The Hard Shoulder

Tom Dunne as a boy wrote to the BBC chart show ‘Top of the Pops’ and, to his surprise, they wrote back. Tom says it's one of his most prized possessions. What memorabilia do you most cherish and why? Henry McKean sent this report...

The European Commissioner with responsibility for tech regulation has said that global rules on artificial intelligence are "really needed" when responding to questions about AI company Anthropic. Anthropic revealed yesterday that it has blocked scientists who used its Claude AI models "in ways that could support biological weapons development." Joining Ciara for more on this is Business and Techn...

Today marks 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and memorials have been taking place all across New York. Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan joins Ciara from New York City to discuss what is happening on the ground.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, spoke with Anton on Newstalk Breakfast this morning following his rejection of stamp duty relief for first-time buyers earlier this week… So, should stamp duty be cut for first-time buyers? Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fail TD for Cork South–Central & the party’s Spokesperson on Housing mooted the idea earlier this week, and joins Shane to discuss.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Chris Wasser, Arts Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Shane is joined by the Chief Commercial Officer of Bohemian Football Club Daniel Lambert to discuss ‘The Last Days of Dalymount’ - a series of gigs celebrating the rich musical history of Dalymount Park before its redevelopment.

This week marks 25 years since almost three thousand people died in a terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre in New York City. Survivors, first responders and families of victims have all gathered in the city to mark the anniversary of 9/11. Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan is there, and sent in this report.

Walk around a European city, like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, and you’ll see dozens of mid-rise apartment buildings. Neighbourhoods full of mid-rises are all too common with our European neighbours, so why not here? Could they be part of a solution to our housing issues? For more on this, Shane is joined by Sunday Independent columnist and former Chair of the Housing Agency, Conor Skehan…

Many people across the country have been tuning into The Traitors each week since it returned for its second season at Slane Castle. The show has quickly become a hot topic of conversation, popping up in friend groups, workplaces and coffee shops alike. But, why do we enjoy that shared experience of following the same TV show or sporting event as others? Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College...

51% of Irish parents have decided not to enrol their child in a sport or activity because of cost, and 80% say that the cost of their children’s sport puts pressure on the household budget... Joining Ciara and Shane for more on this is Jennifer Zamparelli, television & radio presenter and ambassador for the ‘ReBoot with Aviva’ initiative.

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…

Currently, anyone can inherit €400,000 from their parents, and in rare cases their grandparents, tax free. Any amount above that threshold is taxed at 33%. But, should this change? Joining Ciara to discuss is Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire and Tom McDonnell, from the Nevin Economic Research Institute.

Harry Styles today announced he will play two major headline gigs at Croke Park next summer. This comes after fans this week noticed posters of the popstar across Dublin causing speculation to arise. This comes after the Spice Girls Instagram account had fans wondering if a tour was on the cards, a theory that was quickly debunked once the group announced they will release recordings to celebrate...

Richard Osman, author and television presenter, known for his international bestselling book series ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ joins Ciara to discuss his newest book out today: ‘We Chase Shadows’!

The European Central Bank has announced an increase in interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, bringing its main rate to 2.5%. But what does this mean for you? Joining Ciara to discuss is Michael Dowling, Senior mortgage adviser with Irish Mortgage Brokers.

The Minister for Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has said that he wants to see "realistic" deadlines in place for the amalgamation of the Gaelic games but also said today that he has “no reason not to believe” the GAA’s commitment to integration despite the comments by Mary McAleese. Joining Shane to discuss is Editor of the journal.ie Sinead O’Carroll...

Many people across the country live in hard water areas, they know the struggle of descaling a kettle or going through bottles of washing up liquid when washing their dishes to create a small bit of suds. But, what effect does hard water have on your hair and scalp health, and are the trending shower head filters worth the hype? Joining Ciara to discuss is Sarah Cummins, a Trichologist with TRUA.

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 proper phone etiquette!

The President of the Law Society has called for an independent mediator to be appointed to help resolve the dispute over the new criminal legal aid scheme. The dispute over the new flat fee payment scheme for criminal defense solicitors has caused nationwide disruption to court hearings and led to the majority of defense solicitors withdrawing their services. Joining Shane for more on this is The...

College is just around the corner for many, or even beginning now. So,  on your first day, how do you deal with those nerves and anxiety? 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 Shane and Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the week’s action…

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joins Ciara to discuss Meta’s new ‘Muse’ AI, and how it aims to be your own personal assistant in your pocket…

A protest will be taking place in Dublin city centre this weekend of more than 30 groups and left-leaning political parties as President Trump visits Irish shores. Joining Shane to discuss this is Criminal Defence Barrister and Senior Counsel, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha, who is among a group of Irish lawyers who have signed a statement of objection to Trump’s war policies.

How we as a nation deal with death and mourning has always been unique, and so too is the way we show up for people in times of need. Food has always been at the center of that, showing up to neighbors houses with trays of sandwiches and boxes of tea bags following the death of their loved one is how we have shown support throughout the years. Society has changed remarkably over the past 50 years,...

(Spoilers for last night’s episode of The Traitors Ireland ahead!) Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss their experience on The Traitors is Denis, the murdered Faithful and Grainne, who was also a Faithful whose time was cut short…