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 1, 2025 • 10min
Updates from the Flotilla as they near Gaza
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said today that he doesn’t want to see the Flotilla go any further, due to the danger that could come.It's as the boat is set to reach Gaza imminently.Comedian Tadhg Hickey is on it, and he joins Kieran to discuss what’s happening.Image: Reuters
Oct 1, 2025 • 14min
Cllr Cat O’Driscoll on her assault in Dublin city centre
Last month, while walking through Dublin city centre in the evening, Cat O’Driscoll, Social Democrat Councillor for Cabra-Glasnevin was recently the victim of a random assault by a passerby, who punched her in the face…She has said she doesn’t know if the motivation behind the incident was targeted at her because of her politics, or simply because she is a woman.She joins Kieran to discuss.
Oct 1, 2025 • 14min
Do you miss the phone box? - Henry McKean Asks
Do you miss the old phone box to ring your boyfriend or girlfriend? Do you think it's sad they are now assigned to history? Today, we are celebrating the humble phone kiosk!Henry McKean joins Kieran to discuss.
Oct 1, 2025 • 13min
Do we need to see a hospitality VAT rate reduction?
The government looks set to reduce the hospitality VAT rate from 13.5% down to 9% in the upcoming budget. But, is this a good idea, and does it make financial sense?Joining Kieran to discuss is Restauranteur, Anthony Gray and General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Owen Reidy.
Oct 1, 2025 • 13min
The Ultimate Guide: Three Tuscan Cities
Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, Fionn joined Kieran to give his recommendations for three different Tuscan cities!
Sep 30, 2025 • 18min
Hazel Chu on her cancer diagnosis
Following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the summer, Hazel Chu, Green Party Councillor, joins Kieran to discuss why it is important for women to advocate for themselves, especially if they feel something is not quite right…
Sep 30, 2025 • 13min
The Bookshelf with Ivana Bacik
Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Sep 30, 2025 • 22min
Nicola Sturgeon on her career and new book
Nicola Sturgeon has been one of the most recognisable names in British politics in the past decade. Holding Scottish politics’ highest seat through Brexit, a historic first Scottish independence vote and a global pandemic.Nicola Sturgeon, with her new memoir ‘Frankly’, joins Kieran in the studio to discuss!
Sep 30, 2025 • 9min
How does The Simpsons keep going?
Almost two decades on from the first movie, a release date of July 3rd 2027 has been set for the second Simpsons movie...This comes after Season 37 just ended, with the show renewed through season 40.So, what is it that makes the show endure so long?Olivia Fahy is the Editor of Geek Ireland, and joins Kieran to discuss.Image: 20th Century Studios
Sep 30, 2025 • 10min
What can be done to improve University Hospital Limerick?
HIQA has published its latest report into University Hospital Limerick, where it has issued advice to the Government surrounding improved healthcare facilities for the region.To discuss this, Kieran is joined by one of the Spokespersons for the MidWest Hospital Campaign, Conor Reidy, and Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.
