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
Oct 29, 2025 • 9min
Should teachers be trained on using epipens?
Currently it is not a requirement for teachers and school staff to be trained in how to administer an epipen for children with severe allergies, but should this be a mandatory requirement?Joining Ciara to discuss is Sharon, mum of two with life-threatening allergies.
Oct 29, 2025 • 11min
New toilets in St Anne’s Park vandalised
New toilet facilities in St Anne's Park in Raheny were recently installed following a long running campaign, however, just a week after being unveiled, they were set alight on Saturday night…Joining me now is Dublin Bay North TD, Barry Heneghan to discuss.Image: @DubFireBrigade on Twitter
Oct 28, 2025 • 11min
Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty commemorated with new stamp
Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty has been commemorated with the launch of a new postage stamp. With this, An Post aims to celebrate the man who saved more than 6,000 Allied prisoners of war, anti-Fascists, and Jews from Nazi concentration and prisoner-of-war camps.Author Joseph O’Connor, joins Ciara Doherty to explain a bit of the significance behind this.Image: An Post
Oct 28, 2025 • 15min
How will Michael D Higgin’s Presidency be remembered?
As Michael D Higgins' time as President of Ireland comes to an end, how will his period in the Áras be remembered? To discuss this, Ciara Dohety by Member of President Michael D Higgins’s Council of State, Dr Cara Augustenborg, former Presidential Candidate, Gavin Duffy, and Political Reporter with The Irish Examiner, Tadgh McNally.
Oct 28, 2025 • 13min
The Bookshelf with Catherine Ryan Howard
Author Catherine Ryan Howard joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Oct 28, 2025 • 21min
Mother details her experience of son in CAMHS
Last week, we spoke to John Joe McGinley, parent and Founder of autismdad.ie, about having children with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.Today, Noleen Eustace of Families for Reform of CAMHS joins Ciara Doherty to share her experience as a mother whose son was in the system from the ages of 5 to 13. Noleen lost her son to suicide in May of this year…
Oct 28, 2025 • 9min
Should alcohol be considered a gateway drug?
The Department of Health has been told that alcohol needs to be included in the next Drugs Strategy, with particular focus on the prevention and tackling of it in everyday use.To discuss the importance of this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, and Paddy Creedon, Co-Founder of Voices of Recovery.
Oct 28, 2025 • 11min
Sky pushing for fines on dodgy box users - Josh Crosbie Reports
Thousands of dodgy box users could be facing hefty fines.It’s reported that Sky is considering how feasible it would be to start issuing fines that could reach up to €5,000 euro in Ireland next year. Is this actually something to be worried about?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been looking into this and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Oct 28, 2025 • 11min
Why does a city have to shut down for a marathon?
The Dublin City Marathon was a huge success over the weekend, with over 20,000 runners and over 300,000 spectators cheering them on. The day has been hailed as a major success by many. However, one issue that came to light during the event was the struggle to get across the city.To talk a bit more about this, Ciara Doherty is joined Jason Cullen of the Dublin Commuter Coalition.
Oct 24, 2025 • 29min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
