The Hard Shoulder

Following the conclusion of the 2024 General Election, there will be a massive change of the guard as regards to TDs. Leaving are the Haugheys, Cowens, Coveneys, and MacSharrys amongst others – stalwarts of Dáil life.Joining Kieran to discuss this phenomenon is Fergus Finlay, former Labour Party Adviser, Campaigner, and Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

A man in his 30s has been arrested after the death of eight-year-old Malika Noor Al Katib in New Ross, Co. Wexford…Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte joins Kieran to give the latest updates.

More than 300 hundred people attended the funeral of Mary Regan in Carlow after the Funeral Director Rory Healy made a public appeal to “not send off Mary alone” as she had no next of kin.But, what happens when there is no next of kin, and who tracks them down? Padraic Grennan, Managing Director of Irish probate genealogy firm Erin International joins Kieran to discuss.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran for this week’s Tech Takeover to discuss why the Spanish government is trying to introduce health warnings for smartphones and more.

The three main parties of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin met today as efforts to form a Government continue.While the speculation is that Independents will join Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, there are still plenty of unknowns.Craig Hughes, Political Editor of the Irish Daily Mail joins Kieran to discuss.

It’s been mere days since it was confirmed that assisted dying could become legal in England and Wales after the bill was backed by MPs.But, how far are we along the line here, and how far should things go?Gail O’Rorke, who was acquitted in 2015 of three counts of assisting in the suicide of her friend Bernadette Forde and patient advocate John Wall join Kieran to discuss.

The Healthy Ireland Survey reported that even though 80 percent of people report to be in good health, only 2 out of 5 people said they were moderately active for 150 minutes a week.How do we motivate ourselves to get up and get active, and why do we fall short when it comes to being physically active?Kieran is joined by Rory O’Connor, Sports Centre Manager at YMCA Fitness.

All this month the Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2024’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.The war in Gaza has only gotten worse this year as the tragic events have played out around us. In May, Irish-Palestinian man Zak Hania – who was reunited with his family in Ireland after being stuck in Gaza and escaping through the Rafah crossing spoke on the show.Zak joins Kieran again to remind you of his story…

During Dublin’s ‘Culture Night’, designated ‘safe-zones’ were introduced to allow people a space to be comfortable in the city. These plans were successful and now look to be re-introduced during the evenings.Joining Kieran is Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin City’s ‘Night-Time Economy Adviser’ to talk through the plans.

The tradition of sending Christmas cards seems to be a dying art form, but do you still participate in the practice, or do you opt for a heartfelt text instead?Stephanie Preissner, Writer and Broadcaster, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Save the Date