The Hard Shoulder

Famed footballer Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. Off the Ball’s Ben Symes joins Shane to discuss the breaking news…

It is almost a year until the Ryder Cup comes to Adare Manor, one of the world's highest-profile sporting events. It is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the County Limerick village. In preparation, a bypass has been fast-tracked, a temporary station is being constructed, and local businesses are pouring money into upgrading their facilities. Newstalk Reporter Bairbre Holmes w...

The Government has announced details of a new personal investment account scheme today which, it says, will make investing more accessible to the wider public. The accounts are expected to be up and running early next year. Joining Ciara for more on this is ‘The Positive Economist’ and host of Taking Stock on Newstalk, Susan Hayes Culleton…

Since the middle of June, honey producers have been obliged to list in detail the countries of origin of their honey on their labels. But, due to the fact that existing supplies did not require these labels, for many people it’s only coming to their attention now that most Irish honey on our shelves isn’t all that Irish after all… Jim Carroll, CEO of Irish Bee Supplies and Mick Kelly, Founder of G...

The Association of Lactation Consultants in Ireland (ALCI) has suspended ticket sales for its upcoming annual conference following controversy over the inclusion of a speaker who has previously delivered presentations on “inducing lactation for kinksters” at fetish conventions… Joining Ciara to discuss this and more is the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women & girls, Reem Alsalem.

This week, Ciara and Shane were joined by Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Broadcaster Meghann Scully to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists...

Minister of State with Responsibility for Road Safety, Seán Canney, called a meeting today, which was attended by senior officials from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Road Safety Authority, officials from the departments of Transport and Justice and the Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly. He joins Ciara to discuss what was covered today.

This weekend it's not just Electric Picnic, there is another festival in town! It's the Crisp Festival, taking place all weekend at The Bernard Shaw Pub and Eat Yard in Glasnevin, Dublin. Henry McKean popped down just before it opened to the public and tried the 'hot chip challenge', an extremely hot chilli dorito! He sent in this report!

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 weekend action…

TDs have backed an extension to excise cuts on petrol and diesel until November in an emergency meeting at the Dáil today. The Opposition hit out at the debate being confined to just 60 minutes with the cost-of-living crisis but Government Chief Whip Mary Butler said they were dealing with a single financial resolution. Joining Shane for more on this is Political Editor at the Irish Times Pat Leah...

After spending four years off air, Top Gear is officially making a comeback, with the BBC confirming that the long-running motoring show will return to television. The programme was taken off the schedule in 2022 following a serious crash involving presenter Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, who suffered facial and rib injuries while filming. Flintoff had been presenting the show alongside Paddy McGuinne...

Criminal Defence Solicitors who practice in Dublin have decided unanimously to continue their withdrawal of services into September. This comes amid an ongoing dispute that has had a significant impact on the legal system over the summer, as criminal legal aid solicitors withdrew their services in protest at reforms to how they are paid. Joining Shane to discuss is Eoghan O’Sullivan, Partner at Po...

Every household in the country is set to receive an emergency preparedness booklet in the post as the Government launches a fresh push to help families prepare for an emergency. Storms, blackouts, flooding and water outages are among the emergencies Irish households are being urged to prepare for as a major new nationwide campaign gets underway. This comes after yesterday's heavy downpours led to...

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...