The Hard Shoulder

Flu cases are expected to peak this week as Ireland enters the Christmas period amid already intense pressure on hospitals and emergency departments. The HSE  is urging caution as influenza, RSV and COVID-19 circulate.Joining Ciara to discuss is GP, Dr Maire Finn and Dr Marc-Alain Widdowson, Team Lead for Communicable Diseases at the WHO.

The amount of income we save rather than spend rose to 13.8% last year and is expected to be close to 15% this year. But, what is the psychology behind saving, and why are Irish people so good at it? Joining Ciara to discuss is Dr Anne Keogh, Principal Clinical Psychologist and Council Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

The Government has announced a new €400 million funding initiative to deliver new homes. This doubles the amount allocated towards the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, which was first announced in 2023.So, will all of this make a significant difference? And are steps being made in the right direction? Joining Ciara to discuss is Property Developer, Michael O’Flynn.

A new report has said Dublin is the 11th most congested city in the world.Dublin city was described as one of the “big movers” in 2025, having risen four places from the 15th spot in the global congestion rankings.In Ireland, approximately 80% of the population over 18 holds a driving license, and nearly three-quarters of all journeys are made by car. But why do we love the car so much?Is it just in our nature to learn how to drive and own a car?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Historian and Journalist Ronan McGreevy, Motoring Editor and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Ger Herbert and Environmentalist and Architect, Duncan Stewart.

This week, Ciara Doherty was joined by Off the Ball’s Ger Gilroy and Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

After a surprise Donald Trump U-turn, the Epstein files are due to be released later today, which include tens of thousands of documents relating to criminal investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.68 photos were pre-emptively released by Democrats in Congress. Some of those featured in the newly released images include former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, billionaire Bill Gates, Director Woody Allen and talk show host Dick Cavett.Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Anthony Zurcher, BBC’s North America Correspondent.

Aisling Larkin, a Mindful Eating Coach and TV Chef, shares her expertise in Christmas dinner preparation. She emphasizes the importance of early prep to minimize stress and suggests asking guests to contribute dishes. Aisling presents delicious vegetarian main options like chestnut-lentil Wellington and offers practical timing strategies for Christmas Eve and Day. She also provides valuable cooking hacks, including easy gravy tips and impressive canapé ideas using supermarket shortcuts. Don't miss her festive e-book packed with planning advice!

Off The Ball's Eoin Sheahan joined Ciara Doherty on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.Image: Tudum

EU leaders have pledged a €90 billion loan for Ukraine to meet urgent financial needs, but failed to agree on the preferred option for securing that loan against Russia’s frozen assets in the bloc.For more on the implications of this, Ciara Doherty is joined by Sean Bell, former fighter pilot, military analyst and Co-Founder of Red Matrix Productions.

Fergus Finlay, former CEO of Barnardos and columnist, dives into the transformative influence of Irish trailblazers. He and Ciara discuss what makes someone influential—ranging from moral courage to visibility. They highlight Vicky Phelan's powerful legacy and her impact on legal reforms, as well as the Collison brothers' significant contributions to the economy through Stripe. The debate stretches to Michael D. Higgins' role as a steady presence in leadership, while also noting the lasting effects of figures like Savita Halappanavar.