The Hard Shoulder

Ballet Dancer and Teacher, Monica Loughman, joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Israel will officially be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ has reaffirmed that they will not be taking part over Israel's participation.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest updates is Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent.

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.The situation in Gaza and all of Palestine has continued to dominate the headlines this year. How have things changed, and what does the future look like?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Reham Mahdi Al Jarrah, Christian Aid Ireland’s Local Partner in Gaza, Women’s Affairs Centre.

You may have noticed those around you getting sick this winter season – maybe you have been sick yourself?So, what are your rights, especially as we’re being hit hard by the flu season?Caroline Reidy is Managing Director of The Hr Suite, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva, which started today.Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten to boycott next year’s event in Austria.It’s crunch time for the Eurovision Song Contest - can it survive?Joining Ciara to discuss is Zoe Lawlor, Chair of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Frank Dermody, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club.

One of the biggest questions facing people today is what to do with your spare time, and how to make the most of it. Some influencers online urge people to wake up extra early and get to work either exercising, or on some side hustle to monetise their free time. But is this sustainable, or does it only lead to burnout?Joining Ciara to discuss is Health Scientist and Sleep Expert, Tom Coleman.

According to a recent Red C poll commissioned for Mayo Social by Sage Advocacy, only one in 12 people want to live in a nursing home when they’re older, while over 90% of people said housing with support for older people is urgently needed.To chat more about this, Ciara is joined by Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs with Age Action, Camille Loftus, and Mayo Social Supporter and former Sage Advocacy CEO, Mervyn Taylor.

Google has revealed the top things Irish people have searched this year, from Storm Éowyn to ‘67’, what do our searches indicate about who we are as a nation?Joining Ciara to discuss is Olytico’s Stephen O’Leary.

The Department of Education was before the Oireachtas Education Committee today in relation to the teacher recruitment crisis in Irish schools.To chat more about what was discussed, Ciara is joined by Cathaoirleach of the committee, Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe, and Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies, Paul Crone.

The Government has launched the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report.The plan, which will include 30 actions to aid, speeding up, and delivering critical infrastructure, is part of the Government’s attempt to keep pace with the demands of economic and population growth in Ireland.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how artists are expressing serious concerns about AI music - and what the issue exactly is...

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 to pass wind, discreetly!

Ahead of his upcoming show 'The Son of a Carpenter' at the 3Arena on Sunday, December 14th, Comedian, actor and Writer, Jim Jefferies, joins Ciara 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 Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Christmas Markets!

President Volodymir Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their steadfast support of Ukraine and “not losing faith in us” as he addressed the Dáil today as part of his first official state visit to Ireland.His speech comes at a time of huge importance for his country as a potential peace deal edges closer nearly four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country…Joining Ciara Doherty to give their reactions is Tom McEnaney, Media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Luba Healy, Ukrainian living in Ireland for 25 years and charity founder and Adi Roche, Founder and Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International.

TV Presenter Karen Koster joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The Irish Farmers Association has raised serious concerns after the European Commission moved to recall Brazilian beef products which had been imported into the European Union.The beef was found to have contained hormones which are banned across the EU. The beef product made its way into a number of countries including Britain and Northern Ireland.It comes as the debate continues in Europe over the introduction of the Mecosur Trade Deal…Ciara Doherty is joined by IFA President Francie Gorman to discuss…

The state visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been taking place today, coming as the US tries to broker a ceasefire.Zelenskyy has also been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil this afternoon.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the key takeaways so far…

Have rom-coms lost their magic? Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who starred as Sam in Love Actually, seems to think so. As he says they are from a bygone era in cinema. Is he right?Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd.

A new and potent strain of flu is taking hold across the country, with the HSE urging people to get vaccinated before Christmas.The increase in cases means the health service could be under sustained pressure in the coming weeks.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Monaghan-based GP, Illona Duffy.

You won't be seeing or hearing the iconic ‘Holidays are Coming’ Coca-Cola ad on your screens this Christmas! The company has decided to make a new version with AI generation to replace the classic.But, why would a brand like Coca-Cola use AI for advertising, and is this a trend?Joining Ciara to discuss is Brand Strategist at Neworld, Kerry Matzelle.Image: Coca-Cola

The Petitions Committee is considering a petition to ban election posters in Ireland. Do you think it would be a good idea - whether for environmental reasons, or simply being an eyesore?Newstalk's Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Former US President Bill Clinton visited Dublin 30 years ago. What was the significance of this visit? Did this signal a peak in US and Irish relations still being felt today?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Mark Little, Broadcaster and Tech Entrepreneur, who was RTÉ’s Washington Correspondent in 1995 when Clinton was here and Northern Ireland Journalist Eamonn Mallie.

Advertisements have recently appeared on the New York subway, offering would-be parents the chance to “genetically optimise” their future babies. So, what would this genetic modification involve, and would it be ethical to do?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Professor of Medical Genetics at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, and Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Andrew Green.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Dr Elaine McCarthy, Senior Child and Educational Psychologist, to discuss what to do if your child has an emotional outburst after getting home from school…

Doctors have described the number of children presenting with brain injuries due to e-scooter accidents as “alarming”.There are ongoing calls for better implementation of regulations around the use of e-scooters and one of those looking for more restrictions is Dublin City Councillor for the South Inner-City Danny Byrne. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Tomorrow, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will make his first official visit to the state alongside his wife and first lady Olena.Elsewhere, protests are due to take place this evening over the controversy surrounding proposals to rename Herzog Park.Joining Ciara to discuss all is Christina Finn, Political Editor with the journal.ie and Donnacha O'Beachain, Professor of Politics at DCU.

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.On the 10th of September this year, the American conservative media personality Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing a crowd on the campus of Utah Valley University…Joining Ciara Doherty to look back is Eva Terry, a Reporter with Deseret News, who was in the crowd covering Charlie Kirk’s visit to Utah, and witnessed his killing.

The Government has announced a new plan to combat declining spend by visitors.Peter Burke is Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

A number of acts, including some headliners, have been announced for next year's Electric Picnic. It’s already sent social media into a frenzy, with Irish band Fontaines DC revealed as the headline for the Sunday night.To chat about the lineup, Ciara is joined by the Deputy Editor of Hot-Press Magazine, Stuart Clark, and from The Point of Everything podcast and the Irish Examiner, Eoghan O’Sullivan.

Diesel prices are up 4 cent a litre, and petrol up 2 cent in the last month according to the AA’s latest national fuel survey…So, with the increases are they ways you can get more bang for your buck and reduce your fuel usage?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent.

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…

When it comes to different policies affecting the agricultural sector, there is a lot of uncertainty, especially for those living in urban areas.Agri Aware are trying to bridge that gap, and one thing they do is run education and awareness programs in schools.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting students in Dublin to get their understanding, and sends in this report.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Ciara Doherty to discuss revitalising the humble sausage roll!

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

Dublin City Council has decided not to remove Irish tricolour flags hung in some parts of the city, saying today that doing so would carry risks and be counterproductive.But, how did we get to this place where the Irish flag is the subject of such controversy?Former Lord Mayor and current Green Party Councillor Hazel Chu and Irish Times journalist and Historian Ronan McGreevy join Ciara Doherty to discuss.

It has now been one year since the General Election, and it feels an appropriate time to look back over the past 12 months and see how they fared out. To chat about some of the key political highlights over that period, Ciara Doherty is joined by Journalist, Broadcaster and Commentator, Alison O’Connor, and Political Reporter with The Irish Examiner, Tadgh McNally.

Following the latest moves in the UK to impose a sugar tax on milk-based products, it’s got us wondering, do you really know what’s in some of the drinks that we’re having?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Dietician and Physiologist, Orla Walsh.

The High Court has ruled that teacher Enoch Burke's salary should be paid directly to the school where he used to work until money he owes to them in damages for trespassing is paid off.Shane Phelan is Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara to give the latest updates.

A recruitment campaign for Therapists to the new Education Therapy Service has been launched today by the Government.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Minister for Disability, and Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid-West, Emer Higgins.

Troy Parrott has revealed that after his heroic hattrick that carried Ireland to the World Cup playoffs, he treated himself to some KFC. It begs the question: is it okay to reward achievement with a takeaway?Garron Noone, Comedian and Musician and Broadcaster Meghann Scully joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk and Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.Just a day after April Fools Day came Liberation Day, when US President Donald Trump produced a cardboard cutout of countries to face impending tariffs on exports. Ireland came under the EU umbrella, and we were starting down the barrel of 20% tariffs…Joining Ciara Doherty to look back is the Positive Economist and Presenter of Newstalk’s Taking Stock, Susan Hayes Culleton.Image: Reuters

Neuroscientist and Psychologist, Sabina Brennan joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Three of those set to be honoured with a doctorate degree from the University of Galway today have withdrawn their awards.American Professor Kerby Miller, Actor Olwen Fouéré and Filmmaker Margo Harkin have withdrawn from the ceremony over concerns with the University's links to an Israeli technology institute.Margo Harkin joins Ciara Doherty to discuss…

Tusla was before the Oireachtas Committee earlier today, as issues facing the system were highlighted and addressed.To chat about what was discussed today, Ciara Doherty is joined by Chief Executive of Tusla, Kate Duggan.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic recently spoke about who his greatest rival in tennis was - citing Rafael Nadal as pushing him to his limit in matches. So, do rivalries push you to greater heights?Barry O’Sullivan of the Communications Clinic joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the ups and downs of rivalries in life.

Joining Ciara Doherty is Social Democrats TD for Dublin-Rathdown, Sinéad Gibney who is here to discuss her father, the late Professor Mike Gibney’s final book: ‘In Defence of Bread’.

A new study has found that Ireland’s birth rate has dropped by 20% in just 11 years, while the rate of potentially dangerous ectopic pregnancies has also increased, but what is the cause?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital.

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 to write a love letter.