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 22, 2025 • 8min
Who will be on the ballot for the next Presidency?
With the deadline approaching for candidates for the next Presidential election, who will be on the ballot on voting day?Joining Kieran with the latest updates is Political Reporter with The Journal, Jane Matthews, and, to discuss, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Leitrim County Council, Mary Bohan.
Sep 22, 2025 • 11min
Looking back on Ireland’s World Athletics Championship results
Much excitement over the weekend as Kate O’Connor won silver in the Women’s Heptathlon, all while Cian McPhillips just missed out on an 800m medal, coming fourth.Joining Kieran to reflect on the World Championships, and whether more support is needed for our athletes, is former Olympian, and former CEO of Sport Ireland, John Treacy.
Sep 22, 2025 • 13min
How important should religion be in ceremonies?
How important is religion when it comes to ceremonies in life? Instead of a holy Communion, can kids have a different type of event?Joining Kieran to discuss is Columnist with the Irish Independent, David Quinn and Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of the ‘Better with Money’ podcast with the Irish Times.
Sep 22, 2025 • 9min
The housing crisis in the Gaeltacht - James Wilson Reports
Agóid Náisúinta na nGael, a National Protest for the Irish Language, took place in Dublin over the weekend. Chief among protesters’ demands is more housing in the country’s Gaeltacht areas…Newstalk Reporter James Wilson took a trip down to Cape Clear in Cork to find out about the impact of the housing crisis on our native language, and sends in this report.
Sep 19, 2025 • 29min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Kieran Cuddihy was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Saoirse Hanley, Feature Writer with the Irish Independent, to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Sep 19, 2025 • 11min
Eoin O’Malley on ‘Charlie V Garret’
Eoin O’Malley is Associate Professor of Politics at DCU, and his new book, ‘Charlie V Garret’, details the fascinating rivalry between Charles J. Haughey and Dr Garret FitzGerald…He joins Kieran to discuss!
Sep 19, 2025 • 16min
You Are What You Eat: The Art of Snacking!
Aisling Larkin, Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef joins Kieran Cuddihy to discuss the art of snacking, and how you can do it without going overboard!
Sep 19, 2025 • 12min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action. Plus, Cathal Denehy, Freelance Sports Journalist, joins to discuss how things are going at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Sep 19, 2025 • 9min
Who will Sinn Féin’s Presidential pick be?
Mary Lou McDonald has said Sinn Féin will endorse a presidential candidate with ‘plenty of Irish’ ahead of tomorrow's announcement, causing speculation on who the likely candidate will be…Joining Kieran to discuss this and more is Fionnán Sheehan, Ireland Editor with The Irish Independent.
Sep 19, 2025 • 7min
Author Naoise Dolan on the risk of death aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla
Irish author, Naoise Dolan has said she accepts that death is a “necessary risk” as she prepares to set sail on the Global Sumud Flotilla on Saturday from Italy, delivering aid to Gaza.She joins Kieran to discuss…
