The Hard Shoulder

A viral tweet of a child cycling with the caption ‘No kid remembers their best day in front of the TV’ has received backlash on X with user’s responding with their favourite TV memories...Joining Joe Molloy to share their fond memories of watching television is Chef and Food Lecturer, Edward Hayden and Newstalk’s own, Caoimhe Harney. Image: Nickelodeon

Today is July the 12th, with tens of thousands partaking in the celebrations up north.The festivities have the potential to flare up tensions between the two communities in the north, but so far, today’s celebrations have been peaceful.Joining guest host Joe Molloy to explain the meaning of the twelfth, its history and its contemporary significance is Rev Mervyn Gibson, Grand Secretary of the Orange Lodge.

Brianna Parkins wrote in the Irish Times today that all 25 year olds should do a year in either hospitality or retail...Is this something we should introduce here? Will it make young people better equipped to deal with the world?Joining guest host Joe Molloy to discuss is JP McMahon, chef, author and restaurateur and Barry Duff from the Lock & Brew Café.

The National Apprenticeship Office is running a ‘One More Job initiative’ that provides supports for small businesses to employ apprentices...Joining Emmet Oliver to tell more is Stakeholder and Engagement Manager with the National Apprenticeship Office, Damian Walshe.

For a news update from the United States, Emmet Oliver is joined by Jeff Kuhner.The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.They discuss Democrat support for Biden, his speech at the NATO summit and more.

Does AI make us lazy? Well, guest host Emmet Oliver’s next guest was in front of The Oireachtas Committee on Education to discuss just this!Joining the show to discuss is Seán O’Sullivan, this year’s BT Young Scientist Winner. 

65% of Dubliners have witnessed anti-social behaviour in the city centre, while  over 90% feel the problem has worsened in the past 10 years.That’s according to a new Fianna Fáil survey published this morning.So is Dublin really safe? To discuss, Emmet Oliver is joined by Tony Gallagher, ex Garda inspector, Janet Horner, Green Party Councillor for the North Inner City and Declan Keenan, Youth Worker with Just Ask. 

News broke last night that at long last the coveted role of Irish Football Manager has been filled! Heimir Hagrimmson has taken the job – but who is he?Off the Ball’s Mick McCarthy covered it on the show yesterday, but to learn more, Emmet Oliver is joined by Sports Editor for RUV Iceland, Einar Orn Jonsson.

World leaders have gathered in Washington DC this week for a summit marking 75 years since the formation of NATO.So, how did that summit go? Erin Baumann, Professor of International Relations and Politics at Boston College discusses with Emmet Oliver.And, joining to discuss if the military alliance has been a force for good are People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, and former Irish Army soldier and Defence Analyst, Declan Power.

There has been much discussion about President Joe Biden since his first election debate performance, with many questioning if he is fit to run for a second term in office.His age is a big point of discussion, and Newstalk’s Simon Tierney was writing about this in the Irish Independent saying how this shows how ageism is one of the last tolerated prejudices in society.To discuss, guest host Emmet Oliver is joined by Simon and Chairman of the Communications Clinic, Terry Prone.

Irish people have longed for land since time immemorial - but with a housing crisis and an aging population, many of us will have to rent into middle age. Newstalk's Sarah Madden talks to Ireland's lifelong renters, and those hoping to escape the fate.

International renowned actor Alec Baldwin is in court today.He is accused of involuntary manslaughter after videographer, Halyna Hutchins was killed when a firearm discharged on the set of a film she and Baldwin were filming.Joining Mandy Johnston to give the latest on the trial is U.S. Based Reporter with the Times UK, Harriet Alexander. Image: Court TV

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Mandy Johnston to compare and bite into different rice cake offerings!

Tomorrow the Dáil adjoins for annual recess. With the past year being full of dramatic debate and deliberation.Joining Mandy Johnston to look back on the winners and losers of the Dáil in the first half of year some of the most notable moments is Gerard Howlin, Public Affairs Consultant and Irish Times Columnist and Political Editor of The Irish Times, Pat Leahy.

After a long eight-month wait, Heimir Hallgrimsson has been appointed as the Republic of Ireland football team’s manager. So, who is he?Off the Ball’s Mick McCarthy joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

News came today of a third elephant at Dublin Zoo testing positive for a deadly virus that has killed two young members of the small herd.Zinda, who was seven years old, died from the disease at Dublin Zoo yesterday, while Avani died from the same disease last Monday, the 1st July. Their mother, Asha, now has the virus.Gerry Creighton, Global Elephant Care Consultant, joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent and host of ‘Tech Talk’ joined guest host Mandy Johnston for the Tech Takeover.This week, Jess discusses the new lineup of products from tech giant Samsung, including new earbuds and the next generation of foldable phones.Image: Samsung

Businesses will, from today, have access to a range of government supports through the new National Enterprise Hub, launched by Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke.He joins Mandy to discuss.

Tomorrow, new legislation is being brought before the Seanad, making it a legal requirement for porn sites to ensure those under 18’s cannot access pornographic material. Failure to do so on their part will result in financial penalties under the proposed measures.Rónán Mullen, Independent NUI Senator, is proposing the legislation and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Do you have a nickname? If so, is there a funny story behind it? Or is it something people just… get? Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking the public for their nicknames, and joins the show to report.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald joined Mandy Johnston on the show to discuss the situation surrounding Tori Towey.The 28 year old has been detained in the United Arab Emirates for attempting to take her own life, as the Dáil heard she was a victim of domestic violence. The Taoiseach has announced that her travel ban has been lifted, and she is returning to Ireland.  

Is football finally coming home?A win tonight against the Netherlands would leave the England team one win away from their first major tournament win since 1996.But is Ireland backing the Three Lions?To discuss, Mandy Johnston is joined by Ian O'Doherty Columnist with the Irish Independent, Ciaran Bradley, Digital Editor at Newstalk and Aidan McCarthy, Technologist and Writer.Image: @england

The Semi-Finals for the Euros are on tonight, with France facing Spain. What can we expect from this and other games?Joining Mandy Johnston to discuss is Off the Ball’s Joe Molloy.Image: UEFA

The upcoming budget will be framed around a massive tax and spending package of €8.3 billion.That is what Government Ministers confirmed today when they published the Summer Economic Statement.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Sean Defoe and John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin join Mandy to discuss.

It’s time for our weekly book series, the Bookshelf!Join us each week on Tuesday where we’ll be asking some well-known heads what their favourite books are, and why.   This week Mandy Johnston is joined by Co-Author of “The Kidnapping” Historian and Irish Times Journalist, Ronan McGreevy.Best Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de CervantesHonourable mention: Stalingrad by Anythony Beevor Currently Reading: This is My Sea By Miriam Mulcahy  Walled in by Hate: The Friends and Enemies of Kevin O’Higgins by Arthur Mathews 

The Semi-Finals of the Euros begin tonight as Spain take on France...RTE have had 6.6 million streams of the competition so far, but how does this compare to other years?Joining Mandy to discuss is Chief Sports Writer for the Daily Star, Kieran Cunningham.

Minister for Finance Jack Chambers alongside Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe published their Summer Economic Statement, which outlines their intent for the upcoming budget.Minister Chambers joined Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Can we really rewind the clock when it comes to age? What options are out there for people who want to stay young forever? Well, Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been asking experts and even trying some treatments himself(!) and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

The circumstances under which taxi licences are revoked and suspended urgently need to be clarified. That’s the call from a Social Democrats motion set to be debated in the Dáil tomorrow.Holly Cairns, Leader of the Social Democrats and Aisling Dunne Bolt's Head of Public Policy for Ireland join Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Now, a website is being introduced titled ‘Rate my Landlord’ where users can anonymously rate their landlord to let other potential tenants know what they are dealing with...Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is James Murphy, a landlord in Meath and Chloe Anderson, Welfare and Equality Officer in NUIG Students Union.

UK Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston, joined Mandy to discuss how we can improve relationships between the UK and Ireland now that Keir Starmer is Prime Minister.

This week on the Kids Clinic, Iseult White, psychotherapist and author is here to tell why your Gen Z won’t answer the phone! 

Minister Roderic O'Gorman joined Mandy Johnston to discuss his plans as the Green Party leader...

This week guest host Anton Savage was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Saoirse Hanley, Features writer at the Independent to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

Anton’s guest is an investigative journalist who brought the name Lynette Dawson to global audiences. Through his podcast and now book, The Teacher’s Pet, Hedley Thomas told the story of the disappearance of Lynette Dawson who vanished without a trace in 1982.His podcast and investigation brought finality to this cold case and it culminated with the catching of her murder in 2022.Hedley Thomas will be at the West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry on Tuesday, July 16th, and joins Anton Savage to discuss.

This summer, kids are probably going to constantly ask for snack after snack, mostly out of pure boredom. TV Chef Mindful Eating Coach Aisling Larkin joined guest host Anton Savage to discuss how you can meet their needs, in a more healthy way!

Rumours have been swirling online that a great white shark has been spotted off the Galway coast, with a video apparently showing proof. But is it actually true?Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn investigates.

Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…

Sir Keir Starmer is officially the new Prime Minister of the UK after his Labour party secured a massive majority in the election with 412 seats secured.What was the cause for such a swing and what does this mean for the UK and the conservatives?Stanley Johnson, Writer, former MEP and environmental campaigner and father to Boris Johnson and Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern join Anton Savage to discuss.

An American mum has gone viral on TikTok for charging another parent €15 to cover the expenses from a playdate their children had! But is this so strange? Do you find yourself hosting most of the playdates?Newstalk’s Henry McKean has been out getting opinions from the public, and joins Anton Savage to discuss.

Following the elections, the Conservative Party in the UK has lost their majority leadership, and Labour’s Keir Starmer will be the new Prime Minister.But who is he exactly, and what will his cabinet look like?Anton Savage is joined by Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and host of the ‘Political Fix’ podcast to discuss.

Teacher and journalist Jennifer Horgan writes that “There is no doubt that Irish drivers are becoming more aggressive, faster, and nastier” Anton Savage is joined by Jennifer, who wrote that in the Irish Examiner, as well as driving instructor Brenda Bolger.

A recent survey for Gen Z’ers has found out some things that they don’t like doing in the office. These include never wanting to turn their cameras on in Zoom meetings, and having their lunch choices questioned. Is Gen Z really a nuisance in the office? And how do we deal with their demands… or should we?Anton Savage is joined by Damien McCarthy, Managing Director of HR Buddy and Newstalk's Alex Rowley to discuss.

The Kuhner Report on WRKO AM680 Radio in Boston is hosted by Jeffrey T. Kuhner, "Liberalism's Worst Nightmare," he is a conservative nationalist, who champions God, country and family.He joined Anton Savage to have a heated debate following the aftermath of the first Presidential debate between Biden and Trump, and why there are serious considerations for Biden quitting due to his health, as well as Trump's criminal case.

Taoiseach Simon Harris has re-opened the debate regarding GAA GO after reaffirming his stance that Gaelic games should not be behind a paywall. To discuss, Anton is joined by Jamesie O'Connor, Former All Ireland winner with Clare and Seán Kelly, Former GAA President and Fine Gael MEP.

It's the fourth of July today which means celebrations will be kicking off all across the US!Anton is joined by Sinead Conlon, a Mayo woman living in NYC and Patti Shields,Chairperson of Democrats Abroad to discuss what it means to witness it and celebrate it when away from home.

The Committee on Drugs took place earlier today examining the citizen assembly on Drugs recommendations for decriminalisation.Joining Anton to discuss is the chair of the meeting, Senator Lynn Ruane.

A new report on our attitudes to climate change has found that despite being aware of climate change and its importance, we do not want to change our own behaviours and we will always suit ourselves at the end of the day.What are these climate barriers stopping us from changing our lifestyles?Joining Anton Savage to discuss is journalist Matthew Joyce and Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

Today saw another rise in corporation tax, which might just set the way for a potential giveaway budget this autumn.Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform joins Anton Savage to discuss.

It’s time for the Shopping Trolley Hotline! Where we review the same product from various stores and brands.Newstalk’s Simon Tierney joined guest host Anton Savage to compare different varieties of cordials, sure to spice up any plain glass of water!