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
Nov 10, 2025 • 7min
Caitriona Jennings on setting new 100-mile world record!
Donegal Olympian Caitriona Jennings smashed the 100-mile world record, coming in more than five minutes faster than the previous best.It’s a huge achievement, and she joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 10, 2025 • 5min
Is it okay to borrow money for Christmas spending?
Figures from bonkers.ie suggest that Irish households are expected to spend over €1200 this Christmas, between food, presents, socialising and more…And some will consider borrowing to get through it all - is that a good idea?John Lowe is from Money Doctors.ie, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 7, 2025 • 30min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by Broadcaster Meghan Scully and Comedian Jim Elliot to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Nov 7, 2025 • 7min
Do young people need ‘offline’ spaces?
Calls are being made for more offline spaces to be created for the young people of Ireland. To chat about this need and the urgency behind it, Ciara Doherty is joined by Kathryn Walsh, the National Youth Council of Ireland’s Director of Policy and Advocacy.
Nov 7, 2025 • 6min
Meals to warm you up this winter!
Ahead of what looks set to be a cold and damp weekend, we’re going to be discussing some wintry meals that might warm you up.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss some recipes is TV Chef and Culinary Lecturer, Edward Hayden!
Nov 7, 2025 • 10min
Louvre’s CCTV system password was “LOUVRE”!
The Louvre is facing fresh scrutiny over its security deficiencies following an 80-million-euro heist last month, as it was revealed that the password for the museum’s video surveillance was “LOUVRE”.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Elaine Burke from the ‘For Tech's Sake’ podcast.
Nov 7, 2025 • 10min
Sport with Mick McCarthy
Off The Ball's Mick McCarthy joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action…
Nov 7, 2025 • 13min
Why do BreastCheck targets keep getting missed?
BreastCheck looks set to miss its screening target for a third year in a row.The national screening programme for breast cancer screens symptom-free women aged between 5 and 69 – and the target set was 219,000.However, it is expected that just 170,000 will be screened…Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Amy Nolan, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Irish Cancer Society and the Green Party’s Hazel Chu.
Nov 7, 2025 • 11min
What are the best and worst Irish representations on screen?
American TV series ‘Bob’s Burgers’ has received praise in Ireland following their recent portrayal of an old Irish mammy, and it got us thinking: what are some of the best and worst Irish representations on both the big and small screen?To discuss this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Arts Journalist and Film Critic, Chris Wasser.
Nov 7, 2025 • 8min
Former Prince Andrew summoned in the US over Epstein claims
Former Prince Andrew has been ordered to appear before US Congress over ongoing investigations into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. It comes just days after King Charles stripped his brother of his “Prince” title following renewed scrutiny of his links to Epstein.Joining Ciara Doherty with more on this is Mark Paul, London Correspondent for the Irish Times.
