉ wants to hear from artists, performers and songwriters with the talent and ambition to compete and succeed in this highly competitive environment. Henry McKean is in the RTÉ canteen for the announcement, and joins Kieran to give the latest.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Tom Coleman. Health Scientist and Sleep Expert to discuss what to do when your kids are having trouble sleeping.

The Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has confirmed she is not moving ahead with plans to introduce new hate speech laws saying that it will be dealt with at a later stage as “the incitement to hatred element does not have a consensus”.Minister McEntee has said she is “...adamant that hate crime legislation will be enacted".Was she right to delay it? To discuss, Kieran is joined by Alan Shatter, former Minister for Justice and Ronan Mullen, Independent NUI Senator.

The Budget is just a week away and it seems like the government is positioned to make this a big budget giveaway.But, what is being asked of the government in Budget 2025?Two people who are calling on the government to address their issues are Tanya Ward, CEO of Children’s Rights Alliance and Pat Crotty, CEO of the Vintners Federation. They join Kieran to discuss.

Brenda Power on Newstalk Breakfast suggested that Ireland’s new surrogacy law is legalising the sale of children.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Surrogacy Solicitor Annette Hickey and Amy, the mother of a surrogate child.

Delays and overcrowding remain commonplace for commuters after Irish Rail timetable changes were implemented earlier this month.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Mark Gleeson from Rail Users Ireland, Alan Farrell, Fine Gael TD, Chair of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and Spokesperson for Justice and Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off The Balls’s Shane Hannon and Newstalk Producer Dee King to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Charity Liquid Therapy is introducing surfing to people who have mobility challenges and complex needs through inclusive and adaptive programmes.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has travelled to Rossnowlagh Beach to hear all about it, and brings us this report…

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to look at how you can make the most out of a roast chicken!

The investigation into the death of Aoife Johnston in UHL in 2022 has revealed that the death of the 16 year old could have been avoided...Joining Kieran to discuss is Health Correspondent for The Irish Times, Shauna Bowers.

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

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a 9% increase in taxi fares, and this increase is set to take place from the 1st of December.Newstalk’s Henry McKean asked the people of Athlone if taxis are too expensive, and joining Kieran to discuss is Jim Waldron from the National Private Hire and Taxi Association and Aisling Dunne, Bolt's Head of Public Policy for Ireland.

Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the rapper and entrepreneur formerly known as Puff Daddy has been placed on suicide watch at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where he’s currently being held without bail. This follows his arrest on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and other serious allegations.For the latest on this, Kieran is joined by New York Based Journalist, Harriet Alexander.