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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Feb 24, 2026 • 3min
Man arrested for questioning about murder of Michael Gaine
A man in his 50s has been arrested in connection with the investigation into the murder of Kerry farmer Michael Gaine last year.Sinead Kelleher from The Kerryman joins Shane with the latest…
Feb 24, 2026 • 17min
Average rent in Dublin city now almost €2,700
Market rents across the country rose by 4.4% last year, 80% higher than they were a decade ago, with the average monthly rent for an apartment in Dublin city now almost €2,700. That’s according to the latest Rental Report by Daft.ie. This comes on the same day that an overhaul of rent regulations has been signed into law by President Catherine Connolly.Joining Ciara to discuss is Eoin Ó Broin, SF Housing Spokesperson and Mary Conway from the Irish Property Owners Association.
Feb 23, 2026 • 7min
Nikita Hand set to be awarded damages after former neighbours fail to respond to lawsuit
The High Court is set to assess damages owed to Nikita Hand by her former neighbours after they failed to respond to her claim for damages accusing them of abusing court processes.For more on this, Shane is joined by Shane Phelan, Legal Affairs Editor with the Irish Independent.
Feb 23, 2026 • 6min
Looking back on four years of war in Ukraine
Tomorrow, fighting in Ukraine will enter its fifth year, after Vladimir Putin launched Europe’s biggest conflict since World War Two.Joining Ciara to discuss and look back on four years of war is Emmanuelle Chaze, Ukraine Correspondent for France24 and RFI.Image: Reuters
Feb 23, 2026 • 11min
North East Inner City taksforce releases annual report - Josh Crosbie Reports
Ten years ago, the North East Inner City taskforce was established to try and improve an area of Dublin impacted by poverty and criminality. The NEIC has today published its annual report, which details its ongoing work in the community. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie was there for the report’s launch, and joins Ciara to discuss.Image: NEIC
Feb 23, 2026 • 8min
Kids Clinic: Raising Resilient Children
For this week’s Kids Clinic, Shane is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss how you can raise resilient children.
Feb 23, 2026 • 6min
Peter Mandelson arrested - what we know
Peter Mandelson has been arrested for suspicion of misconduct in public office.Vincent McAvinney, London Based Journalist, joins Ciara with the latest information.
Feb 23, 2026 • 12min
Has Minister O’Donovan overreacted to incidents at Oriel Park?
The Minister for Sport must work collaboratively with League of Ireland clubs to ensure safety instead of making knee-jerk threats to cut funding.That’s the view of Ruairí Ó Murchú, Sinn Féin TD for Louth who joins Shane to discuss.
Feb 23, 2026 • 9min
Have Chip Sticks lost their flavour?
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning you may have heard Anton Savage and Claire Byrne chatting about how Chip Sticks are not what they used to be, not as tangy in flavour for example. But, are they really losing their flavour, or are we just getting older?Joining Ciara to discuss is Suzanne Kane, Broadcaster and self-proclaimed ‘corn snack queen’ and Phil Smyth, aka ‘Phil of Science’, Physicist and Broadcaster.
Feb 23, 2026 • 14min
Eamon Ryan on his new film ‘Forever is Now’
On Wednesday ‘Forever is Now’ will be screened as part of the Dublin International Film Festival.It follows former Green party leader Eamon Ryan and his team over the last 18 months of the Irish Green Party’s time in Government, while also taking a look at his relationship with his autistic son, Tommy.Eamon Ryan joins Shane to discuss.Image: Soilsiú Films
