The Hard Shoulder

Avsnitt

• 
  Have nightclubs bounced back since Covid? 19.10.2026 6min

  This week marked five years since nightclubs re-opened post Covid lockdowns after an almost 600-day closure, but how has Ireland's nightlife scene changed since then, and did it even bounce back from the Covid hangover?For more on this, Shane is joined now by Sunil Sharpe, DJ and Spokesperson and for Give Us the Night...
• 
  French PM calls for “partial curfews” amid protests 19.10.2026 4min

  French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked regional governments in France to put in place “partial curfews” in an effort to contain violent protests.Joining Shane to discuss the latest is Veteran Correspondent based in Paris, John Lichfield.
• 
  Men’s Aid Ireland report shows victims are reluctant to come forward 19.10.2026 8min

  A new report by Men's Aid Ireland has found men who are victims of domestic abuse reluctant to get help due to shame and stigma around coming forward. The report also found an increase in calls about encouragement to suicide by partners…For more on this, Shane is joined by Shane Kelly, CEO of Men's Aid Ireland.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please contact Mens Aid National Confidential Helpline on 01 554 3811.
• 
  Kids Clinic: Toilet Training Tips! 19.10.2026 8min

  For this week’s Kids Clinic, Shane was joined by Aoife Lee, Parent Coach of parentsupport.ie to discuss toilet training, and the tips you should know!
• 
  Israeli parliamentary election - what can we expect? 19.10.2026 6min

  US President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed his ally Benjamin Netanyahu as the long-time Israeli Prime Minister struggles for an ‌edge in next week’s parliamentary election.What can we expect in next Tuesday’s elections?Joining Shane to discuss this is Mark Weiss, Irish Times Israel Correspondent.
• 
  Revenue to get powers to collect new 7% tax from owners of vacant properties 19.10.2026 9min

  Owners of derelict properties will be hit with a new 7% tax under plans to go before the Dáil this week. The tax will be collected by Revenue, replacing a current levy which is self-assessed and gathered by local authorities.For more on this, Shane is joined by Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central & the party’s Spokesperson on Housing.
• 
  Making political statements with clothing - when is it not okay? 19.10.2026 7min

  RTÉ has said it was "a mistake" that a Palestinian flag necklace was edited out of a recent episode of the property programme, ‘Cheap Irish Homes’, after the woman wearing the necklace lodged a complaint.Should we be allowed to wear what we choose, and make political statements with the clothes we wear whatever the setting? On TV, at the school gates or in workplaces? Where do you draw the line?Joining Shane to discuss is Chairman and Co-Founder of The Communications Clinic, Terry Prone.
• 
  Funeral of Waterford family takes place - Barry Whyte Reports 19.10.2026 11min

  The joint funeral of four members of the same family has taken place this afternoon in Waterford. Philip English, his wife Kim and their two young sons, Callum and Jayden, were killed in a suspected arson attack last week.Newstalk’s Chief Reporter was at the funeral, and joined Shane to discuss.
• 
  How to clean a messy home in under 30 minutes! 19.10.2026 9min

  Whether it's a speed clean before an unannounced guest drops by, or it's using a free half an hour while your child is having a nap to get some order in your home, speed cleaning is something we are all familiar with.But is there a way to rescue a messy house in under 30 minutes?Joining Shane with the answer is cleaning expert and TikToker, Ann Russell!
• 
  Legal aid row - what is the situation? 19.10.2026 11min

  Solicitors working in criminal defence have said they are withdrawing from all work from today, marking an escalation of their dispute with the Justice Minister over a new payment scheme for criminal legal aid.One of those solicitors is Michael O’Connor, and he joins Shane to discuss…
• 
  Public sector strikes suspended 16.10.2026 6min

  Public sector unions have suspended strikes planned for next Wednesday following discussions with the Government. Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times and John Boyle, General Secretary of the INTO joined Shane on the show to discuss.
• 
  How to manage difficult relationships with in-laws? 16.10.2026 8min

  How do you manage difficult relationships with in-laws without affecting your children or putting pressure on your marriage? Michelle Brown, Divorce Consultant, Mediator and author of “Scars of Divorce joined us on the hard Shoulder to discuss.
• 
  Notable moments from White House Press Secretaries 16.10.2026 8min

  Larry Donnelly, Law lecturer at University of Galway and Columnist with the Journal joined Shane on the show to discuss some notable moments in recent times from behind the White House lectern.
• 
  EU summit where leaders are rallying around Ukraine 16.10.2026 9min

  European leaders face growing pressure to secure Ukraine’s wartime finances through to the end of 2028. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that decisions will need to be made quickly, as efforts continue to repair Kyiv’s strained relationship with the Trump administration.Europe correspondent at Euronews, Shona Murray spoke to Ciara on the show.
• 
  The rise of the ‘indie dad’ 16.10.2026 8min

  The rise of the ‘indie dad’, is this a good or bad thing and does anyone care?! Comedian Steve Cummins and Entertainment Journalist Dee Reddy joined Shane on the show to discuss.
• 
  Higher proportion of migrants in urban and more affluent areas 16.10.2026 8min

  The proportion of migrants living in more affluent areas of the State is higher than those who live in disadvantaged areas, according to research by the Economic and Social Research Institute. Teresa Buczkowska, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland joined Ciara on the show to discuss.
• 
  Is it fair to say 'everybody' is responsible for road deaths? 16.10.2026 8min

  As road deaths rise, the Government dropped planned reforms of the RSA and increased public transport fares and now the minister seems to be disavowing political responsibility, writes Ciarán Cannon in the Irish Examiner who joined Shane on the show to discuss.
• 
  One-fifth of under-12s fall asleep watching a screen 16.10.2026 12min

  Families and workplaces are being urged to switch off all smart devices from 7pm today and take a 24-hour break from the online world. It is part of CyberBreak 2026, an initiative supported by the HSE. Family Psychotherapist, columnist with the Examiner and Co-host of ‘They Mess You Up With’ Podcast Richard Hogan joined us on the Hard Shoulder this evening.
• 
  Ireland’s first university-led AI research institute 15.10.2026 7min

  Minister James Lawless announced this morning Ireland's first university-owned AI Institute. The Institute will put AI engineers alongside researchers to advance the use of AI across health, agriculture, climate, humanities and the sciences. Professor Robin Burke, incoming director of the UCD AI Institute joined Shane on the show to discuss.
• 
  White House faces questions over its new press secretary 15.10.2026 7min

  The White House is defending its new press secretary, Katie Zacharia as questions emerge over her legal credentials as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he feels personally betrayed by Donald Trump. BBC North American Correspondent, Anothony Zurcher joined us on the Hard Shoulder with all the latest from the States.