The Hard Shoulder

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!

Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, discusses the pressing issues in Ireland's childcare infrastructure. She highlights the emotional toll of last-minute service closures due to staff shortages and emphasizes decades of underinvestment in early years care. Byrne compares Ireland's rigid staffing model with more flexible international systems, suggesting that better pay and recognition for early years staff could improve retention. She also notes that while some community centers can adapt to shortages, most lack the necessary flexibility.

Caroline Reidy, an HR spokesperson and head of NFP HR Solutions, teams up with etiquette expert Michelle Harding to navigate the do's and don’ts of office Christmas parties. They stress maintaining professionalism, using the mantra: if it’s inappropriate at 7 PM, it’s inappropriate at 11 PM. Caroline outlines employer responsibilities in ensuring safe environments, while Michelle warns about the pitfalls of too much festive cheer and offers tips for engaging quieter teammates. The duo emphasizes respectful approaches to flirting and enjoying the season without regrets.

Brian Nolan, Assistant General Secretary of Connect Trade Unions, champions the cause for apprentices to earn at least the national minimum wage. He argues that apprentices are vital contributors to the workforce, facing significant financial strain and heavy responsibilities, yet underpaid. Nolan also counters employer concerns about wage increases and highlights how inadequate pay discourages new candidates. Aaron, an electrical apprentice, shares how low wages impact his life and deter peers from pursuing similar paths. The conversation reveals the urgent need for fair compensation in apprenticeship programs.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist and Podcaster joined Seán Defoe on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Hilary Devlin joins Seán Defoe to discuss her journey playing visually-impaired rugby.

Dylan Bradshaw, award-winning Hairstylist and owner of Dylan Bradshaw Salon joins Seán Defoe for this week’s Thursday Interview!

November 20th is World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day, and specialists along with Pancreatic Cancer Ireland are calling for rapid access to diagnostic clinics, as it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss this is Professor Tom Gallagher, Consultant Surgeon at the National Surgical Centre for Pancreatic Cancer at St. Vincent’s University Hospital.

A primary school in Louth has been forced to send emails to Government representatives detailing how under pressure the school is financially.In this instance, the school asked parents to ensure students bring in their own toilet roll and their own hand towels to school due to insufficient funding…Joining Seán Defoe to discuss is Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas and Pearse Doherty, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal and Spokesperson on Finance, who raised this issue in the Dáil.

Minister for Transport and Climate Darragh O’Brien joins Seán Defoe from COP30 in Brazil to discuss what progress is being made there, as well as matters at home such as the situation in Dublin Airport.