

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

Apr 8, 2025 • 14min
HIQA release landmark report on improper spinal surgeries
The Health Information & Quality Authority (HIQA) has released a 200-page review into the use of improper implant springs in spinal surgeries at temple street university hospital - finding that there was no ethical approval granted at the hospital for their use by a surgeon…Joining Kieran to discuss this is Priscilla Lynch, Clinical Editor with the Medical Independent and Tony Foley, father of Ronan Foley.

Apr 8, 2025 • 15min
James May on cars in cities going extinct
Yesterday, we learned the Dublin City Transport Plan is entering its second phase this summer as efforts to reduce cars in the city continue…So, the question is: are the days of the car in the city numbered?James May, former Top Gear and The Grand Tour Presenter, joins Kieran to discuss this, and his upcoming tour.

Apr 7, 2025 • 15min
Surgeon Morgan McMonagle on what he witnessed in Gaza
Kieran’s guest has recently returned from working in Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, what did he witness in his time in Gaza?Vascular Trauma Surgeon Morgan McMonagle joins me now.Image: Reuters

Apr 7, 2025 • 7min
Gary Gannon on keeping young people out of crime
Earlier in the show, Kieran spoke with Karl Ducque from the Solas Project about his experience of getting out of crime.Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, joins to discuss his own perspective on the issue of young people and crime.

Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
Kids Health Check: Making social media accounts
For this week’s Kids Health Check, Kieran is joined by Ciara O’Brien, Business and Tech Journalist at Irish Times to look at social media for teenagers.What do you do when they start asking to join them, which ones are better and what safeguards can you put to make the process easier?

Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
Should we pay a levy to Netflix to support Irish productions?
The plan to put a levy on Netflix and other streamers to support independent Irish productions has been squished by the Minister for Media.Patrick O’Donovan has said that people are already paying enough for streaming services, but is he right?Joining Kieran to discuss is Larry Bass, CEO of production company ShinAWil and former board member of Screen Ireland and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

Apr 7, 2025 • 9min
Ireland's Game of Cones
99 problems, but finding an ice cream isn’t one. Yes, the fine weather has ushered in the return of the Ice cream van this year earlier than expected – but is the soft serve industry in Ireland less screwballs and sprinkles and more game of cones?Newstalk’s Sarah Madden reports

Apr 7, 2025 • 10min
What does the market downturn mean for Europe?
The EU has said it is ready to negotiate with the US over tariffs, but that it is planning on defending its own interests.It comes as US President Donald Trump's tariffs have caused chaos across global stock markets…Joining Kieran to discuss this and the impact it can have on people is Jack Power Europe Correspondent, Irish Times and Joe Lynam, Presenter of Newstalk’s Business Breakfast.

Apr 7, 2025 • 11min
How can young people be diverted from criminality?
Last week, statements were heard in the Dáil on how to divert young people away from criminality. Numerous contributions were made from TD’s from across the political spectrum…Nobody knows more about what can happen to kids who get drawn into that life of crime than Kieran’s guest… Karl Ducque grew up in Dublin’s North inner city around crime, and now works to help keep young people on the right track. He joins Kieran to discuss.

Apr 7, 2025 • 12min
What are the health implications of noise pollution at Dublin Airport?
This Thursday, residents living near Dublin airport are hosting an event which will explore health implications of noise at the airport. With disturbance to sleep being one of the biggest implications.With the passenger cap suspension extended, there is also the other issue at Dublin airport of how many night flights can, or should, operate.Joining Kieran to discuss this is Ian Carey, Local Area Representative for the Green Party and DP Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Truffle Hog.


