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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Nov 27, 2025 • 5min
Margo Harkin on rejecting University of Galway degree over Israel links
Three of those set to be honoured with a doctorate degree from the University of Galway today have withdrawn their awards.American Professor Kerby Miller, Actor Olwen Fouéré and Filmmaker Margo Harkin have withdrawn from the ceremony over concerns with the University's links to an Israeli technology institute.Margo Harkin joins Ciara Doherty to discuss…
Nov 27, 2025 • 19min
What can be done to improve issues at Tusla?
Tusla was before the Oireachtas Committee earlier today, as issues facing the system were highlighted and addressed.To chat about what was discussed today, Ciara Doherty is joined by Chief Executive of Tusla, Kate Duggan.
Nov 27, 2025 • 8min
Are rivalries good for you?
Former world number one Novak Djokovic recently spoke about who his greatest rival in tennis was - citing Rafael Nadal as pushing him to his limit in matches. So, do rivalries push you to greater heights?Barry O’Sullivan of the Communications Clinic joins Ciara Doherty to discuss the ups and downs of rivalries in life.
Nov 27, 2025 • 8min
Sinéad Gibney talks ‘In Defence of Bread’
Joining Ciara Doherty is Social Democrats TD for Dublin-Rathdown, Sinéad Gibney who is here to discuss her father, the late Professor Mike Gibney’s final book: ‘In Defence of Bread’.
Nov 27, 2025 • 6min
Why has Ireland’s birth rate dropped by 20%?
A new study has found that Ireland’s birth rate has dropped by 20% in just 11 years, while the rate of potentially dangerous ectopic pregnancies has also increased, but what is the cause?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss this is Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital.
Nov 27, 2025 • 12min
How to do Stuff: Writing Love Letters
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 to write a love letter.
Nov 27, 2025 • 6min
Should food allergies be a public health issue?
Allergy Action Ireland is calling on The Government to urgently recognise food allergies as a public health issue, saying a national strategy is needed to support the growing number of children and adults at risk of life-threatening reactions.Joining me now is Catherine Dolan, Spokesperson for Allergy Action Ireland.
Nov 26, 2025 • 7min
What is life in Ukraine like right now?
Last month on The Hard Shoulder, we spoke to Ukrainian native Luba Healy, as she made a last push for aid for Ukraine ahead of her journey to drive an ambulance to the country.She has just returned from her trip, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss what life is like in Ukraine at the moment…
Nov 26, 2025 • 13min
James Lawless on higher education investment & student visas
The Government has launched a €750 million investment package for research infrastructure across Ireland's higher education sector.The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.
Nov 26, 2025 • 10min
Tech Takeover: Saving money on your phone bill
For this week’s Tech Takeover, Jess Kelly, Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how you can save a lot of money on your monthly phone bill by shopping around online!
