The Hard Shoulder

Newstalk
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Jul 10, 2025 • 5min

Should Gazan children be brought to Ireland for treatment?

There have been calls for Gazan children to be brought here to Ireland for treatment.A number of Irish doctors have been concerned at the delays – it's after the evacuation of up to 18 children has been stalled due to issues with family visas. Reports suggest that pediatric patients may only get here in late September.One of the doctors making the call is Thomas Donnelly, Orthopedic Consultant in Children’s Health Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 5min

How to make the perfect cup of tea!

Amy Poehler recently revealed that she is a fan of a particular Irish brand of tea – no other than Barry’s Tea!Barry’s is a particular fan-favourite, and for good reason.James Kavanagh from the Simpler Life Podcast joins Kieran to explain how you can make the perfect cup!
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Jul 10, 2025 • 16min

Should we have another referendum on women in the home?

The UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women calls on Ireland to hold another referendum on women in the home and care.The committee reports disappointment with the failed referendum, recommending an independent evaluation of the vote and to run it again with alternative wording.So, why did the referendum fail, and what should be done to get it over the line the second time around?Rónán Mullen, Independent Senator for the National University of Ireland and Pauline O’Reilly, former Green Party Senator and Political Commentator join Kieran to discuss.
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Jul 10, 2025 • 11min

How to do Stuff: Winning a Nobel Peace Prize

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 discuss (since Trump thinks he can get one so easily) how you can win a Nobel Peace Prize!
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Jul 10, 2025 • 8min

Captain on why his Russian vessel was docked in Killiney Bay

A Russian vessel has been docked in Killiney Bay, and is now making its way up the Irish coast towards Scotland.The ship’s name is The Shtandart, and the captain is Vladimir Martus. He joins Kieran to discuss why he’s here, and the reactions he has received.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 19min

Quarter of child sex-abuse material is self-generated - what can be done?

A quarter of the cases of child sex-abuse material last year was self-generated, according to  an annual report carried out by the Irish Internet Hotline.There was a 116% increase in intimate photographs, videos and pictures being taken and shared by children online. How can we protect them?Joining Kieran to discuss is Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, and later Rena Maycock, Founder of the Child Cyber safety company Chirp and Stella O’ Mally, Child Psychologist and Author of cotton wool kids.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 7min

Should we stick to Amazon UK instead of IE?

Amazon Prime Day (which is actually four days) runs this week. While many people are seeking out deals, are they still using Amazon UK or did they make the swap to the new Irish site?Almost four months on from the introduction of Amazon.ie, has it lived up to people's expectations?Joining Kieran to discuss is Catriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Examiner and Stefanie Preissner, Screenwriter and Actor.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 4min

Model of migrant boat placed on top of Tyrone bonfire

A model of a migrant boat with more than a dozen life-size mannequins has been placed on top of a loyalist bonfire in Co. Tyrone. All of the mannequins are dark-skinned and wearing life jackets. Below the boats, placards read: “Stop the boats. Veterans before refugees.”Matthew O’Toole is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for South Belfast and the Social Democratic and Labour Party’s Leader of the Opposition at Stormont. He joins Kieran to discuss.Image: @GildernewColm on Twitter
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Jul 9, 2025 • 14min

Why the RSA is bringing more disturbing ads back

Chair of the Road Safety Authority, Anne Graham, is coming up to 6 months in the role – and it has been yet another year where the issue of road safety has been an issue that has repeatedly hit the headlines.What’s changing under her leadership, and how can this growing issue be tackled?Anne joins Kieran to discuss.Image: RSA
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Jul 9, 2025 • 7min

Should public spaces be more dog friendly?

A topic of debate for many years now – should Ireland be more dog friendly?From pubs to shops to offices – should public spaces be more inclusive for our furry friends?Emily Brew, Radio Presenter at Radio Nova, and Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist join Kieran to discuss.

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