The Hard Shoulder

Broadcaster Louise Cantillon joins Ciara Doherty for this week’s Thursday Interview!

It has been confirmed that Ireland will vote against the Mercosur trade deal tomorrow. However, it is still expected that the agreement will be approved by the EU.To discuss these developments, Ciara is joined by President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, Denis Drennan, Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist at The Currency, John McGuinness, Fianna Fáil TD Carlow - Kilkenny and Michael Healy-Rae, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Independent TD for Kerry.

Céire Sadlier, Irish Times contributor, had a really interesting piece on why she resisted having a phone until the age of 19, despite her parents wanting her to have one, a concept lost on many young people today.She joins Ciara to discuss her own experience, and how that greatly differs to that of her own child's today…

US President Donald Trump has been saying that the US would pull out of dozens of international and UN groups that, as he puts it, operate contrary to their interests.It comes after a week where a Russian-flagged oil tanker was seized, and, of course, the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured.In the days since, his frequent musings about other items on his foreign policy wish list have rung with renewed force, especially his repeated desire for the US to take over Greenland.Joining Ciara to discuss is former United States Ambassador to Denmark, Carla Sands.Image: Reuters

A new report in the UK shows that one in five funerals are opting for the no-frills approach, without mourners or a service. So, are attitudes changing towards funerals closer to home?To discuss this, Ciara is joined by David McGowan of Foley & McGowan’s Funeral Home Sligo, and McGowan’s Crematorium in Colloney, Co Sligo.

Father Stuart McGovern, a former engineer, was ordained for the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore nearly 2 months ago, just ahead of the busiest time of year for his vocation.To discuss his journey behind the decision to enter the priesthood, he joins Ciara.

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 Ciara to discuss how you can properly sport a moustache!

For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the ‘Ship Accounts’ trend and why it’s causing issues in schools.

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, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Pisa in Italy!

Key Ukrainian allies met today in Paris to discuss security guarantees, as they work through the US-brokered plan to end the war with Russia.The leaders of around 35 countries attended the summit known as the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, including American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and President Zelenskyy.But, there were indicators this afternoon that the summit may be overshadowed by growing alarm in Europe about President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, with six European countries coming together to release a statement which rallied support for Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations".Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Defence was at this summit today, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.