

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
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Jul 10, 2025 • 14min
Do we need weather warnings for heatwaves?
Yellow warnings for high temperatures in place as some areas of the country will likely hit 27°C tomorrow…Are you a fan of weather warnings being given for high temperatures?Joining Kieran to discuss is Carlow Weather’s Alan O’Reilly, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central Ken O’Flynn and Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist, owner of the ‘TotalHealth’ pharmacy in Milltown and podcaster on the ‘A Wondercare Podcast’.

Jul 10, 2025 • 13min
The Thursday Interview: John Banville
Author John Banville joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!

Jul 10, 2025 • 11min
Tensions high as Belfast bonfire asked to be removed - Josh Crosbie Reports
Belfast City Council has asked police to remove a bonfire that is due to be set alight tomorrow night.There are concerns over the bonfires' close proximity to an electrical substation and there’s also a pile of asbestos nearby.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie is there, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Jul 10, 2025 • 5min
How to keep sleep cool on hot summer nights!
For many people, the hot weather will mean a sleepless night of tossing and turning.We have some useful tips to keep yourself cool at night!Mary Ryan, Endocrinologist and Senior Professor at Bons Secours Limerick joins Kieran to discuss.

Jul 10, 2025 • 9min
Passenger speaks on her alleged racist Bus Éireann incident
A Nigerian-Irish woman “broke down in tears” after an alleged racist incident while using Bus Éireann.20-year-old Sarah Lennon claims that she was trying to transfer her bus ticket when the bus driver became “unnecessarily hostile” and “aggressive.” Bus Éireann is investigating the incident, which occurred in the midlands in May.Sarah joins Kieran to discuss.

Jul 10, 2025 • 9min
How to get your kids cooking!
As kids settle into their long lazy summer days, parents may be starting to feel the pressure to keep them entertained. Well, we will have a guide for keeping kids entertained and advice for how to get them learning new skills over the coming weeks!Today, Kieran is joined by TV Chef and Broadcaster, Edward Hayden, to discuss how to get kids cooking…

Jul 10, 2025 • 5min
Should Gazan children be brought to Ireland for treatment?
There have been calls for Gazan children to be brought here to Ireland for treatment.A number of Irish doctors have been concerned at the delays – it's after the evacuation of up to 18 children has been stalled due to issues with family visas. Reports suggest that pediatric patients may only get here in late September.One of the doctors making the call is Thomas Donnelly, Orthopedic Consultant in Children’s Health Ireland. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Jul 10, 2025 • 5min
How to make the perfect cup of tea!
Amy Poehler recently revealed that she is a fan of a particular Irish brand of tea – no other than Barry’s Tea!Barry’s is a particular fan-favourite, and for good reason.James Kavanagh from the Simpler Life Podcast joins Kieran to explain how you can make the perfect cup!

Jul 10, 2025 • 16min
Should we have another referendum on women in the home?
The UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women calls on Ireland to hold another referendum on women in the home and care.The committee reports disappointment with the failed referendum, recommending an independent evaluation of the vote and to run it again with alternative wording.So, why did the referendum fail, and what should be done to get it over the line the second time around?Rónán Mullen, Independent Senator for the National University of Ireland and Pauline O’Reilly, former Green Party Senator and Political Commentator join Kieran to discuss.

Jul 10, 2025 • 11min
How to do Stuff: Winning a Nobel Peace Prize
Life can be full of confusing things, but no need to worry! Every Wednesday, Simon Tierney will be showing you ‘How to do Stuff’ - bringing his best tips for those things you might not think about.This week, Simon joins Kieran to discuss (since Trump thinks he can get one so easily) how you can win a Nobel Peace Prize!


