The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
The Hard Shoulder on Newstalk. Join us every weekday afternoon from 4-7pm for a round-up of the day’s events, interviews with the people at the centre of the stories – and a bit of craic along the way. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 3, 2025 • 12min
Why are people drawn to extreme protests?
Recent protests in Citywest and the suspected arson attack at an IPAS center in Drogheda calls into question our approach to tackling these violent protests. While there is a heavy focus on how they are policed, should there be a shift to identifying what draws people to extreme protests?Joining Ciara to discuss is Keire Murphy, Senior Policy Officer with the ESRI, who had this piece in the Irish Independent.
Nov 3, 2025 • 6min
Justin Baldoni's Blake Lively lawsuit dropped
Justin Baldoni’s $400 million lawsuit against his former co-star Blake Lively has officially been closed by a judge.It’s after it was ruled that the actor and director missed the deadline that had been set to pursue his claim.Journalist Harriet Alexander joins Ciara Doherty to give the latest updates.Image: Britannica
Nov 3, 2025 • 12min
Kids Health Check: Giving Privacy
For this week’s Kids Health Check, Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Clinical Director of Therapy Institute and author of ‘Home is Where the Start Is’ joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how much privacy you should give your child, both at home and with their phone.
Nov 3, 2025 • 12min
Working asylum seekers may have to pay rent
The Government is considering charging rent for IPAS centre residents who are in full-time employment.Ministers are meeting to discuss signing off on the proposals.It comes as the Government seems to be hardening its stance on immigration; it also follows an attack on an IPAS centre in Drogheda in the last couple of days.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Nick Henderson, Chief Executive of the Irish Refugee Council and Independent MEP, Michael McNamara.
Nov 3, 2025 • 8min
Why the average age for giving birth is increasing
The CSO has said that a record number of babies were born to women aged 45 years and over in 2023.The average age of a mother giving birth is 33.2, up from 32.2 ten years previously, with those giving birthdays over 40 increasing by 25%.Maeve Eogan is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the Rotunda, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 3, 2025 • 11min
Stalking survivor makes calls for more supports
Laura O’Connell, who survived a prolonged period of harassment, says that home security systems, including CCTV, should be provided by the State for stalking survivors.She joins Ciara Doherty to discuss further.
Nov 3, 2025 • 12min
What’s going on with Fianna Fáil?
Malcolm Byrne is Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow-Wexford and has written in the Irish times today about the Fianna Fáil party, questioning where the Party has gone so wrong. He argues it was the Party that got things done, and is questioning its focus…He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 3, 2025 • 11min
Christmas market in Limerick City cancelled - why?
A Christmas Market that was proposed for Limerick City has been cancelled, that is despite plans being made throughout the year to open the market.To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.
Oct 31, 2025 • 26min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis and Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Oct 31, 2025 • 9min
Ireland face New Zealand tomorrow - who will win?
Ireland will face off against New Zealand tomorrow in Chicago as part of the Autumn Nations Series.But, can we expect the boys in green to overcome the mighty all blacks?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Rugby Pundit, Brent Pope.
