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
Dec 1, 2025 • 10min
Electric Picnic announces first acts - how does it look?
A number of acts, including some headliners, have been announced for next year's Electric Picnic. It’s already sent social media into a frenzy, with Irish band Fontaines DC revealed as the headline for the Sunday night.To chat about the lineup, Ciara is joined by the Deputy Editor of Hot-Press Magazine, Stuart Clark, and from The Point of Everything podcast and the Irish Examiner, Eoghan O’Sullivan.
Dec 1, 2025 • 9min
How to manage rising fuel prices
Diesel prices are up 4 cent a litre, and petrol up 2 cent in the last month according to the AA’s latest national fuel survey…So, with the increases are they ways you can get more bang for your buck and reduce your fuel usage?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent.
Nov 28, 2025 • 28min
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…
Nov 28, 2025 • 10min
How much do teenagers know about farming? - Josh Crosbie Reports
When it comes to different policies affecting the agricultural sector, there is a lot of uncertainty, especially for those living in urban areas.Agri Aware are trying to bridge that gap, and one thing they do is run education and awareness programs in schools.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been meeting students in Dublin to get their understanding, and sends in this report.
Nov 28, 2025 • 14min
You Are What You Eat: Sausage Rolls
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Ciara Doherty to discuss revitalising the humble sausage roll!
Nov 28, 2025 • 7min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.
Nov 28, 2025 • 11min
Why has debate around the tricolour become toxic?
Dublin City Council has decided not to remove Irish tricolour flags hung in some parts of the city, saying today that doing so would carry risks and be counterproductive.But, how did we get to this place where the Irish flag is the subject of such controversy?Former Lord Mayor and current Green Party Councillor Hazel Chu and Irish Times journalist and Historian Ronan McGreevy join Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 28, 2025 • 13min
Reviewing the Government’s first year after the General Election
It has now been one year since the General Election, and it feels an appropriate time to look back over the past 12 months and see how they fared out. To chat about some of the key political highlights over that period, Ciara Doherty is joined by Journalist, Broadcaster and Commentator, Alison O’Connor, and Political Reporter with The Irish Examiner, Tadgh McNally.
Nov 28, 2025 • 6min
Do you really know what’s in your pre-made latté?
Following the latest moves in the UK to impose a sugar tax on milk-based products, it’s got us wondering, do you really know what’s in some of the drinks that we’re having?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Dietician and Physiologist, Orla Walsh.
Nov 28, 2025 • 7min
What’s next for Enoch Burke?
The High Court has ruled that teacher Enoch Burke's salary should be paid directly to the school where he used to work until money he owes to them in damages for trespassing is paid off.Shane Phelan is Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara to give the latest updates.
