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
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Feb 20, 2025 • 7min
What will come from the Omagh Bombing Inquiry?
Yesterday marked the final day of the first stage of the Omagh Bombing Inquiry…Joining Kieran to discuss is Helen Kerr, who was in a café in Omagh when the explosion occurred.
Feb 20, 2025 • 13min
Is ‘fast furniture’ becoming a problem?
You’ve heard of fast fashion, but is there such a thing as fast furniture? Do you find yourself throwing out IKEA furniture every couple of months?Joining Kieran to discuss is Architect Róisín Murphy and Climate Change and Environmental Researcher, Sadhbh O'Neill.
Feb 20, 2025 • 9min
Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexual assault
Spain's former football federation boss Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso and ordered to pay a fine of €10,800 and has also has a restraining order attacked to this.Will this have a lasting impact on women’s sport?Meghann Scully is a freelance broadcaster and joins me now…
Feb 20, 2025 • 10min
Is the Government floundering on housing?
Housing seems to be the number one issue of attack for the Opposition over the first couple of weeks of Leaders’ Questions.Has it left the Government floundering?Seán Defoe is Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, and he’s been looking into this. He joins Kieran to discuss.
Feb 19, 2025 • 8min
Trump attacks Zelenskyy online - what’s next?
US President Donald Trump has launched a new attack online on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a "dictator" and saying he has done a "terrible job"...For more on this, Kieran is joined by Volodymyr Solohub, Freelance Journalist in Ukraine and Larry Donnelly Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal.
Feb 19, 2025 • 9min
How to do Stuff: Swearing
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 Kieran to give advice on saying curse words properly!
Feb 19, 2025 • 8min
Is Ireland’s relationship to the United States strained?
With Donald Trump in office, should the Irish Government keep their opinions on US politics at bay for the next 4 years? Or risk its relationship with the country?Following on from his conversation with Sean Spicer, Kieran is joined by Fianna Fáil TD for East Cork, James O’Connor, to discuss.
Feb 19, 2025 • 16min
Tracy Carroll on settling her case with the HSE
You might remember Tracy Carroll, she is the mother of Willow, who has spoken on the show before about issues she faced dealing with the HSE…She has now settled her case with the HSE, and has been working to better the system. Tracy Carroll joins Kieran to discuss.
Feb 19, 2025 • 10min
Eastenders celebrates its 40th anniversary! - Henry McKean Reports
Today, 40 years ago, a brand new soap opera was launched…Set in the fictional borough of Walford in the East End of London, following the stories of local residents, mainly killing each other and having affairs.But, how realistic is Eastenders to real life?Henry McKean visited London during Bafta Awards week and sent this report from the real Eastenders, speaking with pub landlords, London cabbies and locals!Image: BBC
Feb 19, 2025 • 8min
Tech Takeover: The Irish Text Relay Service
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joined Kieran to discuss the Irish Text Relay Service, the importance of accessibility in technology, as well as give her tech recommendations for the week!
