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 8, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Google’s new ‘AI Mode’
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran to discuss how Google is changing how their search works with a new ‘AI Mode’...Image: Google
Oct 8, 2025 • 9min
Mattress Mick on his new memoir ‘Bouncing Back’
Michael Flynn, AKA Mattress Mick has a new memoir which is called ‘Bouncing Back’, looking at his life, and his many businesses across Ireland.He joins Kieran to discuss!
Oct 8, 2025 • 8min
Do we need dedicated transport police?
You may have noticed more Gardai on your commute this morning, that’s because today is operation ‘Twin Tracks’.All day, Gardaí have been patrolling on trains and Luases in an engagement campaign to curb antisocial behaviour on public transport. So, should we have something similar to this year-round with dedicated transport police?Joining Kieran to discuss is SIPTU Transport Sector Organiser John Murphy and former Garda Sergeant, Christy Galligan.
Oct 8, 2025 • 14min
Taking the army fitness test! - Henry McKean Reports
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declared war on “fat generals”, but how hard is it to pass an army fitness test?Henry McKean took part in one with the Irish Defence Forces, and joins Kieran to discuss how he got on!
Oct 8, 2025 • 10min
The Ultimate Guide: Irish Autumn Breaks
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 Kieran to give his recommendations for autumn breaks in Ireland!
Oct 7, 2025 • 9min
Budget 2026: The opposition’s view
With all details of Budget 2026 out today, what would be the opposition's view on all of the changes made?Joining Kieran to discuss is Sinn Fein spokesperson on Finance and TD for Donegal, Pearse Doherty.
Oct 7, 2025 • 7min
Sarah Clancy on returning home after Israeli detention
Sarah Clancy, Community worker and poet in Galway, has returned to Ireland after being detained by Israel for her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla.She joins Kieran to discuss her experience.Image: Reuters
Oct 7, 2025 • 11min
Budget 2026: Reactions to Hospitality VAT cut
Budget 2026 has been fully revealed today, and with it, the Government’s decision to drop VAT rates to 9% in the Hospitality sector.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Paul Gallagher Chief Executive of the Irish Hotel Federation and Michael Taft, Researcher at SIPTU.
Oct 7, 2025 • 7min
Budget 2026: The impact on carers
Carer and advocate for education & inclusion Tracy Carroll joins Kieran to discuss the impact Budget 2026 has had on carers, and what more needs to be done.
Oct 7, 2025 • 12min
Budget 2026: Interview with Minister Paschal Donohoe
With Budget 2026 revealed today, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe joins Kieran to discuss the changes made, and the reasoning behind some of the Government’s decisions.
