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
Oct 8, 2025 • 9min
Will we see increased apartment construction after Budget 2026?
From midnight last night, the VAT rate applied to the sale of completed apartments was reduced from 13.5% to 9%, but will this kickstart the construction of apartments which we’re being told has all but stalled?Joining Kieran to dig into this is Ollie Lyons, Director and Head of Land Development at JLL and Orla Hegarty, Architect and Assistant Professor at the UCD School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy…
Oct 8, 2025 • 8min
Eoin McGee on his new financial advice show
Kieran is joined by Financial Advisor, Broadcaster, and Columnist, Eoin McGee, who’s here to talk about his new show ‘How To Tackle Your Finances’, which gives important financial advice in an ever-shifting world.
Oct 8, 2025 • 25min
Kieran speaks with Catherine Connolly ahead of voting day
Polling day in the Presidential election is rapidly approaching.With just over two weeks of campaigning left, Kieran is joined by candidate Catherine Connolly to discuss recent events, and her thoughts on the campaign so far…
Oct 8, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Google’s new ‘AI Mode’
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss how Google is changing how their search works with a new ‘AI Mode’...Image: Google
Oct 8, 2025 • 9min
Mattress Mick on his new memoir ‘Bouncing Back’
Michael Flynn, AKA Mattress Mick has a new memoir which is called ‘Bouncing Back’, looking at his life, and his many businesses across Ireland.He joins Kieran to discuss!
Oct 8, 2025 • 8min
Do we need dedicated transport police?
You may have noticed more Gardai on your commute this morning, that’s because today is operation ‘Twin Tracks’.All day, Gardaí have been patrolling on trains and Luases in an engagement campaign to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport. So, should we have something similar to this year-round with dedicated transport police?Joining Kieran to discuss is SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser John Murphy and former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan.
Oct 8, 2025 • 14min
Taking the army fitness test! - Henry McKean Reports
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared war on “fat generals”, but how hard is it to pass an army fitness test?Henry McKean took part in one with the Irish Defence Forces, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on!
Oct 8, 2025 • 10min
The Ultimate Guide: Irish Autumn Breaks
Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for autumn breaks in Ireland!
Oct 7, 2025 • 9min
Budget 2026: The opposition’s view
With all details of Budget 2026 out today, what would be the opposition's view on all of the changes made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty.
Oct 7, 2025 • 7min
Sarah Clancy on returning home after Israeli detention
Sarah Clancy, Community worker and poet in Galway, has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israel for her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla.She joins Kieran to discuss her experience.Image: Reuters
