The Hard Shoulder

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 to discuss how you can colour code your life!

Salvage Squad returns for a second series on Virgin Media One this year, as Brian Dowling Gourounian and Peter Irvine help perform home makeovers on a budget. They both join Ciara to discuss!

MEPs have today voted to refer the Mercosur trade deal to the EU Court of Justice. By a majority of just 10 votes, MEPs backed a resolution which will see the controversial Mercosur go to judicial review. This could delay the parliament being able to vote on the deal for up to 2 years, which is how long it usually takes for these types of judicial processes to work their way through. To discuss th...

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss lawsuits against social media companies on how they are allegedly designing their platforms to make them as addictive as possible, particularly amongst children and teens.

After 13 years in the search for justice, Margaret Loftus says that she will handcuff herself to the gates of Leinster House if her ex-husband who assaulted her, Garda Trevor Bolger, is not dismissed from the force. She joins Ciara to discuss…

The Newbridge Silverware company has announced that they will stop making silver plated cutlery and tableware in their factory in County Kildare. So, is this the end of an era, and when did we fall out of love with a once-beloved wedding gift? Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara to discuss.

The Government has announced that €135 million will be made available for state-led childcare services. This will include the acquisition of buildings for childcare centres, and this is set to begin this year. To discuss the details of this plan and how it’s going to work, Ciara is joined by Minister for Children, Norma Foley…

A new survey shows that almost one in ten young Irish adults believe that the Holocaust was a “myth”. It begs the question, do we need more education on the Holocaust? Joining Ciara to discuss is Oliver Sears, son of a Holocaust survivor and founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland.

US President Donald Trump took to centre stage today and gave a detailed speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum, providing more clarity on his stance towards Greenland. To discuss the latest to come out from today’s conference, Ciara is joined by Geopolitics Editor for The Economist, David Rennie, and European Correspondent for The Irish Times, Naomi O’Leary. Image: Reuters

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, as part of his 12 best cities in the world, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Istanbul in Turkey!

A University of Oregon study has found that playing board games can provide lasting benefits for brain function and development, improving numerical skills in children. Joining Ciara to discuss is Niamh O’Meara, Lecturer in Maths Education and Deputy Director of EPISTEM and Clare Moriarty, Post-Doctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin.

Hopes for a Katie Taylor fight in Croke Park have been reignited again today. The world champion boxer says she would love to have the opportunity to fight in the historic stadium. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with those involved in boxing to find out what chances we have to witness a potential bout. He joins Ciara to discuss.

Movie Critic and Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd joined Ciara Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Comedian and actor Russell Brand has appeared at Westminster Magistrates' court in the UK today over fresh sexual offences allegations, including rape. The two alleged offences took place in London in 2009, according to court documents. Joining Ciara to discuss the latest on this is London-based journalist, Vincent McAviney.

Earlier today, the Minister for Children Norma Foley presented plans to Cabinet to buy buildings that will provide childcare facilities. This is part of a new plan to create State-led early learning centres. Each building will deliver more than 100 places, with up to 800 places available by early 2027. This is all part of the Government’s promise to deliver €200 a month childcare within its five-y...

With so much conflicting information online and a variety of new products constantly gaining popularity, when it comes to skincare, are any of these trends having a positive impact on our skin? Joining Ciara to discuss is The Skin Nerd, Jennifer Rock owner of an online skin consultation service and her own skincare brand, skingredients. Image: Shark

After much speculation, Brooklyn Beckham last night addressed the rumors of an ongoing feud among his family, accusing his parents of attempting to ruin his relationship with his wife Nicola Peltz Beckham, attacking them in the media and claiming they have always been controlling. But, is there any way back for the Beckhams, despite Brooklyn saying he does not want to "reconcile" with them? Joinin...

New research has shown that almost half of Irish people are unsure whether their home insurance covers winter emergencies such as flooding, but what exactly should you be looking for when you insure your house, and are you overpaying? Joining Ciara to discuss this is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

With all the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s push to seize Greenland, there have been some who suggest that heading to the White House on St Patrick’s Day might present a difficult decision for the Taoiseach. That’s despite Micheál Martin dismissing any concern that the annual trip is in jeopardy. In fact, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary told the show last week that it might be a good thing for...

Natasha Smith was found dead on Friday afternoon while sleeping rough on Pearse Street in Dublin. To talk about Natasha and the wider homelessness crisis, Ciara is joined by Co-Founder of charity Tiglin, Senator Aubrey McCarthy.

One year ago tomorrow, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. And what a year it has been… Actor Richard Schiff joins Ciara to reflect on what has happened so far. Image: Reuters

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss screens impacting children developmentally, and if that impact is based on the type of screen they’re using…

US President Donald Trump has threatened to hit European countries with a wave of increasing tariffs unless he is allowed to buy Greenland. An empty threat? Or one that European countries need to be ready for?  Shona Murray, European Correspondent for Euronews and Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and columnist at The Currency join Ciara to di...

Children as young as 16 are seeking cosmetic procedures like fillers and botox. Cosmetic clinics say they're receiving multiple weekly enquiries from under 18s for treatments they hope will make them look like they're favourite online influencers and celebs. But what do young women think of the changing face of girlhood? Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.

One day this summer, Sunday July 19th to be exact, is set to be the biggest sporting day of the calendar year. That’s because the All Ireland Hurling Final and the World Cup Final will both take place. So, is this a good thing, or should both events get their own time in the spotlight? To discuss this, Ciara is joined by former Football Manager, Roddy Collins, and former Kerry Footballer, Paul O’C...