The Hard Shoulder

Cold conditions are expected to continue overnight, with further weather warnings issued around the country. There were a large number of schools closed today across the North West region in particular, and there are some concerns that closures may continue.  Ciara Doherty was joined by a Meteorologist with Met Eireann, Liz Walsh, and Independent Councillor for Donegal County Council, Niamh Kennedy.

According to business group IBAL, coffee cups are the most commonly found litter and questions whether reusable cup schemes are working. To discuss the issue Ciara Doherty was joined by Colin O’Byrne, of VOICE Ireland, and Will Monaghan, owner of One Society on Gardner St.

This week Emmet Oliver was joined by Saoirse Hanley Irish Independent columnist and Niamh O’Reilly to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

An Irish hospital has been trialling an AI tool that will allow cancer patients to report their symptoms via their phone.  The tool, developed by Irish company eAltra, gives medical teams the chance to assess the needs, concerns and health of patients in advance of their arrival at their appointment and also decide if they are suitable for treatment such as chemotherapy on the day or whether it is to be postponed.  Denis Roche founder of eAltra  joined Emmet Olilver to discuss

In  the wake of the long-awaited finale of Stranger Things finally dropping on Netflix you may have seen a storm of negative reaction to the ending online. From How I met Your Mother to the infamous final season of Game of Thrones, this has become a bit of a trend, but why do we never seem satisfied with the endings of our favourite shows?Are these endings really as bad as the online conversation would have us believe and are there any universally satisfying endings? Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Olivia Fahy

Off The Ball's Cameron Hill joined Emmet Oliver on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

Before Christmas, flu cases were surging, with more than 3,500 confirmed cases reported. That figure has since fallen, with 1,777 cases confirmed in the most recent week. While the numbers may have plateaued, health officials are warning that pressures on the system are likely to continue in the weeks following Christmas.To discuss this further among other issues that the country is facing, Emmet Oliver was joined by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Joining Emmet Oliver was Architect Dermot Bannon ahead of the new season of Room to Improve, which airs Sundays at 9:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

1 year on from the opening of Irelands first medically supervised injection centre, Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland joined Emmet Oliver now to discuss the importance of it and other services provided by Merchants Quay.  

Temperatures are set to plunge over the weekend with a status Yellow weather warning in place around the country, while some counties could see some snowTo give us the latest on what we can expect from the weather Emmet Oliver was joined by founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel Cathal Nolan  and by Brenda Bolger of Bolger’s Motoring School,

Justice Minister Jim O’ Callaghan has recently secured Government approval to publish the Criminal Law and Civil Law Bill 2025. One of the provisions within this bill would oblige the courts to consider a community service order in lieu of a prison sentence of up to 24 months' duration.We know our prisons are facing significant overcrowding, so could a wider use of community service ease this situation?To discuss, Emmet Oliver was joined by  Aontu leader Peadar Toibin and Former Mountjoy Governor John Lonergan.

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 Ljubljana in Slovenia!

Writer and Broadcaster Maia Dunphy joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As people gear up for the fun and festivities of Christmas, the special day also comes with a number of dangers that people need to be aware of. To chat about some of these Christmas threats, Ciara is joined by Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Columnist with the Irish Medical Times, Dr Chris Luke.

Following the publication of the Criminal Law and Civil Law yesterday, the Government has set out plans to address criminality. Some of the focus has been placed on the disclosure of counselling records in sexual assault trials, and measures to address overcrowding in prisons.To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail, Paul Lawless, Aontú TD for Mayo, and Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director with Rape Crisis Network Ireland.

As we enter the Christmas period, people tend to come into contact with a lot of wildlife, whether that’s out on a walk, or maybe around your home.Joining Ciara to discuss whether you should do anything to help them is Zoologist and Ecologist with Wildlife West Rescue, Alex Muschketat.

US President Donald Trump has said that the United States needs Greenland for “national security” after his appointment of a special envoy to the Danish arctic island triggered a new spat with Copenhagen.Joining Ciara to discuss is Dan Mulhall, Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.Image: Reuters

Irish Rail’s Christmas schedule adds late night services for revellers.Irish Rail will operate on a reduced schedule from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, some extra services have been added for this weekend for any Christmas party goers.The question is: should late night services be run all year?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s night-time economy advisor, Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Iarnrod Eireann and Feljin Jose Dublin City Councillor for Phibsborough, Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Cabra and Ashtown, Green Party Spokesperson for Transport.

9-year-old Harry McCormack, was born with half a heart, and he is trying to raise funds for Crumlin hospital, as well as its staff who give up Christmas for sick kids.Ciara is joined by Harry himself, his Mum Leanne and his Dad Keith to discuss.If you would like to donate, you can visit childrenshealth.ie.

The Muppet Show returns to Disney+ with the gang back on stage for a one-off special streaming from February 4th, featuring singer Sabrina Carpenter. But, what is it about the Muppets that has lasted the test of time?Joining Ciara to discuss is Sarah Maria Griffin, author of Eat the Ones You Love.Image: Disney

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss supporting your child over Christmas. In all the fun and celebrations of the season, it may be easy to overlook the impact that changes that have happened over the year can have on children when the day comes, whether that be family bereavement or separation…

Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for hits including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, has died at the age of 74, a spokesperson for his family has said.To discuss the legacy he leaves behind, Ciara is joined by Entertainment Journalist, Sarina Bellissimo.

Flu cases are expected to peak this week as Ireland enters the Christmas period amid already intense pressure on hospitals and emergency departments. The HSE  is urging caution as influenza, RSV and COVID-19 circulate.Joining Ciara to discuss is GP, Dr Maire Finn and Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases at the WHO.

The amount of income we save rather than spend rose to 13.8% last year and is expected to be close to 15% this year. But, what is the psychology behind saving, and why are Irish people so good at it? Joining Ciara to discuss is Dr Anne Keogh, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Council Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

The Government has announced a new €400 million funding initiative to deliver new homes. This doubles the amount allocated towards the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which was first announced in 2023.So, will all of this make a significant difference? And are steps being made in the right direction? Joining Ciara to discuss is Property Developer, Michael O’Flynn.

A new report has said Dublin is the 11th most congested city in the world.Dublin city was described as one of the “big movers” in 2025, having risen four places from the 15th spot in the global congestion rankings.In Ireland, approximately 80% of the population over 18 holds a driving license, and nearly three-quarters of all journeys are made by car. But why do we love the car so much?Is it just in our nature to learn how to drive and own a car?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Historian and Journalist Ronan McGreevy, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Ger Herbert and Environmentalist and Architect, Duncan Stewart.

This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

After a surprise Donald Trump U-turn, the Epstein files are due to be released later today, which include tens of thousands of documents relating to criminal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.68 photos were pre-emptively released by Democrats in Congress. Some of those featured in the newly released images include former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, billionaire Bill Gates, Director Woody Allen and talk show host Dick Cavett.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Anthony Zurcher, BBC’s North America Correspondent.

Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the preparation you can do to make sure Christmas dinner goes off without a hitch!

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.Image: Tudum

EU leaders have pledged a €90 billion loan for Ukraine to meet urgent financial needs, but failed to agree on the preferred option for securing that loan against Russia’s frozen assets in the bloc.For more on the implications of this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Sean Bell, former fighter pilot, military analyst and Co-Founder of Red Matrix Productions.

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years. You, the listener, have been voting for who you think are the most influential people that moved us and inspired us as part of Newstalk's 25 of 25. And you have picked your winner for best trailblazer!Joining Ciara to discuss the results is Saoirse Hanley, Writer for The Irish Independent and Fergus Finlay, former CEO of Barnados and Columnist for the Irish Examiner.

With burglaries peaking over the festive season, a new national survey reveals that the impact of a break-in goes far beyond lost valuables.The research shows that almost half of victims feel unsafe in their own homes afterwards, and a significant number experience long-lasting anxiety, sleep disruption, and hyper-vigilance.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Mick Comerford from AXA Ireland and Dr. Emelina Elis from Laya Healthcare.

Actress Kate Wins­let has revealed she has to “pick the time of day” she vis­its the super­mar­ket dur­ing the fest­ive sea­son to avoid mums and daugh­ters who want to talk about ‘The Hol­i­day’. So, as Kate ducks and dives, the rest of us will be proudly doing the best shop of the year, the big Christmas grocery shop. But, what are the essential indulgences on that shopping list?Joining Ciara to discuss is Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie, JP McMahon, Chef, Restauranteur & Author and Sinead Ryan, Consumer Columnist with the Irish Independent and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

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…

Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment Agency (IDA) are reporting growth for this year, as their end of year results come out.But, is everything rosy with the Irish economy?  And what are the real prospects moving forward?Fergal O’Rourke is Chair of the IDA, and joins Ciara to discuss…

As the Dáil finishes up for Christmas today, it seems like the right time to look back at the key political moments of the year.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor of the Irish Independent and Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent for The Irish Daily Mail.

Teachers in England are to be trained to spot early signs of misogyny in boys and teach them the difference between pornography and real relationships.To discuss this, and whether it’s something that should be considered for Irish schools, Ciara is joined by Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Clinical Director of Therapy Institute and author of ‘Home is Where the Start Is’ and Padraig Curley, President of the ASTI.

Caredoc’s Out of Hours GP services in Carlow, Kilkenny, south Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and south Wicklow, will not be operating from 6pm this evening as strike action is underway.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Anne Marie Walsh, Industry Correspondent with The Irish Independent and Dr Brendan O’Shea, Kildare GP & Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin.

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years. You, the listener, have been voting for who you think are the most influential people that moved us and inspired us as part of Newstalk's 25 of 25. And you have picked your winner for best author!Joining Ciara to discuss the results is (spoilers!) acclaimed author Roddy Doyle.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday it would be "premature" for the European Union to sign a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc of Latin American countries. It’s expected that the deal will lead to a flood of important beef products entering the EU market.To discuss, Ciara is joined by Independent Ireland MEP, Ciaran Mullooly.

Despite previous plans to do so, the Government has now announced that they will no longer be disbanding the RSA. Their original decision followed an independent external review, however their U-turn has left a number of groups disappointed, as they consider the organisation not fit for purpose.To discuss this further, Ciara is joined by Chairperson of road safety group PARC, Susan Grey, and Shane O’Donoghue, of Completecar.ie.

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 avoid arguments around Christmas!

An effort to ban fox hunting in Ireland will be voted down in the Dáil later today, which is seen by some to be a step back in animal welfare. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin are all set to oppose the ban.To discuss this decision, Ciara Doherty is joined by Independent Minister of State, Michael Healy Rae.

How well are you aware of the threat posed by some of the toxic cleaning products in your home?To highlight some of the dangers, Ciara is joined by Consultant in Emergency Medicine in the West, Dr Lisa Cunningham.

Following on from Minister Norma Foley’s announcement of the new Action Plan for Childcare,Ciara is joined by Regina Bushell, Chair of Seas Suas, a representative group for independent childcare providers, to give her reaction to it.

It's time for a Christmas Kidstalk! Henry McKean met the boys and girls from South City Community National School Dublin to hear how excited they are for the festive season…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how the National Broadplan Plan is nearing completion, and how it impacts rural Ireland.

Minister for Children Norma Foley has launched the Action Plan on Childcare.Phase one of the plan includes increases to the income limit for the National Childcare Scheme, and a consultation aimed at reducing the cost of childcare to €200 per child per month in the lifetime of this Government.The Minister joins Ciara Doherty to discuss more…

Over the last twenty-five years, Ireland has changed. Our voices got louder. Our culture reached further, and some extraordinary people helped shape it all. From trailblazers in the arts and social change, to leaders in sport, music and on the big screen, we’re counting down the most influential Irish people of the last 25 years. You, the listener, have been voting for who you think are the most influential people that moved us and inspired us as part of Newstalk's 25 of 25. And you have picked your winner for best sportsperson!Joining Ciara to discuss the results is Kieran Cunningham, Sports Journalist, Cameron Hill from Off The Ball and Lisa Fallon UEFA Pro Licence Football Coach, currently working with FIFA in their Global Football Development Division.