The Hard Shoulder

This summer, you might be struggling to keep your kids busy while they are out of school, but don’t worry! The Hard Shoulder will be looking at different ways to keep those small ones occupied. Kieran is joined by Finn Fury, son of Finbar Fury and Adam Agee to discuss why you might want to get your kids into trad music.

Earlier today, Conor McGregor lost his appeal against the finding of a civil jury that he raped Nikita Hand. McGregor, who told the civil trial he had consensual sex with Nikita Hand in a Dublin penthouse in December 2018, launched an appeal after a jury of eight women and four men found him civilly liable. Joining Kieran to discuss is Frank Greaney, Newstalk Courts Correspondent.

An estimated 30,000 festival goers expected at All Together Now this weekend, including Kieran! Festivals, even when the weather plays nice can be messy, and potentially disgusting if you are not prepared! So, how does one prepare themselves? Kieran is joined by Sarah Finnan, Freelance Journalist and Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent, both who will be attending All Together Now...

The Asthma Society of Ireland is calling on the Government to make asthma medication and treatment more accessible and affordable. This call comes as the organisation released its pre-budget submission earlier this week. As part of the submission, they presented concerning data which stated that 24% of their respondents had gone without asthma medication at least once in the past three months beca...

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. With today being the United Nations Day of Friendship, Simon joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss how you can make new friends!

With an estimated one in five people in Ireland experiencing digestive problems on a regular basis, finding solutions to such problems is clearly wanted. But, with there being all kinds of products, wellness trends and diets out there: what are they do’s and don’ts for gut wellness? Lorraine Cooney is a Gut Health Dietician and joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

Achill Island in Mayo has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful islands in the world! The travel magazine, Big 7, published a list of the top 50 islands... and not only did Achill make the top 10, but it nabbed spot #8! To hear about this not-so-hidden gem, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Manager of Achill Tourism, Chis McCarthy and owner of Lynott’s Pub in Achill, Mick Lynch.

New figures released show that only 1/3 of people accused of sexual offences in the last ten years were prosecuted. Often, the reason given for a case not being brought forward is a lack of evidence. Guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Jessica Woodlock, Newstalk Reporter, Hazel Behan, Sexual Assault Survivor & Activist and Noeline Blackwell, Lawyer & Victims Rights Activist to discuss....

Today is International Friendship Day! Henry McKean has been out asking people about friendships, and how to get out of toxic friendships. He joins guest host Mandy Johnston to share what he’s heard.

A woman who was falsely imprisoned and brutally tortured over the course of 3 hours has stated that she feels “numb” after 5 five men were sentenced today by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Frank Greaney is Newstalk Court Correspondent, and joins Mandy Johnston to discuss.

If you have social media, it’s likely that you may have shared pictures and videos of your loved ones. But, with the race to develop more advanced artificial intelligence ever increasing, should we hold concerns over how social media companies are now processing our personal data? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Eoin O’Dell, Associate Professor of Law at Trinity College Dublin...

There is no doubt that sending and receiving voice notes is now one of the mainstream ways we communicate with one another. But, how do you feel about them? Do you like and use them, or are they more of a hindrance than an effective method of communication? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Niamh O’Reilly, Freelance Journalist and Esther McCarthy, Lifestyle Editor with the Irish Exam...

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 guest host Mandy Johnston to give his travel tips for Ballybunion in Kerry!

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said today that the UK will officially recognise Palestine as a state in September, unless Israel agrees to a Gaza ceasefire and a commitment to a long-term peace process that delivers a two state solution. London Journalist and Commentator Enda Brady joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss.

How would you feel about living in your parents’ back garden? With rents still rising, the Government is now looking at making modular homes exempt from planning permission to tackle the housing crisis, but would they work? Is this yet another ineffective short-term measure? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Conservationist and Architect Róisín Murphy.

Donal Fallon, Presenter of Three Castles Burning history podcast joins guest host Mandy Johnston to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As the race for the Presidency heats up, only two candidates have been nominated so far. They are Mairead McGuiness, nominated by Fine Gael, and Catherine Connolly, who has been nominated by the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and 100% Redress, with other independent support. Catherine joins guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss her candidacy.

Outgoing Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has faced scrutiny over resignations and recruitment lows, and has been heavily criticised by the Garda Representative Association over his seven-year term. With Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly announced as his successor, what are the main challenges he will face? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Crime Journalist with the Irish Independent, P...

Today, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has classified Hexa-hydro-cannabinol, or HHC, as an illegal substance. This means that the import, export, production, possession, sale, and supply of products containing HHC is now illegal. Does this ban go far enough? To discuss, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Dr Bobby Smyth, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and Addiction Speci...

Detached modular homes built in a back garden will be exempt from planning permission under new government proposals and today, these exemptions are available for public consultation. Will it help to solve the housing crisis? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Minister of State for Planning and the person who is leading on exempted developments, John Cummins, Fine Gael TD for Wat...

While the Presidential Election may not yet be in full swing, the pool of candidates is beginning to fill out. Mairead McGuinness has been nominated by Fine Gael, Catherine Connolly has also announced her intentions, and so has Conor McGregor, obviously. But, what is it really like to run? Joan Freeman is a former Independent Senator and Founder of Pieta House, as well as a former Presidential can...

Should summer Gaeltacht courses be mandatory for school kids? Minister Helen McEntee has been asked to consider this by Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education Ryan O’Meara, who said he is concerned whether we are addressing improving and increasing the presence of the Irish language. Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this is Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Education, Ryan O’Meara, and...

For this week’s Kids Health Check, guest host Mandy Johnston is joined by Sleep Expert Lucy Wolfe to discuss how to keep your children in a good sleep routine, especially in the summer!

As you will have heard in the news headlines today, the European Union and United States have agreed a deal that will lock in tariffs of 15% on most EU imports to the US, preventing the prospect of a trade war. But, has the EU lost too much in this deal? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss is Emma Howard, Economist in TU Dublin, Danny McCoy, CEO of IBEC and Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty.

Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar has said the show is poised to return next year after being left “frustrated” by the finale. This comes after fans were left somewhat disappointed following the finale of the show back in 2021. This begs the question, can Line of Duty director Jed Mercurio rewrite the wrongs of a failed ending? Joining guest host Mandy Johnston to discuss this and more is Editor of...