The Hard Shoulder

A new bee has been discovered by scientists in Australia. The ‘Lucifer’ bee, which gets its name from the unusual with devil-like horns, is the first of its kind…Joining Ciara to discuss this is Aoife Nic Giolla, Co-Founder of the Native Irish Honeybee Society, and owner of Galtee Honey Farm.Image: Dr Kit Prendergast, Curtin University

James May, who is probably best known for his presenting role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, is back launching his new show ‘James May’s Shed Load of Ideas’. He joins Ciara Doherty to discuss!Image: Armonico

Journalist Lise Hand joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

Following the housing order for all poultry, which came into effect yesterday amid bird flu risk, Ciara Doherty is joined by one of those impacted, Nigel Renaghan, Ulster/ North Leinster Regional Chairman of the IFA to discuss…

Sinn Fein’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn raised the issue of long Covid and renewed calls for the State to recognise long Covid as an occupational illness in line with other EU member states.It was found that the Department of Social Protection reviewed the EU recommendation and determined that Covid does not meet the criteria required for recognition in respect of the Social Welfare Acts.But, what is life like for those who still suffer from long Covid?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Jennifer, who has been dealing with long Covid since her first infection in 2020 and Professor Jack Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, with a special interest in long Covid.

The Dáil will debate a Social Democrats’ Bill on Thursday calling for a legislative pathway towards reducing the voting age from 18 to 16 years.So, should it be reduced?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Noel Howard, Spokesperson for Social Care Ireland and Aidan Farrelly, Social Democrats TD for Kildare North.

Over 450 motorists have gotten out of convictions and avoided getting penalty points by making a donation to the court poor box since 2022.459 drivers in front of the District Court had their charges dismissed or struck out after putting money in the poor box.To discuss further Ciara Doherty is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean.

As you should know by now, Catherine Connolly is now the 10th President of the Republic of Ireland. She has officially taken over from Michael D Higgins after an inauguration ceremony in Dublin Castle today.Newstalk’s Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been keeping an eye on proceedings today, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss how things went, and to look ahead to the next few days as President Connolly begins the role.

As eight counties are issued a Status Yellow rain warning today, drivers are urged to take care as spot-flooding and poor visibility are expected, but are these warnings enough, or should we look to revamp our flood warnings here to account for high rivers and saturated land?Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather and Danny Collins, Independent Ireland Cllr.

If you’ve had your bike stolen in any Irish village town or city then you’re certainly not the only one.In fact, it’s estimated that half of cyclists will have at least one bike stolen in their lifetime on two wheels.But can anything be done to stop the scourge of bike theft in it's tracks?Newstalk's Sarah Madden reports.