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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Jul 1, 2025 • 9min
Are young people giving up on parenthood?
As the birthrates across the world continue to fall, how can we tackle the issue. Is the solution economic incentives or do we need a cultural shift in attitudes? Broadcaster Wendy Grace and Irish Examiner columnist Jane Cowen explore why many young people are rethinking whether to have children.Listen here.
Jul 1, 2025 • 8min
Should parents be paying voluntary contributions?
Seamus Mulconry from the Catholic Primary School Management Association and Áine Lynch of the National Parents Council join Anton Savage to discuss the imposition of 'voluntary contributions' to public schools as they cope with rising prices.We also hear from parents affected by these new costs.Listen here.
Jul 1, 2025 • 12min
Conor McGregor Withdraws Evidence
NewsTalk Courts Correspondent, Frank Greaney, gives the latest update on the Conor McGregor appeal.McGregor at the last minute withdrew ‘fresh evidence’ from Nikita Hand’s neighbours over alleged row with her ex-partnerListen here.
Jul 1, 2025 • 8min
Are Dublin’s streets getting more dangerous?
Paul Gallagher, owner of the Asics store on O’Connell Street, joins Anton Savage to talk about crime in Dublin city centre. Paul's store was broken into on Monday night, adding another blow to the city centre street.Josh Crosbie also reports with vox-pops from shoppers on if they feel safe in Dublin.Listen here.
Jul 1, 2025 • 8min
How do we make roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians?
Colin Baker ('The Gadget Guy') and cyclist Imogen Ní Choitir join The Hard Shoulder to discuss road safety for vulnerable users and whether changes in infrastructure could prevent further fatalities.Especially with new vehicles entering the road, pedestrians and cyclist continue the calls for better cycling infrastructure.Listen here.
Jun 30, 2025 • 20min
The Story of Thin Lizzy
Tom Dunne, Newstalk presenter and frontman of Something Happens, joins The Hard Shoulder to tell the story of Thin Lizzy.From their origins to their legacy in music, and why Phil Lynott’s voice still echoes across generations.Listen here
Jun 30, 2025 • 7min
James McCabe
James Fernandez McCabe, of Irish descent, is due to play Wimbledon tomorrow. His father, Patrick McCabe emigrated from Walkinstown to Sydney in the 1980s. There, he taught his son to play tennis through youtube videos, launching his career which has now brought them to the prestigious tournament. Patrick and James join The Hard Shoulder now to share their story.
Jun 30, 2025 • 12min
Eamon Ryan
Eamon Ryan, former Green Party leader, joins Jonathan Healy to discuss Ireland’s missed climate goals, accountability in government, and what he believes needs to happen next to start hitting those climate goals.Listen here.
Jun 30, 2025 • 10min
What it Takes to be a Tennis Umpire
Amanullah de Sondy, former umpire and UCC academic, joins The Hard Shoulder to discuss the life and times of a tennis umpire,Listen here to hear about the abolishment of line judges, the prospects for this year and the changes in refereeing the game.
Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
Kids Clinic
Parenting coach Aoife Lee from ParentSupport.ie joins Jonathan for this week's Kids Clnic.This week, it's sharing tips on maintaining structure for children over the school holidays — and how to avoid chaos without killing the fun.Listen here
