The Hard Shoulder

While the topic of incontinence may feel taboo, new research has found it is a widespread women’s health issue in Ireland, with 64% of Irish women having experienced incontinence at some point in their lives. So, why do so few seek help?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Dr. Breffini Anglim O’Regan, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Urogynecology Subspecialist at The Coombe Hospital, and President of the Continence Foundation of Ireland and Lisa Watson, who is awaiting a surgery that is currently on pause in Ireland for incontinence.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed she “shouts at the bushes” to manage her anxiety, but are things like rage rooms or the classic screaming into a pillow an effective method of dealing with your mental health?Joining Ciara to discuss is Psychologist in The Matter Hospital and UCD, Patricia Casey.

Following the death of 16-year-old Grace Lynch yesterday in Finglas after being struck by a scrambler is it time to finally look a greater restrictions around scramblers and e scooters?Joining Ciara to discuss is Keith Connolly, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Ballymun Finglas.

This week, Ciara Doherty was 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…

US President Donald Trump withdrew his invitation for Canada to join his newly constituted Board of Peace.Some 60 nations have been invited to join the board - at a cost of a billion dollars each if they want to be permanent members.It’s as the US, Ukraine and Russia are set to hold talks in Abu Dhabi.What is the stage of the global order right now?Anthony Gardner is former US Ambassador to the EU, and joins Ciara to discuss.Image: Reuters

It’s time to talk Traitors, so beware of spoilers!Tonight is the highly anticipated final and we were left on a cliffhanger last night.Can the Traitors do it? Can they unite and work together to get to the end, or will one be knocked out, being a victim to chance?Joining Ciara to discuss is Darren Stanton, former police officer, behaviour and body language expert and also known as TV’s Human Lie Detector.

According to the latest IFAC Farm Report, 2 in 5 farmers do not have a formal successor, which is fuelling fears of a succession crisis.To discuss this issue, Ciara is joined by Limerick Dairy Farmer, Louise Crowley, and News Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, Amy Forde.

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

A pilot programme began a month ago, which armed Gardaí with tasers, and they haven’t yet fired them.The programme was fast tracked because of fears over increased attacks on Gardaí and antisocial behaviour, and the pilot started with a view to a full roll out.Jim Ryan is a retired Garda in Cork and Cathal Malone is Head of Research at Thomas Coughlan & Co Solicitors. They join Ciara to discuss.

Church authorities in Poland have banned the song Perfect by Ed Sheeran from being performed at wedding ceremonies, saying that it is not in keeping with the sanctity of the liturgy. So, should pop songs be banned from Irish churches?Joining Ciara to discuss is Father Joe McGrath, Mullahoran Parish Priest, Co Cavan.

A Carlow mother has issued a stark warning to airline passengers that eating nuts during a flight could cost someone their life following her daughter suffering a life‑threatening anaphylaxis mid‑air.Lisa Nolan, and her daughter Hallie join me now.

Ireland’s first shopping centre, Stillorgan Village, has introduced parking charges of €1.20 an hour. A modest amount for many, but it has had a knock on effect on footfall, with many shoppers staying away and some retailers withholding rent.Henry McKean was sent to investigate, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The illegal dumping of toxic waste containers at a scenic location in Tipperary has once again raised questions over how to tackle the recurring issue in Irish society.To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Independent Cllr Pamela Quirke O’Meara of Tipperary County Council and Ian Davis, Manager of Environmental Project PURE.

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

The heads of all 27 European Union member states are in Brussels for what the body is calling an "extraordinary" summit regarding the recent crisis in transatlantic relations prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to acquire Greenland.It’s as Zelenskyy tells Davos that Europe ‘looks lost’, and is in the middle of Groundhog Day.Joining Ciara to discuss is Suzanne Lynch, Brussels Bureau Chief at Bloomberg and Patrick Bury, Lecturer in Defence and Strategic Studies at the University of Bath and former NATO analyst.

Former Irish footballer Damien Delaney joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons starring film ‘Bugonia’ has been nominated for four Academy awards today.It was produced by Element Pictures, bringing the total number of Oscar nominations for the Dublin based production company to 30.Their co-CEO Ed Guiney joins Ciara to discuss! 

Contactless ticketing for public transport will come into effect in 2028 with infrastructure for the new system due to begin appearing next year. The National Transport Authority (NTA) says the new technology will begin in the Greater Dublin Area.This follows a previous pilot scheme in Tipperary, but what is the likelihood there will be further delays to its roll out?Joining Ciara to discuss is London Correspondent for the Irish Times, Mark Paul and Jason Cullen, Chairperson of the Commuter Coalition.Also joining to discuss is Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan, who recently returned from China and experienced the public transport there.

A system to disregard the criminal convictions for pre-decriminalisation same-sex activity in Ireland is expected to be legislated in March.Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is tabling an amendment today to the Civil Law, which will set out the process for disregarding convictions for same-sex activity.Kieran Rose is a member of the Department of Justice Working Group on Disregard  and member of LGBT Restorative Justice Campaign. He was in the Dáil today and joins Ciara to discuss.

‘Sorry seems to be the hardest word - unless you’re Irish’, so says Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly, writing in The Irish Times on why we as a nation tend to have a habit of over apologizing.Is it simply politeness, or can it become passive aggressive?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Niamh O’Reilly, as well as Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin.

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has recently stated in the Dáil that the conditions of the roads in his locality are as bad as they have been during his time in politics.So, are potholes becoming a bigger issue right across the country, and how much damage are they doing to our vehicles?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Sinn Féin’s Matt Carthy, as well as Joey Donnelly of Crofton Motors.

A recent report in the medical journal Open Heart done by The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging at Trinity College Dublin, showed that the majority of over-50s with high blood pressure in Ireland are not having their condition adequately managed.To discuss the importance of this, Ciara is joined by Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin and Kildare GP, Dr Brendan O’Shea.

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 to discuss how you can colour code your life!

Salvage Squad returns for a second series on Virgin Media One this year, as Brian Dowling Gourounian and Peter Irvine help perform home makeovers on a budget.They both join Ciara to discuss!

MEPs have today voted to refer the Mercosur trade deal to the EU Court of Justice.By a majority of just 10 votes, MEPs backed a resolution which will see the controversial Mercosur go to judicial review. This could delay the parliament being able to vote on the deal for up to 2 years, which is how long it usually takes for these types of judicial processes to work their way through.To discuss this further, Ciara is joined by Ciaran Mullooly, Independent Ireland MEP.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss lawsuits against social media companies on how they are allegedly designing their platforms to make them as addictive as possible, particularly amongst children and teens.

After 13 years in the search for justice, Margaret Loftus says that she will handcuff herself to the gates of Leinster House if her ex-husband who assaulted her, Garda Trevor Bolger, is not dismissed from the force.She joins Ciara to discuss…

The Newbridge Silverware company has announced that they will stop making silver plated cutlery and tableware in their factory in County Kildare. So, is this the end of an era, and when did we fall out of love with a once-beloved wedding gift?Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The Government has announced that €135 million will be made available for state-led childcare services.This will include the acquisition of buildings for childcare centres, and this is set to begin this year.To discuss the details of this plan and how it’s going to work, Ciara is joined by Minister for Children, Norma Foley…

A new survey shows that almost one in ten young Irish adults believe that the Holocaust was a “myth”.It begs the question, do we need more education on the Holocaust?Joining Ciara to discuss is Oliver Sears, son of a Holocaust survivor and founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland.

US President Donald Trump took to centre stage today and gave a detailed speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum, providing more clarity on his stance towards Greenland.To discuss the latest to come out from today’s conference, Ciara is joined by Geopolitics Editor for The Economist, David Rennie, and European Correspondent for The Irish Times, Naomi O’Leary.Image: Reuters

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 Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Istanbul in Turkey!

A University of Oregon study has found that playing board games can provide lasting benefits for brain function and development, improving numerical skills in children.Joining Ciara to discuss is Niamh O’Meara, Lecturer in Maths Education and Deputy Director of EPISTEM and Clare Moriarty, Post-Doctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin.

Hopes for a Katie Taylor fight in Croke Park have been reignited again today. The world champion boxer says she would love to have the opportunity to fight in the historic stadium.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with those involved in boxing to find out what chances we have to witness a potential bout. He joins Ciara to discuss.

Movie Critic and Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd joined Ciara Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has appeared at Westminster Magistrates' court in the UK today over fresh sexual offences allegations, including rape. The two alleged offences took place in London in 2009, according to court documents.Joining Ciara to discuss the latest on this is London-based journalist, Vincent McAviney.

Earlier today, the Minister for Children Norma Foley presented plans to Cabinet to buy buildings that will provide childcare facilities. This is part of a new plan to create State-led early learning centres.Each building will deliver more than 100 places, with up to 800 places available by early 2027.This is all part of the Government’s promise to deliver €200 a month childcare within its five-year term.But, will it solve the childcare issues of funding and staff retention?To discuss, Ciara is joined by Elaine Dunne, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers and Noel Mulderrig, Co-Owner of Kidz Haven Creche, Shannon, Co. Clare.

With so much conflicting information online and a variety of new products constantly gaining popularity, when it comes to skincare, are any of these trends having a positive impact on our skin?Joining Ciara to discuss is The Skin Nerd, Jennifer Rock owner of an online skin consultation service and her own skincare brand, skingredients.Image: Shark

After much speculation, Brooklyn Beckham last night addressed the rumors of an ongoing feud among his family, accusing his parents of attempting to ruin his relationship with his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, attacking them in the media and claiming they have always been controlling.But, is there any way back for the Beckhams, despite Brooklyn saying he does not want to "reconcile" with them?Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Olivia Fahy and Michelle Brown, who specialises in family mediation and divorce.

New research has shown that almost half of Irish people are unsure whether their home insurance covers winter emergencies such as flooding, but what exactly should you be looking for when you insure your house, and are you overpaying?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

With all the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s push to seize Greenland, there have been some who suggest that heading to the White House on St Patrick’s Day might present a difficult decision for the Taoiseach. That’s despite Micheál Martin dismissing any concern that the annual trip is in jeopardy.In fact, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary told the show last week that it might be a good thing for Ireland…So, should the ceremony be skipped?Joining Ciara to discuss is Emma DeSouza, Irish Writer and Political Commentator and Dan Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to the United States.

Natasha Smith was found dead on Friday afternoon while sleeping rough on Pearse Street in Dublin.To talk about Natasha and the wider homelessness crisis, Ciara is joined by Co-Founder of charity Tiglin, Senator Aubrey McCarthy.

One year ago tomorrow, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.And what a year it has been…Actor Richard Schiff joins Ciara to reflect on what has happened so far.Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss screens impacting children developmentally, and if that impact is based on the type of screen they’re using…

US President Donald Trump has threatened to hit European countries with a wave of increasing tariffs unless he is allowed to buy Greenland.An empty threat? Or one that European countries need to be ready for? Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euronews and Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and columnist at The Currency join Ciara to discuss.Also joining later to give their reactions is Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Louise Kelly, Deloitte Ireland’s Global Trade Strategy and Resilience Lead.

Children as young as 16 are seeking cosmetic procedures like fillers and botox.Cosmetic clinics say they're receiving multiple weekly enquiries from under 18s for treatments they hope will make them look like they're favourite online influencers and celebs.But what do young women think of the changing face of girlhood?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

One day this summer, Sunday July 19th to be exact, is set to be the biggest sporting day of the calendar year. That’s because the All Ireland Hurling Final and the World Cup Final will both take place. So, is this a good thing, or should both events get their own time in the spotlight?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by former Football Manager, Roddy Collins, and former Kerry Footballer, Paul O’Connor.

Enoch Burke has been jailed for a fifth time today after the High Court found him in breach of a court order not to trespass at Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath.Mr Burke has only been released on Wednesday from Mountjoy Prison to prepare for a legal case, but has returned there today.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Frank Greaney, Newstalk's Court Correspondent.

This week, Ciara Doherty was 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…

A top Loch Ness Monster hunter has given his final verdict after 5 decades that the mythical creature is simply folklore, but from Fionn mac Cumhaill to the Loch Ness Monster, where does this folklore come from?For more on this, Ciara is joined by Folklorist, Micheal Fortune.