

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 12, 2025 • 6min
How will Ireland do against France? Women’s Rugby World Cup
Ireland’s rugby game against France takes place this Sunday, as the tournament reaches knock-out stages. How will they fare?Joining Kieran to look ahead to the fixture is Allison Miller, former Irish rugby player and Fiona Hayes, former Ireland international, and two-time Six Nations winner.

Sep 12, 2025 • 6min
Bord Gáis raise energy prices - are there any savings left?
Bord Gáis Energy customers are facing electricity price hikes of more than €200 a year after the company became the second provider to announce increases in less than a week. So, should you be making a switch or is there even any savings left to be made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Consumer Affairs Correspondent, Conor Pope.

Sep 12, 2025 • 13min
Car that passed NCT is not safe for the road - listener experience
Last week, a man in Kildare who has recently found out that his car could split in half at any moment contacted the show. Gareth Landy, a concerned motorist from Kildare, bought a car in Northern Ireland, but has now had to shelve out for another as the Irish NCT and Northern Irish MOT deemed the car roadworthy, despite being structurally unsound.Gareth joins Kieran to discuss.

Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
Movies and TV: Downton Abbey, Only Murders in the Building, AKA Charlie Sheen
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Dee Reddy, Entertainment Journalist joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Sep 11, 2025 • 14min
Updates on the search for Charlie Kirk’s shooter
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and influential ally of President Donald Trump, was fatally shot on Wednesday while speaking at a University in Utah.A manhunt for a lone shooter is still ongoing, and joining Kieran to discuss is Harriet Alexander, US-based journalist and Jerry McDermott, owner of McDermott Realty Associates and former Sheriff of Norfolk County. Also joining later to discuss is Erol Morkocs, Spokesperson for Republicans Overseas.

Sep 11, 2025 • 13min
Looking back on people who were nearly President
As party campaigns kick off, The Hard Shoulder’s series learning more about the history of the presidential office continues.Patrick Geoghegan, Director of the Trinity Long Room Hub, Trinity’s Arts and Humanities Research Institute, and Presenter of Talking History joins Kieran to look back on stories of people who didn’t quite make the cut for the role of President.

Sep 11, 2025 • 14min
The Thursday Interview: Eamon Ryan
Former Green Party Leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Sep 11, 2025 • 19min
Should Ireland boycott Eurovision over Israel?
RTÉ has said that Ireland will not take part in this year’s Eurovision, unless Israel is removed…If Israel does take part, should RTÉ stand its ground and boycott the competition?Joining Kiernan to discuss is Musician Steve Wall and Writer Yankey Fachler, and later Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport and Fine Gael TD for Limerick County.

Sep 11, 2025 • 9min
The history of the GAA - through match programmes
John Kelly’s new book ‘The GAA Covered’ is out this Friday, and examines the history of the sports association through the provided match programmes throughout the years.He joins Kieran to discuss!

Sep 11, 2025 • 7min
Liam Cunningham gives the latest on Freedom Flotilla
The latest Freedom Flotilla is making progress towards Palestine to break the aid blockade implemented by Israel.So, what is the latest?Activist and Actor Liam Cunningham join Kieran to discuss this, and how the tide may be turning in multiple areas.


