The Hard Shoulder
The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion, bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home. It features conversation that counts from Ireland's national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment. Listen to Newstalk at newstalk.com/listenlive or download the GoLoud app.
Episodes
Movies and TV: Clayface, Klara and the Sun, Nobody Wants This
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Film Reviewer Ken Doran joined Ciara and Seán to review the latest TV and movie releases…
What is this PHP issue taking websites offline?
Websites across the globe have gone offline over the last day following the exposure of critical vulnerabilities in PHP, a programming language that underpins much of the internet. The exposed flaw would have allowed hackers to carry out cyberattacks.OpenAI, whose AI models helped discover the vulnerabilities, has called the issue "one of the most impactful security issues in recent memory".For mo
Why do we engage in celebrity worship?
Why do we put celebrities on a pedestal? We trust their judgement from political opinions to healthcare tips minus the medical degree. We are inclined to take their word as gospel…Joining Ciara and Seán to discuss is Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.
Charity being investigated amid money-laundering allegations
Conor Lally, Crime and Security Correspondent with The Irish Times joins Seán Defoe with the latest on a charity at the centre of an investigation amid money-laundering allegations, following the seizure of BMWs, Louis Vuitton bags, Rolex watches…
Sport with John Duggan: Leinster make changes after injuries
Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Seán on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the week’s action…
Were you offended by this ‘We Consent’ campaign ad?
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has taken down three online video ads related to its 'We Consent' campaign, following criticism of one ad in particular.The ad shows grandparents going to give their teenage granddaughter a hug, but before they do, the ad stops to say "Not everyone wants a hug".It has received significant backlash, with many saying it is offensive to our older population.Joining Seán
Should Airbnb guests be expected to clean up after themselves?
Airbnb has introduced new rules limiting what hosts can ask guests to do before checking out. From washing the dishes to stripping the beds, guests have often been left with a list of chores to complete before they can leave their rental.It raises the question: should guests be expected to clean up after themselves while also paying a cleaning fee?Joining Ciara to discuss is columnist Brenda Power
What is the role of a parish priest in modern Ireland?
In some of the loneliest moments of our lives, we trust in the wisdom of a priest, born of years spent attending scenes of human devastation. So writes Kathy Sheridan in The Irish Times.But, Ireland has changed dramatically in terms of religion in the past few decades, so what is the role of a parish priest in modern Ireland? And just how important is it?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Father Wil
Are people being served properly in emergency departments?
New figures from the HSE show that more than 70,000 people did not wait, or left before completing their treatment, in emergency departments during the first seven months of this year.Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Social Democrats TD Pádraig Rice obtained the figures, and joins Seán Defoe to discuss.
What can we expect from Storm Austen?
Met Éireann has issued a number of status-orange weather warnings for intense rain and wind from around 7pm Thursday evening, continuing into Friday morning.Local authorities are preparing for flooding as heavy rainfall is anticipated with Storm Austen this evening.Joining Seán Defoe to discuss this is Keith Leonard, Head of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and Carlow Wea
Backstage at the Cork Jazz Festival! - Henry McKean Reports
The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival is now in its 48th year with Boney M headlining. It's 5 days of music, 500 musicians and 100,000 revellers. Henry McKean went backstage to soak up the atmosphere and sent in this report.
How to do Stuff: Watching horror movies
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 get over the fear or watching horror movies!
Results of a UN Emissions Gap report described as “sobering”
A UN report has shown that global temperatures are set to rise far in excess of the 1.5% threshold pledged in the Paris Agreement.Emissions from oil, gas & coal rose globally again last year as countries failed to honour their commitments to reduce their use.Joining Shane to discuss this is Dr. Cara Augustenborg, Assistant Professor in Environmental Policy at UCD.
Does your ability to drink Guinness prove your Irishness?
In a great piece in today's Irish Independent, Dónal Lynch explains why the ability to drink a pint of Guinness is the real Irish citizenship test!But what is it about the ‘art’ of Guinness drinking? And why do we consider it such an institution here?Joining Ciara to discuss is Dónal Lynch, Journalist with the Sunday Independent.
Sport with John Duggan: Champions League continues
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 week’s action…
Talks to end Ukraine war continue in Russia - what we know so far
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has begun talks with US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff on ending the Ukraine war, a day after the US official met with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.This comes at a time when global diesel prices remain high despite Trump's deal with Russia to supply diesel to US and global markets.For more on all of this, Shane is joined by Jenny Mathers, Senior
Bodies of a man and woman discovered in Bray home - Barry Whyte Reports
An investigation is under way after the bodies of a man and a woman were discovered at a house in Bray this morning.Barry Whyte, Newstalk's Chief Reporter, is at the scene and joins Ciara to discuss.
Tech Takeover: What are ‘AI Worms’?
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joins Shane to discuss a new thing to be aware of on the internet: ‘AI Worms’...
What is the history of the ‘Triple Lock’?
The Dáil will convene today to debate legislation to amend the ‘Triple Lock’ mechanism, which has been in place for the past 65 years. Opposition parties fear it will threaten Ireland’s neutrality.So, what exactly is the ‘Triple Lock’ and how would changes affect Ireland?Joining Ciara to discuss is Conor Gallagher, Investigations Reporter at The Irish Times and author of ‘Is Ireland Neutral: The M
Would you let the State access private messages?
The public has “significant and clear distrust” of allowing the State to access private phone messages, according to a survey being published by the Irish Council of Civil Liberties. This comes amid a bid by the Justice Minister to intercept encrypted communications.Joining Shane to discuss this is Olga Cronin, Senior Policy Officer with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and Adrian Weckler, Te
The Ultimate Guide: Car-free Irish holiday
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 his ultimate guide to a car-free holiday across Ireland!
What does the future hold for credit unions?
‘Navigating Change and Building Momentum, Together…’That was the theme of this year’s Credit Union Engage event, which took place at Croke Park today.For many across the country, they are seen as a cornerstone in many communities, but what does the future actually look like for credit unions?Joining Ciara in studio to discuss this is David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions.
The Bookshelf with Gina London
Gina London, Communications Specialist, former CNN Correspondent and Sunday Independent Columnist joins Ciara to place her favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Workplace Relations Commission talks - what we know
Public sector talks entered their second day at the Workplace Relations Commission, resuming this morning, after around five hours of discussions yesterday between Government officials and union leaders.For more on this, Shane is joined now by Pat Leahy, Political Editor of The Irish Times.
Do food safety standards need to be improved for school meals?
Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary is facing pressure to improve food safety standards for school meals following an inspection that uncovered rodent droppings at a site operated by a provider participating in the scheme.Social Democrats Spokesperson for Education, Jen Cummins, joins Shane to discuss…
Reaction to Jim O’Callaghan's comments on striking solicitors and rape trials
Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that the majority of cases not proceeding in the Dublin District Court due to the legal aid dispute are rape charges, suggesting they are being “deliberately affected”.Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon has described Jim O’Callaghan’s comments as a “disgrace”.For reaction to these comments, Ciara is joined by Eoin O’Sullivan, Partner at Powderly Solicitors and Rachel
Should we have a special offence for attacks linked to recovery of drug debts?
"After the utter depravity of the Waterford arson murders, surely it’s time we introduced a special offence for attacks linked to recovery of drug debts". So says Journalist Paul Williams in The Irish Independent. Do we need to introduce a special offence like the one he is suggesting?Paul joins Ciara to discuss.
What are the do’s and don’ts of running a marathon?
With the Dublin City Marathon looming over the horizon at an ever-increasing rate, Shane is joined by Newstalk's John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime and avid runner to talk through the do’s and don’ts ahead of Sunday’s spectacle!
Do dads not take enough paternity leave? - Henry McKean Asks
On Instagram, Simon Harris has welcomed baby Aoileann into the world. He thanked his family and the National Maternity Hospital. He went on to say “Mothers do so much, us fathers need to be able to step up too and also to have that precious time.” Henry McKean has been out and about speaking to new dads and asking them about their paternity leave, and joins Ciara to discuss.
Have nightclubs bounced back since Covid?
This week marked five years since nightclubs re-opened post Covid lockdowns after an almost 600-day closure, but how has Ireland's nightlife scene changed since then, and did it even bounce back from the Covid hangover?For more on this, Shane is joined now by Sunil Sharpe, DJ and Spokesperson and for Give Us the Night...
French PM calls for “partial curfews” amid protests
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked regional governments in France to put in place “partial curfews” in an effort to contain violent protests.Joining Shane to discuss the latest is Veteran Correspondent based in Paris, John Lichfield.
Men’s Aid Ireland report shows victims are reluctant to come forward
A new report by Men's Aid Ireland has found men who are victims of domestic abuse reluctant to get help due to shame and stigma around coming forward. The report also found an increase in calls about encouragement to suicide by partners…For more on this, Shane is joined by Shane Kelly, CEO of Men's Aid Ireland.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please contact Mens Aid National
Kids Clinic: Toilet Training Tips!
For this week’s Kids Clinic, Shane was joined by Aoife Lee, Parent Coach of parentsupport.ie to discuss toilet training, and the tips you should know!
Israeli parliamentary election - what can we expect?
US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed his ally Benjamin Netanyahu as the long-time Israeli Prime Minister struggles for an edge in next week’s parliamentary election.What can we expect in next Tuesday’s elections?Joining Shane to discuss this is Mark Weiss, Irish Times Israel Correspondent.
Revenue to get powers to collect new 7% tax from owners of vacant properties
Owners of derelict properties will be hit with a new 7% tax under plans to go before the Dáil this week. The tax will be collected by Revenue, replacing a current levy which is self-assessed and gathered by local authorities.For more on this, Shane is joined by Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central & the party’s Spokesperson on Housing.
Making political statements with clothing - when is it not okay?
RTÉ has said it was "a mistake" that a Palestinian flag necklace was edited out of a recent episode of the property programme, ‘Cheap Irish Homes’, after the woman wearing the necklace lodged a complaint.Should we be allowed to wear what we choose, and make political statements with the clothes we wear whatever the setting? On TV, at the school gates or in workplaces? Where do you draw the line?Jo
Funeral of Waterford family takes place - Barry Whyte Reports
The joint funeral of four members of the same family has taken place this afternoon in Waterford. Philip English, his wife Kim and their two young sons, Callum and Jayden, were killed in a suspected arson attack last week.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter was at the funeral, and joined Shane to discuss.
How to clean a messy home in under 30 minutes!
Whether it's a speed clean before an unannounced guest drops by, or it's using a free half an hour while your child is having a nap to get some order in your home, speed cleaning is something we are all familiar with.But is there a way to rescue a messy house in under 30 minutes?Joining Shane with the answer is cleaning expert and TikToker, Ann Russell!
Legal aid row - what is the situation?
Solicitors working in criminal defence have said they are withdrawing from all work from today, marking an escalation of their dispute with the Justice Minister over a new payment scheme for criminal legal aid.One of those solicitors is Michael O’Connor, and he joins Shane to discuss…
Public sector strikes suspended
Public sector unions have suspended strikes planned for next Wednesday following discussions with the Government. Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times and John Boyle, General Secretary of the INTO joined Shane on the show to discuss.
How to manage difficult relationships with in-laws?
How do you manage difficult relationships with in-laws without affecting your children or putting pressure on your marriage? Michelle Brown, Divorce Consultant, Mediator and author of “Scars of Divorce joined us on the hard Shoulder to discuss.
Notable moments from White House Press Secretaries
Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer at University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal joined Shane on the show to discuss some notable moments in recent times from behind the White House lectern.
EU summit where leaders are rallying around Ukraine
European leaders face growing pressure to secure Ukraine’s wartime finances through to the end of 2028. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that decisions will need to be made quickly, as efforts continue to repair Kyiv’s strained relationship with the Trump administration.Europe correspondent at Euronews, Shona Murray spoke to Ciara on the show.
The rise of the ‘indie dad’
The rise of the ‘indie dad’, is this a good or bad thing and does anyone care?! Comedian Steve Cummins and Entertainment Journalist Dee Reddy joined Shane on the show to discuss.
Higher proportion of migrants in urban and more affluent areas
The proportion of migrants living in more affluent areas of the State is higher than those who live in disadvantaged areas, according to research by the Economic and Social Research Institute. Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland joined Ciara on the show to discuss.
Is it fair to say 'everybody' is responsible for road deaths?
As road deaths rise, the Government dropped planned reforms of the RSA and increased public transport fares and now the minister seems to be disavowing political responsibility, writes Ciarán Cannon in the Irish Examiner who joined Shane on the show to discuss.
One-fifth of under-12s fall asleep watching a screen
Families and workplaces are being urged to switch off all smart devices from 7pm today and take a 24-hour break from the online world. It is part of CyberBreak 2026, an initiative supported by the HSE. Family Psychotherapist, columnist with the Examiner and Co-host of ‘They Mess You Up With’ Podcast Richard Hogan joined us on the Hard Shoulder this evening.
Ireland’s first university-led AI research institute
Minister James Lawless announced this morning Ireland's first university-owned AI Institute. The Institute will put AI engineers alongside researchers to advance the use of AI across health, agriculture, climate, humanities and the sciences. Professor Robin Burke, incoming director of the UCD AI Institute joined Shane on the show to discuss.
White House faces questions over its new press secretary
The White House is defending its new press secretary, Katie Zacharia as questions emerge over her legal credentials as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he feels personally betrayed by Donald Trump. BBC North American Correspondent, Anothony Zurcher joined us on the Hard Shoulder with all the latest from the States.
When is an MRI useful?
Scans can reveal a lot about your spine, but they don’t always explain the cause of your pain. Stephen O’Rourke, Chartered Clinical Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist at the Mater University Hospital joined us on the Hard Shoulder to discuss.
EU court backs Dublin Airport’s 32 million passenger cap
EU’s top court, the ECJ has upheld the Dublin Airport passenger cap, meaning regulators must take the 32 million a year limit into account when allocating airline slots. Kevin Byrne, Retired Lieutenant Colonel & Airport safety & security expert spoke to Ciara on the show this evening.
Defence Forces appear before the Oireachtas
Earlier today, an Oireachtas Committee heard pandemic remains the top risk to National Security, with antibiotic-resistant infection, cyber-attacks and disruption to critical supply chains also included. Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, Rose Conway Walsh who is chair of the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security joined Shane on the show discuss.
The Irish Carvery
Has the humble carvery become the hottest trend in Gen Z dining? Newstalk reporter Sarah Madden reports.
Government trying to prevent second day of public sector strikes
The Government is seeking to get public sector unions back around the table to avoid a second day of strikes next week. It follows yesterday’s nationwide walkout by around 300,000 workers over pay. Louise Byrne, Irish Examiner Political Correspondent joined us on the show to discuss.
Arrests made after Waterford arson attack
Arrests have been made in the arson attack in Waterford City that took the lives of four members of the English family on Wednesday. Barry Whyte, Newstalk’s Chief Reporter brought us the latest on the investigation.
Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison
Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan brought us the latest as Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison for rape and child sex assaults.
Campaign to scrap the EU-Israel trade agreement
Shane was joined on the show by Dublin Labour MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin who has launched a campaign today urging the EU to end its preferential trade agreement with Israel. The campaign calls for the EU-Israel Association Agreement to be scrapped.
Worrying behaviours being normalised in student relationships
A new report surveying 330 students across 12 higher education institutions in Ireland has found that controlling behaviours are becoming normalised in student relationships. Joining Ciara on the show to discuss was Clinical Psychotherapist, Stephanie Regan.
Another wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine
Russia has launched another major attack on Ukraine, with civilians killed and around 600,000 people left without electricity. At least six people have been killed with strikes hitting Kyiv and Kharkiv. For the very latest Ciara was joined on the show by Emanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for France 24 to discuss.
How music can help with bereavement, dementia and pain
How does music positively impact people in difficult times such as dealing with bereavement, chronic pain, or comforting a loved one with dementia? Dr Shane Cassidy, founder of Neurolinks and music therapist joined Shane on the show to discuss.
Sally Rooney's books to be no longer sold in the UK
Irish author Sally Rooney says her books will no longer be sold in the UK, following an agreement with her publisher, Faber, over legal concerns arising from her support for Palestine Action. Martin Doyle, Books Editor with the Irish Times joined Shane on the show to discuss.
The latest from today’s public sector strikes
Emmet Malone Work correspondent for The Irish Times along with Economist and Former Political Analyst David W Higgins joined Ciara on the show to discuss the latest from today’s public sector strike.
The stigma surrounding male hair loss
Male pattern hair loss affects millions of men, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with when it starts happening to you. Ciaran Bradley, Newstalk’s Digital Editor joined Shane on the show to discuss.
Public sector strike over pay deal
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning & TD for Waterford, John Cummins joined us on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the public sector strike action taking place around the country.
The importance of the Irish passport
The number of people applying for citizenship soared by 236% after the Government announced it was tightening the application process. But what is the importance of the Irish passport throughout history? Nathan Mannion, Head of Exhibitions and Programmes at The EPIC museum Dublin joined us on the show to discuss.
Day one of Russell Brand rape trial underway
The trial of comedian Russell Brand has opened at in London. The comedian faces seven charges relating to alleged offences against sixwomen between 1999 and 2009. Brand has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution has begun outlining its case Former Editor of Bureau of Investigative Journalism and freelance journalist, Meirion Jones joined Ciara with the latest.
Status Yellow wind and rain warnings for seven counties
Status Yellow wind and rain warnings are in place for seven counties across the day. Carlow Weather’s, Alan O’Reilly joined Ciara on the show with the latest.
The Ultimate Guide: Getting the best airfare deals
Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, we take a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air and Travel Magazine, joined Ciara and Shane to give his ultimate guide to getting the best deals on air travel!
Could you be in the next big boyband? - Henry McKean Reports
The search is on for Ireland's next big boyband, potentially bigger than Boyzone or Westlife. Brian McFadden has brought together the people behind One Direction and the Sugerbabes.Henry McKean sat down with Brian McFadden, and sent us this interview.If you think you have what it takes, and you are between 17 and 19 years of age check out Brian McFadden's instagram page or eu.castitreach.com
What is the Government's reaction to the public sector strike?
More than 300,000 public sector workers including nurses, doctors, teachers and civil servants, will engage in a 24-hour strike tomorrow over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.Joining me now to discuss this is Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Mid-West, Shane Moynihan.
Google to invest $5 million for better weather prediction in Ireland
Google is planning to spend up to $5 million into a new project in Ireland to develop better ways of predicting severe storms, flash flooding and other extreme weather events here.The plan will see 560 weather stations installed in schools across the country, with artificial intelligence being used to analyse the data.Ciara O’Brien, Technology Correspondent with The Irish Times has the story, and
The Bookshelf with Claire Beck
Today FM DJ Claire Beck joins Ciara to place her favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
How would excessive spending impact your ability to borrow money?
Excessive spending on online raffles for houses, cars, holidays and cash can be a red flag in loan applications, affecting how much finance firms are prepared to lend. This information comes at a time when online contests for massive prizes have been growing in popularity.But, what should you know about how it affects your risk of loan applications?Joining Shane to discuss is Padraic Kiss
Energy price freeze - will it have an impact?
PrepayPower has announced it is freezing electricity and gas prices for customers this winter.The move will mean the energy provider's roughly 200,000 customers will be guaranteed to see no price increases until March 2027 at the earliest.Figures from the Central Statistics Office last week showed the prices for energy products, which include electricity, gas and other fuels, jumped by 15.3% in th
What we know about the Waterford murder investigation - Barry Whyte Reports
Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after a house fire in Waterford city claimed the lives of two adults and two children.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte is in the area today, and joins Shane to discuss what we know so far…
Parenting pressure and avoiding saying ‘enjoy every minute’
“Vogue Williams is right, can we please stop telling new parents to enjoy every single minute? Maybe it’s time we gave exhausted parents a break, they don’t need constant reminders that “the days are long, but the years are short”...So says Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Writer and Journalist in The Journal. She joins Ciara to discuss.
What can we expect from strikes tomorrow?
The Government has described tomorrow’s planned strike action as “difficult to justify”, warning of disruption to essential public services.More than 300,000 public sector workers are expected to take part, affecting schools, hospitals and services across the country.Unions have hit back at Minister Jack Chambers, saying he “brought nothing new” to the table to avert the strike.For the latest deve
How should you protect your home from extreme weather?
Nearly two thirds of homeowners are concerned about their home being damaged by extreme weather, such as storms and flooding, in the next five years.Despite the high levels of awareness, almost half of people have not made any improvements to protect their home against extreme weather in the last two years. That’s according to new research by Aviva Insurance Ireland.Joining Ciara with advice for s
Deposit return scheme promises more bulk machines by end of year
The deposit return scheme for cans and bottles has promised to roll out more bulk reverse vending machines by the end of the year.The regular return machines that launched with the scheme required people to return their bottles and cans one at a time to get their deposits back.The new bulk machines allow you to tip a bag of bottles and cans into the machine, and it tots up the total itself...Joini
Gardaí launch murder investigation after Waterford fire - local impact
Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after a house fire in Waterford city claimed the lives of two adults and two children.The four family members died, and two other children were left critically injured following an alleged arson attack on their home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.Joining Shane to discuss this and the local impact is Fr Gerry Chestnutt, Parish Priest at Sacred Hear
