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Latest episodes from Highlights from The Hard Shoulder

The Ultimate Guide: Islay

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 10:51


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 guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for the Scottish island famous for its whisky - Islay!

Why did Terry Prone donate all of her documents?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 12:05


Terry Prone, Chairperson of the Communication Clinic has just donated a treasure trove of personal papers, and documents to the National Library of Ireland.She joins Kieran to discuss why she did this, and what impact it may have on future generations.

How to avoid a bad back

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 8:48


Chiropractor and Clinical Director at Chiropractix, Dr. Paul Bradley, joins Kieran to share his tips on how to avoid a bad back!

Trump threatens 250% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 5:24


US President Donald Trump has said that upcoming tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could reach 250%, after starting at a lower level, while adding he plans to also unveil fresh duties on foreign semiconductors.To discuss, Kieran is joined by Economist and Co-Host of 'The Other Hand' podcast, Jim Power.

The Bookshelf with Pete Wedderburn

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 12:35


Pete Wedderburn AKA Pete the Vet joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

vet bookshelf pete wedderburn
Are school phone pouches beneficial?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 19:46


New figures revealed that a total of 380 out of the 722 post primary schools have applied for funding under the government's phone pouch scheme.The initiative sparked criticism at the time and Opposition parties labelled it “wasteful” and “unnecessary”.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Conor Murphy, English Teacher in Skibbereen, Paul Crone, Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies and later Eoghan Kenny, Labour Spokesperson for Education and Youth.Image: Yondr

Israel considering full military occupation of Gaza

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 11:01


Reports today suggest that the Israeli Government may decide to fully occupy Gaza. This would put an end to the 2005 decision to remove any Israeli troops from the area.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Bel Trew, the Chief International Correspondent at The Independent and Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr. Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid.Image: Reuters

Financial planning tips for your teens and twenties

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 9:57


At any age you can start saving for your future, but what is the best way to save when you are still in college, or your first full time job?Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist with Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk joins Kieran to give her top tips!

Ryanair to ditch printed boarding passes

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 5:58


Starting in November, Ryanair passengers will no longer be allowed to use printed boarding passes. Instead, they will need to present a digital boarding pass in their mobile app. The airline claims that this move will improve customer experience by getting rid of airport check-in fees, and that it will help the environment by reducing paper waste.But, how will this impact those who might now own a smartphone, or those who do own a smartphone but struggle with navigating phone apps?A recent study found that 62% of adults over the age of 65 in Ireland do not have basic digital skills. So how are they meant to navigate the new boarding protocol imposed by Ryanair?To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Alan Grogan, Donor Engagement & CSR Coordinator with Friends of the Elderly.

Winners and Sinners

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 23:39


This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Comedian Jim Elliott to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Dublin V Meath - who will lift the Brendan Martin Cup?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 8:39


The Men's GAA Finals are all settled, and now this weekend, we can look forward to the Ladies Football Final!Dublin and Meath will meet in Croke Park on Sunday in a bid to lift the Brendan Martin Cup.Josh Crosbie has been visiting both counties today to soak up some of the atmosphere, and sends in this report.

You Are What You Eat: Strawberries

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 16:42


Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss strawberries - and how they can be used in multiple delicious recipes!

strawberries tv chef aisling larkin
Sport with Mick McCarthy

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 9:16


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…

Have Irish businesses been let down by this new tariff deal?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 12:16


Tánaiste Simon Harris insists that Ireland avoided a “moment of catastrophe” thanks to the EU-US tariff deal.It's as tariffs of 15% on EU goods entering the US are now due to take effect from next week.So, are Irish businesses being let down?Eoin O'Catháin, Director of the Irish Whiskey Association and Ciaran Mullooly, Independent MEP for Midlands North West, join Kieran to discuss.

Public transport police confirmed to be rolled out

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 11:27


Earlier this week, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien confirmed that dedicated transport police will be rolled out across all public transport. Most notably, Officers will have powers of arrest and detention.Dublin Bus have been calling for collaborative security measures to be put in place for some time now…Their Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement, Cliodhna Ni Fhatharta, joins Kieran to discuss.

The biggest moments of 1985 - Henry McKean Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 12:20


Ahead of his show this Bank Holiday Monday looking back on the year, Henry McKean joins Kieran to rewind the clock to 1985!

Why is Roblox looking to add online dating?

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 8:07


According to its CEO, gaming platform Roblox is proposing adding online dating to its platform. Should it exist on a platform whose user base consists mainly of kids and teenagers?Dr Nicola Fox Hamilton, Cyberpsychology Lecturer at IADT, joins Kieran to discuss.

What it's like doing your driving test today - Dylan Hand Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 11:41


In recent times, the RSA has come under increased scrutiny for their handling of the Irish driving test. At the start of the year, waiting times had reached an all-time high, leaving learner drivers across the country in outrage over the back log in the system.Since then, waiting times have fallen, allowing many prospective drivers to sit their test, and hopefully swap their L plates for N's.But, what exactly is the experience of today's learners sitting their test, and what exactly does it take to pass?Newstalk Reporter Dylan Hand has recently taken his own driving test, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on.

Movies and TV: The Naked Gun, The Assassin, Death of a Unicorn

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 17:02


Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

How the role of President has evolved in Ireland

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 17:46


As party campaigns kick off, The Hard Shoulder's series learning more about the history of the presidential office continues.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity's Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to discuss the creation and evolution of the role of President in this country.

The Thursday Interview: Shane Ross

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 16:57


Former Minister and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Shane Ross, joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Childcare providers pulling out of Government scheme over fee freeze

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 18:59


Childcare providers say that they are being forced to pull out of a Government funding scheme...The Core Funding Grant was set up back in 2022 to help childcare providers with operating costs. However, to avail of this, providers had to commit to a fee freeze…Owners say that given soaring costs over the last number of years, along with wider challenges, they are now being forced to up their fees and in turn pull out of the grant scheme.Joining Kieran to discuss this is one of those making this decision - Rebecca Fleury, who runs six premises across Donegal, as well as Elaine Dunne, from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.Later, Kieran is also joined by Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Children and TD for Roscommon / Galway.

Unprovoked attacks continue on Indian community

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 10:14


Last week, the show covered a silent vigil that took place over an unprovoked and racially-motivated attack on an Indian man.Unfortunately, it seems that more attacks on the Indian community are taking place…Barry Whyte, Newstalk's Chief Reporter, has been investigating and joins Kieran to discuss.

Should you get your kids into trad music?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 12:12


This summer, you might be struggling to keep your kids busy while they are out of school, but don't worry! The Hard Shoulder will be looking at different ways to keep those small ones occupied.Kieran is joined by Finn Fury, son of Finbar Fury and Adam Agee to discuss why you might want to get your kids into trad music.

Conor McGregor loses appeal in Nikita Hand case

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 8:36


Earlier today, Conor McGregor lost his appeal against the finding of a civil jury that he raped Nikita Hand.McGregor, who told the civil trial he had consensual sex with Nikita Hand in a Dublin penthouse in December 2018, launched an appeal after a jury of eight women and four men found him civilly liable.Joining Kieran to discuss is Frank Greaney, Newstalk Courts Correspondent.

How to prepare yourself for a big festival

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 11:19


An estimated 30,000 festival goers expected at All Together Now this weekend, including Kieran!Festivals, even when the weather plays nice can be messy, and potentially disgusting if you are not prepared!So, how does one prepare themselves?Kieran is joined by Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist and Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent, both who will be attending All Together Now this weekend to discuss!

Calls made for more accessible and affordable asthma treatment

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 10:45


The Asthma Society of Ireland is calling on the Government to make asthma medication and treatment more accessible and affordable. This call comes as the organisation released its pre-budget submission earlier this week. As part of the submission, they presented concerning data which stated that 24% of their respondents had gone without asthma medication at least once in the past three months because they couldn't afford it…Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Professor Ross Morgan, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Member of the Medical Advisory Group Asthma Society of Ireland to discuss this.

How to do Stuff: Making New Friends

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 11:16


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.With today being the United Nations Day of Friendship, Simon joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss how you can make new friends!

Gut health do's and don'ts

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 10:38


With an estimated one in five people in Ireland experiencing digestive problems on a regular basis, finding solutions to such problems is clearly wanted.But, with there being all kinds of products, wellness trends and diets out there: what are they do's and don'ts for gut wellness?Lorraine Cooney is a Gut Health Dietician and joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Achill voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 11:43


Achill Island in Mayo has been voted one of the world's most beautiful islands in the world! The travel magazine, Big 7, published a list of the top 50 islands... and not only did Achill make the top 10, but it nabbed spot #8!To hear about this not-so-hidden gem, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Manager of Achill Tourism, Chis McCarthy and owner of Lynott's Pub in Achill, Mick Lynch.

DPP did not prosecute 67% of accused sexual offenders over 10 year period

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 21:24


New figures released show that only 1/3 of people accused of sexual offences in the last ten years were prosecuted. Often, the reason given for a case not being brought forward is a lack of evidence.Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Jessica Woodlock, Newstalk Reporter, Hazel Behan, Sexual Assault Survivor & Activist and Noeline Blackwell, Lawyer & Victims Rights Activist to discuss.If you have been affected by anything in this podcast, you can contact the Rape Crisis Network's 24 Hour helpline at 1800 778888.

International Friendship Day - Henry McKean Reports

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 10:57


Today is International Friendship Day!Henry McKean has been out asking people about friendships, and how to get out of toxic friendships. He joins guest host Mandy Johnston to share what he's heard.

reports international friendship day henry mckean
5 men sentenced after torture of woman

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 9:57


A woman who was falsely imprisoned and brutally tortured over the course of 3 hours has stated that she feels “numb” after 5 five men were sentenced today by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.Frank Greaney is Newstalk Court Correspondent, and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Should you be worried about your data on social media?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 9:44


If you have social media, it's likely that you may have shared pictures and videos of your loved ones.But, with the race to develop more advanced artificial intelligence ever increasing, should we hold concerns over how social media companies are now processing our personal data?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Eoin O'Dell, Associate Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin.

Do you like getting voice notes?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 13:21


There is no doubt that sending and receiving voice notes is now one of the mainstream ways we communicate with one another.But, how do you feel about them? Do you like and use them, or are they more of a hindrance than an effective method of communication?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Niamh O'Reilly, Freelance Journalist and Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Examiner.Image: Meta

The Ultimate Guide: Ballybunion

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 16:12


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 guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for Ballybunion in Kerry!

United Kingdom to officially recognise Palestine as a state

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 4:32


UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said today that the UK will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September, unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace process that delivers a two state solution.London Journalist and Commentator Enda Brady joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Would you live in a modular home?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 14:38


How would you feel about living in your parents' back garden? With rents still rising, the Government is now looking at making modular homes exempt from planning permission to tackle the housing crisis, but would they work? Is this yet another ineffective short-term measure?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Conservationist and Architect Róisín Murphy.

The Bookshelf with Donal Fallon

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 15:04


Donal Fallon, Presenter of Three Castles Burning history podcast joins guest host Mandy Johnston to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Catherine Connolly discusses her Presidential run

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 22:25


As the race for the Presidency heats up, only two candidates have been nominated so far.They are Mairead McGuiness, nominated by Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, who has been nominated by the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and 100% Redress, with other independent support.Catherine joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss her candidacy.

What does the future look like for the Gardaí?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 11:42


Outgoing Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has faced scrutiny over resignations and recruitment lows, and has been heavily criticised by the Garda Representative Association over his seven-year term. With Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly announced as his successor, what are the main challenges he will face?Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent, Paul Williams.

Does a HHC drug ban go far enough?

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 6:41


Today, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has classified Hexa-hydro-cannabinol, or HHC, as an illegal substance.This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal.Does this ban go far enough? To discuss, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Specialist.

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