The Hard Shoulder

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Shane to discuss Instagram’s decision to scrap end-to-end encryption with its private message service…

Israel says it has killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, in an overnight attack on Tehran. He had held multiple senior posts in the regime leadership. A number of retaliatory attacks from Iran have followed, including on Tel Aviv, where Journalist Paul Kearns currently is. He joins Shane to discuss.Image: Reuters

Has the Tricolour lost the meaning that its creators intended? Should it be replaced?Joining Ciara to discuss is Conor D McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and party Spokesman on Rural Affairs, Community Development and an Ghaeltacht.

It has been estimated that more than a 100 million euro in damages has been caused by fires in waste sorting centres and bin lorries over the past three years.The Irish Waste Management Organisation says that there are growing concerns over vapes being discarded with household rubbish. This is all while Cork City Council are examining the number of vape shops opening in the city.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss.

The Joint Committee on Transport this morning heard from residents surrounding Dublin Airport as part of its scrutiny of the Bill, which would see the passenger cap at Dublin Airport lifted. Last month, Cabinet approved the Bill, which would see the thirty two million passenger limit abolished, but residents remain concerned at how this is being done and the impact on them and their homes…Dr Niamh Maher of Saint Margarets The Ward Residents Group spoke to the Committee this morning, and joins Ciara to discuss.

With St Patrick’s Day tomorrow, how can you manage children around parades, especially if they have sensory issues?   Psychotherapist Iseult White joined us on the Hard Shoulder to discuss.

Gerry Adams was back in the High Court in London today for his civil trial, in which he is being sued by three victims of IRA bombings in England, who argue that he was “directly responsible” for IRA bombs between 1973 and 1996.  Gerry Adams denies this and all allegations being made against him. Enda Brady, London based Journalist joined Ciara Kelly on the show with the latest.

Last night Jessie Buckley bagged the best Actress Oscar, the first time an Irish woman has won in this category. Henry McKean was backstage at the Academy Awards, with Amy Madigan who won Best Supporting Actress and Tallaght man Richie Baneham winning his 3rd Oscar for Special Effects in Avatar. Henry sent us this report from the Hollywood Hills…

European countries have resisted Trump’s demand for help to clear the Strait of Hormuz. Shane Coleman was joined on the show by Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.  

Following last night's historic win for actress Jessie Buckley who became the Country’s First Best Actress Oscar Winner for her performance in Hamnet, Ireland has joined in the Celebrations with President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheal Martin, both congratulating her on this achievement.   Jessie’s brother, Killian Buckley joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

Why do we insist on fighting over who splits the bill in Ireland? Do we feel we are doing it to be polite or because we feel obligated to suggest we pay? Esther Mc Carthy, Columnist with The Irish Examiner and Mary Mc Carty, Irish Independent Columnist, joined Ciara Kelly on the show to discuss.

Thousands of people are expected to visit Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day this year, with many of us also on the move across the day, either to attend parades around the country or to visit family on our national holiday.  Despite this, most of our public transport services are running weekend or bank holiday timetables. So, we’re asking should Train, DART, Bus and Tram providers be offering a full operating schedule for what will be one of the busiest public transport days of the year.   Mark Gleeson, of Rail Users Ireland and Social Democrats Spokesperson on Transport and Jennifer Whitmore joined Ciara Kelly on the show to discuss.

Jamie O’Hara, Newstalk reporter travelling with An Taoiseach, joined Shane Coleman on the show with the latest on the St Patrick’s Day events in the US.

This week, Ciara and Shane were joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

As the conflict in the Middle East goes on, attention continues to be distracted from the war in Ukraine. With fuel prices sky-rocketing around the world the US has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil. Despite Iran being a Russian ally, this sanction lifting is a huge boost for Vladimir Putin.Shane is joined by Professor of Politics at DCU and author of ‘Unfinished Empire: Russian Imperialism in Ukraine and the Near Abroad’ Donnacha Ó Beacháin to discuss what this means for Putin…

Earlier in the week The Hard Shoulder spoke to Rob Cass, who co-designed the website onemillionhomes.ie, looking at housing across the country when it comes to young people being able to buy their first home.He named Drogheda as an area that is leading the way for housing, so why can’t we follow it?Joining to discuss is Tom Phillips, Managing Director of Tom Phillips and Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Town Planning in UCD.Image: Discover Boyne Valley

Off The Ball’s David Wilson joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Joining Ciara to give the latest updates from the conflict in the Middle East is Chief International Correspondent at The Independent, Bel Trew. Also joining to discuss the actual severity of the fuel crisis is the ESRI’s Muireann Lynch.Image: Reuters

€40 million worth of peat was exported from Ireland last year, despite there being no legal commercial peat extraction.So, how is this possible, and should we make it legal?Joining Shane to discuss is Michael Ring, former Fine Gael Minister of State for Community and Rural Development.

It seems like the long-awaited National Children’s Hospital is finally set to be finished in April. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill today announced that BAM has committed to “reach its substantial completion date of 30 April”, after years of delays.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Labour Health Spokesperson, Marie Sherlock.

The 98th Academy Awards takes place in Los Angeles this Sunday, but who will be taking home the trophies? Will Jessie Buckley win Best Actress?Newstalk’s Henry McKean joins from Los Angeles to share what he’s been hearing from people like J.J. Abrams, and Brian Lloyd, Film Critic and host of the ‘Screenland’ podcast joins to share some predictions…

If you’re looking for something to do this St Patrick’s Day weekend, would you be willing to spend €100 for entry to a nightclub? Well, if you are, Dicey’s Garden will be charging exactly that on Saturday night!Joining Ciara to discuss is Jane Cowan, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Pricewill Aguele, Entertainment Officer at Technological University Dublin.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

On Sunday, President Catherine Connolly issued a statement describing the “violations of international law” that we are witnessing in the Middle East, drawing a slight rebuke from Government, who responded by stating that international affairs rest solely with them. But politicians, including those of Government parties, are beginning to toe a line closer to that of President Connolly than the Government, including Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews.He joins Ciara to discuss.

The Newstalk Changemaker Business Awards, in association with FBD Insurance, will take place on Wednesday, 20th May 2026 in The Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin. Last year’s awards saw over 60 businesses from across Ireland compete for their chance to be crowned the best in their field across 9 categories, including Innovative Technology, sponsored by Skillnet.Is this year your year? Get to newstalk.com/changemaker and nominate your team or individual now.The closing date for entries is Friday, 20th March.Joining Shane and Ciara to discuss is last year’s winner of Newstalk’s Changemaker Award, Rena Maycock, CEO of Chirp.

Comedian and Writer Peter Flanagan joins Ciara and Shane for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khameni, has issued his first public statement since taking over from his father. In the statement, which was read out on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the closure of the Straits of Hormuz should continue and that US bases should be attacked in the region. In a moment we will get the latest from the region as well as taking a deeper look at how Iran has been able to fight back.And after what the Supreme Leader said in his message earlier today, what actually are the military capabilities of Iran, and can they inflict significant harm to the US and Israel?Joining to discuss is Patrick Bury, Senior Security Lecturer at The University of Bath, former NATO Analyst and Army Officer and William Christou, Journalist writing for The Guardian in Beirut.Image: Reuters

The sale of spice bags trebled last year. As they continue to gain popularity: what makes a spice bag great?Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss is Saba's Paul Cadden...

Yesterday the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster issued a formal apology to the family of Bryonny Sainsbury, who died after being crushed by a horse in 2021.The Minister and Mr Gloster acknowledged that the health system failed both Bryonny and her family.Bryonny’s parents, Alison and Chris, join Shane to discuss…

Ireland exported almost €40 million worth of peat last year despite there being no known legal commercial peat extraction operation in the country.That’s according to The Irish Times Climate and Science Correspondent, Caroline Doherty, who joins Ciara to discuss.

Ireland has been ranked third in the world for long commutes.Commuters in Ireland spend 9 days, 14 hours and 10 minutes a year driving to and from work on average, according to research carried out by Autotrader.One man who experiences commuter hell regularly is Johnny Fallon, Strategy Director with Carr Communications, who commutes to Dublin most days from Longford. He joins Shane to discuss.

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.This week, Simon joins Ciara and Shane to discuss how to travel with kids!

A study has proved that the long-debated phenomenon of 'baby brain' may actually cause a profound 'rewiring' process during pregnancy to prepare a woman for the demands of parenthood, with expectant mothers losing an average of nearly 5% of the brain's grey matter.But, how does this affect people and are the effects long term?Joining Ciara to discuss is Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids.

The International Energy Agency said that today its member countries would unlock 400 million barrels of oil from their reserves, the biggest release ever, to ease the impact of the Middle East war.For more on this, Shane is joined by Aoife Foley, Professor in Energy Systems and Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure at the University of Manchester.

In a request for tender, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it wants to secure the supply of 4,500 woolen scarves, each with what the department describes as a “distinctive and uniquely Irish artistic character” to give to European dignitaries when Ireland takes on the EU Presidency later this year.So, what is the symbol of Ireland?Joining Shane and Ciara to discuss is Darren Kennedy, Broadcaster and style expert.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara to discuss Google’s 4th annual Growing Up in the Digital Age Summit. She had the opportunity to speak with Mindy Brooks, VP of Google Kids and Families and YouTube’s Global Head of Health Dr Garth Graham to talk all things online safety.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned of a long "war of attrition", as the conflict with the US and Israel continues…Joining Ciara to discuss is Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent with The Independent and Niall Stanage, White House Columnist at The Hill.Image: Reuters

A new tool which has been designed to show how long it would take for a first-time buyer to obtain a home in their locality, based on current building rates, has found that it would take more than 100 years in 18 of 166 electoral districts in the State.Joining Shane to discuss is Rob Cass, who co-designed the website onemillionhomes.ie showcasing these findings...

A two day national conference on road safety has opened in Killarney with the central theme of safer roads. 185 people lost their lives on roads in the Republic of Ireland last year and 57 north of the border. So far this year, 32 have lost their lives in the Republic. So, with the rise in road deaths, are we framing this wrong? And should we be framing this as a public health emergency?Sinéad O’Sullivan is a Business Economist, and joins Ciara to discuss this and her website tracking road deaths.

The UK government has lost its appeal over a terror charge against a member of the Irish language rap trio Kneecap.Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan was in Belfast today speaking with Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara, and joins Shane to give the latest updates.

“St Patrick’s Day is Ireland’s national day. It marks the feast of our patron saint and celebrates Irish history, Irish music and Irish culture. Everyone is welcome to celebrate with us. Ireland has always been welcoming.But the day should remain about Ireland. Turning St Patrick’s Day into a global ‘celebrate every culture’ festival misses the point. Every nation deserves one day each year that honours its own heritage. Ireland deserves the same.”That was a tweet by Ken O’Flynn, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-Central. He joins Ciara to discuss.

New statistics from the CSO over recent years show that December and August were the most popular months chosen by couples to get married. Surprisingly, despite its traditional association with weddings, not one date in June featured in the top ten.So, what is it about December and August?Joining Shane and Ciara to discuss this is Sarah Kennedy, Wedding Expert with the Irish Wedding Blog.

Managing Director of Asia Market and host of Eva Pau's Asian Kitchen on RTÉ Eva Pau has dedicated her life and career to making Asian cooking accessible for home cooks across Ireland and beyond.Eva arrived in Ireland with her mum and dad at only one month old. Her dad grew up in Guangzhou, China and her mum in Hong Kong. Spotting a major gap in the market for Asian products in Ireland, the couple opened the Asia Market on Drury St, Dublin 2, 43 years ago…Henry McKean joined Eva to try and make wontons, and sent in this report.

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, as part of his 12 best cities in the world, Fionn joined Ciara and Shane to give the ultimate guide to his favourite city in the world, Palm Springs!

The second day of a civil case brought against former Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams was held at the High Court in London today. Plaintiffs have accused him of being directly responsible for the decisions made by the IRA to detonate bombs in England. Adams denies any role in the Provisional IRA.Joining Ciara with the latest is Mark Paul, London Correspondent with The Irish Times.

Off the Ball’s John Duggan joins Ciara and Shane from Cheltenham to discuss the races, and the buzz around the festival on day one.

Political Correspondent with Virgin Media and author Gavan Reilly joins Ciara and Shane to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

While we hear about the many Irish citizens endeavouring to leave the United Arab Emirates, one family that appears to be in no rush to leave are the Kinahans. Marooned there following sanctions imposed by the United States, the family appear to be living their lives in the open, including a sighting at an MMA event last summer.Joining Shane to discuss this is Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor with The Irish Times.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says today will be the "most intense" of the US strikes on Iran…For more on this, Shane is joined by Tara Kangarlou, Global Affairs Journalist and author of ‘The Heartbeat of Iran’.Image: Reuters