

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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Mar 20, 2025 • 13min
Did the Hot School Meals scheme forget about Coeliac children?
The Coeliac Society of Ireland says that better Government oversight of the Hot School Meals scheme is required to ensure that the nutritional needs of children affected by the disease are met…The Coeliac Society are currently taking it upon themselves to liaise with the catering companies supplying meals to ensure that there are safe options available for children with Coeliac disease.Joining Kieran for more on this is Gill Brennan, Strategy and Advocacy Lead with the Coeliac Society of Ireland, as well as parent and former Paediatric Dietician, Alison Mainprize.

Mar 20, 2025 • 10min
How to do Stuff: Holding Cutlery
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 give a lesson on being patriotic!

Mar 19, 2025 • 17min
How should the Gardaí deal with public incidents?
A Policing Authority report has found that The Garda needs to update its policy and procedures on dealing with public order incidents…Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan briefed Cabinet on this review following the Dublin riots in November 2023, and changes made since this time within the Garda Siochána.The Minister joins Kieran to discuss…

Mar 19, 2025 • 6min
What is a ‘Flex’ mortgage?
You have heard of fixed, variable and tracker mortgage rates, but have you heard about the ‘Flex’ mortgage? Well, it’s popular in Europe, and it’s coming to Ireland.Joining Kieran to explain is CEO of Fair Stone & Founder of Ask Paul, Paul Merriman.

Mar 19, 2025 • 11min
Tech Takeover: The Art of the Prompt
In a continuation of her 'AI 101' series, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly joins Kieran for this week’s Tech Takeover to talk about all things prompts! When you’re interacting with an AI model, writing the correct question can make all the difference between an unreliable answer, and an incredibly useful resource.Image: OpenAI

Mar 19, 2025 • 10min
How do kids remember Covid? - Henry McKean Reports
Does Covid cast a long shadow over attendance in school 5 years on? This time in 2020, Ireland went into lockdown - with creches, primary and secondary schools shutting for long periods of time.What was the effect and impact on kids who were just starting out in school?Henry McKean spoke with kids from South City CNS Dublin 8 to get their memories, and joins Kieran to discuss.

Mar 19, 2025 • 12min
Is Jennifer Carroll MacNeil right about trolley numbers?
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeil spoke on Newstalk Breakfast earlier about the drop in the number of people on trolleys over the St. Patrick’s weekend compared to the previous Bank Holiday, hailing the new rostering system.How are Consultants reacting to her comments?Kieran is joined by Professor Mattew Sadlier, Chairman of the Consultant Committee of the Irish Medical Organisation to discuss.

Mar 19, 2025 • 10min
Getting your garden ready for summer!
The weather is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, so you’ll start to think about getting the garden ready for summer...Joining Kieran to give his top tips is RTÉ Super Garden Judge and Woodie's DIY and Garden Expert, Brian Burke!

Mar 19, 2025 • 12min
Cost of meat and milk continues to rise - why?
A restaurant steak could set you back €50; the price of beef is set to go up as farmers warn that the costs of production cannot be absorbed anymore…Will we need to come to reality that things might get more expensive, and what are the hidden costs behind a meal in a restaurant?Joining Kieran to discuss is Caitriona Remond, Cost of Living Expert with the Irish Examiner and Wade Murphy, Owner and Chef of Adare 1826.

Mar 19, 2025 • 17min
UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestine conflict
Tensions in the Middle East were raised again yesterday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that hostage talks would take place “under fire”, leading to doubts that another ceasefire might be reached.Joining Kieran to discuss this conflict and her role within it is Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur to Occupied Palestinian Territories.


