The Hard Shoulder

NASA is set to bring home four astronauts which are expected to return to Earth within days after an astronaut suffered a health issue, the first such medical evacuation from the station in NASA’s history.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government’s Science Awareness Program.

It’s been reported by Iranian officials that around 2,000 protesters have been killed in protests in the country.It’s as two weeks of intense protests continue to escalate.One of those concerned for what is happening over in Iran is human rights activist Mansoureh Bekhish, who joins Ciara to discuss. Also joining to discuss is Bernard Phelan, who was imprisoned in Iran in 2022...Image: Reuters

After a long Christmas break, the Dáil is back in session.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been keeping an eye out, and joins Ciara to discuss what happened on the first day back…

Diageo has announced that the price of a pint of Guinness is set to increase next month, along with a number of other products.To discuss this and the impact it may have on the drinks sector, Ciara is joined by Chairperson of the Donegal Vintners Federation, Fine Gael Cllr Martin Harley and Economist at TU Dublin, Emma Howard.

Jessie Buckley won Best Actress at last night's Golden Globes. Newstalk’s Henry McKean visited Jessie's old school Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles and her home town of Killarney. Speaking to her old Principal, friends and even Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal themselves recently at the Hamnet Irish premiere.

The European Union is considering further sanctions against Iran in response to the violent crackdown against protesters.The EU has previously imposed numerous sanctions against Iran for human rights violations, selling drones and missiles to Russia, and its nuclear program.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Bel Trew, The Independent's Chief International Correspondent.

The Dáil resumes tomorrow with the first session of 2026.So time to mark our cards: what issues are the Government facing this term?Fionnan Sheahan is Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara to discuss.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Psychologist Aisling O’Connor to discuss what to do when your child has a tantrum…

The first ever autistic Barbie doll to represent neurodivergent children has been launched by the toy giant Mattel.The Barbie features accessories like a fidget spinner, noise-cancelling headphones, and a communication tablet, but is this a positive move by the toy mogul or too generalised of a representation of autism?Joining Ciara to discuss is actor Brian Mulvey and Adam Harris, CEO and Founder of AsIAm.Image: Mattel

New figures are showing a significant increase on hospital waiting lists nationally.Figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund for December show that there are 894,369 patients on hospital waiting lists across the country, an increase of more than 86,300 on the same time last year.Nearly 10 years ago the 2017 Sláintecare report, which was aimed at overhauling the health service, recommended maximum wait times of no more than 12 weeks for an inpatient/day case procedure and 10 weeks for a new outpatient appointment.Will we ever see that?Joining Ciara to discuss is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Stephen McMahon Co-Founder and Director of the Irish Patients Association.

Shrinkflation is not only making our chocolate bars smaller, but our books too! However, unlike with chocolate, the reason your book is smaller is not down to the cost of producing it, but rather our decreasing attention spans.Joining Ciara to discuss Sarah Maria Griffin, author of ‘Eat the Ones You Love’.

The US is due to meet with Danish officials this week about Greenland.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie, who is speaking with locals in Greenland. Also joining to discuss is former US Diplomat, Policy Adviser and Analyst for Republican leadership in the US Senate, Jim Jatras.

A woman has admitted to banning her husband from picking a film on movie night due to the disturbing ones he picked that left her distraught every time she sat down to watch TV.It got us thinking, who should gain custody of the remote? Should it always be a 50-50 split or, if you don’t like your partner’s film of choice, is separate screens the most sensible option?Joining Ciara to discuss is Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic, Chris Wasser and Freelance Journalist, Niamh O’Reilly.

The Minister for Justice is expected to bring a bill to cabinet to overhaul the states' asylum system.One of the many new changes includes new plans proposed by Minister Jim O'Callaghan that will see refugee families having to wait three years before bringing spouses and children to Ireland.Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Tomorrow will mark ten years since the death of legendary musician, David Bowie. To reflect on his life, Ciara is joined by Musician and Author, BP Fallon.

A fitness executive in the US has sparked debate online following his claims that golf cannot be considered as exercise. He said it’s fun and recreation, but that’s it.To discuss this further, Ciara is joined by Sport Scientist Liam Hughes.

Claire Fullam, Trichologist and owner of Trua and Remi recently got a diagnosis of AuDHD. AuDHD is both autism and ADHD.She joins Ciara to discuss what it’s like to receive this news as an adult.

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.

There has been a call for public support for a full inquiry into the Creeslough explosion in 2022.It’s from the parents of Leona Harper, who was 14 when she was killed in the explosion at apartments above the Creeslough service station on October 7th, 2022.The tragedy claimed the lives of 10 local people aged from 5 to 59.Hugh Harper, Leona’s father, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss…

US President Donald Trump has made renewed calls to annex Greenland, but how do locals feel about the situation?Josh Crosbie is in Greenland to hear from the public, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Working age adults in the UK eat the equivalent of 22 crisp bags worth of salt every day, according to research by the British Heart Foundation.What’s the situation in Ireland, do you know how much salt you have every day?Joining Ciara to discuss is Dietician Sarah Keogh.

The Oireachtas Transport committee is to draw up an action plan with the aim of reducing fatalities on Irish roads. To discuss the potential of the plan, Ciara is joined by Chair of the Transport Committee and Fine Gael TD, Michael Murphy, and Jimmy Cleary of Success 4U Driving School.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

ICE kills woman in Minneapolis - what happens now?Mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey has demanded that ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) leave Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a woman, who US officials accused of trying to ram federal immigration agents with her vehicle at an apparent immigration enforcement activity in the south of the city.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Boston-based Immigration Attorney, John Foley and Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder.Image: Reuters

Broadcaster Louise Cantillon joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

It has been confirmed that Ireland will vote against the Mercosur trade deal tomorrow. However, it is still expected that the agreement will be approved by the EU.To discuss these developments, Ciara is joined by President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Denis Drennan, Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist at The Currency, John McGuinness, Fianna Fáil TD Carlow - Kilkenny and Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Independent TD for Kerry.

Céire Sadlier, Irish Times contributor, had a really interesting piece on why she resisted having a phone until the age of 19, despite her parents wanting her to have one, a concept lost on many young people today.She joins Ciara to discuss her own experience, and how that greatly differs to that of her own child's today…

US President Donald Trump has been saying that the US would pull out of dozens of international and UN groups that, as he puts it, operate contrary to their interests.It comes after a week where a Russian-flagged oil tanker was seized, and, of course, the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured.In the days since, his frequent musings about other items on his foreign policy wish list have rung with renewed force, especially his repeated desire for the US to take over Greenland.Joining Ciara to discuss is former United States Ambassador to Denmark, Carla Sands.Image: Reuters

A new report in the UK shows that one in five funerals are opting for the no-frills approach, without mourners or a service. So, are attitudes changing towards funerals closer to home?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by David McGowan of Foley & McGowan’s Funeral Home Sligo, and McGowan’s Crematorium in Colloney, Co Sligo.

Father Stuart McGovern, a former engineer, was ordained for the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore nearly 2 months ago, just ahead of the busiest time of year for his vocation.To discuss his journey behind the decision to enter the priesthood, he joins Ciara.

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 properly sport a moustache!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the ‘Ship Accounts’ trend and why it’s causing issues in schools.

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 to Pisa in Italy!

Key Ukrainian allies met today in Paris to discuss security guarantees, as they work through the US-brokered plan to end the war with Russia.The leaders of around 35 countries attended the summit known as the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, including American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and President Zelenskyy.But, there were indicators this afternoon that the summit may be overshadowed by growing alarm in Europe about President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, with six European countries coming together to release a statement which rallied support for Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations".Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Defence was at this summit today, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Enoch Burke is expected to initiate legal action against the Disciplinary Appeals Panel.The panel last met before Christmas and will be reconvening to determine whether Burke was fairly or unfairly dismissed by Wilson’s Hospital School.Shane Phelan is Legal Affairs Editor for the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Nestlé has recalled a range of their SMA infant formulas and follow-on formulas due to the possible presence of cereulide.To discuss this move by Nestlé, Ciara is joined by Microbiologist and Lecturer in Allergen Management, Dr Orla Cahill.Image: Nestlé

Radio DJ and Presenter Suzanne Kane joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The UK government is considering the implementation of mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 as part of road safety measures. Should we follow suit here, and at what age should these tests be required from?Joining Ciara to discuss is Arthur Cummins, Ophthalmologist.

Stephen Miller, the US Homeland Security Advisor, spoke with Jake Tapper on CNN and said that Greenland should be part of the United States, and that it’s always been part of President Trump’s plan…Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in an interview that if the US invades Greenland, it will spell the end of NATO.Six European countries have rallied to support Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations".Where does that leave Europe, its stability and how robust is NATO?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is David Rennie, Geopolitics Editor with The Economist and Lin Mortensgaard from the Danish Institute for International Studies.

Many British Airways premium flyers will be unhappy from this week, as their Club Europe members will now not have an English Breakfast as part of their food options. Instead, they’ll be served a continental breakfast.Do you really care about what food you get on an airoplane? And why does plane food taste so different to food on the ground?Joining Ciara to discuss is Professor Charles Spence, Experimental Psychologist at the University of Oxford.

Coimisiún na Meán has said it is engaging with the European Commission over concerns that Elon Musk's AI tool Grok is being used to create sexually explicit images of women and children on X.But, does more need to be done?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin.

There has been a steady decline in part time weekend jobs, with a shift away from teenagers getting their first job at an early age. The decline of the ‘Saturday job’ means young people are no longer ready for work in the modern work environment.Henry McKean has been out asking the public about work, and joins Ciara to discuss.

As the next phase of Dublin's traffic plan is implemented this year, wider cycle lanes will be introduced - resulting in improvements for cyclists and a reduction in road space for cars. What impact will this have on traffic in the city?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Brian Caulfield, Trinity College Dublin Professor in Transportation and Damien O’Tuama, National Cycling Coordinator for the Irish Cycling Campaign.

From July, Ireland will host the EU Presidency. It’s reported that this will cost the state over 293 million euro. So, what exactly is the return on investment?  Joining Ciara to discuss the relevance of the EU presidency, the logistics of hosting it in Ireland and the massive security operation around was Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews and Conor Gallagher Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times. …

As sober socialising may be the goal for many in this month, as ‘Dry January’ takes hold, some couples are also opting for ‘Dry Weddings’. But what is the best way to cater for your guests at a dry wedding? Should you give them notice in advance?Joining Ciara Doherty with advice was Sarah Kenny, Wedding expert and owner of The Irish Wedding Blog

This week on Kids Clinic, Ciara Doherty, psychotherapist and author Iseult White.   and going to be discussing night terrors and how to deal with them not only for your children but for yourself too.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government's view was that it "never accepted the legitimacy of the Maduro regime", but has said he wants a peaceful transition to a democratic regime.  It’s as Nicolas Maduro appeared in court today after his weekend capture by US forces. He pleaded not guilty to charges. Joining Ciara Doherty with the latest and to discuss the implications of his ousting as president was Harriet Alexander  senior features reporter for The Times and The Sunday Times, based in New York, Dr Valesca Lima Assistant Professor of Politics at the School of Law and Government and researcher in Latin America  and Jerry McDermott is the owner of McDermott Realty Associates and former Sheriff of Norfolk County.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has started his 4 day official visit to China, his first since 2012 Earlier he met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and our reporter Emily Keegan is accompanying the Taoiseach on this visit she joined us from Beijing for the latest on the trip and what is on the agenda.

Ruben Amorim has been sacked after just 14 months in charge at Manchester United.  It follows Sunday’s draw at Leeds United, which leaves them 5th in the Premier League table. Why has he gone, and what now for the club? Sports journalist Daniel Hussey joined Ciara Doherty  to discuss