The Hard Shoulder
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Episodes
Over half of country’s major flood relief schemes stalled
The Hard Shoulder discusses the Climate Change Advisory Council’s report urging the government to stop treating extreme weather as isolated emergencies.
How can we stop wasting food and money?
On International Food Waste Day, The Hard Shoulder discusses the cost and environmental impact of food waste in Ireland with Tad Kurakowski, CEO of the Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment.
Bill aimed at banning AI services for under 16s
T.
Alisa Kovalenko on surviving conflict-related sexual violence
Alyssa Kovalenko shares her harrowing 2014 experience of being captured, interrogated, and sexually assaulted by Russian forces in the Donbas region.
How big is the ‘iced coffee’ professional divide?
Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss the debate over bringing iced coffee to job interviews with guest Caroline Reedy, head of NFPR Solutions.
Kids Clinic: Sex Education
Hosts Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman welcome pharmacist and podcaster Laura Dowling to discuss the importance of comprehensive sex education at home.
Has house bidding been gamified?
Housing Minister James Brown proposes regulating online bidding portals like Offer and Bid Excel, arguing they mimic gambling and drive up house prices.
How to deal with someone that is always trying to one-up you!
Relationship expert Frances Kelleher joins Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman to discuss how to handle one-upmanship in friendships and family dynamics.
The fallout from the Ireland V Israel match
The Hard Shoulder discusses the controversy surrounding Ireland’s Nations League match against Israel, with FAI President Paul Cook defending the association’s handling of the situation.
Government choose commission of investigation over public inquiry for spinal care
Amanda Coughlan, co-lead of the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Pediatric Advocacy Group, criticizes the government’s decision to use a private…
Garvaghy Road Stand-Off - Henry McKean Reports
This episode covers the tense standoff at the Garvaghy Road in Northern Ireland, where residents have blocked the Orange Order’s attempt to march down the street.
U2 surprise concert in Dublin
Shane Coleman reports from Dublin's Grafton Street, where 75,000 fans gathered for U2's surprise 50th-anniversary gig.
Survivor of conflict-related sexual violence
Alyssa Kovalenko, a former film student and survivor of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine’s Donbass region, shares her harrowing 2014 captivity and subsequent two-year silence.
Orange Order granted permission for Drumcree parade
Owen Tennyson of the Alliance Party criticizes the Parades Commission’s decision to allow a limited Orange Order march at Drumcree, arguing it…
Stop the game rally
Kia Lynch, a trade unionist and Irish football fan, discusses the campaign urging Ireland to boycott upcoming matches against Israel due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The problems with access to acne medication
Mary McCarthy joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss the crisis in Irish dermatology, highlighting long public waiting times and prohibitive private costs for treating severe teenage acne.
Orange Order’s Drumcree parade to return
This episode discusses the Parades Commission's decision to allow the Orange Order's Drumcree parade to return to the Garvahy Road in Portadown for the first time in 28 years.
Eir to shut down its 3G network
Irish Times tech correspondent Ciara O'Brien joins The Hard Shoulder to explain the upcoming shutdown of Ireland's 3G network by Airtel.
Should we be showing more patience to learner drivers?
Driving instructor Brenda Bulger discusses a survey revealing that four out of five learner drivers have experienced road rage, often from drivers in…
Movies and TV: Youth, Avengers Endgame Encore, Heart of the Beast
Andy McCarroll and Serena Bellissimo join Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman to preview upcoming entertainment.
Mark Little on his new book ‘The Last Good Day on the Internet’
Mark Little joins Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman to discuss his new book, *The Last Good Day on the Internet*.
What do you want to see from Budget 2027?
Political editor Pat Leahy discusses the Irish Times poll showing voters prioritize energy cost relief over housing supports ahead of the upcoming budget.
The important role sport plays in inclusion
This episode of The Hard Shoulder features Kate O'Neill, coordinator of Navan's adult Pel for All GAA team, discussing how the club provides…
Simon Vigar on his book ‘The Four Wives of Windsor’!
Simon Vigier discusses his new book, *The 4 Wives of Windsor*, analyzing the influence of Diana, Camilla, Meghan, and Catherine on the British monarchy.
How is France dealing with their own fuel crisis?
France has introduced €450 million in emergency subsidies to combat record-high fuel prices, including increased handouts for drivers and tax-free employer bonuses.
The Traitors Ireland runners-up discuss the finale!
Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman interview Porrick and Carla, the losing traitors from the latest series of The Traitors, to discuss their strategies and the final showdown.
Tech Takeover: CHI Emergency Department in Tallaght to temporarily close - why?
Andrea Kelly discusses the temporary closure of Tala Hospital’s emergency unit, explaining that it is necessary to integrate its data into Children’s South Ireland’s wider digital infrastructure.
Sport with John Duggan: Hallgrímsson comments on Israel controversy
The episode centers on the controversy surrounding the Republic of Ireland's upcoming Nations League matches against Israel, with manager Heimir…
The Ultimate Guide: Salzburg
Sean Davenport visits Salzburg, Austria, to explore the newly opened Sound of Music museum and the city’s deep connection to the 1965 film.
Is a ‘smoke-free generation’ actually possible?
Doctor Emett O’Brien discusses a proposed Irish motion to ban tobacco and vape sales to those born after 2009.
World leaders gather for United Nations General Assembly - latest updates
Anthony Zerker and Shona Murray analyze Donald Trump’s UN General Assembly speech, noting his mixed threats and promises regarding Iran, his push to…
The Bookshelf with Adam Harris
Adam Harris, founder of As I Am Ireland and incoming CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, discusses his career transition and favorite books.
Tips to stretch your grocery budget!
Hosts Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman discuss rising grocery inflation with guest Dara Cassidy from Bonkers.
Should data centres be forced to cover rising electricity costs?
Rosie Leonard of Friends of the Earth Ireland argues that data centers have added €715 million to household electricity bills, urging a moratorium on new connections.
Newly-eliminated Traitors contestants look ahead to the finale!
This episode of The Hard Shoulder features a post-elimination roundtable with Kaylee, who was murdered by trader Porico, and Pete, who was banished.
Why do young people want to leave Ireland? - Baibre Holmes Reports
This episode examines a new survey revealing that nearly 70% of Irish young adults consider emigrating for a better quality of life.
Why are campaigners angry about new public transport fares?
The Hard Shoulder discusses the NTA's planned 15% public transport fare hike for 2027, which campaigners argue will reverse recent gains in ridership.
US Media Outlets to sue White House
White House columnist Nile Stanley joins Kira Kelly and Shane Coleman to discuss the escalating standoff between the Trump administration and major media outlets.
Kids Clinic: What to do if your child feels left out
Clinical psychologist Dr.
Do we need to reform how we carry out rape trials?
Rachel Morrow, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, discusses the potential benefits of adopting the UK’s proposed specialist sexual offenses court in Ireland.
Increase to Rent Tax Credit mooted in October’s Budget
Labor TD Connor Sheehan discusses the upcoming budget's rent tax credit increase, arguing it should be doubled to €2,000 to offset rising rents.
Winners and Sinners
In this episode of The Hard Shoulder, Keira Kelly and Shane Coleman join guests Niamh O'Reilly and Cameron Hill for their "Winners and Sinners" segment.
Special Olympics Collection Day - Henry McKean Reports
Henry McKean reports on Special Olympics Ireland’s collection day, highlighting the transformative impact of the organization on athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Russia holds first parliamentary elections since their invasion of Ukraine
Patrick Pur, a defense expert from the University of Bath, discusses the upcoming Russian presidential election and its direct link to public support for the war.
How do Ireland's newest citizens feel about the incoming legislation?
The Hard Shoulder discusses upcoming changes to Irish citizenship rules, including increased residency requirements and language tests.
Sport with John Duggan: FAI Chief Executive says Ireland will play Israel
Fai chief David Corell defends the decision to play Nations League matches against Israel, urging the public not to project frustration onto the players.
What are the economics behind rising concert ticket prices?
The Hard Shoulder discusses the soaring prices of Oasis concert tickets in Ireland, ranging from €181 to €501, with guest Susan Hayes-Culleton.
Movies and TV: Bad Apples, Slow Horses, Last Seen
The hosts discuss the dark comedy *The Teacher*, praising its performance and exploration of classroom support systems.
Potato shortages after extreme heat - what to expect
Mick Kelly, founder of GIY, discusses the severe impact of drought on Ireland's potato crop, noting a 40% yield drop due to dry conditions across Europe.
Garda whistleblower scandal - can we trust management?
This episode examines allegations that An Garda Síochána’s senior management has undermined protected disclosure reforms, following a Prime Time investigation.