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. Listen and subscribe to The Hard Shoulder on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 2, 2025 • 17min
The Thursday Interview: Philly McMahon
Former Dublin Footballer Philly McMahon joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!
Oct 2, 2025 • 5min
When will Gaza Flotilla participants be released?
Last night, Israeli forces intercepted 39 boats carrying aid and foreign activists to Gaza.Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that at least 14 Irish activists are among the hundreds of Gaza flotilla participants who were detained by Israeli forces…Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is Irish Author, Naoise Dolan, who is still onboard the Flotilla en route to Gaza…
Oct 2, 2025 • 12min
Darragh O’Brien on the MetroLink plan approval
Today, the long-awaited MetroLink line, which will finally connect Dublin Airport to the city by rail, has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, three years after planning permission was sought.The 18.8km rail line, expected to cost more than €10 billion, was first proposed a quarter of a century ago, and is anticipated to begin operations in the mid-2030s.Joining Kieran to discuss this is the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and also Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien.
Oct 2, 2025 • 16min
Kate O’Connor on winning silver at the World Athletics Championships!
Following her success at the World Athletics Championships, Kate O'Connor joins Kieran to discuss the achievement!
Oct 2, 2025 • 9min
Do we need a postal vote system?
Ahead of the Presidential Election, should we revisit the idea of early and postal voting? Are the rules outdated?Joining Kieran to discuss is Evelyn Cormican, Business Owner and Galway Resident, and Ryan O’Meara, Fianna Fáil TD.
Oct 2, 2025 • 12min
How to do Stuff: Clapping
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 how you can properly clap!
Oct 1, 2025 • 12min
Should key workers get a discount on city centre rent?
Key workers, including nurses, gardaí and teachers will be eligible to rent low-cost homes within the next three years, as part of Dublin City Council’s pilot regeneration scheme which will redevelop derelict buildings in Dublin's inner city.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Róisín Murphy, Conservationist and Architect and Olivia Kelly, Dublin Editor of The Irish Times.
Oct 1, 2025 • 8min
Should TG4 host a debate when two candidates can’t speak Irish?
After the first presidential debate on Monday night went off without fireworks, people are looking to the other debates to help them make up their mind. But, one place you won’t find one is on TG4, as they announced in September that they won’t be holding a debate as Gaeilge…This decision has been criticized with some saying that Irish speakers are being excluded. Independent Senator Eileen Flynn, who wrote to the station to reverse the decision, joins Kieran to discuss.
Oct 1, 2025 • 9min
Tech Takeover: Wearables
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss the next generation of technology wearables, with Meta’s new smart glasses having a full colour display…Image: Meta
Oct 1, 2025 • 10min
Marie McMahon on her husband’s death in University Hospital Limerick
In 2018, after waiting for 36 hours on a trolley in University Hospital Limerick with stroke-like symptoms, Tommy Wynne was found unresponsive. Seven years on, his wife Marie McMahon says little has changed…She joins Kieran to discuss.
