The Hard Shoulder
Newstalk
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 entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 22, 2025 • 12min
Tech Takeover: AI in Schools
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the Department of Education and Youth’s published guidance for AI in schools.
Oct 22, 2025 • 16min
Speaking with Heather Humphreys ahead of the election
Ahead of the Presidential election on Friday, Ciara Doherty is joined by Presidential candidate, and former Minister and TD for Cavan-Monaghan and North Meath, Heather Humphreys.
Oct 22, 2025 • 7min
Five members of Jozef Puska family given jail terms
Family members of Jozef Puska have been given jail terms for offences connected to the murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Newstalk’s Court Correspondent, Frank Greaney.
Oct 22, 2025 • 8min
Who will farmers vote for in the Presidential election? - Henry McKean Reports
It's now the final countdown until the Presidential election, but how will rural Ireland and the farmers vote?Henry McKean met farmers at the Kilcullen Mart in County Kildare, and sent in this report.
Oct 22, 2025 • 13min
What would dual citizenship look like in a United Ireland?
The prospect of a United Ireland is becoming an increasingly regular point of discussion, with the concessions that must be made for a new Ireland being central to this.One such concession being dual citizenship on the island, as protected under the Good Friday Agreement for those of Northern Irish birth.If this right is afforded to those born in the six counties, should it also be granted to those born in the remaining twenty-six?Paul Gosling, author of ‘A New Ireland: A Five Year Review’ and Emma De Souza, Writer and Political Commentator join Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Oct 22, 2025 • 10min
The Ultimate Guide: Cheap Flight Hacks
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 his tips on getting the cheapest flights possible!
Oct 21, 2025 • 5min
Borris Johnson appears before UK Covid inquiry
Former Prime Minister Borris Johnson told a Covid inquiry this morning that the Covid rules “probably did go too far" particularly when it came to the impact on children and young adults. Ciara Doherty was joined by TNT Presenter, Enda Brady to discuss.
Oct 21, 2025 • 16min
The ongoing mission to get Aid into Gaza
Ciara Doherty was joined by Holocaust Survivor, Stephen Kapos and by Jonathan Folwer, from UNWRA, to discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza
Oct 21, 2025 • 17min
The Bookshelf with Flo McSweeney
Singer Flo McSweeney, joined Ciara Doherty to discuss some of her favourite books....
Oct 21, 2025 • 8min
Luba Healy on her mission to give Ukraine aid later this year
Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, there have been many calls for support and aid. The latest comes from Irish citizen and Ukraine native, Luba Healy, who is set to journey to the region later this year. Ciara Doherty spoke to Luba on the Hard Shoulder about her journey.
