The Hard Shoulder

Shifting demographics and mass migration to the eastern seaboard of the island represents an “existential threat” to the GAA. That’s the warning from National Demographics Committee chairman Benny Hurl who painted a concerning picture at the launch of the GAA’s report on the issue. With 78% of GAA clubs located in areas with “declining populations” this complex issue may spell trouble for the futu...

You may not have the time or energy to take care of a pet throughout the year, but what about offering temporary respite to an animal in need over the holidays? The newly formed National SPCA is launching it's annual fostering appeal to help clear out the shelters this festive season.  Newstalk's Sarah Madden meets some of the good girls and boys looking for the gift of a foster home this Chr...

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Ballet Dancer and Teacher, Monica Loughman, joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

Israel will officially be allowed to participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. RTÉ has reaffirmed that they will not be taking part over Israel's participation. Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss the latest updates is Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent.

The Hard Shoulder is looking back on 2025’s biggest moments in the news, and who were at the heart of it. The situation in Gaza and all of Palestine has continued to dominate the headlines this year. How have things changed, and what does the future look like? Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Reham Mahdi Al Jarrah, Christian Aid Ireland’s Local Partner in Gaza, Women’s Affairs Centre.

You may have noticed those around you getting sick this winter season – maybe you have been sick yourself? So, what are your rights, especially as we’re being hit hard by the flu season? Caroline Reidy is Managing Director of The Hr Suite, and joins Ciara to discuss.

Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is being debated at a two-day meeting of member broadcasters in Geneva, which started today. Eurovision could vote on Israel’s involvement as more countries threaten to boycott next year’s event in Austria. It’s crunch time for the Eurovision Song Contest - can it survive? Joining Ciara to discuss is Zoe Lawlor, Chair of the Ireland Palestine S...

One of the biggest questions facing people today is what to do with your spare time, and how to make the most of it. Some influencers online urge people to wake up extra early and get to work either exercising, or on some side hustle to monetise their free time. But is this sustainable, or does it only lead to burnout? Joining Ciara to discuss is Health Scientist and Sleep Expert, Tom Coleman.

According to a recent Red C poll commissioned for Mayo Social by Sage Advocacy, only one in 12 people want to live in a nursing home when they’re older, while over 90% of people said housing with support for older people is urgently needed. To chat more about this, Ciara is joined by Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs with Age Action, Camille Loftus, and Mayo Social Supporter and former Sage Advo...

Google has revealed the top things Irish people have searched this year, from Storm Éowyn to ‘67’, what do our searches indicate about who we are as a nation? Joining Ciara to discuss is Olytico’s Stephen O’Leary.

The Department of Education was before the Oireachtas Education Committee today in relation to the teacher recruitment crisis in Irish schools. To chat more about what was discussed, Ciara is joined by Cathaoirleach of the committee, Fianna Fáil Deputy Cathal Crowe, and Director of The National Association of Principals and Deputies, Paul Crone.

The Government has launched the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report. The plan, which will include 30 actions to aid, speeding up, and delivering critical infrastructure, is part of the Government’s attempt to keep pace with the demands of economic and population growth in Ireland. Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Jack Chambers.

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how artists are expressing serious concerns about AI music - and what the issue exactly is...

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 to pass wind, discreetly!

Ahead of his upcoming show 'The Son of a Carpenter' at the 3Arena on Sunday, December 14th, Comedian, actor and Writer, Jim Jefferies, joins Ciara to discuss!

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 Doherty to give the ultimate guide on Christmas Markets!

President Volodymir Zelenskyy has thanked the Irish people for their steadfast support of Ukraine and “not losing faith in us” as he addressed the Dáil today as part of his first official state visit to Ireland. His speech comes at a time of huge importance for his country as a potential peace deal edges closer nearly four years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country… Joining Ciara Do...

TV Presenter Karen Koster joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The Irish Farmers Association has raised serious concerns after the European Commission moved to recall Brazilian beef products which had been imported into the European Union. The beef was found to have contained hormones which are banned across the EU. The beef product made its way into a number of countries including Britain and Northern Ireland. It comes as the debate continues in Europe over...

The state visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been taking place today, coming as the US tries to broker a ceasefire. Zelenskyy has also been addressing a joint sitting of the Dáil this afternoon. Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the key takeaways so far…

Have rom-coms lost their magic? Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who starred as Sam in Love Actually, seems to think so. As he says they are from a bygone era in cinema. Is he right? Joining Ciara to discuss is Entertainment Journalist, Brian Lloyd.

A new and potent strain of flu is taking hold across the country, with the HSE urging people to get vaccinated before Christmas. The increase in cases means the health service could be under sustained pressure in the coming weeks. Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Monaghan-based GP, Illona Duffy.

You won't be seeing or hearing the iconic ‘Holidays are Coming’ Coca-Cola ad on your screens this Christmas! The company has decided to make a new version with AI generation to replace the classic. But, why would a brand like Coca-Cola use AI for advertising, and is this a trend? Joining Ciara to discuss is Brand Strategist at Neworld, Kerry Matzelle. Image: Coca-Cola

The Petitions Committee is considering a petition to ban election posters in Ireland. Do you think it would be a good idea - whether for environmental reasons, or simply being an eyesore? Newstalk's Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.