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. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 23, 2025 • 9min
Should all public smoking be banned?
A ban looks likely to be introduced on smoking and vaping at all playgrounds, multi-use games areas, and amenity spaces controlled by Cork County Council, primarily sparked by concerns about children’s health.Should it go further, should all public smoking be banned?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Cork County Councillor, Jack White.
Jun 20, 2025 • 23min
Winners and Sinners
This week, guest Seán Defoe was joined by the presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Jun 20, 2025 • 3min
Irish embassy in Iran evacuated and closed
Tánaiste Simon Harris has announced the decision to close Ireland's embassy in Iran.Joining guest host Seán Defoe to discuss the latest is Craig Hughes, Political Editor with the Irish Daily Mail.
Jun 20, 2025 • 5min
Creeslough planning permission refused
An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused planning permission to rebuild on the site of the tragic Creeslough explosion.Joining guest host Seán Defoe to discuss is Shauna Gallagher, sister to Jessica, who was killed in the explosion at the age of 24.
Jun 20, 2025 • 17min
You Are What You Eat: Vegan Recipes
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins guest host Seán Defoe to discuss vegan recipes that can satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!
Jun 20, 2025 • 5min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined guest host Seán Defoe on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…
Jun 20, 2025 • 14min
Should Minimum Unit Pricing be scrapped?
According to Eurostat figures, in 2024, the price level for alcohol and tobacco was 3 times higher in Ireland than in the likes of Bulgaria.And the price is actually over 200% above the EU average.So, we want to talk about Minimum Unit Pricing – something that was brought into Ireland three and a half years ago.Joining guest host Seán Defoe to discuss whether or not MUP should be scrapped is Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of International and European Affairs and Chris Luke, retired Consultant in Emergency Medicine and host of the Irish Medical Lives podcast.
Jun 20, 2025 • 9min
Should businesses be more pet friendly?
Today is National Dog Friendly Day, and businesses are being encouraged to become more pet friendly.Dogs Trust says a quarter of dog owners find the lack of dog-friendly spaces to be the biggest issue they face.So, what do you think, should pets be allowed in the same spaces as food and drink?Newstalk’s Josh Crosbie has been meeting with dog-owners to find out why their pets are so important to them…
Jun 20, 2025 • 14min
What is going wrong in Oberstown?
A staff member at Oberstown Detention Centre has suffered life-changing injuries, which is one of ten now who have been hurt in a string of violent incidents in just two weeks.Fórsa has now described the situation in the centre as critical, with too few staff, poor safety, and no sign of change. So, what’s going wrong with Oberstown?Saoirse Brady, Executive Director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust joins guest host Sean Defoe to discuss.
Jun 20, 2025 • 6min
How to swim safely this summer!
The sky is blue, and the sun is shining. Many of you may be looking to venture to your local swimming spot to cool off from the summer sun!Joining guest host Seán Defoe to discuss the upcoming weather and how to swim safely this summer is Alan O’Reilly (@carlowweather) and Co-creator of wildswim.ie, Maureen McCoy.
