The Hard Shoulder

The Hard Shoulder

Newstalk

363 episodes

Ads on this show

2.3 minof ads per hour
5.7ads per hour
63%of episodes have ads

Measured by Castria across 354 episodes from the last 90 days. How we measure

Episodes

Reaction to Jim O’Callaghan's comments on striking solicitors and rape trials
Oct 20, 2026 · 13m
This episode of The Hard Shoulder examines the impact of the criminal legal aid dispute on rape cases in Irish courts.
What are the do’s and don’ts of running a marathon?
Oct 20, 2026 · 10m
John Fardy, a ten-time marathoner, shares his experiences and advice for the upcoming Dublin City Marathon.
Should we have a special offence for attacks linked to recovery of drug debts?  
Oct 20, 2026 · 9m
Journalist Paul Williams joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss the Waterford arson murders and propose a new "drug-related intimidation" offense to impose additional prison sentences on perpetrators.
Do dads not take enough paternity leave? - Henry McKean Asks
Oct 20, 2026 · 8m
This episode of The Hard Shoulder explores the complexities of paternity leave in Ireland, sparked by Simon Harris’s recent announcement.
Have nightclubs bounced back since Covid?
Oct 19, 2026 · 6m
Sonny the Sharp, spokesperson for Give Us The Night, discusses the state of Ireland’s nightlife five years after post-COVID reopening.
French PM calls for “partial curfews” amid protests
Oct 19, 2026 · 4m
John Litchfield reports on escalating violence in France, where the government has requested partial curfews to contain unrest.
Men’s Aid Ireland report shows victims are reluctant to come forward
Oct 19, 2026 · 8m
Keira Kelly discusses a new Men's Aid Ireland report with CEO Shane Kelly, highlighting the persistent stigma that prevents men from reporting domestic abuse.
Kids Clinic: Toilet Training Tips!
Oct 19, 2026 · 8m
Aoife Lee, a parent coach from parentsupport.
Israeli parliamentary election - what can we expect?
Oct 19, 2026 · 6m
Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss Israel’s upcoming parliamentary elections with Irish Times correspondent Mark Weiss, focusing on the impact of Donald Trump’s endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu.
Revenue to get powers to collect new 7% tax from owners of vacant properties
Oct 19, 2026 · 9m
Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss a new 7% tax on derelict properties, now collected by Revenue Commissioners to improve enforcement.
Making political statements with clothing - when is it not okay?
Oct 19, 2026 · 7m
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the controversy over RTE editing a Palestinian flag necklace from a property show, sparking debate on political expression in media.
Funeral of Waterford family takes place - Barry Whyte Reports
Oct 19, 2026 · 11m
This episode covers the joint funeral in Waterford for Philip and Kim English and their sons, Callum and Jaden, who died in a suspected arson attack.
How to clean a messy home in under 30 minutes!
Oct 19, 2026 · 9m
Cleaning expert Anne Russell joins The Hard Shoulder to share strategies for transforming a messy home into a welcoming space in under 30 minutes.
Legal aid row - what is the situation?
Oct 19, 2026 · 11m
Solicitor Michael O'Connor discusses the escalation of the dispute with the Justice Minister over a new criminal legal aid payment scheme.
Public sector strikes suspended
Oct 16, 2026 · 6m
The Irish government and public service unions have agreed to suspend upcoming strikes to begin a focused, intensive exercise on a new pay deal.
How to manage difficult relationships with in-laws?
Oct 16, 2026 · 8m
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss managing difficult in-law relationships with guest Michelle Brown, a divorce consultant and author.
Notable moments from White House Press Secretaries
Oct 16, 2026 · 8m
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the history of White House press secretaries with guest Larry Donnelly, a law lecturer and columnist.
EU summit where leaders are rallying around Ukraine
Oct 16, 2026 · 9m
European leaders face pressure to secure Ukraine’s finances through 2028 amid strained US relations, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin urging quick action to bridge the gap with the Trump administration.
The rise of the ‘indie dad’
Oct 16, 2026 · 8m
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman explore the "indie dad" phenomenon, debating whether middle-aged men attending gigs of younger artists drain the room's energy.
Higher proportion of migrants in urban and more affluent areas
Oct 16, 2026 · 8m
Theresa Bukowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, discusses new ESRI research showing that migrants in Ireland predominantly reside in affluent areas rather than deprived communities.
Is it fair to say 'everybody' is responsible for road deaths?
Oct 16, 2026 · 8m
Ciarán Cannon, President of Cycling Ireland, criticizes the Minister of State for Transport for shifting road safety blame to users rather than government policy.
One-fifth of under-12s fall asleep watching a screen
Oct 16, 2026 · 12m
Dr.
Ireland’s first university-led AI research institute
Oct 15, 2026 · 7m
Professor Robin Burke, incoming director of Ireland’s first university-owned AI institute at UCD, discusses the initiative’s goal to integrate AI across health, agriculture, and sciences.
White House faces questions over its new press secretary
Oct 15, 2026 · 7m
BBC North American correspondent Anthony Zirker discusses the US decision to cancel the live stream of Nadel Hassan's execution, noting the political backlash and rifts within the Republican Party.
When is an MRI useful?
Oct 15, 2026 · 7m
Stephen O’Rourke, a physiotherapist at Mater University Hospital, discusses the overuse of MRIs for simple back pain.
EU court backs Dublin Airport’s 32 million passenger cap
Oct 15, 2026 · 7m
The Hard Shoulder discusses the ECJ’s ruling upholding the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport, with guest Kevin Byrne analyzing the legal and economic implications.
Defence Forces appear before the Oireachtas
Oct 15, 2026 · 10m
Rose Conway-Walsh, chair of the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security, discusses recent hearings on national security risks, identifying flooding and cyber attacks as primary threats.
The Irish Carvery
Oct 15, 2026 · 10m
This episode explores the surprising resurgence of the Irish carvery, driven by the cost-of-living crisis and social media trends among Gen Z.
Government trying to prevent second day of public sector strikes
Oct 15, 2026 · 5m
Irish Examiner political correspondent Louise Byrne discusses efforts to avert a second day of public sector strikes, noting that the government and…
Arrests made after Waterford arson attack
Oct 15, 2026 · 4m
Gardaí have arrested a man in his 20s and a woman in her 30s in connection with the murder of Philip and Kim English and their two sons in Waterford.
Jeffrey Donaldson sentenced to 15 years in prison
Oct 15, 2026 · 10m
Former DUP leader Geoffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years in prison for historic sexual abuse, including rape, of two women when they were children.
Campaign to scrap the EU-Israel trade agreement
Oct 15, 2026 · 7m
Dublin Labour MEP Aon O'Riordan discusses his new campaign urging the EU to scrap its trade agreement with Israel, citing breaches of human rights clauses.
Worrying behaviours being normalised in student relationships
Oct 14, 2026 · 7m
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss a new report indicating that controlling behaviors are becoming normalized in Irish student relationships.
Another wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine
Oct 14, 2026 · 5m
France 24 correspondent Emmanuel Shays discusses Russia's massive drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, which left 600,000 people without power due…
How music can help with bereavement, dementia and pain
Oct 14, 2026 · 6m
Dr.
Sally Rooney's books to be no longer sold in the UK
Oct 14, 2026 · 7m
This episode discusses Irish author Sally Rooney's decision to stop selling her books in the UK due to legal concerns surrounding her support for…
The latest from today’s public sector strikes
Oct 14, 2026 · 12m
This episode examines Ireland's recent public sector strike, featuring Irish Times work correspondent Emmett Malone who reports on the high turnout and the unions' desire to flex their muscle.
The stigma surrounding male hair loss
Oct 14, 2026 · 8m
News Talk’s digital editor Ciarán Bradley joins Keira Kelly to discuss his recent hair transplant and the profound impact male pattern baldness had on his self-confidence.
Public sector strike over pay deal
Oct 14, 2026 · 11m
Minister John Cummins discusses the tragic arson attack in Waterford that killed four people, urging the public to support the devastated community and assist Gardaí in their investigation.
The importance of the Irish passport
Oct 14, 2026 · 8m
This episode of The Hard Shoulder explores the historical and cultural significance of the Irish passport, featuring Nathan Mannion from the Epic Museum.
Day one of Russell Brand rape trial underway
Oct 14, 2026 · 5m
This episode covers the opening day of comedian Russell Brand’s trial in London, where he faces seven charges including rape and sexual assault.
Status Yellow wind and rain warnings for seven counties
Oct 14, 2026 · 4m
Meteorologist Alan O'Reilly details severe wind and rain warnings for seven Irish counties, noting gusts up to 100 km/h and localized flooding risks.
The Ultimate Guide: Getting the best airfare deals
Oct 13, 2026 · 9m
Owen Corrie, editor of Air and Travel Magazine, joins Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman to discuss securing the best airfare deals for winter travel.
Could you be in the next big boyband? - Henry McKean Reports
Oct 13, 2026 · 7m
Brian McFadden discusses his plan to launch a new Irish boy band, partnering with talent scouts from CAA and Modest Management to find young men aged 17 to 19.
What is the Government's reaction to the public sector strike?
Oct 13, 2026 · 7m
Fianna Fáil TD Shane Moynihan discusses the upcoming 24-hour strike by over 300,000 public sector workers, emphasizing the need for urgent negotiations to resolve the pay dispute.
Google to invest $5 million for better weather prediction in Ireland
Oct 13, 2026 · 6m
Google is investing $5 million in a four-year Irish project to install 560 AI-powered weather stations in schools to improve local forecasting for extreme events like flash floods.
The Bookshelf with Claire Beck
Oct 13, 2026 · 12m
Today FM DJ Clare Beck joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss her favorite reads, starting with the music history book Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.
How would excessive spending impact your ability to borrow money?
Oct 13, 2026 · 5m
This episode examines how excessive spending on online raffles and gambling can negatively impact loan and mortgage applications.
Energy price freeze - will it have an impact?
Oct 13, 2026 · 8m
Prepay Power has frozen energy prices for 200,000 customers, a move UCD energy economics professor Lisa Ryan analyzes as a strategic tactic following summer price hikes.
What we know about the Waterford murder investigation - Barry Whyte Reports
Oct 13, 2026 · 10m
This episode reports on a murder investigation launched after four people, including two children, died in a deliberate house fire in Waterford City.
Listen ad-free on Castria