The Hard Shoulder

A new study from the ESRI has found that school absence leads to lower educational qualifications and poorer wellbeing in early adulthood. The report details that even a short spell of absence of one to two days at age thirteen are linked to lower Leaving Certificate grades. But are these figures a little too stark and is it putting the focus too much on parents?Joining Shane to discuss this is Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly and Rachel Harper, Principal at St Patrick’s National School, Greystones.

Does it annoy you if your partner stacks the dishwasher wrong, or your housemate puts it on half full? What about if your kids put the cutlery facing the sharp side up? There are many bug bearers when it comes to the dishwasher, but what is the best way to stack the dishwasher and are you doing it wrong?  Joining Shane to discuss is Ann Russell, TikToker, cleaning expert and author of @How to Clean Everything’.

Transport Minister Daragh O'Brien has said that members of a planned new public transport security service are to be given powers of arrest and pursuit.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Dermot O’Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus & Rail Union.

Katie Taylor will retire this summer after her Dublin fight, the 39-year-old has confirmed today. But, will it be in Croke Park or another venue?Henry McKean visited her home town of Bray and joins X from the Wicklow town 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 make a proper slice of toast!

This afternoon An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and An Tánaiste Simon Harris have issued a state apology to survivors of institutional abuse, following a protest by four survivors of abuse in industrial and reformatory schools which lasted fifty days outside Leinster House last year.Joining  to discuss this further is Dr Maeve O’Rourke, Lecturer at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway.

Many people find multiple benefits to working from home, whether it is freedom from the commute or that little bit longer in bed, but apparently there is one more upside to it: increased birth rates! Research from Kings College London and Stanford University has shown that almost 300,000 extra children have been born in the US since the advent of work from home at the start of the Covid pandemic. So, is this another reason to be considering working from home?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise and Helena Tubridy, Fertility Expert.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Shane to discuss how technology is being used to improve healthcare. She went out to Beaumont Hospital, where robots are being used in care, and shares what she learned.

The Social Democrats have set out a 20 point plan to improve access, remove costs and increase capacity when it comes to general practitioner care in Ireland.It includes looking to make GP care free to all by 2030.But, as we know, trying to even get an appointment is a challenge right now, so what actions need to be taken now to address current issues around GP care?Joining Ciara to discuss is Tadhg Crowley, Chair of the GP Committee of the IMO.

Today the Defense Minister revealed the National Maritime Security Strategy 2026-2030.It provides a roadmap to how we can go about defending our maritime security until the end of the decade, with more collaboration between our neighbors and European allies to protect our waters. But, would such a move infringe on our neutrality?Joining Shane for more on this is Mark Mellett, Chief of Staff of Ireland's Defense Forces from 2015 until 2021 and Patricia MacBride, Columnist with the Irish News.

From the person who paces the house having a conversation on loudspeaker to that one friend that never replies to your texts, what are the worst phone habits to have and are you guilty of them?Joining Ciara to discuss is Joe O’Shea, Editor CorkBeo and Elaine Burke, presenter of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast.

Ireland’s biggest residential landlord, Ires Reit, has told investors that incoming changes to tenancy rules could see a major increase in its rental income.Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson, joins Shane to discuss.

Should we revisit the use of the Irish language in TV and online advertisements as a way of ensuring people passively pick up their cúpla focail?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Kate Brady, actor and content creator.

Special Needs Assistants, parents, teachers, and students will take to the streets this afternoon to call for support for SNAs as 30 protests are due to take place across the country.Joining Shane to discuss is Eoghan Kenny, Labour’s Education Spokesperson and Niamh McDonald, parent and organiser of today’s protest.

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 London!

U.S. President Donald Trump will tonight make his first State of the Union address of his second term. The address to members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives will come in the backdrop of a new global 10% tariff in response to the Supreme Court invalidating his previous tariffs.Joining Shane to discuss what we can expect and more is Anthony Zurcher, BBC’s North America Correspondent and Jennifer Ewing, Spokesperson for Republicans Overseas UK.Image: Reuters

Broadcaster Sean O’Rourke joins Ciara and Shane to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

RIP.ie turns 20 this year. With an average of 70-million-page views per month, it is a unique Irish phenomenon.Joining Shane to discuss this is Undertaker Colm Kieran, owner of My Farewell Wishes, to discuss the impact it has had for Funeral Directors.

Yesterday we heard from Ukraine and how the country continues to be impacted by ongoing Russian aggression and air strikes amidst their push for more sanctions and weapons from Russian nations, but what about Russia itself? Is its economy finally beginning to feel the bite from four years of prioritizing war?Dr Noah Buckley is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science at Trinity College Dublin and joins Ciara to discuss what we know about what life is like inside Russia at the moment…Image: Reuters

From jackets to pyjamas, are we pampering our dogs too much? Is it strange to be humanizing them?Joining Shane to discuss is Nanci Creedon, Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

From the occasional sweet as a reward, to the endless sugar available at a birthday party, junk food has become a significant part of children’s diet. But when they are bombarded with it both in person and with advertising online, what impact does the eating of junk food have on their brain?Dr Harriet Shellekens, Senior Lecturer, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at UCC has just completed a study on this, and joins Ciara to talk through the findings.

A man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with the investigation into the murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine last year.Sinead Kelleher from The Kerryman joins Shane with the latest…

Market rents across the country rose by 4.4% last year, 80% higher than they were a decade ago, with the average monthly rent for an apartment in Dublin city now almost €2,700. That’s according to the latest Rental Report by Daft.ie. This comes on the same day that an overhaul of rent regulations has been signed into law by President Catherine Connolly.Joining Ciara to discuss is Eoin Ó Broin, SF Housing Spokesperson and Mary Conway from the Irish Property Owners Association.

The High Court is set to assess damages owed to Nikita Hand by her former neighbours after they failed to respond to her claim for damages accusing them of abusing court processes.For more on this, Shane is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent.

Tomorrow, fighting in Ukraine will enter its fifth year, after Vladimir Putin launched Europe’s biggest conflict since World War Two.Joining Ciara to discuss and look back on four years of war is Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for France24 and RFI.Image: Reuters

Ten years ago, the North East Inner City taskforce was established to try and improve an area of Dublin impacted by poverty and criminality. The NEIC has today published its annual report, which details its ongoing work in the community. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie was there for the report’s launch, and joins Ciara to discuss.Image: NEIC

For this week’s Kids Clinic, Shane is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss how you can raise resilient children.

Peter Mandelson has been arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office.Vincent McAvinney, London Based Journalist, joins Ciara with the latest information.

The Minister for Sport must work collaboratively with League of Ireland clubs to ensure safety instead of making knee-jerk threats to cut funding.That’s the view of Ruairí Ó Murchú, Sinn Féin TD for Louth who joins Shane to discuss.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning you may have heard Anton Savage and Claire Byrne chatting about how Chip Sticks are not what they used to be, not as tangy in flavour for example. But, are they really losing their flavour, or are we just getting older?Joining Ciara to discuss is Suzanne Kane, Broadcaster and self-proclaimed ‘corn snack queen’ and Phil Smyth, aka ‘Phil of Science’, Physicist and Broadcaster.

On Wednesday ‘Forever is Now’ will be screened as part of the Dublin International Film Festival.It follows former Green party leader Eamon Ryan and his team over the last 18 months of the Irish Green Party’s time in Government, while also taking a look at his relationship with his autistic son, Tommy.Eamon Ryan joins Shane to discuss.Image: Soilsiú Films

Following another tragic weekend on Irish roads, what needs to be done to improve road safety?David Martin, Media Relations Manager at the RSA joins Ciara to discuss.

“A third of the population lives in a rural community, yet we have one of the worst public transport networks in Europe. That’s not by accident; it’s a political choice”. So says Writer Emma De Souza.What needs to be done by the Government to support rural communities?Emma joins Shane and Martha Gilheaney, Lecturer in Dublin, to discuss.

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…

He may be better known as Dr Derek Shepard at the Seattle Grace Hospital, but since departing our screens on Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey has turned his attention to slightly darker, more sinister roles. His latest venture is that a photocopier salesman and father… but has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. And he is also a hitman…‘Memory of a Killer’ is out now on Amazon Prime and Patrick joins Ciara to discuss!

Off The Ball Senior Producer Mick McCarthy joined Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

The United States Supreme Court has struck down the majority of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The court, which has a conservative majority, saw two of the conservative justices side with their liberal counterparts to strike down the tariffs in a six three ruling.Joining Ciara to discuss is David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief with The Guardian, Dr Nora Strecker, Associate Professor of Economics at UCD and Pat Rigney, owner of Shed distillery, which makes Drumshanbo whiskeys and gins.Image: Reuters

After week one of cheating on and off the ice, what are the big stories of week two of the Winter Olympics?Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss is Barry Kenny, Communications Manager with Iarnród Éireann, and Olympics superfan!Image: Reuters

This week the National Bus and Railworkers’ Union called for high visibility clothing for cyclists and e-scooter users to reduce the risks for both drivers and riders, but is this more of an enforcement issue given that high vis clothing is already supposed to be worn at night time?Joining Ciara to discuss is Jason Cullen, of the Dublin Commuter Coalition.

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

The headline in the UCD paper, The University Observer reads: ‘UCD Fails to Safeguard Against Image-Based Sexual Assault’ after image of student who had been raped sent to staff and students”.The article outlined the incident of a medical student in UCD who had a “nude, bruised and unconscious image of herself shared and circulated to a significant number of UCD staff email addresses and then some months later to a student WhatsApp group.The issue was raised in the Dáil by Ruth Coppinger; the People Before Profit TD stated that “The image was procured after she was raped by a student, a rape that she chose not to report”.Earlier in the show Shane spoke to the in question student, Katelyn, which is not her real name.For more on this, Shane is joined by Ruth Coppinger of the People Before Profit Solidarity & Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

Lisa Canny, the creator of the all-female trad group Biird joins Ciara for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The Minister for Transport has rejected calls from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to remove the barriers that are preventing Uber and Bolt from fully entering the Irish taxi market and allowing drivers to use their own cars to provide taxi rides without a special license.The CCPS said that the current regulation is holding the industry back and means a lack of choice for consumers, but would it be a solution to our current taxi shortage? Danny O’Gorman is the General Manager of FreeNow Ireland and joins Ciara to discuss.

“UCD Fails to Safeguard Against ‘Image-Based Sexual Assault’ after image of student who had been raped sent to staff and students”.This is the headline on the article written by Adam Schmitz and Orla Mahon for the UCD University Paper, the University Observer.It details the incident of a medical student in UCD who had a “nude, bruised and unconscious” image of herself shared and circulated to a significant number of UCD Staff and student email addresses and then some months later to a student WhatsApp group.Shane sat down a little earlier with this student, who we will call Katelyn for the benefit of this interview, and we have also changed her voice to protect her anonymity…If you have been affected by this interview, help is available.You can reach Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on their 24 hr national helpline on 1800 778 888.Or contact Women’s aid on their 24 helpline 1800 341 900.

‘Leg danglers are the swimming pool equivalent of people who stand at the end of an escalator’ so says Ceire Sadlier, Irish Times contributor who suggests that we all need a lesson in pool etiquette. It is an opinion shared by Dr Clare Moriarty, a Research Fellow at the TCD Long Room Hub, so is it time we all got a lesson in how to behave in the pool?Céire and Clare join Ciara to discuss the etiquette and importance of access to pools across the country.

US tech giant Apple have announced an expansion to their Irish operations with a new Dublin office set to open later this year.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly has been speaking to Apple’s VP of Places Kristina Raspe to find out more, and joins Ciara to discuss.

With the multiple weeks of heavy rain and general poor weather, how is this impacting farmers and their ability to work?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss…

Today, former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office.Joining Shane with the latest information and commentary is Iain Dale, LBC News & Radio Presenter, Royal Commentator and author and Victoria Howard, Royal Commentator and Editor and Founder of The Crown Chronicles.

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 kiss someone! As in, how much tongue is too much tongue?

The cost of buying a home in Dublin has now reached €500,000. That’s according to the latest figures from The Central Statistics office. But, how is this pushing out our young people that are trying to get onto the property ladder?Joining Ciara to discuss is Newstalk's own Kathleen Keane and James Kavanagh, Podcaster and Presenter.