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 10, 2025 • 9min
The Ultimate Guide: Albufeira and the Algarve
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 travel tips for Albufeira and the Algarve!
Sep 10, 2025 • 8min
What did Ireland’s first satellite achieve?
Following the first Irish satellite’s journey in space concluding, we’re going to look back on what it achieved.To talk more on this, Kieran is joined by the Director of UCD’s Centre for Space Research, and the Endorsing Professor for EIRSAT-1, Lorraine Hanlon.Image: European Space Agency
Sep 9, 2025 • 12min
What can be done to curb the increase in homelessness?
Focus Ireland has released their report today for 2024, where they report a record number of people facing homelessness…What can be done to curb this number?Kieran is joined by the CEO of Focus Ireland, Pat Dennigan, to comb through the report.
Sep 9, 2025 • 4min
Are the days of leaving your doors unlocked over?
Local Gardaí in Donegal have stated that the days of leaving doors unlocked are well and truly gone, following the theft of a car, trailer and calf from a farm over the weekend. Is it true?Kieran is joined by retired Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan to discuss.
Sep 9, 2025 • 13min
The Bookshelf with Louise Cooney
Louise Cooney, Content Creator and Podcast Host joins Kieran to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
Sep 9, 2025 • 6min
Israel launches attack on Doha - what will the fallout be?
Israel has launched an attack on Doha in Qatar, in what they claim was targeting Hamas leaders.Joining Kieran to discuss and give the latest updates is The Independent’s Chief International Correspondent, Bel Trew.Image: Reuters
Sep 9, 2025 • 10min
Should greyhound racing be banned?
The Scottish government has supported a new bill looking to ban greyhound racing.Scotland are following the lead from Wales, New Zealand and Tasmania, who have all made moves towards banning the sport.Does Ireland need to look at a similar ban?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent TD for Limerick, Richard O’Donoghue and Katie Corcoran, Co-Founder of Greyhound Awareness Cork.
Sep 9, 2025 • 12min
Can you spot a liar? - Henry McKean Asks
Last night has been described by Traitors Ireland fans as the best reality TV moment ever! But what makes a great liar?Henry McKean has been asking the public, and joins Kieran to discuss.
Sep 8, 2025 • 8min
Kids Health Check: Fussiness with Clothes
For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist and Founder of Cogni Kids, to discuss what to do when your child gets fussy about what they wear.
Sep 8, 2025 • 4min
How to keep your energy bill under control as it gets colder
As Met Éireann predicts a drop in temperatures coming in from this week, but how can you best prepare for the heating costs in advance?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Redmond, Consumer Columnist with The Irish Examiner.
