

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

Sep 25, 2025 • 17min
Senator Chris Andrews on board the Spectre flotilla
Chris Andrews, Sinn Féin Senator, is on board the Spectre boat in the flotilla that is destined for Gaza when it was attacked by Israeli drones and struck four times on Tuesday night…Chris joins Kieran from the boat to discuss and give the latest updates. Also joining to discuss is Dr Muhamed Shaallan, a Surgeon who was in Gaza…

Sep 25, 2025 • 6min
What’s the best way to budget for Christmas?
It's definitely early to think about it, but as we enter the last quarter of the year, you may already be imagining the budget for Christmas... What are the spending tips to follow now, so you don’t end up feeling the effects in January?Joining Kieran with her top tips is Sinead Ryan, Consumer Journalist and Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk.

Sep 25, 2025 • 9min
Should we boycott Obama’s Freedom of Dublin?
Former US President Barack Obama will be awarded the Freedom of Dublin today, with some Independent Dublin Councillors calling for a boycott.Dublin City Council voted in 2017 to grant him the honour, and he has decided to accept it in a ceremony in Dublin with Lord Mayor Ray McAdam and a number of councillors in attendance.Do you think it’s good that this is happening?Joining Kieran to discuss is Independent Dublin City Councillor Cieran Perry, as well as Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South and former Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan.

Sep 25, 2025 • 10min
Do we still need election posters?
Ahead of the upcoming presidential election on October 24th, posters are popping up across the country, which raises the question: are they still necessary?Joining Kieran to discuss is Shelly Heterich Quinn, former County Councilor and Ger Deere, Mayo County Councilor.

Sep 25, 2025 • 11min
How to do Stuff: Breaking up with someone
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 Kieran to discuss how you can (in the best way possible) break up with someone…

Sep 25, 2025 • 6min
NASA is returning to the moon!
“Thats one small step for Man one giant leap for Mankind”...We may hear those words again in the coming years as yesterday Nasa announced its first crewed mission to the moon in 50 years is to take place next February, as they prepare for another lunar landing as early as 2027.Joining Kieran to discuss is Leo Enright, Space Commentator and former Chairman of the Irish Government’s Science Awareness Program.

Sep 24, 2025 • 9min
Will Budget 2026 tackle energy prices?
Budget day is almost upon us, and it’s once again in the shadow of the high cost-of-living...A big part of that is energy prices, and many providers have announced hikes, which for many will kick in next week. Is there any hope for a reduction in costs?Joining Kieran to discuss this more is Darragh Cassidy, Head of Communications at Bonkers.ie.

Sep 24, 2025 • 8min
Is Freedom of the City the best Dublin can award?
Former US President Barack Obama is to be awarded the Freedom of Dublin tomorrow. What does this mean, and should there be a new award?Joining Kieran to discuss is Irish Times journalist and Historian, Ronan McGreevy.

Sep 24, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Technology in the NFL
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Kieran ahead of the big Dublin NFL game to talk about some of the unique technology used in the sporting organisation.Image: NFL Football Operations

Sep 24, 2025 • 16min
Ryder Cup preview with Pádraig Harrington
Europe and the US will face off against each other in just two days as the Ryder Cup returns.The Americans will be keen to reclaim the cup after the Europeans won out last time…Joining Kieran to look ahead to it all is Irish golfing legend and member of 6 Ryder cup teams, Pádraig Harrington.


