The Hard Shoulder

Aoife Lee, a parenting coach from ParentSupport.ie, shares her insights on tackling school avoidance among kids. She explains how to distinguish between normal reluctance and genuine anxiety. Modern pressures, like busy schedules, contribute to feelings of overwhelm in children. Aoife highlights signs of school avoidance, such as Sunday night fear and emotional withdrawal. She provides practical steps for parents, emphasizing calm communication and collaboration with schools while discussing when a day off can either help or hinder. Seeking professional help is advised when anxiety becomes pervasive.

Seán Defoe, Newstalk's political correspondent, dissects Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch's anticipated run in the Dublin Central byelection. He recounts Hutch's impressive performance in the previous election and explains the unique challenges of a byelection versus a general election. Seán highlights Hutch's strategy to engage disengaged voters and the local dynamics that could influence turnout. He also discusses potential opponents, including a left-leaning candidate, and the looming media and legal scrutiny surrounding Hutch's campaign.

In this discussion, Barry Ward, a Fine Gael TD and spokesperson on justice, brings insights from the government side, emphasizing the need for alignment with EU migration rules. Meanwhile, Matt Carthy, a Sinn Féin TD, shares concerns about the proposed changes, arguing they overlook pressing issues like processing delays and the complexities of the Common Travel Area. The dialogue highlights differing views on citizenship timelines and family reunification, creating a fascinating clash of perspectives on Ireland's evolving immigration policies.

Jeff Kinney, the acclaimed author and cartoonist behind the beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, shares insights about his latest book, 'Partypooper.' He reveals the nine-year journey to publication and how his own experiences as a wimpy kid shaped Greg's character. Kinney discusses the importance of flaws in storytelling and the challenges of keeping kids engaged in a digital world. He emphasizes the need for parents to model reading habits and reflect on the unexpected success of his series.

Dr. Scott Walken, a general practitioner and clinical lead for infection control, discusses the early surge in flu cases due to viral evolution, highlighting symptoms of the H3 strain such as rapid onset fever and muscle pain. He stresses the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups like the elderly and healthcare workers. Tony Fitzpatrick, from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, addresses hospital staffing pressures with 6,500 vacancies, cautioning about increased cases among the elderly and young children, and calls for urgent measures to alleviate service demands.

Mary Conway, Chair of the Irish Property Owners Association, and Pat Davitt, a seasoned property consultant, delve into the evolving rental landscape. They discuss the anticipated tenancy rule changes set for March 1st and their implications for existing landlords. While reports suggest a mass landlord exodus, Mary clarifies misunderstandings stemming from government communication. Pat highlights the differences in rent regulations for small versus large landlords and calls for a more balanced tenant code of conduct amidst frustrations over current policies.

Jess Kelly, a technology correspondent and host of Tech Talk, joins sports commentator Cameron Hill to discuss the intersection of football, AI, and festive spirit. Jess shares how winter boosts her holiday mood, while both celebrate the cultural joy of Ireland's football success. They tackle concerns about AI-generated videos blurring reality and the issues of pricing spikes after big matches. The chat also meanders into concert etiquette and the joys of early Christmas decorating, showcasing their spirited banter and varied interests.

Evanne Ní Chuilin, a former sports broadcaster and Fine Gael senator, dives deep into the 2025 camogie uniform controversy. She highlights the historic reasons behind the skort rule and the discomfort it caused players. The pivotal campaign for shorts, led by Dublin's Aisling Maher, is discussed, showcasing the players' determination to change the norms. Evanne also reflects on the media's unexpected focus and the backlash from the sporting community, emphasizing that the core issue was about player choice and comfort over tradition.

Aisling Larkin, a mindful eating coach and TV chef, shares her passion for small plates and entertaining at home. She explains how to recreate restaurant-style tapas with ease, alleviating hosting stress through smart prep and portioning. Aisling walks listeners through enticing recipes like hot smoked salmon pâté and loaded papadam with tikka chicken. Plus, she offers tips on making delicious chicken liver pâté and an elegant poached pear with blue cheese for dessert. Don't miss her festive Christmas e-book filled with more delightful recipes!

Mick McCarthy, an experienced sports analyst and presenter at Off The Ball, joins Ciara Doherty for an engaging discussion on current sports. He highlights the upcoming Ireland-South Africa match as a crucial test for both teams. Mick evaluates Ireland's recent performance, noting improvements against Australia and the risk-reward of starting Sam Prendergast at ten. He also offers insights into the Premier League, predicting a tight North London Derby with a lean towards Arsenal. Expect expert commentary and thoughtful analysis throughout!