The Hard Shoulder

As the war in the Middle East escalates, the International Energy Agency is calling on governments to take measures to reduce oil demand by pushing remote working, reducing speed limits and encouraging a shift towards public transport.To discuss Ciara is joined by Borzou Daragahi, Middle East Journalist and Analyst.

Cork City Council are planning on putting up posters with the slogan ‘Get your shit together’, with a dog covering the letter I. A local councillor says it will encourage young people to swear and curse.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public if it’s a bad influence, and joins Ciara and Shane to discuss.

A civil case which was taken by three victims of IRA bombings against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has been dropped at the High Court in London. The judge had yesterday pressed the defence as to why the case should not be dropped before this morning’s developments.Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor with The Irish Times joins Shane with the details…

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

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed the Government is looking at an "appropriate intervention" to address rising fuel costs, which will be finalised at Cabinet meeting, which is on Tuesday.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Dr Paul Deane, Senior Lecturer in Clean Energy futures at University College Cork and Michael Fitzmaurice Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway.Another fuel also being affected is aviation fuel, with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz potentially seeing supply shortages. Any shortages could lead to flight cancellations as soon as the Easter Holidays. Kevin Byrne, retired Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor joins Shane to discuss.

Broadcaster, content creator and recent Dancing with the Stars finalist Eric Roberts joins Ciara and Shane for this week’s Thursday Interview!

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…

The war on Iran has turned the EU leaders’ Summit into an energy showdown as EU leaders met in Brussels today for the first time since the conflict in the Middle East began.At the summit, the Head of the United Nations says it’s high time for Israel and America to end the war with Iran. The impact of the war on energy prices overshadowed the gathering…Newstalk's Eamonn Torsney is in Brussels, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Eviction notices issued by landlords rose by 41% in the last three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 according to the Residential Tenancies Board. This was ahead of the State’s new rental rules coming into effect on the first of this month.Joining Shane to discuss this is Michael Byrne, Associate Professor at UCD’s School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice and Author of Beyond Generation Rent and Conor Sheehan, Labour Spokesperson for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

New health guidelines in Russia will see women who do not want to have children referred to psychologists. This is in an effort to address a systemic demographic crisis where Russia, like a lot of the world, is seeing the birth rate fall.Ali Hall, From Life Without Children decided from a young age that she did not want children, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The Irish Road Haulage Association has said that the threat of immediate protest action is now “off the table” following a meeting this morning with Minister Darragh O’Brien. President of the Association Ger Hyland said he was satisfied that substantial supports that are going to be announced in the next week. But, will this stem the significant rise in fuel prices we are seeing at the pumps? And what form will this intervention take?Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport joins Shane to discuss.

Demolition has started on an illegally built home in Meath after the council moved in to take control of the property yesterday.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter.

Queen’s University Belfast students are voting on reintroducing Irish-language dual signage in the university’s students’ union following its removal almost 30 years ago.For more on this, Shane is joined by Jay Basra, Chair of the Young Unionists Society at Queen’s & Eoghan Ó Conghaile, a member of An Cumann Gaelach, the Irish language Society at Queen’s.

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 properly fold laundry!

An unapproved 'Epstein Files' float which appeared in three St Patrick's Day parades across Mayo and Galway yesterday has sparked outrage.The float contained performers portraying Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, Stephen Hawking, and several women, all in varying degrees of undress.On the float, what appears to be a sexual assault was acted out on a mattress.Well, joining me now to discuss this is Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.Rachel, what was your reaction when you saw this video?

Out from the shadows and onto the internet - Ireland's recovering addicts are taking to social media to share their stories. But are there downsides to vlogging daily life in rehab or is #recoverytok a treatment tool like any other?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

A second outbreak of meningitis has hit a university in the UK. Canterbury Christ Church University confirmed that one of its students is now affected. Over the last few days there has been an outbreak at the University of Kent which has led to 20 cases and two deaths so far…Ciara is joined by Dr Brendan O’Shea, who is a Kildare GP and Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin to explain how concerned we should be in Ireland about this outbreak, and what people can do to protect themselves.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams took the stand again today in the UK, where it is being alleged that he is liable for IRA bombs between 1973 and 1996. Three bombing victims from across the period allege that Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA at the times of the bombings and are seeking £1 in damages. Joining Shane to give the latest on the trial from today is Britain Editor at the Irish Times, Mark Hennessy.

A survey found that almost half of divorcees said that their partner's night-time snoring contributed to their break-up, with similar numbers saying it was a dealbreaker when dating. So, what is the solution?Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss is Frances Kelleher, Dating Expert and Life Coach.

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.