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
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Oct 10, 2025 • 12min
Brendan Farrell on seeking investigation for his father's death
Brendan Farrell’s father Liam died in suspicious circumstances in County Leitrim in 2020. This week, Brendan has met with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan in his pursuit of an investigation into the death.Brendan joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.
Oct 10, 2025 • 8min
Sport with Eoin Sheahan
Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined guest host Jonathan Healy on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.
Oct 10, 2025 • 9min
Should Ireland explore nuclear power?
As energy prices continue to rise and questions are raised over energy supply, it’s being wondered if Ireland should explore nuclear power…To discuss this, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Co-Founder of 18 for 0, Denis Duff, and Barrister and Environmental Campaigner, Neil McCann.
Oct 10, 2025 • 7min
Celebrating World Egg Day!
Today is World Egg Day, and to celebrate, guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Food Writer and Founder of Flavour.ie, Kate Ryan, to talk about why eggs are such a staple in the Irish diet!
Oct 10, 2025 • 8min
Will the ceasefire in Gaza hold?
The Israeli military confirmed today that a ceasefire began in Gaza at noon local time, as the “first phase” of a peace deal agreed by Israel and Hamas comes into effect.The agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas, and a withdrawal of Israel’s troops from Gaza to an agreed line, after more than two years of war.But, will it hold?Sean Bell is a former Fighter Pilot, Military Analyst and Co-Host of the Red Matrix Podcast. He joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss.Image: Reuters
Oct 10, 2025 • 14min
Is free public transport viable in Ireland?
Since 2022, two hundred million free bus journeys have been made by those under the age of 22 in Scotland since they made bus travel free there for them.And, following the budget this week, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien stated that he can't rule out public transport fee increases in the future.So, should we explore free public transport measures?Joining guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss is Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councilor for Ballymun Finglas and Sadbh O’Neill, part of Feminist Communities for Climate Justice.
Oct 9, 2025 • 19min
Movies and TV: Tron Ares, Victoria Beckham, John Candy
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and Chris Wasser, Arts Journalist and Sunday Independent Film Critic joined Kieran Cuddihy on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Oct 9, 2025 • 15min
How has life changed in the United States?
They’ve joined Kieran on the show before, and the hosts of award-winning The Irish Stew podcast are with him again now.John Lee and Martin Nutty are currently on a tour of Ireland, and have popped into the studio to discuss how life has changed in the United States…
Oct 9, 2025 • 17min
The Thursday Interview: Davina Devine
Drag Queen Davina Devine joins Kieran for this week's Thursday Interview!
Oct 9, 2025 • 8min
Luke Combs announced as Slane Castle headliner - will you be going?
Luke Combs has been announced as the headliner at Slane Castle next summer as part of his ‘My Kinda Saturday Night’ Tour of Europe and North America, making him the first country music star to headline the iconic venue.Pat Carty, Entertainment Journalist, joins Kieran to discuss.Image: MBC PR
