The Hard Shoulder

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

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has claimed he is leaving Britain in a better state than when he became Prime Minister. During his final Prime Minister’s Questions today, the outgoing Labour Leader said that his Government had stabilised the economy, strengthened national security and enhanced the country’s global reputation. With nominations to close this evening for the leadership of the British...

For the first time, there were more than 100,000 referrals made to Tusla in 2025, their highest recorded number ever… Joining Ciara to discuss this is Stephen Moffatt, National Policy Manager at Barnardos.

Celebrities like Halle Berry have spoken about finding benefits of taking creatine to reduce menopause symptoms, such as brain fog, but does it work, and are there other benefits to taking creatine for women? Joining Shane to discuss Shelly Gray, Today FM Presenter and Registered Dietitian.

The United States has continued its strikes on Iran as the Iran Deputy Foreign Minister says the interim deal is all but “dismantled”. President Trump has threatened to target Iranian power plants and bridges if no deal is made, with US Central Command saying the strikes have all been at night and are “designed to further degrade military capabilities Iranian forces have used to attack commercial...

Creches are closing early and shutting nap rooms as soaring temperatures leave many providers unable to keep rooms cool… Providers say since the start of the heatwave they cannot keep spaces within Tusla’s required temperature ranges, with older buildings overheating and cooling equipment falling short. Joining Shane to discuss this is Elaine Dunne, Chairwoman of the Federation of Early Childhood...

We are relaxed about alcohol provided it stays in pubs, restaurants, beer gardens, weddings, race meetings, corporate Christmas parties and the departures lounge of Dublin Airport. Take the exact same drink to a park bench, and we stop seeing an adult having a beer and start seeing tomorrow’s district court list, so writes Lorraine Courtney in the Irish Independent today. Is it time we relaxed our...

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 the ultimate guide to beaches in Europe!

IMRO has called for strong cross-party support for a motion which was before the Dáil today discussing the protections for Irish Artists in the Era of Artificial Intelligence. Joining us to discuss this is Iain Archer, formerly of Snow Patrol and Chair of the Ivors Academy All Ireland Council.

Mick Clifford, Journalist and author, joins Ciara and Shane to place his favourite book on the Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The parents of Grace Lynch have today appeared before the Oireachtas Justice Committee, speaking about the issue of scrambler bikes and public safety. Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte has been covering this, and joins Shane to discuss.

The US has carried out a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran with Donald Trump scrapping his proposal for a 20% fee to guard the Strait of Hormuz insisting it is open to all except Iran... Joining Ciara with the latest is Adam Parsons, Sky News Middle East Correspondent. Image: Reuters

The Taoiseach has issued a formal state apology to the victims of paedophile Bill Kenneally. Some of those abused by the former basketball coach watched from the distinguished visitor's gallery in the Dáil as Micheál Martin said there was a dereliction of duty on the part of the State. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast, you can contact One in Four on their suppo...

New Zara flowy trousers have taken the internet by storm with some referring to them as ‘lethal’ & ‘death pants’...  For more on this, Ciara is joined by Judy Gilroy, Stylist. Image: Zara

If you’re a renter or looking to start renting for the first time, do you know what documents you are required to provide the letting agent or private landlord? Anecdotal evidence talks about providing months of bank statements and pay slips, as well as references and, in one case, a personality test was required which asked about the individual’s religion, who they would have over, and their book...

“The death of the manual car matters. We have been demoted from drivers to cargo” Simon Heptinstall in his spectator article. But why are people moving away from manuals?  Joining Ciara to discuss this is Brenda Bolger, owner of Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny and Shane O’Donoghue, Editor at CompleteCar.ie .

A second child benefit payment targeted at the families most in need was first proposed in 2012 by the official Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare, so why have we not followed through with it? That’s the question being posed by Fintan O’Toole in the Irish Times today. Joining Shane to discuss this is Suzanne Rodgers of Social Justice Ireland.

With the school holidays in full swing and the kids all at home, many of them may be thinking about getting a summer job to fill the time and make some money before school starts back in September. But, how can teenagers get into these jobs without experience, and what kinds of restrictions are there for under 18s working? Joining Ciara with some advice is Career Guidance Counsellor in Carlow, Liz...

The Central Bank Governor, Gabriel Makhlouf, has warned against spending overruns ahead of the Budget 2027. In his annual pre-Budget letter to the Finance Minister, he highlighted that if their spending overruns persist, there could be a €25.7 billion deficit in the public finances by 2030… For more on this, Shane is joined by Economist Austin Hughes…

They say joy is in the little things: having fresh sheets, a hot cup of coffee, or maybe hearing your favourite song. These may seem like small things to get excited about, but studies show these brief experiences have a range of benefits, including reduced stress and regulating emotions. Joining Ciara to discuss why these little moments of joy are so important is Counseling Psychologist & Lec...

For this week’s Kids Clinic, Shane and Ciara are joined by Louise Lennox, Chef and Children’s Feeding Therapist from Fussy Eating Kids to discuss how to properly and safely introduce your child to cooking!

A hosepipe ban is becoming “increasingly likely” as the heatwave is expected to continue. Uisce Éireann said they are “very concerned and continue to be concerned” about water supplies in the greater Dublin area, including the capital, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. But, do they work? For more on this, Ciara is joined by Dr. Jenny Lawlor from the DCU Water Institute.

The Department of Education has been criticised for bringing forward the special education deadline by a month from October to September, and announcing it online in the middle of the school holidays. Parents, teaching staff, the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) and opposition TDs have all railed against the announcement made last Tuesday. Joining Shane to discuss is Jen Cummins, Social De...

Counter-terrorism police are now leading the investigation into the death of the former MP and Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe in light of “new information and evidence”. Joining Ciara to discuss further is Enda Brady, London-based TRT World Presenter.

Are you guilty of making a common cleaning faux pas that is actually making your home dirtier than when you began cleaning? When was the last time you cleaned the things in your home you used to clean? From the dishwasher to the filter in your washing machine, or even your toilet brush… Joining Shane to discuss is Ann Russell, TikToker and Cleaning Expert.