The Hard Shoulder
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- 13. Nov. 2026
Über den Podcast
The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion—bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home.
CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment
Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
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Winners and Sinners
This week, Ciara and Shane were joined by Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and presenter of Weekend Breakfast on Today FM, Alison Curtis, to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…
Housing: Are young people as unhappy as we think? - Sarah Madden Reports
Is rent ‘dead money’ or is it an investment in your personal development? The vast majority of Gen Z live with their parents, usually citing financial reasons, but should they stump up the rent money and learn …
Shownotes
Is rent ‘dead money’ or is it an investment in your personal development? The vast majority of Gen Z live with their parents, usually citing financial reasons, but should they stump up the rent money and learn to live on their own as early as possible?
Newstalk Reporter Sarah Madden has been investigating, and sent in this report…
Darth Vader’s lightsaber sells for nearly $5 million - are prop collectors mad?
Darth Vader’s lightsaber, used in Star Wars movies ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’, sold at auction for nearly $5 million, having previously been estimated to sell for $1 million.Are prop …
Shownotes
Darth Vader’s lightsaber, used in Star Wars movies ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’, sold at auction for nearly $5 million, having previously been estimated to sell for $1 million.
Are prop collectors mad? How popular is this industry?
Joining Shane to discuss is Entertainment Journalist and host of the ‘Screenland’ podcast, Brian Lloyd.
Sport with John Duggan: Ireland V Austria preview
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…
Elliott English's funeral takes place in Waterford - Barry Whyte Reports
The funeral has taken place this afternoon for 6-year-old Elliott English, who died from injuries sustained in an arson attack on his family in Waterford last month. 400 mourners from the local community …
Shownotes
The funeral has taken place this afternoon for 6-year-old Elliott English, who died from injuries sustained in an arson attack on his family in Waterford last month. 400 mourners from the local community gathered to pay their respects.
Newstalk’s Chief Reporter Barry Whyte was there, and joins Ciara to discuss.
Could Ireland be involved in the Ukraine peace negotiations?
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has ruled himself out as being the European representative for peace talks with Russia and Ukraine, but could Ireland still play a role?Joining Shane to discuss is Lucinda Creighton …
Shownotes
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has ruled himself out as being the European representative for peace talks with Russia and Ukraine, but could Ireland still play a role?
Joining Shane to discuss is Lucinda Creighton, Founder and CEO of Vulcan Advisory and former Minister for European Affairs.
Italy seeks legislation to bring back anti-vax medics - why?
Italy is facing a fresh controversy over doctors and healthcare professionals who were disciplined or removed from professional registers during the COVID-19 pandemic because of anti-vaccine activities and the …
Shownotes
Italy is facing a fresh controversy over doctors and healthcare professionals who were disciplined or removed from professional registers during the COVID-19 pandemic because of anti-vaccine activities and the promotion of unscientific medical claims.
Parliament has now approved legislation allowing some of these professionals to seek reinstatement, although the measure still needs Senate approval.
For more on this, Ciara is joined by Senior Global Reporter, Nick Pisa.
Would people accept a horse meat factory?
Fine Gael Senator Paraic Brady calls for a horse meat factory to be opened in Ireland for “worn-out” animals…Joining Shane to discuss is Maddie Doyle, Spokesperson for My Lovely Horse Rescue.
EU leaders continue meetings in Dublin - what has been happening?
European leaders have been meeting in Dublin again today, this time informally, with the likes of Ukraine and global security still on the agenda.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been at the …
Shownotes
European leaders have been meeting in Dublin again today, this time informally, with the likes of Ukraine and global security still on the agenda.
Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been at the Convention Centre following proceedings, and joins Ciara to discuss what has been happening.
What was the impact of the Microsoft outage? - Henry McKean Reports
Today was a day for another massive global outage. This time, it's your emails and Teams chats and calls. Microsoft is gradually restoring its services to hospitals, emergency services, schools and …
Shownotes
Today was a day for another massive global outage. This time, it's your emails and Teams chats and calls. Microsoft is gradually restoring its services to hospitals, emergency services, schools and businesses.
Henry McKean has been following this story, and joins Shane to discuss.
Movies and TV: Ebeneezer, The Good Daughter, How to Rob a Bank
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk joined Ciara and Shane to review the latest TV and movie releases…
How should you deal with migraines?
Migraines are much more than just a headache. For some people, they can be hours or days of debilitating pain. So, what actually causes migraines, and what can be done to manage them?To answer it all, Ciara is …
Shownotes
Migraines are much more than just a headache. For some people, they can be hours or days of debilitating pain. So, what actually causes migraines, and what can be done to manage them?
To answer it all, Ciara is joined by Dr Eleanor Galvin, GP with familydoctors.ie.
Pete Hegseth survives impeachment vote - U.S. updates
A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Virginia issued a verbal reprimand to a group of advisers and staff members with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following a Veterans Day ceremony at …
Shownotes
A soldier guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Virginia issued a verbal reprimand to a group of advisers and staff members with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth following a Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. It comes as Hegseth narrowly survived an impeachment vote this week.
White House Columnist with The Hill, Niall Stanage, joins Shane to discuss this, as well as details on a shooting in Washington D.C.
Why do Irish people say sorry so much?
There was a funny piece in yesterday's Irish Times by Newstalk’s own Seán Moncrieff on why Irish people say sorry so much, even when we don’t actually mean it. That is just one of many examples of …
Shownotes
There was a funny piece in yesterday's Irish Times by Newstalk’s own Seán Moncrieff on why Irish people say sorry so much, even when we don’t actually mean it. That is just one of many examples of ‘Irishisms’...
Joining Ciara and Shane to discuss a few more and why we use them is Denise Deegan, screenwriter and author of ‘The Little Book of Irishisms’.
Sport with John Duggan: Michael Carrick officially out of Man United
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 week’s action…
What needs to change with the handling of bomb threats in schools?
School principals are seeking new protocols from Gardaí and the Government to ensure a calm and co-ordinated response to future threats like Wednesday’s widespread bomb scares.Director of the National …
Shownotes
School principals are seeking new protocols from Gardaí and the Government to ensure a calm and co-ordinated response to future threats like Wednesday’s widespread bomb scares.
Director of the National Association of Principals and Deputies, Paul Crone, joins Shane to discuss.
How important is the EU summit happening in Dublin?
“The heavy security and disruption will annoy Dubliners and visitors to the capital, and inconvenience businesses, but that should not drown out the reason why major European meetings are taking place in Dublin …
Shownotes
“The heavy security and disruption will annoy Dubliners and visitors to the capital, and inconvenience businesses, but that should not drown out the reason why major European meetings are taking place in Dublin this week. Their purpose is to protect and promote the security and prosperity of Irish and European citizens.”
So wrote former Ambassador to London, Brussels and Rome, Bobby McDonagh, who joins Ciara to discuss.
Waterford Whispers author on the biggest news of 2026
With a round up of the year that was, there really is only one trusted source you'll need: Whispers of what's been happening straight from Waterford.Colm Williamson, author of Waterford Whispers News joins …
Shownotes
With a round up of the year that was, there really is only one trusted source you'll need: Whispers of what's been happening straight from Waterford.
Colm Williamson, author of Waterford Whispers News joins Shane and Ciara to discuss!
Nvidia CEO resigns after reports of second affair
Nvidia CEO, Jensen Huang, has resigned after reports he had a second affair emerged last night. This follows his admission of an initial affair with some are speculating to be a Chinese spy…Joining Ciara to …
Shownotes
Nvidia CEO, Jensen Huang, has resigned after reports he had a second affair emerged last night. This follows his admission of an initial affair with some are speculating to be a Chinese spy…
Joining Ciara to discuss the latest is Technology Journalist, Emmet Ryan.
Do we need more illumination for our public outdoor spaces at night?
“Dark evenings, lost freedoms – how winter time change shuts down women’s and children’s daily lives. Perhaps more should be done to make outdoor spaces safer and more accessible in the darker months," so says …
Shownotes
“Dark evenings, lost freedoms – how winter time change shuts down women’s and children’s daily lives. Perhaps more should be done to make outdoor spaces safer and more accessible in the darker months," so says Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh writing in the Irish Independent today.”
Would prioritizing illuminating our outdoor public spaces like parks be the most productive first step to tackling the issue?
Joining Ciara to discuss is Daniel Ennis, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central and party Spokesperson for Children and Equality; Sport and Declan Keenan, Youth Worker with Just Ask.
How do we solve a lack of places in Gaelscoilleanna?
The campaign group IMEASC today held a briefing with TDs and Senators highlighting the significant gap between the demand for Gaelscoileanna and the number of places available nationwide.Joining Shane to …
Shownotes
The campaign group IMEASC today held a briefing with TDs and Senators highlighting the significant gap between the demand for Gaelscoileanna and the number of places available nationwide.
Joining Shane to discuss this is Aidan Kinsella, Secretary of IMEASC.
How to do Stuff: Being Sexy!
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 …
Shownotes
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 how to be sexy!
Workers across Spain stage first general strike in 14 years
Workers across Spain have begun their first general strike in 14 years today over their housing crisis…Spain-based Journalist, Simon Hunter, joins Shane to discuss.
Short-Term Lettings and Tourism Bill 2026 - should it pass?
"We must end the absurdity of families in hotels and tourists in houses. It is within the Government's gift to return much-needed homes to long-term use by passing the Short-Term Lettings and Tourism Bill 2026 …
Shownotes
"We must end the absurdity of families in hotels and tourists in houses. It is within the Government's gift to return much-needed homes to long-term use by passing the Short-Term Lettings and Tourism Bill 2026 without delay."
So writes Threshold CEO, John-Mark McCafferty, who joins Ciara to discuss.
Tech Takeover: Digital Fairness Act
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, joins Shane to discuss a new EU proposal for a ‘Digital Fairness Act’, and what that could mean for you.
Sport with Daniel Hussey: Mauricio Pochettino eyes Man United job
Sports Journalist Daniel Hussey joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the week’s action…
US envoys to meet with Zelenskyy in Dublin - what we know
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff will travel to Dublin this week to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.For more on this, Ciara is joined by Washington Bureau Chief for The Guardian, David Smith.
Minister Darragh O’Brien on COP31
Minister for Transport, Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien joins X to discuss Ireland’s involvement at COP31.
Why you shouldn’t treat the internet as your doctor
The temptation to consult Dr Google or worse, Dr ChatGPT, with any health question that springs to mind may simply just be giving you a case of hypochondria. What harm is that causing?Joining Ciara to discuss …
Shownotes
The temptation to consult Dr Google or worse, Dr ChatGPT, with any health question that springs to mind may simply just be giving you a case of hypochondria. What harm is that causing?
Joining Ciara to discuss this is Saoirse Hanley, Columnist with The Irish Independent and Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell.
What has happened in Catherine Connolly’s first year in office?
One year ago today, President Catherine Connolly was inaugurated, but has anything changed since?Political Editor of The Irish Times, Pat Leahy has been writing about this, and joins Shane to discuss.
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