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
Dec 5, 2025 • 25min
Winners and Sinners
This week, Jonathan Healy was joined by Eimear Hallihan from Red FM and Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Dec 5, 2025 • 11min
Russell Howard talks his upcoming tour!
Comedian Russell Howard joins Jonathan Healy to talk about his upcoming tour: ‘Don’t Tell The Algorithm’!
Dec 5, 2025 • 8min
Should we all quietly quit Christmas?
Quiet quitting, or in other words - doing the bare minimum required of a job or task and putting in no more time, effort or enthusiasm than absolutely necessary, is all the rage in 2025.But, should we quietly quit at Christmas time?Should we just take a massive step back and enjoy the festivities for what they are?Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss this is Irish Times Columnist and Host of the Conversations with Parents podcast, Jen Hogan, as well as Aideen Finnegan, Presenter of the Early Edition podcast from The Irish Times.
Dec 5, 2025 • 6min
Another Children’s Hospital deadline has been missed
The deadline for the Children’s Hospital has now been broken for a 16th time…Will it ever be finished?Paul Davis is a Lecturer in Public Procurement in DCU, and joins Jonathan Healy to discuss.
Dec 5, 2025 • 8min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.Image: Sky Sports
Dec 5, 2025 • 9min
Taxi protests suspended over Government meeting
Taxi Drivers Ireland have announced a suspension of their 6-day national shutdown protest “pending the outcome of a meeting at Government Buildings scheduled for next week”.The protest comes at one of the busiest times of the year for drivers and users as we approach the Christmas period.Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss this is Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Sean Canney, as well as taxi drivers.
Dec 5, 2025 • 10min
What are the big toys this Christmas? - Henry McKean Reports
The Grinch has stolen Christmas on tonight's Late Late Toy Show. But what are the big toys this Christmas? Henry McKean went backstage and met Patrick Kielty and visited the toy shop Nimble Fingers where it all started 50 years ago today…
Dec 5, 2025 • 6min
Should social media be banned for under 16s in Ireland?
Ireland has signed a formal agreement with Australia social media regulators to study its social media ban for under 16s. This comes after a recent study by the RCSI found that body dissatisfaction and sexting are strongly associated with poorer mental health and increased risk of self-harm among Irish teenagers.Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss is Irish Independent’s Tech Editor, Adrian Weckler.
Dec 5, 2025 • 15min
Parents in Greystones still struggling for school spaces
Chef Louise Lennox and Mairead Carty are both parents in Greystones whose children are still awaiting school places, despite repeated calls for a change to the system, which they say is simply not working... They join Jonathan Healy to discuss their situation.
Dec 5, 2025 • 13min
GAA’s latest report spells trouble for rural clubs across the country
Shifting demographics and mass migration to the eastern seaboard of the island represents an “existential threat” to the GAA.That’s the warning from National Demographics Committee chairman Benny Hurl who painted a concerning picture at the launch of the GAA’s report on the issue.With 78% of GAA clubs located in areas with “declining populations” this complex issue may spell trouble for the future of our national sports.Joining Jonathan Healy to discuss this is Jamesie O’Connor, former All Ireland winner with Clare and former GAA President, Nickey Brennan.
