The Hard Shoulder

Disney has dropped the trailer for Toy Story 5, and it is accompanied with the tagline ‘The Age of Toys Is Over’. The film will focus on a tablet that has been bought by the family, thus scaring the toys into thinking that they will soon be obsolete!So, is the age of toys truly over in the real world?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Michael White Founder of Ro Óg, a company which makes handcrafted toys and Clinical Psychologist Anne Keogh.Image: Disney

New emails released have suggested further details to the relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein.To chat about this amid ongoing pressure on the US Government to release the Epstein files, Ciara Doherty is joined by Adrian Walker of the Boston Globe.

According to a recent survey, nearly 80% of childminders that responded are considering closing their service ahead of new regulations being introduced in September 2027.To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by the Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Children, Deputy Claire Kerrane, Chief Executive of Childminding Ireland, Bernadette Orbinski Burke and Childminder Leigh Ann Gilmore.

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 Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Universal’s newest theme park in Orlando: ‘Epic Universe’.

A new bee has been discovered by scientists in Australia. The ‘Lucifer’ bee, which gets its name from the unusual with devil-like horns, is the first of its kind…Joining Ciara to discuss this is Aoife Nic Giolla, Co-Founder of the Native Irish Honeybee Society, and owner of Galtee Honey Farm.Image: Dr Kit Prendergast, Curtin University

James May, who is probably best known for his presenting role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, is back launching his new show ‘James May’s Shed Load of Ideas’. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss!Image: Armonico

Journalist Lise Hand joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Following the housing order for all poultry, which came into effect yesterday amid bird flu risk, Ciara Doherty is joined by one of those impacted, Nigel Renaghan, Ulster/ North Leinster Regional Chairman of the IFA to discuss…

Sinn Fein’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of long Covid and renewed calls for the State to recognise long Covid as an occupational illness in line with other EU member states.It was found that the Department of Social Protection reviewed the EU recommendation and determined that Covid does not meet the criteria required for recognition in respect of the Social Welfare Acts.But, what is life like for those who still suffer from long Covid?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Jennifer, who has been dealing with long Covid since her first infection in 2020 and Professor Jack Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, with a special interest in long Covid.

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ Bill on Thursday calling for a legislative pathway towards reducing the voting age from 18 to 16 years.So, should it be reduced?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Noel Howard, Spokesperson for Social Care Ireland and Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North.