The Hard Shoulder

Writer and Broadcaster Maia Dunphy joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

As people gear up for the fun and festivities of Christmas, the special day also comes with a number of dangers that people need to be aware of. To chat about some of these Christmas threats, Ciara is joined by Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Columnist with the Irish Medical Times, Dr Chris Luke.

Following the publication of the Criminal Law and Civil Law yesterday, the Government has set out plans to address criminality. Some of the focus has been placed on the disclosure of counselling records in sexual assault trials, and measures to address overcrowding in prisons.To discuss this, Ciara is joined by Brian Mahon, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily Mail, Paul Lawless, Aontú TD for Mayo, and Cliona Sadlier, Executive Director with Rape Crisis Network Ireland.

As we enter the Christmas period, people tend to come into contact with a lot of wildlife, whether that’s out on a walk, or maybe around your home.Joining Ciara to discuss whether you should do anything to help them is Zoologist and Ecologist with Wildlife West Rescue, Alex Muschketat.

US President Donald Trump has said that the United States needs Greenland for “national security” after his appointment of a special envoy to the Danish arctic island triggered a new spat with Copenhagen.Joining Ciara to discuss is Dan Mulhall, Former Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.Image: Reuters

Irish Rail’s Christmas schedule adds late night services for revellers.Irish Rail will operate on a reduced schedule from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, some extra services have been added for this weekend for any Christmas party goers.The question is: should late night services be run all year?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Ray O’Donoghue, Dublin’s night-time economy advisor, Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Iarnrod Eireann and Feljin Jose Dublin City Councillor for Phibsborough, Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Cabra and Ashtown, Green Party Spokesperson for Transport.

9-year-old Harry McCormack, was born with half a heart, and he is trying to raise funds for Crumlin hospital, as well as its staff who give up Christmas for sick kids.Ciara is joined by Harry himself, his Mum Leanne and his Dad Keith to discuss.If you would like to donate, you can visit childrenshealth.ie.

The Muppet Show returns to Disney+ with the gang back on stage for a one-off special streaming from February 4th, featuring singer Sabrina Carpenter. But, what is it about the Muppets that has lasted the test of time?Joining Ciara to discuss is Sarah Maria Griffin, author of Eat the Ones You Love.Image: Disney

For this week’s Kids Health Check, Ciara Doherty is joined by Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Development Therapist & Founder of Cogni Kids to discuss supporting your child over Christmas. In all the fun and celebrations of the season, it may be easy to overlook the impact that changes that have happened over the year can have on children when the day comes, whether that be family bereavement or separation…

Singer-songwriter Chris Rea, known for hits including ‘Driving Home for Christmas’, has died at the age of 74, a spokesperson for his family has said.To discuss the legacy he leaves behind, Ciara is joined by Entertainment Journalist, Sarina Bellissimo.