The Hard Shoulder

Rúaidhrí O’Connor is an Irish rugby fan who struck up a conversation with Welsh fans 50 years ago, which led to 50 years of friendship…They’re celebrating it tomorrow, and Rúaidhrí joins Shane to share his story.

A conference will take place on Saturday to discuss the Gender Recognition Act 2015 & its potential impact on Irish society.Ciara is joined by one of the speakers at the event, Helen Joyce, Author of ‘Trans: Gender Identity & The New Battle for Women’s Rights & Director of Advocacy at Sex Matters’.

Shane Lowry has been speaking about the perspective he gained from his daughter after placing second at the Cognizant Classic last week.His daughter asked "Why is everyone acting so sad that you finished second? Second is good.”So, how do you deal with coming second?Joining Shane to discuss is Enda McNulty, CEO of McNulty Performance.

Yesterday we heard from Labour TD George Lawlor and Ann Marie Lamb, a tenant in one of the thirty six homes in Bridgetown County Wexford issued with eviction notices. Those tenants have now been told that those eviction notices have been withdrawn.Anna, Tenant at Hazelwood in Bridgetown, joins Ciara to discuss.

A recent survey by ComReg of 3,000 Irish adults found that 57% are paying for traditional TV services, such as Sky or Virgin.The number represents a sharp decrease since 2023, when 70% were subscribing.It’s estimated that around 400,000 people have dodgy boxes across the country...is there where those subscribers are going?Larry Bass is CEO of ShinAwil, and joins Shane to discuss.

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk joined Ciara and Shane to review the latest TV and movie releases…

The Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games, Ireland’s largest inclusive sporting event, will take place from the 18th to the 21st of June. Over 1,200 athletes will compete across 12 sports over four days in 10 venues in Dublin.Henry McKean went to the launch at the National Indoor Arena, and sent this report.

The Government are “taking public for fools’, so says Sinn Fein’s Energy Spokesperson and TD for Kerry, Pa Daly, as a ‘targeted’ energy credit was put off the table by Government.The TD is critical of Government and the energy regulator for allowing the level of household energy debt to reach new record highs…Today Pa Daly introduced two bills that he says will tackle Ireland’s energy crisis, end price gouging, and bring down the price of energy for good.He joins Ciara to discuss.

Actor and Comedian Mike Wozniak joins Ciara and Shane for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The United States and Israel’s war with Iran is in its sixth day today. The Defence Ministry of the UAE has said it has intercepted and destroyed six ballistic missiles and over one hundred drones with some debris falling inside the country. In Lebanon, the Israeli Defence Forces has urged residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut to evacuate their homes immediately.For the latest analysis, Ciara is joined by Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science.Image: Reuters