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
Mar 31, 2025 • 8min
Could Trump possibly run for a third term?
Donald Trump has said he is "not joking" when it comes to wanting to serve a third term as president of the United States…So, if he was to serve a third term, how would he go about that, and is it a remote possibility?Joining Kieran to discuss is Joseph M. Cosgrove, former Judge of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court.
Mar 31, 2025 • 9min
How does tattoo removal work?
Even though tattoos seem to be everywhere these days - there are inevitably some who regret theirs. Whether that be the result of a breakup, or a drunken choice they don’t even remember! So, how does the process of laser removal work?Kieran is joined by Aidan O’Connell from Fade Tattoo Removal on Grafton Street to discuss.
Mar 31, 2025 • 10min
Is the Irish tourism industry in danger?
Visitor numbers have dropped 30% compared to February last year, according to the CSO.This follows on from a 25% drop year-on-year last month. It begs the question: is the tourism industry in danger in Ireland?Joining Kieran to discuss the drop in American tourists specifically is Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.
Mar 31, 2025 • 8min
Kids Health Check: Allergies
Allergy season is approaching - so for this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Iseult Sheehan from Allergy Ireland to discuss how you can best prepare!
Mar 31, 2025 • 6min
Marine Le Pen convicted for embezzling funds
Marine Le Pen’s lawyer, Rodolphe Bosselut, has confirmed that the far-right leader will appeal against her conviction for embezzlement of public funds.She was found guilty of misappropriating European funds to fund her party.Elaine Cobbe is CBS Correspondent in Paris, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: Reuters
Mar 31, 2025 • 11min
Should we embrace or hide aging?
Getting older is a difficult journey for some, but should you take it in your stride? From grey hairs to wrinkles, what is needed to make sure you embrace your age?Celia Holman-Lee,fashion icon & Model Agent and Holly Carpenter, Social Media Content Creator join Kieran to discuss.
Mar 31, 2025 • 9min
Why Hola Taxi is fighting the big firms
A group of taxi drivers in Dublin have come together to create their own app in response to the big taxi firms and the bills they impose on drivers.Dublin taxi drivers Kamal Gill and Lar Kelly felt these big companies were taking too much from fares and have started their own app, Hola Taxi, that charges taxi drivers just €1 per fare…Both of them join Kieran to discuss.
Mar 31, 2025 • 9min
Does the Molly Malone statue need to be protected?
Dublin City Council are to take a number of measures in the coming months to restore and protect the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk street.These include a pilot scheme which will see stewards deployed to protect the statue from tourists jumping up, touching and posing with the statue.For more on this, Kieran is joined by Ray Yeates, who is an Arts Officer a Dublin City Council.
Mar 31, 2025 • 8min
How to avoid WhatsApp scams
Have you fallen for the WhatsApp scam? If so, you’re not alone. New research from Revolut says Ireland ranks as the second worst affected country for scams on the app, with the average loss costing customers around €1,200…How do these scams work, and how can you stay safe? Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly joins Kieran to discuss.
Mar 29, 2025 • 9min
EU team assesses Ireland's capabilities to respond to wildfires
Ireland's capability to respond to wildfires was tested in the Wicklow Mountains.More than 100 people participated in the first EU Modex exercise in Ireland. The muti-agency event assessed our preparedness for wildfires, and Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie was there.
