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
Sep 24, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Technology in the NFL
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran ahead of the big Dublin NFL game to talk about some of the unique technology used in the sporting organisation.Image: NFL Football Operations
Sep 24, 2025 • 16min
Ryder Cup preview with Pádraig Harrington
Europe and the US will face off against each other in just two days as the Ryder Cup returns.The Americans will be keen to reclaim the cup after the Europeans won out last time…Joining Kieran to look ahead to it all is Irish golfing legend and member of 6 Ryder cup teams, Pádraig Harrington.
Sep 24, 2025 • 8min
Traitors Ireland is a huge success! - Henry McKean Reports
Traitors Ireland is the most successful RTÉ programme since Love/Hate getting Late Late Toy Show ratings. Henry McKean met Traitors and Faithfuls at The Traitors Finale Watch Party, and sends in this report!
Sep 24, 2025 • 12min
Maria Steen fails to get enough backing to run for President
Maria Steen has failed in her attempt to be a presidential candidate in the coming election…Receiving 18 votes of support from Oireachtas members out of 20 ,she narrowly missed the mark.Joining Kieran with the latest and to discuss is Pat Leahy, Political Editor with the Irish Times and Peadar Tóbín, TD for Meath West and Aontú Leader.
Sep 24, 2025 • 7min
Is strong legislation needed on vaping?
Legislation is being discussed in the Dáil on the restriction of vape products.To talk more about this issue and the impact it’s having on young people, Kieran is joined by Consultant in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine at CHI Crumlin & member of the Irish Thoracic Society Council, Professor Des Cox.
Sep 24, 2025 • 11min
Should you use a smart watch to track your child?
Should we be tracking our kids, or are things like Xplora watches simply another way to helicopter parent?Joining Kieran to discuss is Mary McCarthy, Columnist with The Irish Independent and Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist with The Irish Times.Image: Xplora
Sep 24, 2025 • 10min
The Ultimate Guide: Winter Getaways
Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for a winter getaway!
Sep 23, 2025 • 13min
Is what we’re seeing online in the West Bank accurate?
Joining Kieran is Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson, who has recently visited the West Bank to understand what life is like for Palestinians there…
Sep 23, 2025 • 11min
The Bookshelf with Shane Byrne
Former Rugby International Shane Byrne joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Sep 23, 2025 • 15min
Do we need more transparency with the IPAS system?
The budget for processing and providing accommodation to asylum seekers has grown to €1.2 billion this year. Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD and chair of the Oireachtas Migration Committee is calling on Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan this afternoon to provide more transparency on where this money is being spent…TD Matt Carthy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Immigration Lawyer Cathal Malone to discuss what is driving the substantial cost of the system.
