The Hard Shoulder

Whether it’s a light bulb moment in the shower, to a eureka moment on the loo, why do we do our best thinking in the bathroom?Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin joins Ciara and Shane to discuss!

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action…

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae joins Shane to discuss the current situation with the national fuel protest…

Protesters are continuing to block fuel sites this afternoon in Cork, Limerick and Galway as fuel price protests are on day three.Ciara and Shane are joined by Newstalk Reporters across the country to hear the situation on the ground, and are joined to discuss by Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association and Richard O’Donoghue is an Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County.

A campaign calling for postnatal care to be extended for up to a year for new mothers, with a focus on regular check-ups, mental health screenings and access to physical recovery services.Maternal health advocate and Founder of the ‘Year of Care Campaign, Aolish Gormley, joins Ciara to discuss…

The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, and the CEO of the HSE, Anne O’Connor, have called for all approaches to medical facilities to be kept clear for emergency service access, for medical appointments and to ensure staff can get to work and treat their patients.The Minister joins Ciara to discuss…

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform & Digitalisation, Jack Chambers, joins Ciara and Shane to discuss today’s national fuel protest, as well as whether or not we should introduce nuclear energy production to the country.

The Artemis II astronauts are returning home after conducting a historic lunar fly-by, which took them further from Earth than any humans have ever been.For more on what’s to come, Shane is joined by Space Commentator, Leo Enright…Image: NASA

The Cabinet is actively discussing a potential review of our country’s ban on nuclear power, according to reporting by the Business Post. A number of Senior Ministers, including Jack Chambers and James Lawless, have expressed their openness for the ban to be reviewed. Denis Duff is a Chartered Engineer and Co-Founder of 18 for 0, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Kanye West, also known as Ye’s permission to travel to the UK this summer has been blocked by the government. The artist was set to travel to the UK to headline the Wireless festival in London. He has been heavily criticised in ⁠the past for antisemitic remarks and celebrating Nazism…For more on this, Ciara is joined by Vincent McAviney, London-based Journalist.

If you are a coffee drinker, you may always be seeking to recreate that perfect cup of coffee just like the one you get from your favourite café. But, how should you go about doing it, and what actually goes into creating the perfect cup of coffee?James McCormack is CEO of the Dublin Barista School, and joins Shane and Ciara to discuss.

The country is continuing to experience a national gridlock due to a national fuel protest taking place today over spiraling diesel, petrol and home heating oil prices due to the war on Iran…Currently, O’Connell Street in Dublin is closed due to protesting vehicles parked there, blocking main routes for commuters and public transport.For the Government reaction to this, Ciara is joined by Naoise Ó Cearúil, Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North.

“A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again”.Those were the words earlier today of the sitting US President Donald Trump on Truth Social as he threatened significant attacks on Iran tonight should a ceasefire deal not be reached. The President has set a deadline of 8pm eastern time in the US, 1am here, for that deal before attacks would start, which would see every bridge and power plant in the country rendered inoperable just four hours later…Steven Erlanger is the Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe for the New York Times, and joins Shane to discuss.Image: Reuters

Parents around the world are worried about their kids' screentime, and for some, they feel they have the solution: the landline.Many of our kids won’t know what a landline is if they saw one, but is it time to reintroduce this old technology?Esther McCarthy is Weekend Columnist with the Irish Examiner, and joins Ciara and Shane to discuss.

The National Botanic Gardens, in Kilmacurragh Co Wicklow have erected a sign warning dog owners to change their behavior or dogs will be banned in the gardens.The sign explains that due to the ongoing problems with dogs off leads and dog waste that dogs may be banned within the next year. Should more public spaces be dog-free?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Columnist and Broadcaster, Brenda Power.

Frontline Garda numbers have fallen by nearly 600 and one in 10 stations are now left unmanned.For more on this, Shane is joined by Stephen Moore, Founder of Out of Blue Training & Matt Carthy, Sinn Fein’s Spokesperson on Justice.

The country is experiencing a national gridlock due to a national fuel protest taking place today over spiraling diesel, petrol and home heating oil prices due to the war on Iran.Trucks and tractors are continuing to arrive in Dublin city centre after taking off from sites around the country, parking on O’Connell Street.Joining Shane to discuss and give the latest updates is Blake Boland from Dublin Bus Ellen Butler, Newstalk Reporter and James Geoghan, Spokesperson for the Fuels Protest.

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

Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that the way to prevent seagulls from stealing your food is to stick googly eyes on your food packaging!Joining Ciara to discuss is Niall Hatch, Head of Communications at Birdwatch Ireland.

AIB is warning people about a new rental scam where criminals pose as landlords on legitimate letting websites and ask for deposit payments to secure a property viewing that doesn’t actually exist, or is unavailable to rent…The viewing is linked to a fake or compromised online property listing where the customer is directed to enter card or online details to authorise the payment.What can renters do to prevent being scammed? Shane is joined by Cat Clarke, Campaigns Officer with Threshold to discuss.

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action ahead of Easter…

Talking Bollox’s Terence Power joins Ciara for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The US President Donald Trump has said that the United States are “on the cusp” of ending the war in Iran.So, what has the American reaction been to his State of the Union address, and what is Trump’s plan to end the war?Joining Shane to discuss is Michael Graham, Managing Editor of InsideSources, a national news outlet based in Washington DC.

The fear of electricity blackouts has prompted Irish authorities to set down new protocols for data centre operators, as the expansion is expected to increase the sector’s electricity demand to 30% in the next five years. What is the correct protocol in the event of blackouts?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Liam Ryan, Chief Transformation & Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid.

As the war in the Middle East pushes up fuel prices across the globe, concern is growing about the potential impacts on the tourism industry here, should overseas visitors decide to stay at home. But, just what is the industry expecting? And are more staycations on the cards for this year?Joining Shane to discuss is Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of Aillwee Burren Experience.

Today is World Autism Day, and a new report from AsIAm has found that seven in ten autistic people and families say that autism misinformation is rising in Ireland and has increased in the last year…For more on this, Shane is joined by the charity’s CEO, Adam Harris…

Over 130,000 at-home STI testing kits were ordered and dispatched by the HSE last year. It’s an increase of about four thousand tests compared to 2024, and shows continuing increases in demand since the kits were introduced in 2022.For more, we’re joined now by Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan.  Emily, what else do the figures tell us?

Croke Park has been confirmed as the venue for an August 12th friendly between Manchester United and Leeds United.With the teams both massive rivals, what will it mean for fans and residents in the area?Joining Ciara to discuss is Janet Horner, Dublin North Inner City Councillor and Cathaoirleach for The Green Party and Ciaran Bradley, Newstalk’s Digital Editor and Man U fan.

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 name a pet!

Broadcaster, Meghann Scully is the host of the Newstalk podcast ‘28 Ways to Save the World’. The 28th and final episode of the series will air this bank holiday weekend going live on GoLoud on Friday and airing on Newstalk on Easter Sunday.Meghann joins Shane to discuss the journey!

New dark comedy The ‘Burbs launches on Sky and NOW tonight. It is based on the 1989 comedy movie of the same name, which starred Tom Hanks. This time round it is British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall who leads the series along with Keke Palmer, whose worlds are upended when a new neighbour moves in across the road from the young couple.Jack Whitehall joins to discuss this, and his upcoming hosting of SNL UK!

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action…

Iran's foreign ministry has dismissed Donald Trump's claim that Tehran asked for a ceasefire, calling it "false and baseless".Earlier today, he took to Truth Social to say the Iranian "president" had asked for a ceasefire.Ciara is joined by David Blevins, US Correspondent with Sky News, to discuss.Image: Reuters

A bill which will recognise the loss of pregnancy under road traffic legislation has been submitted to the Dáil, following a campaign by Saoirse Aylward who was thirty one weeks pregnant with her son when she was involved in a car crash.Her son Jax was subsequently stillborn following an emergency c-section. The bill going to the Dáil will be named ‘Jax’s Law’ in memory of Jax, and Saoirse joins Shane to discuss.

As the price of oil continues to soar, could travel firms demand additional payments for packages for breaks that holiday makers have already purchased?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has announced a new direct flight from Dublin to Shanghai. Is this poor timing, and what is the current impact the war in Iran has on tourism?He joins Shane to discuss this and more.

A Limerick county Councillor has sparked frustration after suggesting some of the region’s potholes be given “heritage status”.Independent Councillor Patsy Clancy says the idea of “Pothole Protection Zones” is aimed at highlighting what he calls the ongoing neglect of rural roads.He joins Ciara to discuss.

With rising fuel prices, despite Government subsidies, still impacting pockets - it might be time to rethink how you get around. If public transport was free, would you be more likely to take it over the car?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out asking the public, and joins Shane 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 and Shane to give the ultimate guide to cruise holidays!

The Government is being urged to provide free sanitary products across all secondary schools in an aim to combat period poverty…Joining Ciara to discuss this is Labour’s Spokesperson on Health, Marie Sherlock.

The Government has defended its decision to increase school bus charges from next September.This increase will see transport fees double for primary school children and increase by a third for post primary, bringing them both up to a cost of €100 per child.We are also seeing the reintroduction of exam fees for Junior and Leaving Cert students...Joining Shane to discuss is Darren O’Rourke, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Education and Youth, and TD for Meath East.

Columnist and Broadcaster Brenda Power joins Ciara and Shane to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Martina and Ammi Burke have been arrested on foot of a court order at Castlerea Prison this afternoon. An immediate order to arrest them was made 4 weeks ago after they had been found in contempt of court.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Conor Lally, Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times.

Yesterday the Israeli parliament passed new legislation making the death penalty legal for Palestinians convicted by Israeli military and criminal courts of deadly terror attacks. The new law was spearheaded by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who celebrated the passage of the law with champagne.Felix Tamsut is a Journalist with Deutsche Welle who is in Israel at the moment and joins Shane to take a look at the law, and what the reaction in Israel has been to its passing…Image: Reuters

Earlier today, the COVID-19 Evaluation Roundtable convened, where global health experts assessed Ireland’s management and experience of the pandemic to learn for the future.The evaluation is headed by Professor Anne Scott, with former World Health Organization deputy director Dr Mike Ryan in attendance, as well as experts from Sweden and the UK.One of those in attendance was Professor Mark Woolhouse, who is Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at the University of Edinburgh, who advised the UK and Scottish governments during the pandemic, and joins Ciara to discuss.

We don’t need to ban e-scooters. We need to start planning for them.So writes Sadhbh O’Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher, who joins Shane to discuss.

A national analysis of GP shortages shows concerning patterns of workforce pressures on the Dublin commuter belt, and on the western seaboard, according to the Irish College of GPs. It is an issue that many of you may have come across in your own localities…Joining Ciara to discuss what GPs would like to see done to combat this increased pressure is Ciarán Ó Fearraigh, Donegal-based GP and member of the ICGP.

Farmers are warning that there will be a shortage of eggs if the price they sell them for does not increase. The IFA has said that demand has outstripped supply, and that farmers should be paid more for eggs.Newstalk’s Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss.

An independent review of Ireland’s handling of the Covid pandemic was broadcast live for the first time this morning.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte went along to the roundtable discussion, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The annual Ireland Gateway To Europe trip to the US has announced it will return in 2026.Now in its 15th year, it comprises an annual mission of 50 business leaders and Irish media to the US, including Newstalk!Adie McGinnis is Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment and one of the Founders of Ireland Gateway to Europe and Deborah Kelly, Partner and Head of Corporate at Addleshaw Goddard join Ciara and Shane to look ahead on what you can expect…