The Hard Shoulder
News & Politics
About
The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion—bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home. 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
- Winners and Sinners
Ciara and Shane, hosts of The Hard Shoulder, are joined by Alison Curtis and Ger Gilroy. They look back on the past week with some unique perspectives.
- Are romcoms dying out?
On The Hard Shoulder, Brian Lloyd and Esther McCarthy discuss whether romantic comedies are a dying genre. They join Ciara and Shane to explore the current landscape of on-screen romance.
- What will happen to passengers on the hantavirus cruise?
A third British national has been diagnosed with suspected Hantavirus linked to a cruise ship outbreak. Plans are underway for Irish citizens on board to self-isolate. Professor Paul Moynagh joins the show to discuss the situation.
- Sport with David Wilson: Waterford face Cork
David Wilson joins Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the past week in sport and preview upcoming weekend events. This episode features a discussion on the Waterford vs. Cork match.
- Iran ceasefire updates and fuels impact
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses updates on the Iran ceasefire with Dominic Waghorn, Sky News International Affairs Editor. Lisa Ryan, Professor in Energy Economics, also joins to discuss the impact on fuels.
- Have communions and confirmation parties gotten out of control?
Tanya Sweeney, Tara O'Connor, Ciara, and Shane discuss the rising costs of communion and confirmation parties, as well as the perceived competition between parents. They review common party features such as selfie mirrors, goodie bags, and…
- UK Local Elections - Labour loses out big
Lucy Fisher, Whitehall Editor of the Financial Times and host of the ‘Political Fix’ podcast, joins Ciara to discuss the UK local election results. They cover Labour's losses, including in Wales, and the embrace of Reform.
- 50 years of the CAO - what have we learned?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder examines the 50-year anniversary of the CAO, the Central Applications Office for undergraduate college courses in Ireland. It explores what has been learned over five decades of the CAO system with guest P…
- Should we ban horse drawn carriages in our cities?
Claire Owens from the NSPCA joins Ciara to discuss whether horse-drawn carriages should be banned in cities. This follows a recent incident where a carriage horse broke free and collided with a bus on O'Connell Street in Dublin.
- Movies and TV: The Sheep Detectives, Amadaland, Good Fortune
Sarina Bellissimo and Dee Reddy reviewed the latest TV and movie releases, including "The Sheep Detectives," "Amadaland," and "Good Fortune." They joined Ciara and Shane for this discussion.
- HSE warns of Lyme disease this summer - how can you protect yourself?
The HSE has issued a warning about Lyme disease this summer in Ireland. Professor Jack Lambert discusses preventing tick bites and Lyme disease.
- UK Local Elections - is the Labour party in trouble?
This episode discusses the UK local elections and the predicted negative results for the Labour Party. It explores the potential implications for Keir Starmer's political future and the future of Labour strongholds ahead of election day. J…
- Why do we run marathons?
Professor Brendan Kelly discusses the reasons behind running marathons. This comes as marathon participation sees a growth in popularity.
- Sunscreen dispensers to be made available in Dublin parks this summer
Free sunscreen dispensers will be available in seven Dublin parks this summer. This initiative aims to promote sun safety and reduce the risk of skin cancer, as UV rays cause a high percentage of skin cancer cases.
- US Secretary of State meets the Pope - how did it go?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo the 14th in Rome to address US-Vatican tensions. This meeting followed President Trump's criticism of Pope Leo's anti-war stance. The discussion involved Ciara and The Guardian's Washingt…
- Is social media inherently addictive?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses whether social media is inherently addictive. Social media companies have denied this claim before the Oireachtas committee on Children and Equality. Ruairí Ó’Murchú and Regina Doherty join Shane…
- Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre - is the new design soulless?
Andrea Horan and Ciara discuss the planned redevelopment of Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre following Dublin City Council’s permission. The conversation addresses concerns about the new design being perceived as soulless.
- HSE under fire after Kerry hospital bike shed spend
HSE Chief Anne O’Connor announced the organization is "significantly over budget" and facing a "serious" situation. A Dáil spending watchdog was formed to investigate a €127,000 bike shed at Kerry Hospital, with recruitment paused in some…
- Why are wired headphones back on the rise?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder features a discussion with Dave Hanratty about the renewed popularity of wired headphones. They explore the reasons behind this trend, contrasting it with the widespread use of Bluetooth headphones.
- GAA games behind a paywall - a disservice to fans?
GAA fans are concerned about the decision to stream All-Ireland football Championship games on GAA+. This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the implications for fans who rely on free-to-air television, featuring sports presenter Danie…
- Irish Guide Dog Association turns 50 - James Wilson Reports
The Irish Guide Dog Association marks its 50th anniversary, highlighting its work with blind and visually impaired individuals. The organization is seeking more volunteers to raise puppies to help train additional guide dogs due to high de…
- What’s in Ireland’s ‘Fab 50’ travel list?
Pól Ó Conghaile, Travel Editor with the Irish Independent, discusses Ireland's 'Fab 50' travel list with Shane. They explore the best places to stay in Ireland and new short break trends identified in the list.
- ‘Aerial Farewell’ can use drones to spread ashes
This episode of The Hard Shoulder features an interview with Sean Lynch, a funeral director and owner of Aerial Farewell. He discusses his service, which uses drones to spread ashes in hard-to-reach areas or over large landscapes.
- Joe Lynam on heart attack & Move Every Day in May
Joe Lynam shares his personal experience with a heart attack. He also discusses the 'Move Every Day in May' initiative by the Irish Heart Foundation.
- Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews on his visit to the West Bank
Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews discusses his visit to the West Bank and his call for the EU to recognize the apartheid. He joins Shane to discuss the situation in the region.
- The Bookshelf with Liz Nugent
Liz Nugent, an author, joins Ciara and Shane to add her favorite book to The Hard Shoulder's bookshelf.
- What needs to change with Ireland’s security?
Mr Justice George Birmingham joins Ciara to discuss Ireland's security legislation. He states that the current laws are outdated and need to be amended to ensure the safety of the State and combat modern threats, including 'lone wolf' atta…
- Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni lawsuit reaches settlement
Actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have settled their lawsuit after over a year of legal battles. The settlement was reached just two weeks ahead of their scheduled trial.
- Should we have more CCTV cameras around Dublin?
Fine Gael is proposing a Bill to remove barriers to installing more CCTV cameras in Dublin, citing the city's low number of police-operated cameras and the potential to aid Garda investigations in high-crime areas. The topic is discussed w…
- WellFest this weekend - what can you expect?
WellFest, Ireland's largest wellness festival, is back for its 10th year. Founders Anthony Kelly and Enda McNulty join Ciara and Shane to discuss the event, which expects 12,000 attendees.
- US and Iran tensions - what is ‘Project Freedom’?
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addresses the conflict with Iran, stating the US is not looking to reignite it as 'Project Freedom' commences. Military analyst Sean Bell joins Ciara to discuss the renewed tensions after both sides tra…
- Was the Ryder Cup ticket allocation for locals unfair?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the Ryder Cup ticket allocation for locals in Adare. Limerick TD Niall Collins joins to address the issues that arose from the complimentary tickets.
- Should we be worried about hantavirus?
Dr. Eoghan De Barra, Senior Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons, joins Ciara to discuss concerns about hantavirus transmission on a Dutch cruise ship, following the deaths of three passengers. The World Health Organization is investi…
- The Irish experience of life in Philadelphia
Edel Howlin, a Communications Consultant and former Journalist, joins Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder. They discuss the Irish experience of life in Philadelphia, a city with a significant Irish population.
- Gateway to Europe: Wrapping up this year’s trip
The Hard Shoulder reports on the Gateway to Europe trade mission to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. The episode discusses the trip's conclusion and achievements with Adie McGennis, Executive Chairman of Sigmar Recruitment, and Dr. Deirdr…
- Has the Irish flag been “hijacked”?
Dr. Mike Ryan and David Gilbert discuss the alleged hijacking of the Irish flag. Dr. Ryan describes this as a very toxic form of nationalism. David Gilbert is a reporter at WIRED who covers disinformation and online extremism.
- Why you shouldn’t feed the birds this summer
Birdwatch Ireland and Trinity College Dublin's Biodiversity Officer, Collie Ennis, explain why feeding garden birds in summer can spread trichomoniasis, seriously affecting Ireland's finch population.
- What is it like to work for NASA?
Bob Gibbs, Associate Administrator for the Mission Support Directorate at NASA, discusses his work and the Artemis program. This episode follows the Artemis II astronauts' trip around the Moon.
- Sixty days of conflict in Iran - what’s next?
This episode of The Hard Shoulder discusses the sixtieth day since US President Donald Trump formally notified Congress of strikes in Iran. Middle East Journalist Borzou Daragahi joins Ciara to discuss the situation, as the administration…
- Mortgage lending changes - a return to the Celtic Tiger?
New mortgage lending rules allow first-time buyers to borrow five times their income, a change not seen since the Celtic Tiger era. This episode discusses whether these changes signal a return to that period.
- Is Patrick Kielty ditching the Late Late Show?
Tonight marks the last night of the current season of the Late Late Show. The future of the show is uncertain as host Patrick Kielty has reportedly not signed a new contract. Ciara and Dee Reddy discuss this development.
- How bad is opioid use in the United States?
The Hard Shoulder reports from Philadelphia on the problem of opioid use in the city. Investigative reporter Ed Mahon joins the show to discuss this and the wider drug conversation.
- Movies and TV: Hokum, Devil Wears Prada, Hulk Hogan
Sarina Bellissimo and John Fardy join Ciara and Shane to discuss recent movie and TV releases, including "Hokum," "Devil Wears Prada," and "Hulk Hogan." They offer their reviews and insights on these titles.
- Terror threat upgraded in the UK after attack on Jewish men in London
Two Jewish men were attacked in London. Police are investigating this as a terrorist incident, raising concerns about antisemitism in the UK. This episode discusses the event and its implications.
- Do we need a blanket ban on plastic bin bags?
More parts of Dublin city will be subject to a ban on plastic bin bags. This measure addresses the city's litter problem, as these bags are often torn open by birds. The Hard Shoulder discusses this with Green Party Councilor Janet Horner…
- America’s history - as it nears its 250th birthday
Jim Murphy joins Shane and Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to discuss the history of Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, as America approaches its 250th anniversary. He is the author of 'Real Philly History, Real Fas…
- The impact of the new Mental Health Bill
Richard Hogan, Family Therapist & Author, joins Ciara to discuss the new Mental Health Bill. They discuss its potential positive impact on healthcare in Ireland.
- Can the Republicans hold their coalition after the US Midterm Elections?
This episode discusses how the Republican Party is managing its messaging and maintaining its coalition as the US midterm elections approach. Greg Swenson, Chair of Republicans Overseas UK, joins the conversation.
- Minister John Cummins on increase in new home completions
Minister John Cummins joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss the increase in new home completions in the first quarter of 2026. They explore whether this rise signifies an improvement in the housing crisis.
- Ciara and Shane explore Philadelphia!
Ciara and Shane explore Philadelphia in this episode of The Hard Shoulder. They broadcast from the city and interact with locals.