The Hard Shoulder Highlights

This week guest host Adrian Kennedy was joined by the presenter of Fully Charged on Spin1038 Aisling Bonner and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

With the Christmas season over - you may find yourself with gifts that aren’t exactly to your liking. So, what do you do? Do you keep them out of politeness, or do you get rid of them?Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss.

A lot of people have been in and out of Dublin City the last few weeks, but does Dublin city need City Wardens, and what exactly would they do?Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy is Kevin Byrne, candidate for the Trinity Seanad Election.

In recent months, Elon Musk has been very vocal on X, formerly Twitter, about various political issues both in the US and Europe. But, is his behaviour on X dangerous?John O’Brennan, Professor in European Politics in Maynooth University and Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor of Politics at DCU join guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss.

It might be one of your New Year’s Resolutions to read more. Well, Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to give her recommendations from books released in 2024!

Caroline Vakil, Campaign Reporter for The Hill, joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss some of the biggest stories happening in the United States: the tragic attack in New Orleans, the Cybertruck explosion outside Trump’s Vegas hotel and the race for US House Speaker.Image: Reuters

Sexually Transmitted Infections, or STIs, were on the rise in 2024 – showing worrying signs. It follows a huge uptick the year before, with Ireland not set to reach its target of eliminating sexual diseases by 2030.Joining Adrian Kennedy to discuss the increase is Dr. Derek Freedman – a Specialist Consultant in Sexual Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases based in Ranelagh.

Following on from the financial splurge of Christmas, many people are left wondering how to get their finances back in shape for 2025. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered!Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to give his top tips is Robert Whelan, the Managing Director of Rockwell Financial Management.

Despite any excitement when it comes to the potential for snow, this upcoming cold snap can have serious effects – especially on older people. ALONE, the charity that helps older people age at home, has called for older people to seek all available supports during this period.Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss is Sean Moynihan, the CEO of ALONE, and to give an update on what we should expect from the weather is Joanna Donnelly, Met Éireann Meteorologist.

Has Ireland become too woke? Guest host Adrian Kennedy’s guest argues that Ireland is now the epicentre of wokeness.Irish Independent Columnist, Ian O’Doherty, joins to discuss.

It’s the Rewind 1990 with Henry McKean, where he speaks to the change makers from that year, and looks back on its biggest moments.

Christmas, as we know, is harmonious with the turkey and the Christmas trifle… but also, for the cheese board!Kieran is joined by Julie Walker, Area Sales Manager for the Traditional Cheese Company, to discuss how you can make the perfect cheese board for Christmas.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Psychotherapist and author Iseult White joins Kieran to discuss how you can handle sharing with your children. With Christmas looming, you can run into issues of toys being hoarded!

It is officially Christmas, and you will know Kieran’s guest from some of the most iconic family movies, including Miracle on 34th Street and Matilda…Mara Wilson joins Kieran to chat!

Christmas is just around the corner, and joining Kieran to discuss Pagan and early-Christian Christmas is Blindboyboatclub!

With only two sleeps left until Christmas, you are sure to hear the likes of Last Christmas and many other festive songs everywhere you go. So, do they become annoying? Or are you all for the seasonal sounds?Joining Kieran to discuss are comedians Katherine Lynch and Steve Cummins.

This week Kieran Cuddihy was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

A US government shutdown is fast-approaching after the House of Representatives voted against a Donald Trump-backed spending bill last night.If no deal is agreed by midnight local time tonight, some federal services will begin shutting down from the early hours…Spokesperson for Republicans Overseas UK, Jennifer Ewing, joins Kieran to discuss.

With only a few days to go, Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joined Kieran to give her top tips for the perfect Christmas dinner.

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…