The Hard Shoulder

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the ‘Bellissimo Files’ podcast and Andy McCarroll, host of the ‘Extra Vision’ podcast joined Ciara to review the latest TV and movie releases…

VHI is set to increase the prices of its health insurance policies by an average of 2.75% from the beginning of October. This will be VHI's second price increase this year, after it announced a 3% average hike across its plans that took effect in March… Joining Ciara for more on this is Dermot Goode from HealthInsurance.ie...

Russia has threatened they could strike British military bases over the UK’s continued support for Ukraine and warned they are “playing with fire” by supplying missile technology. It has also been reported that CIA chief John Ratcliffe told Russian officials not to escalate conflict with the US's NATO allies. Joining Ciara for more on this is former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of t...

With the first round of CAO offers now out, college has become less of a far away possibility to now a reality. One thing that will be an issue for many is how they will pay for everything, from fees to accommodation. So, how do you get the money together? Newstalk’s Dylan Hand has been putting together the ultimate college survival guide, and joins Ciara to discuss!

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the week’s action…

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that a referendum on a United Ireland is off the table while on his first official visit to Northern Ireland. Joining Ciara to discuss is Stephen Pound, Former Labour MP  and former Northern Ireland Shadow Minister.

Today the Social Democrats have set out their party’s solution to the energy crisis in this country. So, what would they do? Cian O'Callaghan, Deputy Leader of the Social Democrats, joins Ciara to discuss.

Ordinary people are just one breakdown or dental appointment away from the poverty line, and most can’t save for a rainy day, so writes Édaein O'Connell in the Irish Independent. She joins Ciara to discuss.

The taxi sector is attracting more new drivers with the highest number on record in 10 years, that is according to the National Transport Authority, but the new research shows that fears for personal safety are the main reason taxi drivers stop working nights. Joining Ciara to discuss is Jim Waldron, Spokesperson for the National Private Hire and Taxi Association.

The 21st edition of Ireland’s biggest music festival, Electric Picnic, will take place in Stradbally this weekend. As usual attendees can expect great music, flimsy tents, colourful outfits and a great (if somewhat rainy) time. One thing they shouldn’t have to worry about is outrageously long queues for the women’s toilets, as women’s urinals known as ‘peequals’ are making their debut at this year...

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 Ciara and Shane to discuss what to do when you receive unsolicited advice!

Two Irish people are among hundreds missing after a flash flood struck the Himalayan border region of ‌Nepal and China's ⁠Tibet, leaving at least 95 dead… Joining Ciara to discuss is Alisha Rahaman Sarkar, News Reporter with The Independent covering Asia. Also joining later to discuss is Anish Raj Shrestha, Communications Manager with Action Aid in Nepal and Surendra Phuyal, Journalist based in Ne...

Tomorrow, children will be going back to school, where some classes will have over 30 students, way over the European average of 19… John Boyle, INTO General Secretary, claims that Ireland could fall behind its European counterparts because of these supersized classes. He joins Shane to discuss further.

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Shane and Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the week’s action…

New figures from the HSE have indicated wide variations in the times for delivery of cancer care across the country. The figures were released to Sinn Fein Health Spokesperson, David Cullinane, in response to a Parliamentary Question. David Cullinane has said that there are particular areas of concern where the figures were actually “going in the wrong direction”. He joins Shane to discuss. Also j...

Whether it be in a café, work, or at home, coffee plays a big role in our lives. So, what is the best way to save on your caffeine fix? Newstalk’s own Meghan O’Halloran has been investigating and joins Ciara to discuss!

The first CAO offers have been released today for those who have completed their Leaving Cert hoping to get their top choices. Minister for Education James Lawless joins Shane to discuss the results…

Dolly Parton died yesterday at the age of 80. One of her greatest legacies was giving away books for free to children from zero to five, helping with kids literacy, because her dad couldn't read. An area that benefited was Tallaght in Dublin. Worldwide, over 100 million books have been given away. Henry McKean visited Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Irish HQ, where they have set up a book of co...

Meta has agreed to a maximum settlement of $16.68 billion in a historic case in the United States, claiming that its platforms harmed children, only a week after it went to trial. Joining Shane to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly.

Writing in today’s Irish Examiner, John Gibbons explored Ireland's food supply writing that “Despite the notion that Ireland is a 'food island', we import four fifths of our food and adding that we could be in a very “bad place if world food supplies dry up”... So, is it time to implement a more natural diet without the need to rely so heavily on  food imports for our diets? Joining Ciara to...

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 Ciara and Shane to give his ultimate guide to the slow route to Bilbao: from Rosslare!

Canada has today hit back with retaliatory tariffs in response to the United States. For more on this, Shane is joined by Sky News International Affairs Editor, Dominic Waghorn.

The company behind the Sphere in Las Vegas, Yankee Stadium in New York and the Aviva Stadium has released computer-generated images showing the design of a planned events arena in Cherrywood in south Dublin. Joining Ciara to discuss all of these plans is Founder and CEO of Prime Arena Holdings, Dermot Rigley. Image: Prime Arena Holdings

Newstalk Breakfast Presenter Anton Savage joins Ciara to place his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

A Government TD has called on Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to immediately begin the rollout of new chargers on public transport. Barry Ward, the Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, has said that Ireland’s public transport has to “keep up with the needs of its passengers” and install USB-C charging ports on buses and trains. He joins Shane to discuss the initiative.