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 10, 2025 • 14min
Is free public transport viable in Ireland?
Since 2022, two hundred million free bus journeys have been made by those under the age of 22 in Scotland since they made bus travel free there for them.And, following the budget this week, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien stated that he can't rule out public transport fee increases in the future.So, should we explore free public transport measures?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councilor for Ballymun Finglas and Sadbh O’Neill, part of Feminist Communities for Climate Justice.
Oct 9, 2025 • 19min
Movies and TV: Tron Ares, Victoria Beckham, John Candy
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Chris Wasser, Arts Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Oct 9, 2025 • 15min
How has life changed in the United States?
They’ve joined Kieran on the show before, and the hosts of award-winning The Irish Stew podcast are with him again now.John Lee and Martin Nutty are currently on a tour of Ireland, and have popped into the studio to discuss how life has changed in the United States…
Oct 9, 2025 • 17min
The Thursday Interview: Davina Devine
Drag Queen Davina Devine joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!
Oct 9, 2025 • 8min
Luke Combs announced as Slane Castle headliner - will you be going?
Luke Combs has been announced as the headliner at Slane Castle next summer as part of his ‘My Kinda Saturday Night’ Tour of Europe and North America, making him the first country music star to headline the iconic venue.Pat Carty, Entertainment Journalist, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: MBC PR
Oct 9, 2025 • 10min
Minister Helen McEntee on SNA numbers and the Presidency
Minister for Education and Youth, and Fine Gael TD for Meath East, Helen McEntee, joins Kieran to discuss current SNA numbers, and the Presidential race as it stands.
Oct 9, 2025 • 12min
Randall Plunkett on his new book ‘Wild Thing’
Joining Kieran is Randall Plunkett, Barron of Dunsany and Founder of Dunsany Nature Reserve in county Meath to discuss his new book ‘Wild Thing’. He is a reluctant aristocrat who decided to dedicate a third of his County Meath estate to become Ireland’s first vegan rewilding project.
Oct 9, 2025 • 12min
Will we finally see peace in Gaza?
US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire deal for Gaza. Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of the Gaza peace plan, which will see hostages returned from Gaza. As a result, Israel says a ceasefire is expected to begin within 24 hours. Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent with The Independent and Reham Mahdi Al Jarrah, Christian Aid Ireland’s local partner in Gaza & the Women’s Affairs Centre, whose whole family have been displaced because of this conflict, join Kieran to discuss.
Oct 9, 2025 • 15min
How bad is overcrowding on public transport?
Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly shared her experience of public transport on social media - criticising how overcrowded her train was, to the point of being dangerous.How widespread of a problem is this in public transport, and do we need to tackle overcrowding?Louise joins Kieran, as well as Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann, to discuss.
Oct 8, 2025 • 8min
Darren Wharton on the upcoming Phil Lynott tribute show
On January 4th there will be a special dedication concert to Phil Lynott in the 3Arena. Darren Wharton, who you may know as a member of Thin Lizzy, will be performing, and joins Kieran to discuss.
