The Hard Shoulder

It was revealed on Friday that Netflix, already the world's biggest streaming service by market share, had agreed to buy Warner Bros Discovery's TV, film studios and HBO Max streaming division. But, why has there been some push back in Hollywood to the move? And why has US President Donald Trump said that there could be a problem over the deal?Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is US-based Entertainment & Business Correspondent for Reuters, Dawn Chmielewski.

A fire at a house in Co Offaly in which two people died was “designed to kill inhabitants” - this is according to the Justice Minister, Jim O’Callaghan.A murder investigation has been launched after the deaths of a woman and a child at a house on Castleview Park in Edenderry at around 7:45pm on Saturday.Joining Jonathan Healy to give the latest updates is Dublin Reporter from the Press Association, Grainne Ni Aodh, and to discuss gang violence, Paul Williams, Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent.

The nominees for the Golden Globes have been announced, with the event taking place on January 11th in Los Angeles. How did Ireland fare, and what kind of winners should we expect?Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd.

Trevor Deely was last seen 25 years ago today, walking home from a Christmas party in Dublin city centre. Answers are still being sought by his family, who believe there is more information about that night still out there…To discuss, Jonathan Healy is joined by Trevor’s brother, Mark Deely.

Women should be offered smaller portions than men at restaurants, that’s according to the head of the Government’s obesity programme in the UK…On Lunchtime Live, Professor Naveed Sattar said that menus should be adapted to include smaller versions of meals that contain fewer calories as a way of tackling obesity rates. Is that a sensible approach?Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Ballymaloe Cookery School Founder, Darina Allen.

An emergency meeting of the Oireachtas National Security Committee will be held this week to examine the sighting of drones near the flight path of Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy when he visited Dublin last week.Gardaí are investigating reports that an Irish navy ship spotted up to five drones operating near the flight path of the Ukrainian President's plane last Monday…Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell and Mark Price from the Irish Anti-War Movement join Jonathan Healy to discuss.

This week, Jonathan Healy was joined by Eimear Hallihan from Red FM and Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Comedian Russell Howard joins Jonathan Healy to talk about his upcoming tour: ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’!

Quiet quitting, or in other words - doing the bare minimum required of a job or task and putting in no more time, effort or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary, is all the rage in 2025.But, should we quietly quit at Christmas time?Should we just take a massive step back and enjoy the festivities for what they are?Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss this is Irish Times Columnist and Host of the Conversations with Parents podcast, Jen Hogan, as well as Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of the Early Edition podcast from The Irish Times.

The deadline for the Children’s Hospital has now been broken for a 16th time…Will it ever be finished?Paul Davis is a Lecturer in Public Procurement in DCU, and joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.Image: Sky Sports

Taxi Drivers Ireland have announced a suspension of their 6-day national shutdown protest “pending the outcome of a meeting at Government Buildings scheduled for next week”.The protest comes at one of the busiest times of the year for drivers and users as we approach the Christmas period.Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss this is Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, as well as taxi drivers.

The Grinch has stolen Christmas on tonight's Late Late Toy Show. But what are the big toys this Christmas? Henry McKean went backstage and met Patrick Kielty and visited the toy shop Nimble Fingers where it all started 50 years ago today…

Ireland has signed a formal agreement with Australia social media regulators to study its social media ban for under 16s. This comes after a recent study by the RCSI found that body dissatisfaction and sexting are strongly associated with poorer mental health and increased risk of self-harm among Irish teenagers.Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Irish Independent’s Tech Editor, Adrian Weckler.

Chef Louise Lennox and Mairead Carty are both parents in Greystones whose children are still awaiting school places, despite repeated calls for a change to the system, which they say is simply not working...  They join Jonathan Healy to discuss their situation.

Shifting demographics and mass migration to the eastern seaboard of the island represents an “existential threat” to the GAA.That’s the warning from National Demographics Committee chairman Benny Hurl who painted a concerning picture at the launch of the GAA’s report on the issue.With 78% of GAA clubs located in areas with “declining populations” this complex issue may spell trouble for the future of our national sports.Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss this is Jamesie O’Connor, former All Ireland winner with Clare and former GAA President, Nickey Brennan.

You may not have the time or energy to take care of a pet throughout the year, but what about offering temporary respite to an animal in need over the holidays?The newly formed National SPCA is launching it's annual fostering appeal to help clear out the shelters this festive season. Newstalk's Sarah Madden meets some of the good girls and boys looking for the gift of a foster home this Christmas.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Ballet Dancer and Teacher, Monica Loughman, joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Israel will officially be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ has reaffirmed that they will not be taking part over Israel's participation.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest updates is Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent.

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.The situation in Gaza and all of Palestine has continued to dominate the headlines this year. How have things changed, and what does the future look like?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Reham Mahdi Al Jarrah, Christian Aid Ireland’s Local Partner in Gaza, Women’s Affairs Centre.

You may have noticed those around you getting sick this winter season – maybe you have been sick yourself?So, what are your rights, especially as we’re being hit hard by the flu season?Caroline Reidy is Managing Director of The Hr Suite, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva, which started today.Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten to boycott next year’s event in Austria.It’s crunch time for the Eurovision Song Contest - can it survive?Joining Ciara to discuss is Zoe Lawlor, Chair of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Frank Dermody, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club.

One of the biggest questions facing people today is what to do with your spare time, and how to make the most of it. Some influencers online urge people to wake up extra early and get to work either exercising, or on some side hustle to monetise their free time. But is this sustainable, or does it only lead to burnout?Joining Ciara to discuss is Health Scientist and Sleep Expert, Tom Coleman.

According to a recent Red C poll commissioned for Mayo Social by Sage Advocacy, only one in 12 people want to live in a nursing home when they’re older, while over 90% of people said housing with support for older people is urgently needed.To chat more about this, Ciara is joined by Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs with Age Action, Camille Loftus, and Mayo Social Supporter and former Sage Advocacy CEO, Mervyn Taylor.

Google has revealed the top things Irish people have searched this year, from Storm Éowyn to ‘67’, what do our searches indicate about who we are as a nation?Joining Ciara to discuss is Olytico’s Stephen O’Leary.

The Department of Education was before the Oireachtas Education Committee today in relation to the teacher recruitment crisis in Irish schools.To chat more about what was discussed, Ciara is joined by Cathaoirleach of the committee, Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe, and Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies, Paul Crone.

The Government has launched the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report.The plan, which will include 30 actions to aid, speeding up, and delivering critical infrastructure, is part of the Government’s attempt to keep pace with the demands of economic and population growth in Ireland.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.

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 to pass wind, discreetly!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how artists are expressing serious concerns about AI music - and what the issue exactly is...

Ahead of his upcoming show 'The Son of a Carpenter' at the 3Arena on Sunday, December 14th, Comedian, actor and Writer, Jim Jefferies, 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, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Christmas Markets!

President Volodymir Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their steadfast support of Ukraine and “not losing faith in us” as he addressed the Dáil today as part of his first official state visit to Ireland.His speech comes at a time of huge importance for his country as a potential peace deal edges closer nearly four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country…Joining Ciara Doherty to give their reactions is Tom McEnaney, Media Consultant and Founder of Effective Aid Ukraine, Luba Healy, Ukrainian living in Ireland for 25 years and charity founder and Adi Roche, Founder and Voluntary CEO of Chernobyl Children International.

TV Presenter Karen Koster joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The Irish Farmers Association has raised serious concerns after the European Commission moved to recall Brazilian beef products which had been imported into the European Union.The beef was found to have contained hormones which are banned across the EU. The beef product made its way into a number of countries including Britain and Northern Ireland.It comes as the debate continues in Europe over the introduction of the Mecosur Trade Deal…Ciara Doherty is joined by IFA President Francie Gorman to discuss…

The state visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been taking place today, coming as the US tries to broker a ceasefire.Zelenskyy has also been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil this afternoon.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the key takeaways so far…

Have rom-coms lost their magic? Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who starred as Sam in Love Actually, seems to think so. As he says they are from a bygone era in cinema. Is he right?Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd.

You won't be seeing or hearing the iconic ‘Holidays are Coming’ Coca-Cola ad on your screens this Christmas! The company has decided to make a new version with AI generation to replace the classic.But, why would a brand like Coca-Cola use AI for advertising, and is this a trend?Joining Ciara to discuss is Brand Strategist at Neworld, Kerry Matzelle.Image: Coca-Cola

A new and potent strain of flu is taking hold across the country, with the HSE urging people to get vaccinated before Christmas.The increase in cases means the health service could be under sustained pressure in the coming weeks.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Monaghan-based GP, Illona Duffy.

The Petitions Committee is considering a petition to ban election posters in Ireland. Do you think it would be a good idea - whether for environmental reasons, or simply being an eyesore?Newstalk's Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Former US President Bill Clinton visited Dublin 30 years ago. What was the significance of this visit? Did this signal a peak in US and Irish relations still being felt today?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Mark Little, Broadcaster and Tech Entrepreneur, who was RTÉ’s Washington Correspondent in 1995 when Clinton was here and Northern Ireland Journalist Eamonn Mallie.

Advertisements have recently appeared on the New York subway, offering would-be parents the chance to “genetically optimise” their future babies. So, what would this genetic modification involve, and would it be ethical to do?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Professor of Medical Genetics at UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, and Consultant Clinical Geneticist, Andrew Green.

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Dr Elaine McCarthy, Senior Child and Educational Psychologist, to discuss what to do if your child has an emotional outburst after getting home from school…

Doctors have described the number of children presenting with brain injuries due to e-scooter accidents as “alarming”.There are ongoing calls for better implementation of regulations around the use of e-scooters and one of those looking for more restrictions is Dublin City Councillor for the South Inner-City Danny Byrne. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Tomorrow, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky will make his first official visit to the state alongside his wife and first lady Olena.Elsewhere, protests are due to take place this evening over the controversy surrounding proposals to rename Herzog Park.Joining Ciara to discuss all is Christina Finn, Political Editor with the journal.ie and Donnacha O'Beachain, Professor of Politics at DCU.

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it.On the 10th of September this year, the American conservative media personality Charlie Kirk was shot in the neck while addressing a crowd on the campus of Utah Valley University…Joining Ciara Doherty to look back is Eva Terry, a Reporter with Deseret News, who was in the crowd covering Charlie Kirk’s visit to Utah, and witnessed his killing.

The Government has announced a new plan to combat declining spend by visitors.Peter Burke is Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

A number of acts, including some headliners, have been announced for next year's Electric Picnic. It’s already sent social media into a frenzy, with Irish band Fontaines DC revealed as the headline for the Sunday night.To chat about the lineup, Ciara is joined by the Deputy Editor of Hot-Press Magazine, Stuart Clark, and from The Point of Everything podcast and the Irish Examiner, Eoghan O’Sullivan.

Diesel prices are up 4 cent a litre, and petrol up 2 cent in the last month according to the AA’s latest national fuel survey…So, with the increases are they ways you can get more bang for your buck and reduce your fuel usage?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent.

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…