The Hard Shoulder

Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that the way to prevent seagulls from stealing your food is to stick googly eyes on your food packaging!Joining Ciara to discuss is Niall Hatch, Head of Communications at Birdwatch Ireland.

AIB is warning people about a new rental scam where criminals pose as landlords on legitimate letting websites and ask for deposit payments to secure a property viewing that doesn’t actually exist, or is unavailable to rent…The viewing is linked to a fake or compromised online property listing where the customer is directed to enter card or online details to authorise the payment.What can renters do to prevent being scammed? Shane is joined by Cat Clarke, Campaigns Officer with Threshold to discuss.

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 ahead of Easter…

Talking Bollox’s Terence Power joins Ciara for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The US President Donald Trump has said that the United States are “on the cusp” of ending the war in Iran.So, what has the American reaction been to his State of the Union address, and what is Trump’s plan to end the war?Joining Shane to discuss is Michael Graham, Managing Editor of InsideSources, a national news outlet based in Washington DC.

The fear of electricity blackouts has prompted Irish authorities to set down new protocols for data centre operators, as the expansion is expected to increase the sector’s electricity demand to 30% in the next five years. What is the correct protocol in the event of blackouts?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Liam Ryan, Chief Transformation & Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid.

As the war in the Middle East pushes up fuel prices across the globe, concern is growing about the potential impacts on the tourism industry here, should overseas visitors decide to stay at home. But, just what is the industry expecting? And are more staycations on the cards for this year?Joining Shane to discuss is Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of Aillwee Burren Experience.

Today is World Autism Day, and a new report from AsIAm has found that seven in ten autistic people and families say that autism misinformation is rising in Ireland and has increased in the last year…For more on this, Shane is joined by the charity’s CEO, Adam Harris…

Over 130,000 at-home STI testing kits were ordered and dispatched by the HSE last year. It’s an increase of about four thousand tests compared to 2024, and shows continuing increases in demand since the kits were introduced in 2022.For more, we’re joined now by Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan.  Emily, what else do the figures tell us?

Croke Park has been confirmed as the venue for an August 12th friendly between Manchester United and Leeds United.With the teams both massive rivals, what will it mean for fans and residents in the area?Joining Ciara to discuss is Janet Horner, Dublin North Inner City Councillor and Cathaoirleach for The Green Party and Ciaran Bradley, Newstalk’s Digital Editor and Man U fan.

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 name a pet!

Broadcaster, Meghann Scully is the host of the Newstalk podcast ‘28 Ways to Save the World’. The 28th and final episode of the series will air this bank holiday weekend going live on GoLoud on Friday and airing on Newstalk on Easter Sunday.Meghann joins Shane to discuss the journey!

New dark comedy The ‘Burbs launches on Sky and NOW tonight. It is based on the 1989 comedy movie of the same name, which starred Tom Hanks. This time round it is British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall who leads the series along with Keke Palmer, whose worlds are upended when a new neighbour moves in across the road from the young couple.Jack Whitehall joins to discuss this, and his upcoming hosting of SNL UK!

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…

Iran's foreign ministry has dismissed Donald Trump's claim that Tehran asked for a ceasefire, calling it "false and baseless".Earlier today, he took to Truth Social to say the Iranian "president" had asked for a ceasefire.Ciara is joined by David Blevins, US Correspondent with Sky News, to discuss.Image: Reuters

A bill which will recognise the loss of pregnancy under road traffic legislation has been submitted to the Dáil, following a campaign by Saoirse Aylward who was thirty one weeks pregnant with her son when she was involved in a car crash.Her son Jax was subsequently stillborn following an emergency c-section. The bill going to the Dáil will be named ‘Jax’s Law’ in memory of Jax, and Saoirse joins Shane to discuss.

As the price of oil continues to soar, could travel firms demand additional payments for packages for breaks that holiday makers have already purchased?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has announced a new direct flight from Dublin to Shanghai. Is this poor timing, and what is the current impact the war in Iran has on tourism?He joins Shane to discuss this and more.

A Limerick county Councillor has sparked frustration after suggesting some of the region’s potholes be given “heritage status”.Independent Councillor Patsy Clancy says the idea of “Pothole Protection Zones” is aimed at highlighting what he calls the ongoing neglect of rural roads.He joins Ciara to discuss.

With rising fuel prices, despite Government subsidies, still impacting pockets - it might be time to rethink how you get around. If public transport was free, would you be more likely to take it over the car?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Shane to discuss.

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, Fionn joined Ciara and Shane to give the ultimate guide to cruise holidays!

The Government is being urged to provide free sanitary products across all secondary schools in an aim to combat period poverty…Joining Ciara to discuss this is Labour’s Spokesperson on Health, Marie Sherlock.

The Government has defended its decision to increase school bus charges from next September.This increase will see transport fees double for primary school children and increase by a third for post primary, bringing them both up to a cost of €100 per child.We are also seeing the reintroduction of exam fees for Junior and Leaving Cert students...Joining Shane to discuss is Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education and Youth, and TD for Meath East.

Columnist and Broadcaster Brenda Power joins Ciara and Shane to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Martina and Ammi Burke have been arrested on foot of a court order at Castlerea Prison this afternoon. An immediate order to arrest them was made 4 weeks ago after they had been found in contempt of court.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times.

Yesterday the Israeli parliament passed new legislation making the death penalty legal for Palestinians convicted by Israeli military and criminal courts of deadly terror attacks. The new law was spearheaded by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who celebrated the passage of the law with champagne.Felix Tamsut is a Journalist with Deutsche Welle who is in Israel at the moment and joins Shane to take a look at the law, and what the reaction in Israel has been to its passing…Image: Reuters

Earlier today, the COVID-19 Evaluation Roundtable convened, where global health experts assessed Ireland’s management and experience of the pandemic to learn for the future.The evaluation is headed by Professor Anne Scott, with former World Health Organization deputy director Dr Mike Ryan in attendance, as well as experts from Sweden and the UK.One of those in attendance was Professor Mark Woolhouse, who is Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh, who advised the UK and Scottish governments during the pandemic, and joins Ciara to discuss.

We don’t need to ban e-scooters. We need to start planning for them.So writes Sadhbh O’Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher, who joins Shane to discuss.

A national analysis of GP shortages shows concerning patterns of workforce pressures on the Dublin commuter belt, and on the western seaboard, according to the Irish College of GPs. It is an issue that many of you may have come across in your own localities…Joining Ciara to discuss what GPs would like to see done to combat this increased pressure is Ciarán Ó Fearraigh, Donegal-based GP and member of the ICGP.

Farmers are warning that there will be a shortage of eggs if the price they sell them for does not increase. The IFA has said that demand has outstripped supply, and that farmers should be paid more for eggs.Newstalk’s Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss.

An independent review of Ireland’s handling of the Covid pandemic was broadcast live for the first time this morning.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte went along to the roundtable discussion, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The annual Ireland Gateway To Europe trip to the US has announced it will return in 2026.Now in its 15th year, it comprises an annual mission of 50 business leaders and Irish media to the US, including Newstalk!Adie McGinnis is Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and one of the Founders of Ireland Gateway to Europe and Deborah Kelly, Partner and Head of Corporate at Addleshaw Goddard join Ciara and Shane to look ahead on what you can expect…

Iran described US proposals to end a month of war in the Middle East as "unrealistic, illogical and excessive", and unleashed more missiles on Israel.This is now in the backdrop of the news just coming in that two UNIFIL peacekeepers have been killed in Southern Lebanon with the Defence Forces here saying that no Irish were involved, and that all members are safe and accounted for.Joining Ciara with the latest is Borzou Daraghi, Middle East Journalist & Analyst.Image: Reuters

On Wednesday, NASA is aiming to return astronauts to lunar orbit for the first time since 1972. The Artemis II mission is aiming to pave the way for the first lunar landing in over fifty years – a feat which is planned for 2028. But, why are NASA returning to the moon, and what is there for them?Space Commentator Leo Enright joins Shane to discuss.Image: NASA

For this week’s Kids Clinic, Ciara and Shane are joined by Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin to discuss routines for your children, and the impact changing them can have.

The BBC has sacked the Radio 2 Presenter Scott Mills after allegations about his personal conduct. The corporation announced the departure of the Radio 2 star, who took over the breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025. This follows a number of other dismissals in the BBC in recent months, such as Gregg Wallace and Huw Edwards.Joining Ciara to discuss the latest is Enda Brady, London-based TRT World Presenter.Image: BBC

The rate of inflation in Ireland jumped this month to 3.6% due to the surge in energy prices amid the conflict in the Middle East, according to the CSO.For more on this, Shane is joined by Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, and Columnist at The Currency.

A study published in the journal of Evolutionary Psychology has found that becoming a parent provides no significant increase in positive emotions and found hardly any difference in reported happiness levels or life satisfaction between parents and non–parents.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Richard Hogan, Family Therapist & author and Journalist Andrea Smith.

Monthly €50 fees for blister packs will come into effect from tomorrow, this comes after changes to a pub­lic agree­ment with chem­ists were post­poned last year after the fees sparked days of back­lash.Joining Shane to discuss this is Sheena Mitchell, Community Pharmacist and Sean Moynihan, CEO of Alone.

Ahead of Minister for Finance Simon Harris’ meeting tomorrow to discuss details of the new Savings and Investment scheme with relevant industry and policy stakeholders, many questions are still unanswered as to what this will mean for people's pockets when this is rolled out?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell Finance.

A PSNI initiative is now offering motorists who have been caught speeding a choice: accept penalty points or face stern questions from a panel of primary school children.Longford is one place where this initiative has been used for a while now, and Shane is joined by Janine Bartley, Community Safety Coordinator at Longford Local Community Safety Partnership to discuss…

This week, Ciara was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Meghann Scully, Broadcaster and Presenter of ‘28 Ways to Save the World’ on Newstalk to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

As minds are focused on the war in the Middle East, battles are still continuing on the frontlines in Ukraine’s war with Russia. But, as this war effort drags on, Russia is solidifying its presence in Eastern Ukraine by pouring millions of dollars into a buildout of transport and trade infrastructure in a region that it is calling “New Russia”...Karolina Hird is a National Security Fellow at the Institute for the Study of War, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The retirement age for some school bus drivers is set to increase to 72 from next September…Joining Ciara to discuss is Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney.

The ‘Chinese baddie’ diet, SkinnyTok, undereating: these are some of the worrying diet trends we are seeing online. But, what impact is that having on people's health?Joining Ciara to discuss is Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietician.

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

New guidance from the UK government is recommending that children under the age of five should be limited to one hour of screen time a day, while under twos should not be watching screens alone at all. The government says they accept that there are quite a lot of unknowns when it comes to screentime for kids, and it is best to take a precautionary approach.Ollwyn Moran, Founder of Cognikids and Neurological Development Therapist, joins Ciara to discuss the new guidance, and look at some of the impacts of screentime on children.

The man accused of the attempted murder of three children and the assault of a care worker on Parnell Square in Dublin in 2023 has been found fit to stand trial by the Central Criminal Court. 52 year old Riad Bouchaker of no fixed abode was found fit to mount a defence and stand trial once certain accommodations were provided. Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney was at proceedings this morning and joins Ciara to discuss.

The Cadbury's drumming gorilla ad from 2007 has been voted people's favourite advert of all time.So, what makes an ad so memorable?For more on this, Ciara is joined by Claire Hyland, Head of Insights and Strategy at Thinkhouse…

We’ve all seen the rising costs due to the war in Iran and the energy crisis. While the Government has stepped in with measures to tackle fuel and heating costs, what can you do at home yourself?Nick Charalambous is Managing Director at Alpha Wealth, and joins Ciara with tips and tricks to spending less.