The Hard Shoulder
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Episodes
Parenting pressure and avoiding saying ‘enjoy every minute’
Writer Niamh O’Reilly joins Keira Kelly to discuss the patronizing advice given to new parents, specifically the cliché to "enjoy every minute.
What can we expect from strikes tomorrow?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder covers the imminent public sector strike in Ireland, featuring political editor Mary Regan who analyzes the…
How should you protect your home from extreme weather?
Joni Hughes of Aviva Insurance Ireland discusses protecting homes from extreme weather, noting that while two-thirds of homeowners are concerned, many lack preparedness.
Deposit return scheme promises more bulk machines by end of year
Colin O'Byrne of Voice Ireland discusses the rollout of bulk reverse vending machines for Ireland's deposit return scheme, praising them for making bottle returns faster and more accessible.
Gardaí launch murder investigation after Waterford fire - local impact
The Hard Shoulder discusses the tragic house fire in Waterford City that killed two adults and two children, with Gardaí launching a murder investigation.
Saudi Arabia extends Riyadh airport closure after further missile attacks
Sky News International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn discusses the escalating conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthis, who have…
Kids Clinic: Handling school meltdowns
Dr.
Are we guilty of buying ‘fast’ tech?
The Hard Shoulder discusses a new study revealing that nearly 90% of Irish people bought "fast tech" items like vapes and fans in the last year, often discarding them improperly.
How will you be impacted by the public sector strikes?
Irish public sector unions have rejected a last-ditch offer from Minister Jack Chambers to enter talks, triggering a nationwide strike on Wednesday.
Riad Bouchaker sentencing hearing - Frank Greaney Reports
This episode covers the sentencing hearing for Riyadh Bouchakar, who was convicted of eight offenses related to the 2023 Parnell Square attack.
George Gibney jailed for 15 and a half years - latest updates
Former Olympic swimming coach George Gibney was sentenced to 15.
How much is splitting the bill costing you?
This episode discusses a new AIB survey revealing that Irish consumers lose an average of €150 annually due to the "politeness premium," where social…
Russia’s attacks intensify - when will we see an end to the war?
Sir William Browder joins Keira Kelly to analyze the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that Putin’s war has become a costly stalemate driven by a need for domestic distraction.
Winners and Sinners
Cameron Hill and Saoirse Hanley discuss the etymology of common phrases like "chance one's arm" and "hang it in the 16th chapel.
Comedian Jack Dee on celebrating 40 years in stand-up!
Comedian Jack Dee joins The Hard Shoulder to celebrate 40 years in stand-up and discuss his new show, Jack's Joke Show.
Sport with Daniel Hussey: First Man City matches after investigation
Sports journalist Daniel Hussey joins Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman to review the weekend’s action, starting with Ireland’s women’s 8-0 win over Kazakhstan and their path to the 2027 World Cup.
Do we need an allergy rating system in restaurants?
This episode discusses the tragic death of a UK child from a food allergy and its implications for Ireland.
American army to livestream firing squad execution - why?
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the controversial plan to live-stream the firing squad execution of Nadell Hassan, the 2009 Fort Hood shooter.
Should we feel guilty about having a lazy weekend?
Host Ciara discusses the pressure to be active during weekends with Irish Examiner columnist Esther McCarthy and comedian Steve Cummins.
Green Party Leader Zack Polanski loses MP race
Political editor George Parker analyzes the Green Party’s crisis following leader Zach Polanski’s failed by-election bid and a divisive conference motion declaring Zionism racist.
Could winning the lottery end your relationship?
Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss a Swedish study indicating that married women are twice as likely to divorce after winning the lottery, unlike men whose marriages remain stable.
Are food delivery drivers going too fast? - Henry McKean Reports
This episode investigates the growing safety concerns surrounding food delivery riders in Dublin who use illegal, souped-up e-bikes to exceed legal speed limits.
Movies and TV: Carrie, No Worries if Not, Elsinore
Entertainment journalists Dee Reddy and Serena Bellissimo discuss upcoming and recent releases, highlighting Andrew Scott’s Oscar-bait film "Alsinore" and the new Amazon Prime series "Carrie.
Strike roundup - what has been happening recently?
This episode covers ongoing industrial action by Irish public sector workers, focusing on a lunchtime protest by nurses at nine hospitals.
The rise in human trafficking and labour exploitation in nail salons
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses a recent Garda report highlighting human trafficking and labor exploitation in Irish nail salons.
Why do we love reading confessions online?
Psychiatrist Professor Brendan Kelly joins Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman to explore the psychology behind online confessions and the modern trend of oversharing.
Sport with John Duggan: Haaland sticks with Man City (for now)
John Duggan joins Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman to preview the intense League of Ireland title race, highlighting Shamrock Rovers' upcoming match against Derry City and Bohemians' fixture schedule.
Chair of the IFAC on their criticisms of Budget 2027
IFAC chair Seamus Coffey joins News Talk to critique Budget 2027, arguing that actual government spending growth of nearly 10% far exceeds the planned 6% target.
Why does our music taste change with the season?
Hosts and guest Dave Hannity explore whether musical tastes shift with the seasons, citing studies that link winter to complex, introspective music and summer to upbeat, rhythmic tracks.
Minister James Lawless on the Budget’s impact on education
Minister James Lawless discusses Budget 2027 changes, including a permanent €150 cut to third-level fees and new discounts for families with multiple students.
CSO finds continued rise in fuel and heating prices - will the Budget help?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder examines the latest CSO inflation data, highlighting significant price hikes in home heating oil, electricity, and fuel.
RTÉ to appear before Public Accounts Committee after funding reduction
RTE and the Department of Culture face a funding dispute after the government reduced the broadcaster’s expected bailout by €20 million, prompting a summons before the Public Accounts Committee.
How to do Stuff: Tying a Tie!
Simon Tierney joins Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman to discuss the surprising resurgence of the necktie, noting a 200% sales spike and its evolving…
Are differences in a relationship a good thing?
The Hard Shoulder explores the modern trend of labeling relationship differences as specific "gaps," such as wellness, swag, and party gaps.
Sport with John Duggan: Messi plays last Argentina game
John Duggan is honored as Sports Broadcaster of the Year and celebrates 25 years with Off The Ball.
The 3rd anniversary of October 7th - where are we today?
Sky News correspondent Adam Parsons discusses the first anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attack and its ongoing impact on Israel and Gaza.
GAA discuss integration timeline during Oireachtas committee meeting
Alan Kelly discusses the GAA’s delayed integration of its codes, noting that while the 2028 target remains, previous assurances to the Oireachtas…
1 in 5 young adults can’t use a washing machine!
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses a survey revealing that one in five young adults aged 18 to 30 do not know how to use a washing machine.
New body armour for Defence Forces after 20 years - Jessica Woodlock Reports
The Hard Shoulder discusses the rollout of new body armour for the Irish Defence Forces, the first update since 2006.
Russia ‘plague’ incident - should we be concerned?
This episode features BBC North America correspondent Anthony Zerker discussing the reported pneumonic plague outbreak at a Russian laboratory in Siberia.
WHO recommends against weight-loss injections for children - why?
Obesity specialist Donal O’Shea discusses new WHO guidelines recommending against GLP-1 weight loss drugs for children under ten due to insufficient safety evidence.
The Ultimate Guide: Nashville
Fionn Davenport guides listeners through Nashville, highlighting the newly opened Songteller Hotel and its tribute to Dolly Parton.
What is Sinn Féin’s view on Budget 2027?
Sinn Féin’s Mairead Farrell criticizes Budget 2027 as a "giveaway" that fails to adequately address the cost of living crisis, arguing it leaves 1.
Budget 2027’s impact on income - what you need to know
Nick Shara-Lambos of Alpha Wealth analyzes the financial impact of Budget 2027, noting that higher earners above the new 46,500 euro threshold benefit most.
The transport and climate implications from Budget 2027
Oisín Coughlin and Brian Caulfield critique Budget 2027 for lacking a coherent plan to reduce fossil fuel dependence despite urgent political rhetoric.
Minister Jack Chambers discusses Budget 2027
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers defends the 2027 budget on Newstalk’s The Hard Shoulder, arguing it prioritizes cost-of-living relief…
How does Budget 2027 affect businesses?
Newstalk’s political correspondent Sean Defoe and PwC’s Head of Tax, Porrick Burke, analyze the 2027 Budget, noting it was fully leaked and focused on political recovery from previous fuel protests.
Budget 2027: How will Personal Investment Accounts work?
Munro O’Dwyer from PwC analyzes Ireland’s new personal investment accounts, calling them a significant step toward closing the wealth gap with the US.
Gary Gannon on the opposition’s reaction to Budget 2027
Gary Gannon, the Social Democrats’ TD for Dublin Central, criticizes the 2027 Budget for lacking ambition and failing to address the cost of living.
Budget 2027: Vintners & Newsagents
This episode of The Hard Shoulder analyzes the 2027 Irish Budget with guests Michael O’Donovan and Vincent Jennings.