The Hard Shoulder

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.

What impact do you think it would have on your mental health if your loved one died and you weren’t able to bury them?For the loved ones of victims of the Troubles, this is their reality.Newstalk’s James Wilson has this report on the legacy the disappearance of the dead continues to have on the mental health of families in Northern Ireland…If you have any information about the Disappeared, you can contact the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains, where all information is legally privileged on 01 602 8655.This report was supported by the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism, in partnership with Shine.If you have been affected by anything you heard, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

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…

Lawyers for the Dublin Airport Authority have been due to submit an affidavit to the High Court today in response to allegations made by CEO Kenny Jacobs.It could heighten tensions between the DAA and Jacobs.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post.

A judge has ordered the immediate arrest of Enoch Burke for again breaching an injunction restraining him from going to a school in Co Westmeath for the second day in a row, having been released from prison earlier this week.Shane Phelan is Legal Affairs Editor for the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has been urged to temporarily extend pub licensing hours for the World Cup if the Republic of Ireland qualifies, but would publicans also be in favour?Joining Ciara to discuss is Michael Farrell, of Farrells Bar in Youghal.

Tory politician Robert Jenrick, who at one stage was being talked about as becoming a one-day leader of the Conservative Party, has defected to Reform UK after being sacked from Kemi Badenoch’s front bench.Will this make it more or less likely that we will see Nigel Farage become UK Prime Minister in the near future?LBC Presenter James O’Brien joins Ciara to discuss.

Teachers in Monksland National School in Co Louth are eating their lunch in their cars due to the lack of space in the school and enrollment numbers doubling over the past decade…For more on this, Ciara is joined by Darragh Smith, acting Principal of Monksland NS in Louth and Ruairí Ó Murchú, Sinn Féin TD for Co Louth.

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…

Last week, Airlines for America filed a complaint to the US Department of Transport over Dublin Airport’s passenger cap.To explain this decision, I’m now joined by Senior Vice President of International Affairs at Airlines for America, which represents the US airline industry, Keith Glatz.Also joining to discuss is Travel Journalist Eoghan Corry, and later Michael O’Leary, Group CEO of Ryanair.

A new strategy has this week been approved by the Cabinet aimed at enabling the further development of energy intensive facilities, including data centres.It’s an issue that has divided our listeners this week, and so we thought it would be great to get the answer from the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke.He joins Ciara to discuss.

The European Union Copernicus Climate Change Service has confirmed that 2025 was the third warmest year on record.Global temperatures from the past three years averaged more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial levels.The world is getting warmer, but it seems like action isn’t as urgent as it needs to be. So, does the climate emergency have a messaging problem?Barry McLoughlin of the Communications Clinic joins Ciara to discuss.

Robert F Kennedy Jr has announced a new food pyramid with quite a few changes, to ‘Make America Healthy Again’. But, how effective is it?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Sandra Wilkinson from the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute.

Nuisance noise, bad parking and strange smells...According to a recent chill insurance survey - these are some of the most common gripes we have with our neighbours. And with people living in closer proximities and working from more than before, neighbourly disputes are increasingly getting out of hand and into the courts.  Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, according to a US official, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.Tehran is seeking to deter US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters.The UN Security Council has been due to meet in Iran today at the request of the United States.Ali Ansari is Professor of Iranian History & Founding Director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews. He joins Ciara to discuss.Image: Reuters

Everyone loves getting a deal in all walks of life, but does this apply to the purchasing of workout equipment, or should you show caution?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Personal and Wellness Trainer, John Belton.

Now, let’s talk Traitors - don't worry, no spoilers here this evening!If you’ve been watching these series so far, you will have heard the players talk about their past experience as detectives, barristers or those who have had FBI training… so they have really upped their game this year to try and be the best player.But, can you be taught these things so quickly? And does it really help with gameplay?Joining Ciara to discuss is Darren Stanton, a former police officer, behaviour and body Language expert and also known as TV’s Human Lie Detector.

Are children starting school lacking basic skills? There are concerns that kids' exposure to phones and the internet from an early age is having a negative impact in ways that were once taken for granted.To discuss this,Ciara is joined by Principal of St Patrick’s National School in Greystones, Co Wicklow, Rachel Harper, and Principal of Bunscoil na Cathrach in Co Tipperary, and Vice President of the Irish National Teachers Organisation, Brendan Horan.

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 improve your signature!

Enoch Burke has been released from Mountjoy Prison following an order from a High Court judge earlier.Burke had been in jail since late November for breaches of a court order directing him not to trespass at Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath, where he worked as a teacher.For more on this, Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney joins Ciara.

Yesterday yet another increase of alcohol prices was announced with the price of Guinness increasing. As these hikes continue, many people may opt to have a drink at home rather than in the pub, but is this negatively impacting children that are also in the house?Joining Ciara to discuss is Siobhain O’Neill White from Mams.ie. and Brendan Kelly, Psychiatry Professor at Trinity College Dublin.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how you can deactivate or delete your X account if you are so inclined.

US President Donald Trump has said that anything less than Greenland "in the hands" of the United States is "unacceptable", reiterating his demand for control of the Danish territory.His comments come as Greenlandic and Danish Foreign Ministers are to meet US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington today.Joining Ciara to discuss the latest updates and give their reactions is David Smith, Washington Bureau Chief for The Guardian, Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil MEP and rapporteur for the Parliament's position on EU-Greenland relations and Tilli Martinussen Greenlandic Politician and former MP.

The UK Government’s appeal on the dismissal of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s alleged terror offence has not reached a judgement after hearings today.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler, who has been outside of the Royal Courts of Justice.

As the Beckham family feud rumors rumble on, the latest in the saga is a legal letter sent by eldest son Brooklyn Beckham to his parents David and Victoria, suggesting no signs of improvement despite hopes of mending relations…For more on this, Ciara is joined by Entertainment Journalist, Olivia Fahy.

The Oireachtas Committee on Media held a hearing this afternoon on the regulation of online platforms and online safety. There was a particular focus on the recent controversy surrounding the Grok AI feature on X.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport and Labour TD for Tipperary North and Aidan O'Brien, Researcher at DCU School of Communications, who attended the Oireachtas meeting today.

The hot school meals programme provided to schools is not sustainable, and there are concerns over procurement, nutrition and waste, an Oireachtas committee heard this afternoon.It is now available to all 3,700 primary schools feeding up 682,000 children.But Educate Together say that the current model is not sustainable…Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been investigating, and 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, as part of his 12 best cities in the world, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Stockholm in Sweden!

A second swan has been killed in a suspected dog attack sparking demands for CCTV and stricter laws to control dogs at Bray Harbour.Joining Ciara to discuss Pete Wedderburn, Bray-based Vet.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Mark Kelly, was before the Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration today, following concerns raised in the Office of the Inspector of Prisons’ Annual Report for 2024.To discuss the latest around all this, Mark Kelly joins Ciara.

Green Party Leader Roderic O’Gorman joins Ciara Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

An inquest into the case of George Nkencho was formally opened this week, who was shot dead by Gardai on December 30th 2020.To discuss the latest developments, Ciara is joined by Irish Times Journalist and Historian, Ronan McGreevy.

New data centres will soon be allowed to be built in the capital and greater Dublin area.In the previous Government, Eamon Ryan had introduced restrictions due to issues around energy constraints on the electricity grid.Today, Enterprise Minister Peter Burke announced a 17-point plan called the ‘Large Energy User Action Plan’ or LEAP, which would enable the rollout of sustainable data centre development between now and the end of the decade.Joining Ciara to discuss this is James Geoghegan, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South and Deirdre Duffy, CEO of Friends of the Earth Ireland.