The Hard Shoulder

Former Garda Superintendent Denis Whelan spoke to the Irish Independent about issues he observed in An Garda Síochána and said that “an environment has been created where gardaí are working with one arm tied behind their back”Whelan stressed that he has nothing personal against former commissioner Drew Harris but he said Harris’ seven-year term had a negative impact on policing in this country.  Joining Shane and Ciara discuss is General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association Ronan Slevin  

All across movies, books and television, we see the importance of and love in female friendships. These friendships are absolutely central in most women’s lives but they also change drastically over time. It’s very different making and maintaining friendships in school or college to as an adult once work and families start becoming busier.  Joining Shane and Ciara to discuss the wonderful, stressful and occasionally embarrassing things about female friendships is Features Writer with the Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley and Lifestyle Editor at the Irish Examiner Esther McCarthy  

As the weather starts to improve, Dublin City's most popular social locations Drury Street, is already seeing a big increase in the number of people drinking publicly on the street throughout the week, but especially on the weekend. With Public Drinking an offence under local laws, more should be done to combat those engaging in this behaviour. Or does it encourage a vibrant atmosphere in the city ? Joining Shane and Ciara was Mannix Flynn Independent Councillor Dublin City Council  

A pilot and co-pilot have been killed after an Air Canada passenger plane carrying 76 people collided with a fire engine on a runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York.Harriet Alexander, Senior Features Writer for the Daily Mail based in New York joins Shane to discuss.Image: Reuters

The Construction Industry Federation has warned that the continuing rise in fuel prices could translate to increased construction costs in the coming months. It is yet another sector that is seeing price rises as a result of the war in Iran, with many raw materials in the industry produced from fuel intensive processes.Andrew Brownlee is the CEO of the Construction Industry Federation, and joins Ciara to discuss.

This weekend, the clocks will spring forward one hour leading to the bi-annual question: should we still be doing it? And why on earth do we do it in the first place? Sean Kelly, Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South joins Shane to discuss…

For this week’s Kids Clinic, Ciara and Shane are joined by Teresa Foley, Paediatric Occupational Therapist to discuss the important developmental milestones your child should have, beyond the basics of walking and talking.

Gardaí are looking to question a number of men and women in connection with a savage attack on a young mother, in Co Tipperary, last Saturday.For more on this, Ciara is joined by David Raleigh, Freelance Journalist…

U.S. President Donald Trump has backpedalled on his threat to strike Iranian energy infrastructure. In early morning U.S. time in an all-caps post the President said the U.S. has had very good and productive conversations with Iran over resolving the conflict. He had previously set a deadline of just before midnight Irish time for the country to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before he would begin strikes…Sean Bell, former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst, and Co-Host of ‘The Red Matrix’ podcast joins Shane to discuss.Image: Reuters

How much would you be willing to pay for a 99 ice cream? With the weather improving, people have noticed one costing as much as €4.50!Josh Crosbie has been investigating the prices of these sweet treats, and joins to discuss.

A leaders meeting is taking place this evening so senior Government figures can sign off on measures to alleviate some of the rising energy and fuel costs as a result of the war in the Middle East.Measures on the table today reportedly include a tax rebate scheme for hauliers, a double fuel allowance payment and a reduction in excise duty to cut fuel prices at the pumps.Joining Shane to discuss these measures and the impact they could have on the economy is Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, Louise Burne and Economist Austin Hughes.

Posh parents are spoiling the Hot School Meals scheme for the plain people of Ireland…So wrote Fionnán Sheahan in today’s Irish Independent, but is this the case?Shane Loftus, Principal of Our Lady Immaculate School in Darndale joins Shane to discuss…

This week, Ciara and Shane were 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…

Last Sunday night was a spectacular night for Ireland at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles with two wins. One was for first-time winner Jessie Buckley, of course for her role in Hamnet, and then the man who completed the hat trick, now three time Oscar winner: Richard Baneham. Initially hailing from Tallaght and via Ballyfermot College to Hollywood, his work on the three Avatar movies has left him three wins from three nominations at the Academy Awards.He joins Shane from Los Angeles to discuss his success.

What is the best way to financially help your child in today's economy? Is it making sure they stay debt free while they pay college fees, putting money aside as they start out on their career paths or is it helping them later in life with money towards a down payment?Well, joining us to discuss this is financial adviser, Padraic Kissane.

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 weekend’s action…

Dublin City Council is considering a tourist tax of up to €5 per night for visitors - would it be a good idea?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra.ie and Paris-based Journalist, Elaine Cobbe.

The House of Lords has passed an amendment to the UK Crime and Policing Bill which was proposed by former DUP leader Arlene Foster that would criminalise saying “Up the Ra”.Joining Shane to discuss is of Brian Warfield, of The Wolfe Tones…

As the war in the Middle East escalates, the International Energy Agency is calling on governments to take measures to reduce oil demand by pushing remote working, reducing speed limits and encouraging a shift towards public transport.To discuss Ciara is joined by Borzou Daragahi, Middle East Journalist and Analyst.

Cork City Council are planning on putting up posters with the slogan ‘Get your shit together’, with a dog covering the letter I. A local councillor says it will encourage young people to swear and curse.Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public if it’s a bad influence, and joins Ciara and Shane to discuss.

A civil case which was taken by three victims of IRA bombings against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has been dropped at the High Court in London. The judge had yesterday pressed the defence as to why the case should not be dropped before this morning’s developments.Mark Hennessy, Ireland and Britain Editor with The Irish Times joins Shane with the details…

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…

Tánaiste Simon Harris has confirmed the Government is looking at an "appropriate intervention" to address rising fuel costs, which will be finalised at Cabinet meeting, which is on Tuesday.Joining Ciara to discuss this is Dr Paul Deane, Senior Lecturer in Clean Energy futures at University College Cork and Michael Fitzmaurice Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon-Galway.Another fuel also being affected is aviation fuel, with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz potentially seeing supply shortages. Any shortages could lead to flight cancellations as soon as the Easter Holidays. Kevin Byrne, retired Lieutenant Colonel and Airport Safety & Security Auditor joins Shane to discuss.

Broadcaster, content creator and recent Dancing with the Stars finalist Eric Roberts joins Ciara and Shane for this week’s Thursday Interview!

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…

The war on Iran has turned the EU leaders’ Summit into an energy showdown as EU leaders met in Brussels today for the first time since the conflict in the Middle East began.At the summit, the Head of the United Nations says it’s high time for Israel and America to end the war with Iran. The impact of the war on energy prices overshadowed the gathering…Newstalk's Eamonn Torsney is in Brussels, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Eviction notices issued by landlords rose by 41% in the last three months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 according to the Residential Tenancies Board. This was ahead of the State’s new rental rules coming into effect on the first of this month.Joining Shane to discuss this is Michael Byrne, Associate Professor at UCD’s School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice and Author of Beyond Generation Rent and Conor Sheehan, Labour Spokesperson for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

New health guidelines in Russia will see women who do not want to have children referred to psychologists. This is in an effort to address a systemic demographic crisis where Russia, like a lot of the world, is seeing the birth rate fall.Ali Hall, From Life Without Children decided from a young age that she did not want children, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The Irish Road Haulage Association has said that the threat of immediate protest action is now “off the table” following a meeting this morning with Minister Darragh O’Brien. President of the Association Ger Hyland said he was satisfied that substantial supports that are going to be announced in the next week. But, will this stem the significant rise in fuel prices we are seeing at the pumps? And what form will this intervention take?Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and Minister for Transport joins Shane to discuss.

Demolition has started on an illegally built home in Meath after the council moved in to take control of the property yesterday.Joining Ciara with the latest updates is Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter.

Queen’s University Belfast students are voting on reintroducing Irish-language dual signage in the university’s students’ union following its removal almost 30 years ago.For more on this, Shane is joined by Jay Basra, Chair of the Young Unionists Society at Queen’s & Eoghan Ó Conghaile, a member of An Cumann Gaelach, the Irish language Society at Queen’s.

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 properly fold laundry!

An unapproved 'Epstein Files' float which appeared in three St Patrick's Day parades across Mayo and Galway yesterday has sparked outrage.The float contained performers portraying Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, Stephen Hawking, and several women, all in varying degrees of undress.On the float, what appears to be a sexual assault was acted out on a mattress.Well, joining me now to discuss this is Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.Rachel, what was your reaction when you saw this video?

Out from the shadows and onto the internet - Ireland's recovering addicts are taking to social media to share their stories. But are there downsides to vlogging daily life in rehab or is #recoverytok a treatment tool like any other?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams took the stand again today in the UK, where it is being alleged that he is liable for IRA bombs between 1973 and 1996. Three bombing victims from across the period allege that Adams was a leading member of the Provisional IRA at the times of the bombings and are seeking £1 in damages. Joining Shane to give the latest on the trial from today is Britain Editor at the Irish Times, Mark Hennessy.

A second outbreak of meningitis has hit a university in the UK. Canterbury Christ Church University confirmed that one of its students is now affected. Over the last few days there has been an outbreak at the University of Kent which has led to 20 cases and two deaths so far…Ciara is joined by Dr Brendan O’Shea, who is a Kildare GP and Assistant Adjuvant Professor in Public Health and Primary Care at Trinity College Dublin to explain how concerned we should be in Ireland about this outbreak, and what people can do to protect themselves.

A survey found that almost half of divorcees said that their partner's night-time snoring contributed to their break-up, with similar numbers saying it was a dealbreaker when dating. So, what is the solution?Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss is Frances Kelleher, Dating Expert and Life Coach.

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…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Shane to discuss Instagram’s decision to scrap end-to-end encryption with its private message service…

Israel says it has killed Iran’s Intelligence Minister, Esmail Khatib, in an overnight attack on Tehran. He had held multiple senior posts in the regime leadership. A number of retaliatory attacks from Iran have followed, including on Tel Aviv, where Journalist Paul Kearns currently is. He joins Shane to discuss.Image: Reuters

It has been estimated that more than a 100 million euro in damages has been caused by fires in waste sorting centres and bin lorries over the past three years.The Irish Waste Management Organisation says that there are growing concerns over vapes being discarded with household rubbish. This is all while Cork City Council are examining the number of vape shops opening in the city.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss.

Has the Tricolour lost the meaning that its creators intended? Should it be replaced?Joining Ciara to discuss is Conor D McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and party Spokesman on Rural Affairs, Community Development and an Ghaeltacht.

The Joint Committee on Transport this morning heard from residents surrounding Dublin Airport as part of its scrutiny of the Bill, which would see the passenger cap at Dublin Airport lifted. Last month, Cabinet approved the Bill, which would see the thirty two million passenger limit abolished, but residents remain concerned at how this is being done and the impact on them and their homes…Dr Niamh Maher of Saint Margarets The Ward Residents Group spoke to the Committee this morning, and joins Ciara to discuss.

With St Patrick’s Day tomorrow, how can you manage children around parades, especially if they have sensory issues?   Psychotherapist Iseult White joined us on the Hard Shoulder to discuss.

Gerry Adams was back in the High Court in London today for his civil trial, in which he is being sued by three victims of IRA bombings in England, who argue that he was “directly responsible” for IRA bombs between 1973 and 1996.  Gerry Adams denies this and all allegations being made against him. Enda Brady, London based Journalist joined Ciara Kelly on the show with the latest.

Last night Jessie Buckley bagged the best Actress Oscar, the first time an Irish woman has won in this category. Henry McKean was backstage at the Academy Awards, with Amy Madigan who won Best Supporting Actress and Tallaght man Richie Baneham winning his 3rd Oscar for Special Effects in Avatar. Henry sent us this report from the Hollywood Hills…

European countries have resisted Trump’s demand for help to clear the Strait of Hormuz. Shane Coleman was joined on the show by Sean Bell, Former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast.  

Following last night's historic win for actress Jessie Buckley who became the Country’s First Best Actress Oscar Winner for her performance in Hamnet, Ireland has joined in the Celebrations with President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheal Martin, both congratulating her on this achievement.   Jessie’s brother, Killian Buckley joined Shane Coleman on the show to discuss.

Why do we insist on fighting over who splits the bill in Ireland? Do we feel we are doing it to be polite or because we feel obligated to suggest we pay? Esther Mc Carthy, Columnist with The Irish Examiner and Mary Mc Carty, Irish Independent Columnist, joined Ciara Kelly on the show to discuss.

Thousands of people are expected to visit Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day this year, with many of us also on the move across the day, either to attend parades around the country or to visit family on our national holiday.  Despite this, most of our public transport services are running weekend or bank holiday timetables. So, we’re asking should Train, DART, Bus and Tram providers be offering a full operating schedule for what will be one of the busiest public transport days of the year.   Mark Gleeson, of Rail Users Ireland and Social Democrats Spokesperson on Transport and Jennifer Whitmore joined Ciara Kelly on the show to discuss.