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
Nov 27, 2025 • 12min
How to do Stuff: Writing Love Letters
Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Ciara to discuss how to write a love letter.
Nov 27, 2025 • 6min
Should food allergies be a public health issue?
Allergy Action Ireland is calling on The Government to urgently recognise food allergies as a public health issue, saying a national strategy is needed to support the growing number of children and adults at risk of life-threatening reactions.Joining me now is Catherine Dolan, Spokesperson for Allergy Action Ireland.
Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
What is life in Ukraine like right now?
Last month on The Hard Shoulder, we spoke to Ukrainian native Luba Healy, as she made a last push for aid for Ukraine ahead of her journey to drive an ambulance to the country.She has just returned from her trip, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss what life is like in Ukraine at the moment…
Nov 26, 2025 • 13min
James Lawless on higher education investment & student visas
The Government has launched a €750 million investment package for research infrastructure across Ireland's higher education sector.The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 26, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Saving money on your phone bill
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how you can save a lot of money on your monthly phone bill by shopping around online!
Nov 26, 2025 • 13min
How much protection should whistleblowers get?
Impassioned speeches took place in the Dáil today, as the spotlight moved to the treatment of whistleblowers.It’s as a Private Members Motion was brought forward on strengthening protections for whistleblowers.Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn brought the motion, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss, as does Noel McGree, a whistleblower who highlighted alleged corruption in the prison service…
Nov 26, 2025 • 9min
Have we lost our love for reading?
Author John Grisham has said there is a steep decline in the US in reading for pleasure. Is this also the case in Ireland, and what has contributed to this? Is it simply our busy lives, or is there just too much vying for our attention?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is children’s author, Lorraine Levis.
Nov 26, 2025 • 16min
UK announces latest Budget - how does it look?
The UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the latest Budget today, and it has not come without massive publicity. To chat through what has happened across the pond, Ciara Doherty is joined by Broadcaster, Political Commentator, and author, Iain Dale.Michael Magner, President of the Irish Hotels Federation, also joins to discuss whether or not Ireland should follow suit with its own country-wide tax on tourism.
Nov 26, 2025 • 12min
Affordable(?) housing development - Josh Crosbie Reports
Applications for a new "affordable" housing development opened in County Kildare today. However, some of the homes cost more than what is allowed under the local authority's Home Loan Scheme.Newstalk's Josh Crosbie has been investigating, and joins Ciara to discuss.Image: Daft
Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
EU to debate law cracking down on online scams
A debate before the EU Parliament will discuss whether social media companies should be liable for fake ads on their sites, in an effort to cut down on scams.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Fine Gael MEP, Regina Doherty.
