The Hard Shoulder

Newstalk
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Oct 9, 2026 • 8min

Russia’s attacks intensify - when will we see an end to the war?

70 people have been killed in the last couple of days as Russian attacks intensify.Public transport has been targeted, while US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are meeting Ukrainian representatives today.Will there be any actual movement?Sir William Browder is an author and formerly Russia’s largest foreign investor, and he joins Ciara to discuss.
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Oct 9, 2026 • 26min

Winners and Sinners

This week, Ciara and Shane were joined by Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with the Irish Independent  to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists...
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Oct 9, 2026 • 10min

Comedian Jack Dee on celebrating 40 years in stand-up!

Comedian Jack Dee, who is celebrating 40 years in stand-up!This month he returns to Ireland to take us on a memoir of his favourite old jokes and funny anecdotes that have intrigued him for as long as he can remember…He joins Shane to discuss!
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Oct 9, 2026 • 7min

Sport with Daniel Hussey: First Man City matches after investigation

Sports Journalist Daniel Hussey joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend’s action…
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Oct 9, 2026 • 5min

Do we need an allergy rating system in restaurants?

Over in the UK, the family of a 12-year-old girl who died after drinking a milkshake made in an unwashed blender at a cafe have called for a dedicated rating that scores food businesses on their allergy management.But, in terms of allergy recognition in Ireland, what is being done behind the scenes?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Catherine Dolan, Spokesperson for Allergy Action Ireland.
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Oct 9, 2026 • 12min

American army to livestream firing squad execution - why?

The public will be able to watch the execution of a former US Army major by firing squad, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said. Nidal Hasan, who shot dead 13 unarmed US soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, will be livestreamed, in what is believed to be the first public execution in the US in almost a century.Joining Shane to discuss this is Jennifer Ewing from Republicans Abroad and Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin.
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Oct 9, 2026 • 9min

Should we feel guilty about having a lazy weekend?

We are typically told to make the best of our weekends: dinner parties, going out, spending time with friends or family - but that isn’t always the case with how we choose to spend our time.What does a good weekend look like, and should we feel guilty about having a quiet or lazy weekend?Joining Ciara to discuss is Esther McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Steve Cummins, Comedian.
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Oct 9, 2026 • 6min

Green Party Leader Zack Polanski loses MP race

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is back in the news today having been granted £302,000 in compensation after his lease on his former Windsor home was officially surrendered, and Green Party leader Zach Polanski has just failed to become an MP in the London by-elections.Joining Shane to discuss this is Political Editor at Financial Times, George Parker.
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Oct 9, 2026 • 8min

Could winning the lottery end your relationship?

Winning the lottery might end your marriage, according to a new study women are more likely to leave their partners after a big jackpot. But what does this tell us about our relationships?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Brenda Power, Columnist with The Sunday Indo and The Irish Daily Mail.
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Oct 9, 2026 • 11min

Are food delivery drivers going too fast? - Henry McKean Reports

Some food delivery companies are planning to track riders’ speeds to halt illegal e-bikes.Conversion kits can turn ordinary bikes into high-powered machines, prompting concerns over dangerous riding, going as fast as €50 km an hour. And a small number of riders are selling drugs on the side. Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Shane to discuss.

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