The Hard Shoulder

Ireland and Scotland both began their Six Nations campaigns with wins last weekend: Ireland beating England in the Aviva, and Scotland beating Italy in Murrayfield.Scotland look to end a long run of games, stretching back to 2017, where they haven’t beaten the Irish.To discuss what we can expect in the upcoming face-off, Scotland international Scott Hastings as well as former Irish International Fiona Hayes join Kieran.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran to showcase leeks, and how you can use them!

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…Image: Reuters

From today, rural roads nationwide have changed their speed limits from 80 km/h to 60 km/h - in a first wave of combating an increase in road deaths in the country.What do you think of the change? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Kieran to share what he’s heard.

Kieran is joined by the brilliant comedy duo Pat and Faye Shortt to discuss their new tour ‘Knuckle Down’, which is touring around Ireland this month and next!

In the UK they have changed planning rules so more mini nuclear power stations can be developed in England and Wales. So, should Ireland start depending on nuclear power?Joining Kieran to discuss is Co-Founder of 18 for Zero, Denis Duff and one of the Directors of Friends of the Irish Environment, Tony Lowes.

In France they will fine you up to €200 if you have your phone on loudspeaker on the train, should something similar be done here?To discuss, Kieran is joined by Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail, Sadhbh O’Neill, part-time Lecturer in TUD and regular commuter and Dr Malie Coyne, Clinical Psychologist and author.

Are you looking to give a helping hand to someone this year? Well, Le Chéile is a mentoring service that is looking for volunteers to make a difference in young people's lives.Cormac Ryan, Mentoring Programme Coordinator at Le Chéile, joins Kieran to discuss.

Donald Trump has reiterated his plan for a US "takeover" of Gaza.Trump's plan - first announced on Tuesday night - was rejected by Palestinians and leaders around the world on Wednesday, but he has taken to Truth Social to say that if Gaza was turned over to the US by Gaza then they “would actually have a chance to be happy, safe and free”.Meanwhile, Israeli Minister Israel Katz has said countries, including Ireland, should be obligated to take refugees affected.Jerry McDermott is Executive Director at the Irish Cultural Centre and former Sheriff of Norfolk County in Massachusetts, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Irish comedy Writer and Director Graham Linehan has his sights set on new horizons as he is planning a big move to the US to work on a new sitcom.Graham is leaving the UK for many reasons, but one he outlined in a video he streamed is that he feels “freedom of speech is in bad shape at the moment” in the UK, so he is embracing the United States…Graham joins Kieran from London to discuss.