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: Carrie, No Worries if Not, Elsinore
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Entertainment Journalist Dee Reddy joined Ciara and Shane to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Strike roundup - what has been happening recently?
The public sector workers' strike continues with nurses picketing today. It comes ahead of planned strikes by public sector workers on October 14th and October 21st.For the latest, Shane is joined by Health Correspondent with The Irish Examiner, Niamh Griffin...
The rise in human trafficking and labour exploitation in nail salons
Yesterday, the Garda Podcast released an episode discussing the rise in human trafficking and labour exploitation found in nail salons across Ireland. They are encouraging customers to be mindful of human trafficking and labor exploitation signs.For more on this, Ciara is joined by CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, Teresa Buczkowska…
Why do we love reading confessions online?
Why do we love reading people's confessions online? Our resident psychologist Brendan Kelly is here to explain...Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss is Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin.
Sport with John Duggan: Haaland sticks with Man City (for now)
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…
Chair of the IFAC on their criticisms of Budget 2027
IFAC has strongly criticised the Budget, warning it puts the public finances on “a worse trajectory”.Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the budget, saying: “We’re trying to protect people as best we can in the midst of an international crisis”.Joining Ciara to discuss is Chair of the IFAC, Seamus Coffey.
Why does our music taste change with the season?
With daylight saving time approaching, you may be drawn to different music. That's according to a study led by psychologist Terry Pettijohn at The University of Georgia. But if you’re listening to a podcast named ‘autumn girl listening’ once the leaves start to fall, what does this say about your music taste?Joining Shane to discuss this is Dave Hanratty, host of the ‘No Encore’ podcast and Audio
Minister James Lawless on the Budget’s impact on education
Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless joins Ciara in the studio to discuss everything relevant announced in the Budget when it comes to the education sector, including the reduction in student fees.
CSO finds continued rise in fuel and heating prices - will the Budget help?
Analysis from the Central Statistics Office found that fuel and home heating prices continued to rise in September. Diesel went up by 5.4%, petrol rose by 4.8% and home heating oil rose by a significant 7.2% in just one month…Joining Shane to discuss the findings and whether this week's Budget may alleviate some of the stress is Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie, Daragh Cassidy.
RTÉ to appear before Public Accounts Committee after funding reduction
RTÉ and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport are set to be summoned before the Public Accounts Committee over the coming weeks after it emerged that the broadcaster is set to be given €20 million less funding than they had expected.This reduction to what was promised in the Government’s bail out deal for RTÉ has caused a row between the department and the broadcaster.Joining Ciara t
How to do Stuff: Tying a Tie!
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 properly tie a tie!
Are differences in a relationship a good thing?
Writing in the Irish Independent, Kirsty Blake Knox says there are too many relationship gaps, from wellness gaps, to bedtime gaps and age gaps, but is difference in a relationship a good thing?Kirsty Blake Knox, Features Journalist with The Irish Independent, joins Shane to discuss.
Sport with John Duggan: Messi plays last Argentina game
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…
The 3rd anniversary of October 7th - where are we today?
Today marks the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas-led attack, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.This attack sparked a devastating war in Gaza which has left much of the territory in ruins and its 2 million people living in dire conditions…For more on this, Ciara is joined by Sky News’ Adam Parsons.
GAA discuss integration timeline during Oireachtas committee meeting
Speaking before the Oireachtas Sports Committee today, the GAA has said that integration remains “on course” but the process could take “a number of years”.Alan Kelly, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport and Labour TD joins Shane to discuss.
1 in 5 young adults can’t use a washing machine!
What chores could you not do when you left home? 20% of young people avoid laundry because they can't work a washing machine. A fruited barmbrack cake now gives instructions on its label explaining how to use a knife to cut it into slices! Have young people completely lost their way, and are we to blame?Joining Ciara to make sense of it all is Ann Russell, author, online creator and cleaning exper
New body armour for Defence Forces after 20 years - Jessica Woodlock Reports
New body armour is being rolled out to members of the Defence Forces for the first time in two decades.Newstalk Reporter Jessica Woodlock got a first look at this special equipment, and joins Ciara to discuss.
Russia ‘plague’ incident - should we be concerned?
US President Donald Trump said he would speak very soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the reported plague death of a laboratory technician.Russian authorities denied that they were imposing anti-plague measures and played down the reports of an incident at an anti-plague institute in Siberia last week…Joining Shane to discuss this is Anthony Zurcher, BBC North America Correspondent.
WHO recommends against weight-loss injections for children - why?
Children under 10 should not be given obesity drugs or GLP-1 weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, new global guidelines from the World Health Organization say.For more on this, Shane is joined by Dónal O’Shea, Specialist in Obesity.
The Ultimate Guide: Nashville
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 Nashville in Tennessee!
What is Sinn Féin’s view on Budget 2027?
Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the budget on X earlier today, saying it hasn't “shown you the respect you deserve”.Joining Ciara to discuss this and the party's reaction to the announcements from Budget 2027 is Galway West TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Public Expenditure, Mairéad Farrell...
The transport and climate implications from Budget 2027
With so much to dig into from Budget 2027, what do climate and transport experts think about the announcements made?Joining Ciara to discuss is Oisín Coghlan, Policy Advisor to The Irish Environmental Network and Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.
Budget 2027’s impact on income - what you need to know
It is time to discuss what many will consider to be the most important details of Budget 2027...What does it mean for your pocket?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Nick Charalambous, Managing Director of Alpha Wealth.
Minister Jack Chambers discusses Budget 2027
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers joins Ciara to discuss Budget 2027 following the announcements made today.
How does Budget 2027 affect businesses?
Joining Ciara for Budget 2027 on Newstalk with PwC, to speak to us about the impact today's announcements will have on businesses and workers, is PwC Head of Tax, Paraic Burke.Also joining to give more of an overall look at Budget 2027 is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, Seán Defoe.
Budget 2027: How will Personal Investment Accounts work?
There was much talk in advance of today’s budget about Personal Investment Accounts, which some were saying could be one of the most significant investment reforms in a generation.Joining Ciara on Budget 2027 on Newstalk with PwC, to talk us through the details of what was announced is Wealth and Pensions Partner at PwC, Munro O’Dwyer.
Gary Gannon on the opposition’s reaction to Budget 2027
Joining Ciara to give the opposition's reaction to Budget 2027 is Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central and Party Spokesperson for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Gary Gannon.
Budget 2027: Vintners & Newsagents
There will be €15 million put towards keeping rural pubs doors open after more than 2,200 pubs have closed since 2005.As for cigarettes, a pack will increase by €1 and vape juice will increase by 20c per millilitre.Joining Ciara to discuss Budget 2027’s impact on vintners and newsagents is Michael O'Donovan, President of The Vintners Federation of Ireland and Chief Executive Officer of The Conveni
What does Budget 2027 mean for your pocket?
We now know the details of Budget 2027, and many eyes may be drawn to the announcement today by Tánaiste Simon Harris on Irish Investment Accounts...But what do they look like? And what does it mean for your pocket?Joining Ciara to discuss this and kick off The Hard Shoulder Budget Special is Patricia Callan of Financial Services Ireland, as well as Shane Coleman.
Budget 2027: Savings, Childcare, Business, Health
Joining Shane to discuss the impact Budget 2027 has on savings, business, health and childcare is Susan Hayes Culleton, Presenter of Taking Stock, Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College, Owen Reidy, General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Christopher Moran, Director of Strategy, Economics and Investment with the Federation of Early Childhood Providers,
Budget 2027: What has been put back in people’s pockets?
Joining Shane to discuss Budget 2027 and its financial impact to you is Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College, Emma Howard, Senior Lecturer in Economics in TU Dublin and Daniel Murray, Policy Editor with the Business Post.
Budget 2027: What is your reaction?
Joining Shane Coleman to give their reactions following the speeches delivered by Táinaiste Simon Harris and Minister Jack Chambers for Budget 2027 is Barra Roantree, Assistant Professor of Economics at Trinity College, Susan Hayes Culleton, Presenter of Taking Stock and Emma Howard, Senior Lecturer in Economics in TU Dublin and Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association.
Minister Jack Chambers delivers his Budget 2027 speech
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers delivers his speech outlining Budget 2027 from the Dáil Chamber.
Tánaiste Simon Harris delivers his Budget 2027 speech
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris delivers his speech outlining Budget 2027 from inside the Dáil Chamber.
An overview of Budget 2027 - what you can expect
Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins Shane Coleman to give an overview of what we can expect from today’s announcements in Budget 2027 ahead of the speeches from Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers...
Should parents of neurodivergent children embrace their own neurodiversity?
Neurodistinct (ND) conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia are genetic and hereditary. In anonymous surveys of parents attending my “parenting exceptional children” courses, 79% say that they are or think they might be neurodivergent in some way, and 85% think the other parent might be.So, should parents of neuro-divergent children be encouraged to embrace their own neurodiversity?Joining Sha
Kids Clinic: Giving your child more independence
For this week’s Kids Clinic, Ciara was joined by Ollwyn Moran, M.Ed. & Clinical Director at CogniClinic.ie to discuss loosening the reigns a bit and giving your child more independence!
US pulls bombers from RAF Fairford - what happened?
The US has withdrawn all of its B1 bombers from RAF Fairford with no explanation. The UK military base was at the centre of a major incident on the 27th of September when police were alerted to three "suspicious vehicles" near the airbase.Joining Ciara to discuss what this means for security and the US-UK relationship is Duncan Bullivant, CEO of the Henderson Risk Group.
Everything we know about Budget 2027
Budget 2027, to be presented on October 6th, is due to involve a package of €8.5 billion, with €7 billion in additional spending and €1.5 billion in tax reductions.The issue of cost-of-living is expected to be a key focus across the whole package.Joining Shane to discuss this is Louise Burne, Political Correspondent for the Irish Examiner.
What happened to long TV seasons?
Most of us remember the days when individual seasons of TV would run from Autumn to Spring, with 20 plus episodes per year. This kind of TV allowed us to spend much more time with the characters and featured themed Christmas, Halloween and other holiday episodes.We also were treated to so-called ‘filler’ or ‘bottle’ episodes where characters spend the entire time in one room, often speaking about
Drumcree march - what are the latest updates?
An appeal by the residents of Portadown's Garvaghy Road against a ruling to allow an Orange Order parade along the route was heard at the Court of Appeal in Belfast today, with a Barrister for the residents describing it as "one of the most polarising parades in the history of Northern Ireland".Joining Shane to discuss is Claudia Savage, Press Association Journalist based in Belfast and Tom Kelly,
The impact of the teacher work-to-rule strike
Primary and secondary schools across the country experienced disruptions from today as teachers began industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule.Joining Shane to discuss this is Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchins College, Limerick and Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson.
Winners and Sinners
This week, Ciara was joined by Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly and Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Columnist with the Examiner and co-host of the ‘They Mess You Up’ podcast to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists...
Primary school teachers to begin industrial action on Monday
From Monday, primary school teachers across the country will begin industrial action in a row over public sector pay.The INTO says its members will begin a work-to-rule, which will mean teachers no longer carrying out additional duties outside their normal school hours.The action could have a knock-on effect for families, with some schools saying arrangements like early drop-off and after-school s
Sport with John Duggan: Build up to the next Ireland V Israel game
Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…
Bertie Ahern allegedly in talks for mediator role in Drumcree
Bertie Ahern is allegedly in talks to take up a mediator role in the Drumcree stand-off. The news comes as Drumcree talks to resolve the dispute end without agreement…Joining Ciara to discuss is former Labour MP for Ealing North and former Northern Ireland Shadow Minister, Stephen Pound.
What impact would Europe’s emergency reserves have on fuel prices?
There are growing concerns over diesel prices and supply across Europe.US President Donald Trump is threatening a 90-day ban on US diesel exports unless European countries release some of their emergency reserves.EU Energy Ministers are meeting today to discuss the situation, so what does it mean for Ireland?Joining Ciara to discuss is Kevin McPartland, CEO for Fuels for Ireland and Aoife Foley, C
Niall McCoitir discusses his new book!
Niall McCoitir has released his 5th book, ‘Ireland’s Animals. Myths, Legends and Folklore’ about creatures that have shaped storytelling in Ireland. It draws from Celtic myth, medieval bestiaries, folk stories and even saintly legends.He joins Ciara to discuss!
Minister Charlie McConalogue on the Community Sports Facilities Fund
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, today announced the key timetable dates for the 2026 new round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund.Joining Ciara to discuss this and more is Minister Charlie McConalogue.
Where are Ireland’s greenest places?
The Irish Times and Electric Ireland are announcing the winners of their search for Ireland’s Greenest Places. With over 90 entries all around Ireland in 5 different categories, it's now time to find out who came out on top. Mary Minihan, Irish Times Features Editor joins Ciara to exclusively reveal this year’s winners!
Does Dublin 1 put up with too much when it comes to social services?
Dublin 1 has been unfairly burdened with a huge over-concentration of social services, so says Robert Watt, the Head of the Dublin Task Force.Is he right?Joining Ciara to discuss is Marie Sherlock, Labour TD for Dublin Central.
Movies and TV: Digger, War, Celebrity Traitors
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…
Research says Ireland’s ‘rape shield’ law is not working - why?
Rape Crisis Ireland (RCI) is launching new independent research showing that Ireland’s ‘rape shield’, the law meant to stop complainants in sexual offence trials being cross-examined about their other sexual experiences, is routinely failing to do so…For more on this Shane is joined by Sinéad Ring, Maynooth University Associate Law Professor and author of the report.
Sport with John Duggan: Ireland face Austria
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…
Social Democrats publish their Alternative Budget - what’s in it?
‘After years of record budget surpluses, life is still getting harder for ordinary people. We need a new approach’.That’s the slogan from the Social Democrat’s Alternative Budget.Joining Ciara to discuss it is the party’s Spokesperson for Finance, Cian O’Callaghan.
What screams ‘notions’ to you?
Oat milk, saunas, bathrobes - have we all just got a little bit fancy?Bernard O’Shea wrote today in the Examiner about the things his culchie soul absolutely abhors like skiing and bathrobes.So we’re asking today: what screams “notions” to you?Joining Shane to discuss is culchie representative, dairy farmer and TikToker Fin Walsh and townie representative and Columnist with the Irish Examiner, Jan
Micheál Martin rejects idea that Ireland is “overrun” with immigrants
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Taoiseach Micheál Martin rejected the notion that Ireland is “overrun” with immigrants. The Taoiseach also addressed the possibility of crime statistics being published, which include nationality, something he said he is “not opposed to”.For more on this, Ciara is joined by John Lannon, CEO of Doras.
Patrick Geoghegan on Talking History turning 20!
20 years ago this week, Professor Patrick Geoghegan presented the first ever Talking History show on Newstalk.And 20 years later he has the honour of being the longest running presenter of the same show on the station…He joins Shane to talk about the big anniversary!
Is it finally time to scrap USC?
The Universal Social Charge was introduced as an emergency measure in 2011, but workers still pay it on every payslip today. With the budget just around the corner, is it time we scrap USC?Joining Ciara to discuss is Managing Director at Alpha Wealth, Nicholas Charalambous and Managing Editor of The Irish Times, Cliff Taylor…
Why are we seeing a rise in ADHD medication prescriptions?
According to a new report from the Irish Medical Journal, the prescription rate of ADHD medication to over-16s in Ireland has increased by 211% over the past 10 years. So, why are we seeing this rise?Joining Shane to discuss is GP and owner of ADHDdoc, Dr Sarah Carty...
How to do Stuff: Avoiding pushy parenting
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 you can avoid pushy parenting!
FAI executives appear before Oireachtas over Israel games fallout
Executives from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) appeared before an Oireachtas committee this afternoon, amid the ongoing fallout over the Republic of Ireland’s controversial Nations League games against Israel.Joining Ciara to discuss this Joanna Byrne, Sinn Féin TD for Louth and member of the Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.
Tech Takeover: Lidl’s new mobile plan
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joins Shane to discuss Lidl’s launch of their own mobile network ‘Lidl Connect’ - and why it actually could be good value for your money…
Sport with John Duggan: Pep Guardiola pledges support for Man City
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…
New Dublin Rape Crisis Centre research - are you concerned?
Almost two-in-five men under the age of 25 believe rape victims are partly responsible if they were taking drugs or drinking alcohol, according to new research from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). One in five also believe there are “a lot” of false rape allegations made in Ireland.For more on this, Ciara is by Eoghan Cleary, education expert in sexual exploitation research policy group and o
Incident on flydubai plane to Tel Aviv - what happened?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that one of the pilots of a flydubai plane bound for Tel Aviv had planned to crash it and kill its mostly Israeli passengers…Joining Shane with the latest updates on this is Dominic Waghorn, International Affairs Editor with Sky News.
Do you still use Reddit?
“Anytime I google something, I tend to add ‘Reddit’ to the end of my query. Why? Because it’s guaranteed to find me an answer. There is nothing in all-human experience that the fine people of forum website Reddit have not encountered before.”So writes Journalist at The Irish Independent, Saoirse Hanley, who joins Ciara to discuss.
Alan Shatter on the Ireland V Israel matches
Earlier today, Irish men’s Football Manager Heimir Hallgrimson confirmed that Sunday’s fixture with Israel will go ahead saying:"The FAI has said we are playing both games and we will fulfill that. That was our intention when we came into this camp.”I am joined now by Former Minister for Justice, Equality & Defence, Alan Shatter.Alan, you were in Hungary for the game last Sunday, what was your
Over 100,000 public sector workers begin work-to-rule strike
More than 100,000 public sector workers have begun a work-to-rule strike. Nurses, civil servants and special needs assistants are among those taking part in the action over delays in agreeing a new public sector pay deal.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Niall Shanahan, Media Relations Director for Fórsa.
Minister Norma Foley on new state childcare locations
The locations of seven proposed new early learning and childcare projects were announced today by Minister Norma Foley.Across the seven proposed locations there is potential to provide around 600 places to support the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s policy of improving access to high-quality, affordable early learning and childcare.Joining Shane to discuss is Minister for Childre
The Ultimate Guide: New accommodation stock
The Ultimate Guide: New accommodation stockEvery 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 new accommodation stock in Ireland!
Henry McKean reports from Drumcree
Newstalk reporter Henry McKean reports from Drumcree as the standoff continues,
Driving tests backlogs continue
Just 14 out of 57 driving test centres countrywide are reaching the 10-week national average waiting time target, down from 24 at the start of the month, that’s according to latest available figures compiled by the road safety campaign group Parc from the RSA website. Jim Cleary, success 4 U driving in Limerick and Ger Hyland, Driver, Operator and President of the Irish Road Haula
The Bookshelf with Larry Donnelly
Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer at University of Galway and Columnist at The Journal joins Ciara to place his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Zuckerberg donates €150,000 to GAA clubs
A €150,000 boost is heading to three west Waterford GAA clubs, courtesy of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. The couple, who bought Strancally Castle in August, have chosen Shamrocks GAA in Knockanore, Tallow GAA and Lismore GAA as the recipients of their first Irish philanthropic donation since moving into the area. Emer Barry, Lismore GAA Secretary spoke to Shane on the show.
Tragic deaths at a workplace in Offaly
Yesterday, tragic news came out of Banagher County Offaly as it was confirmed that two people died in a workplace incident Father and daughter Mihai Chinez and Denisa Chinez died after an incident at Banagher Precast Concrete. Local Independent Councillor John Leahy has said it is an “unimaginably difficult time” for the community and spoke to Shane on The Hard Shoulder.
Preparing the public for a United Ireland referendum
Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Stormont First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald are to hold talks at Government Buildings this evening to discuss the ongoing situation at the Garvaghy Road in Co Armagh. Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph Crime Correspondent brought us the latest. One man who will publish a book this week, titled ‘‘Bef
What is it like to be gay and catholic?
Newstalk Reporter, Sarah Madden reports on what is it like to be gay and catholic.
Over half of country’s major flood relief schemes stalled
The climate change advisory council have urged government to stop treating 'extreme events as one-off emergencies'. Mary Bourke, Professor in Geography Trinity College Dublin joined Ciara on the show to discuss.
How can we stop wasting food and money?
Today is UN International Day of Awareness of Food Waste. The Environmental Protection Agency’s has found food waste costs the average Irish household about €60 per month or €700 per year. Is there more we could be doing to make better use of the food we buy and what is the best way to go about this? CEO of Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment (VOICE) Tad Kirakowski joined us on The Har
