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 17, 2025 • 5min
Remains found in search for missing child in Donabate
Gardaí investigating the disappearance of a missing child have discovered skeletal remains in Donabate, north County Dublin.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte now joins Kieran from the scene to give the latest updates.
Sep 17, 2025 • 9min
Davy Fitzgerald on finding Ireland’s fittest farmer!
Joining Kieran for a chat at the Ploughing Championships is Antrim Manager Davy Fitzgerald, who is today not looking for Ireland's fittest family, but instead the fittest farmer!
Sep 17, 2025 • 9min
The current state of hurley and sliotar making
Kieran is joined by two men who, despite having full-time jobs, decided on a career change that would allow them to devote their time to their sport and to the GAA.One is an official Sliotar supplier to the GAA and the other is a master craftsman of ash Hurleys…Liam Mockler from Cúl Sliotars and Adrian Moran from Moran Hurley’s join to discuss!
Sep 17, 2025 • 14min
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon on new farming report
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has published the report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming.The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established to examine a range of issues in the area of farm succession and barriers to entry into the sector for young farmers.The new report has made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) supports; pensions; taxation; access to finance; access to land; collaborative arrangements; advisory services; education and training; gender balance; and the overall attractiveness of the sector.Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon.
Sep 17, 2025 • 9min
What does Mexican culture look like in Ireland? - Alex Alcala Reports
Here in Ireland, the Mexican community is growing, with businesses and events popping up all over the country. How do they celebrate Mexican Independence Day here, and what does Mexican culture look like in Ireland?Newstalk's Alex Alcala Reports!
Sep 16, 2025 • 17min
Michael Moynihan on the GAA, and where it’s going
Kieran is joined by journalist and author Michael Moynihan to discuss his new book: ‘More Than A Game: The GAA and Where It's Going’!
Sep 16, 2025 • 8min
What to know about Childhood Cancer Awareness month
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month,, and joining Kieran to discuss is Laura Cullinan, CEO of Childhood Cancer Ireland and parent of a survivor to discuss the Gold Ribbon Programme, which was launched to support families of children who are fighting cancer...
Sep 16, 2025 • 9min
Eoin Hayes blackface controversy - what should happen?
Images have resurfaced today in The Irish Daily Mail of Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes, where he wore a blackface Barack Obama costume to a Halloween party in college back in 2009, for which he has since apologised.Kieran is joined by Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore to talk more on the current situation…
Sep 16, 2025 • 6min
Looking back on Robert Redford’s legacy
Actor and Director Robert Redford has passed away at the age of 89…Joining Kieran to look back on his legacy is Brian Llyod, Entertainment Journalist and host of the Screenland Podcast.
Sep 16, 2025 • 7min
Are E Bikes more dangerous than E Scooters?
In recent times, E Scooters have been frequently flagged and branded as more dangerous than their estranged cousin: the E Bike.But, is this the case?Well, according to a new study by Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology Electric Bike users are eight times more likely to crash than E Scooters.Joining Kieran to discuss this further is Consultant in Emergency Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dr John Legge, and Columnist for the Irish Mirror, Joe O’Shea.
