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 27, 2026 • 10min
Senator Aubrey McCarthy on forgiving man jailed for threatening to kill him
Senator Aubrey McCarthy has said that he forgives the man who was jailed on Thursday for threatening to kill him and the CEO of his charity, Tiglin.Senator McCarthy joins Ciara to discuss.
Mar 27, 2026 • 6min
Heartbroken Irish fans at Prague Airport - Henry McKean Reports
It’s heartbreak for Ireland as the football team failed to beat Czechia in the World Cup qualifier semi-final.Newstalk’s Henry McKean met with Irish fans on their journey home to get their reactions…
Mar 27, 2026 • 12min
Olympics Committee announce ban on transgender women in games
Yesterday, the International Olympic Committee announced that the women’s category of Olympic sports will be limited to “biological females” from the Los Angeles Games in 2028. IOC President Kirsty Coventry said that the policy was led by medical experts.Joining Ciara to share her reaction is Sharron Davies, who won Silver for Team GB at the 1980 Olympics and who is also a member of the House of Lords.
Mar 26, 2026 • 16min
Movies and TV: The Comback, Splitsville, Bait
Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and David O’Callaghan from the Here and Back Again podcast joined Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to review the latest TV and movie releases…
Mar 26, 2026 • 8min
Excitement in Prague ahead of the Ireland and Czechia game - Henry McKean Reports
Tonight the Republic of Ireland have to beat Czechia in order to stay in with a chance to qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico in the summer. If they win tonight, they will face Denmark or North Macedonia on Tuesday in the Aviva.Right now, Prague is jam packed with over 10,000 Irish fans, most don’t have a ticket to the game. One of them is Henry McKean who is ‘Czech-ing’ in with Ciara!
Mar 26, 2026 • 7min
Israel says it has killed Iran Navy Chief overseeing Strait of Hormuz blockade
Israel says it has killed Iran's Navy Chief overseeing the Strait of Hormuz blockade.Joining Ciara to discuss this and more is Sean Bell, former fighter pilot, military analyst and co-host of the ‘Red Matrix’ podcast.Image: Reuters
Mar 26, 2026 • 10min
The Thursday Interview: Cora Staunton
Former Mayo Footballer and eleven-time All-Star Winner Cora Staunton joins Ciara for this week’s Thursday Interview!
Mar 26, 2026 • 7min
Sport with John Duggan: COYBIG
Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action…
Mar 26, 2026 • 6min
Rosslare Strand under threat from coastal erosion - what can be done?
Emergency funding is needed to save Rosslare Strand beach following an ongoing battle with coastal erosion. The popular tourist spot Kelly’s Hotel in Rosslare Strand is now under threat, with the last remaining section of its adjoining beach expected to disappear in the coming months…Joining Ciara to discuss is Lisa McDonald, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Rosslare.Image: Visit Wexford
Mar 26, 2026 • 12min
Sky to take legal action against dodgy box owners - should you be worried?
Dodgy box users could face legal action from Sky after the company obtained the names, addresses and bank details of 304 dodgy box users, but what does this mean for individuals?Joining Ciara to discuss is Eoin O’Dell, Associate Professor of Law in Trinity College Dublin.
