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
Sep 23, 2025 • 13min
Is what we’re seeing online in the West Bank accurate?
Joining Kieran is Social Democrats Senator Patricia Stephenson, who has recently visited the West Bank to understand what life is like for Palestinians there…
Sep 23, 2025 • 11min
The Bookshelf with Shane Byrne
Former Rugby International Shane Byrne joins Kieran to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Sep 23, 2025 • 15min
Do we need more transparency with the IPAS system?
The budget for processing and providing accommodation to asylum seekers has grown to €1.2 billion this year. Matt Carthy, Sinn Féin TD and chair of the Oireachtas Migration Committee is calling on Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan this afternoon to provide more transparency on where this money is being spent…TD Matt Carthy joins Kieran to discuss, as well as Immigration Lawyer Cathal Malone to discuss what is driving the substantial cost of the system.
Sep 23, 2025 • 6min
Trump lambasts UN at General Assembly
Donald Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly today for the first time in 6 years. He lambasted the assembly and others on various matters, from immigration to climate change…This comes as the United Nations struggles to deal with conflicts and international crises.Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports Founder and White House Bureau Chief.Image: Reuters
Sep 23, 2025 • 8min
Are you excited for the Traitors finale?
After weeks of lies and betrayal and an audience that was gripped to their screens, we have reached the finale of The Traitors, airing tonight…Are you excited? Who do you think will win?Comedian Alison Spittle joins Kieran to discuss!
Sep 23, 2025 • 10min
Will Maria Steen be on the Presidential ballot?
Presidential Hopeful Maria Steen is edging closer and closer to being on the ballot on Friday the 24th of October. Having secured the support of Independent Ireland today she has received 17 votes out of the required 20.Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Ellen Coyne, Political Correspondent with The Irish Times and Minister for State and Independent TD for Sligo Leitrim, Marian Harkin.
Sep 22, 2025 • 12min
Should we do more to support Irish athletes?
With the World Athletics Championships concluding in Tokyo last weekend, did Ireland fall short, match or surpass expectations?And, do we need to do more to support our Irish athletes?Joining Kieran to discuss is Paul McDermott, High Performance Director with Sport Ireland.
Sep 22, 2025 • 7min
What is the ‘digital’ euro?
We’re coming closer to the introduction of a ‘digital euro’, but what does it all mean? Joining Kieran to explain it all in detail is Jonathan Keane, Journalist with The Currency.
Sep 22, 2025 • 9min
Kids Health Check: Food Allergies
For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Dr. Iseult Sheehan, Clinical Director at Allergy Ireland to discuss how you can manage your child’s food allergies.
Sep 22, 2025 • 14min
If work pays - then why is there a housing crisis?
Minister of State Robert Troy said today that he was not trying to exclude those with a disability, carers or a parent without access to childcare when suggesting that local authorities should prioritise workers when it comes to social housing.But, he has maintained that he wants work to pay for workers.With the housing crisis as it currently is, does that say something about whether work pays or not?Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Eoin O’Broin, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Housing & TD for Dublin Mid-West and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Housing & TD for Cork South-Central.
