Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

This week marks 146 years since the apparition of Mary by pilgrims at Knock, how did it change Catholicism?Joining Kieran to discuss is Fr Iggy O' Donovan, Parish Priest in Fethard, County Tipperary.

Fast-food is growing in Ireland, but has it gotten too expensive for what it is?In the US, McDonald’s is cutting its prices after hearing complaints from its customers, who say that the fast-food chain - once known for its cheap and quick meals, is now nearly as pricey as higher-quality sit down restaurants.With more fast food giants entering the market - should we expect a lower tier of pricing?Newstalk’s Henry McKean spoke with the public to hear their thoughts, and Kieran is joined by TV Chef and Culinary Lecturer at South East Technological University, Edward Hayden and Michelin-starred Chef and owner of Kombu, JP McMahon, to discuss.

 Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s arts and humanities research institute, and presenter of Talking History joined Kieran for his weekly slot looking back at presidents of the past ahead of the upcoming presidential election... This week Patrick and Kieran talked about presidential sex scandals.

This week on the Thursday Interview Kieran was joined by Sinéad Burke, founder and CEO of Tilting the lens and disability advocate.

Across Israel, a growing number of young people are refusing to enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces, publicly burning their military conscription papers and protesting against the conflict in Gaza. Military service is mandatory in Israel, but according to Kan, Israel’s national broadcaster, over 40 percent of soldiers did not show up to reserve duty in May. To discuss why Kieran was  joined by a former Israeli soldier and an active member/ administrator with the anti-war organization, Soldiers for Hostages, Shahar Sherf. 

Mark Moriarty, Award Winning TV chef and Author joined Kieran to discus the latest season of his podcast “Roasted” where he prepares meals for some of the biggest names around.  

The joint agreed statement between the EU and US on the recent trade deal agreed in Scotland has been published.   In particular, it seems to give Ireland a firm commitment to cap pharma tariffs at 15 per cent, while some parts of the sector may be excluded altogether.   But is it being greeted with joy?  Relief?  Or maybe some are still disgruntled? Cormac Lucey is an Economic Commentator with The Sunday Times.  He joins me now, as does IBEC’s Executive Director of lobbying and influence, Fergal O’Brien. 

Japan's oldest professional player of the board game retired this week at the age of 98, it got thinking, have board games lost their allure or can they ever be replaced by the Wordle?  Cathy Maguire, Member of Board Games Ireland and Dave O’Keefe  Owner of ‘Board & Brewed’

Irish Life Health and Laya Healthcare have both announced insurance  price hikes on plans in the space of a week  It comes as the trend we have seen in increasing the cost of health insurance seen in the past two years looks set to continue into the latter half of this year  Joining me now for more on this is Dermot Goode, Health Insurance Ireland.

How much do you know about your family's ancestry roots?  Given the historical struggles this country has faced in modern history, from the famine to economic migration tracing Irish family history can quickly become difficult. But joining me next is a Genealogy nerd and Producer of Talking History on Newstalk  

The Parents of Harvey Morrisons Sherratt are calling for a commission of inquiry into CHI’s treatment of children with spina bifida and scoliosis, many of whom have been denied timely corrective surgery. Harvey passed away last month. Harveys grieving Father Stephen joined Kieran to discuss his son and why he had to wait years for life saving surgery.

Vaping amongst teens is consistently linked to taking up smoking, marijuana and drink according to an umbrella review of existing research. To discuss further Kieran was joined by Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean.

What are Labubu dolls? And why are people so mad over them?Kieran is joined by Jodie McCormack, Journalist with The Irish Sun, to talk about the Labubu craze…

Have you ever watched The White Lotus, and (in between all of the drama) wanted to have your own holiday like it? This is your chance!This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his Ultimate Guide on having your own White Lotus holiday, and for different budget levels!

As you might know, this Sunday was the start of the National Heritage Week. This year’s edition, focused on the landscapes and cultural activities of heritage, will be made up of over two thousand events.Joining Kieran to tell more is Anne O’Donoghue, the CEO of the Irish Heritage Trust.

Screenwriter and bestselling author of the ‘Skulduggery Pleasant’ series Derek Landy joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

You may have seen online a rise in people using tanning accelerators, essentially, they are lotions, sprays and supplements that claim to enhance the skin’s ability to tan.But, how do they work, and are they safe?Joining Kieran to discuss is Professor Nicola Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists.

The Hip Dysplasia Advocacy Group is calling on the Government to take accountability and for transparency over the delay in assessing children who may have had unnecessary hip surgeries.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by Amy, the Patient Advocacy Group’s Co-Chair.

While the big news of the day has been that both Seán Kelly and Heather Humphries are both putting themselves forward for the Fine Gael Presidential nomination. Fianna Fáil are making sure they’re not outdone. Their MEP for Ireland South, Billy Kelleher, has said he has written to the party’s Cathaoirleach to ask for an urgent meeting to discuss their involvement in the race.Billy Kelleher joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.

OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is often portrayed as a need for complete order and organization, but what is it really like to live with the condition?Kieran is joined by David Monaghan, who has lived with OCD since he was a child, to discuss the common misconceptions of the disorder…