The Hard Shoulder
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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
Jan 21, 2026 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Social Media Addiction Lawsuits
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss lawsuits against social media companies on how they are allegedly designing their platforms to make them as addictive as possible, particularly amongst children and teens.
Jan 21, 2026 • 17min
Margaret Loftus on her long search for justice
After 13 years in the search for justice, Margaret Loftus says that she will handcuff herself to the gates of Leinster House if her ex-husband who assaulted her, Garda Trevor Bolger, is not dismissed from the force.She joins Ciara to discuss…
Jan 21, 2026 • 11min
Is cutlery no longer a good wedding gift? - Henry McKean Reports
The Newbridge Silverware company has announced that they will stop making silver plated cutlery and tableware in their factory in County Kildare. So, is this the end of an era, and when did we fall out of love with a once-beloved wedding gift?Henry McKean has been investigating, and joins Ciara to discuss.
Jan 21, 2026 • 12min
Minister Norma Foley on latest childcare plan
The Government has announced that €135 million will be made available for state-led childcare services.This will include the acquisition of buildings for childcare centres, and this is set to begin this year.To discuss the details of this plan and how it’s going to work, Ciara is joined by Minister for Children, Norma Foley…
Jan 21, 2026 • 6min
Do we need more education on the Holocaust?
A new survey shows that almost one in ten young Irish adults believe that the Holocaust was a “myth”.It begs the question, do we need more education on the Holocaust?Joining Ciara to discuss is Oliver Sears, son of a Holocaust survivor and founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland.
Jan 21, 2026 • 15min
Trump took the stage in Davos - what did he say?
US President Donald Trump took to centre stage today and gave a detailed speech in Davos at the World Economic Forum, providing more clarity on his stance towards Greenland.To discuss the latest to come out from today’s conference, Ciara is joined by Geopolitics Editor for The Economist, David Rennie, and European Correspondent for The Irish Times, Naomi O’Leary.Image: Reuters
Jan 21, 2026 • 11min
The Ultimate Guide: Istanbul
Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.This week, as part of his 12 best cities in the world, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Istanbul in Turkey!
Jan 21, 2026 • 8min
Research finds board games beneficial to numeracy skills in children
A University of Oregon study has found that playing board games can provide lasting benefits for brain function and development, improving numerical skills in children.Joining Ciara to discuss is Niamh O’Meara, Lecturer in Maths Education and Deputy Director of EPISTEM and Clare Moriarty, Post-Doctoral Researcher at Trinity College Dublin.
Jan 20, 2026 • 11min
Will we see a Katie Taylor Croke Park fight? - Josh Crosbie Reports
Hopes for a Katie Taylor fight in Croke Park have been reignited again today. The world champion boxer says she would love to have the opportunity to fight in the historic stadium.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with those involved in boxing to find out what chances we have to witness a potential bout. He joins Ciara to discuss.
Jan 20, 2026 • 11min
The Bookshelf with Brian Lloyd
Movie Critic and Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd joined Ciara Doherty to place his favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!
