The Hard Shoulder

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.

This week, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Pisa in Italy!

Key Ukrainian allies met today in Paris to discuss security guarantees, as they work through the US-brokered plan to end the war with Russia.

The leaders of around 35 countries attended the summit known as the ‘Coalition of the Willing’, including American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and President Zelenskyy.

But, there were indicators this afternoon that the summit may be overshadowed by growing alarm in Europe about President Trump’s threats to annex Greenland, with six European countries coming together to release a statement which rallied support for Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its pe...

Enoch Burke is expected to initiate legal action against the Disciplinary Appeals Panel.

The panel last met before Christmas and will be reconvening to determine whether Burke was fairly or unfairly dismissed by Wilson’s Hospital School.

Shane Phelan is Legal Affairs Editor for the Irish Independent, and joins Ciara Doherty to discuss.

Nestlé has recalled a range of their SMA infant formulas and follow-on formulas due to the possible presence of cereulide.

To discuss this move by Nestlé, Ciara is joined by Microbiologist and Lecturer in Allergen Management, Dr Orla Cahill.

Image: Nestlé

Radio DJ and Presenter Suzanne Kane joins Ciara Doherty to place her favourite book on The Hard Shoulder Bookshelf!

The UK government is considering the implementation of mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70 as part of road safety measures. Should we follow suit here, and at what age should these tests be required from?

Joining Ciara to discuss is Arthur Cummins, Ophthalmologist.

Stephen Miller, the US Homeland Security Advisor, spoke with Jake Tapper on CNN and said that Greenland should be part of the United States, and that it’s always been part of President Trump’s plan…

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in an interview that if the US invades Greenland, it will spell the end of NATO.

Six European countries have rallied to support Denmark stating that "Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations".

Where does that leave Europe, its stability and how ro...

Many British Airways premium flyers will be unhappy from this week, as their Club Europe members will now not have an English Breakfast as part of their food options. Instead, they’ll be served a continental breakfast.

Do you really care about what food you get on an airoplane? And why does plane food taste so different to food on the ground?

Joining Ciara to discuss is Professor Charles Spence, Experimental Psychologist at the University of Oxford.

Coimisiún na Meán has said it is engaging with the European Commission over concerns that Elon Musk's AI tool Grok is being used to create sexually explicit images of women and children on X.

But, does more need to be done?

Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Regina Doherty, Fine Gael MEP for Dublin.

There has been a steady decline in part time weekend jobs, with a shift away from teenagers getting their first job at an early age. 

The decline of the ‘Saturday job’ means young people are no longer ready for work in the modern work environment.

Henry McKean has been out asking the public about work, and joins Ciara to discuss.

As the next phase of Dublin's traffic plan is implemented this year, wider cycle lanes will be introduced - resulting in improvements for cyclists and a reduction in road space for cars. What impact will this have on traffic in the city?

Joining Ciara Doherty to discuss is Brian Caulfield, Trinity College Dublin Professor in Transportation and Damien O’Tuama, National Cycling Coordinator for the Irish Cycling Campaign.

From July, Ireland will host the EU Presidency. It’s reported that this will cost the state over 293 million euro. So, what exactly is the return on investment?  

Joining Ciara to discuss the relevance of the EU presidency, the logistics of hosting it in Ireland and the massive security operation around was Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews and Conor Gallagher Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times. …

As sober socialising may be the goal for many in this month, as ‘Dry January’ takes hold, some couples are also opting for ‘Dry Weddings’. But what is the best way to cater for your guests at a dry wedding? Should you give them notice in advance?

Joining Ciara Doherty with advice was Sarah Kenny, Wedding expert and owner of The Irish Wedding Blog

This week on Kids Clinic, Ciara Doherty, psychotherapist and author Iseult White.   and going to be discussing night terrors and how to deal with them not only for your children but for yourself too.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Government's view was that it "never accepted the legitimacy of the Maduro regime", but has said he wants a peaceful transition to a democratic regime.  It’s as Nicolas Maduro appeared in court today after his weekend capture by US forces. He pleaded not guilty to charges. Joining Ciara Doherty with the latest and to discuss the implications of his ousting as president was Harriet Alexander  senior features reporter for The Times and The Sunday Times, based in New York, Dr Valesca Lima Assistant Professor of Politics at the School of Law a...

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has started his 4 day official visit to China, his first since 2012 

Earlier he met with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and our reporter Emily Keegan is accompanying the Taoiseach on this visit she joined us from Beijing for the latest on the trip and what is on the agenda.

Ruben Amorim has been sacked after just 14 months in charge at Manchester United.  It follows Sunday’s draw at Leeds United, which leaves them 5th in the Premier League table.

Why has he gone, and what now for the club? Sports journalist Daniel Hussey joined Ciara Doherty  to discuss

Cold conditions are expected to continue overnight, with further weather warnings issued around the country. There were a large number of schools closed today across the North West region in particular, and there are some concerns that closures may continue.  Ciara Doherty was joined by a Meteorologist with Met Eireann, Liz Walsh, and Independent Councillor for Donegal County Council, Niamh Kennedy.

According to business group IBAL, coffee cups are the most commonly found litter and questions whether reusable cup schemes are working. To discuss the issue Ciara Doherty was joined by Colin O’Byrne, of VOICE Ireland, and Will Monaghan, owner of One Society on Gardner St.

This week Emmet Oliver was joined by Saoirse Hanley Irish Independent columnist and Niamh O’Reilly to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…

An Irish hospital has been trialling an AI tool that will allow cancer patients to report their symptoms via their phone.  

The tool, developed by Irish company eAltra, gives medical teams the chance to assess the needs, concerns and health of patients in advance of their arrival at their appointment and also decide if they are suitable for treatment such as chemotherapy on the day or whether it is to be postponed.  

Denis Roche founder of eAltra  joined Emmet Olilver to discuss

In  the wake of the long-awaited finale of Stranger Things finally dropping on Netflix you may have seen a storm of negative reaction to the ending online. From How I met Your Mother to the infamous final season of Game of Thrones, this has become a bit of a trend, but why do we never seem satisfied with the endings of our favourite shows?

Are these endings really as bad as the online conversation would have us believe and are there any universally satisfying endings? Joining Emmet Oliver to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Olivia Fahy

Off The Ball's Cameron Hill joined Emmet Oliver on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the weekend action.

1 year on from the opening of Irelands first medically supervised injection centre, Eddie Mullins, CEO of Merchants Quay Ireland joined Emmet Oliver now to discuss the importance of it and other services provided by Merchants Quay.  

Joining Emmet Oliver was Architect Dermot Bannon ahead of the new season of Room to Improve, which airs Sundays at 9:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

Before Christmas, flu cases were surging, with more than 3,500 confirmed cases reported. That figure has since fallen, with 1,777 cases confirmed in the most recent week.

While the numbers may have plateaued, health officials are warning that pressures on the system are likely to continue in the weeks following Christmas.

To discuss this further among other issues that the country is facing, Emmet Oliver was joined by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Temperatures are set to plunge over the weekend with a status Yellow weather warning in place around the country, while some counties could see some snow

To give us the latest on what we can expect from the weather Emmet Oliver was joined by founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel Cathal Nolan  and by Brenda Bolger of Bolger’s Motoring School,

Justice Minister Jim O’ Callaghan has recently secured Government approval to publish the Criminal Law and Civil Law Bill 2025.

One of the provisions within this bill would oblige the courts to consider a community service order in lieu of a prison sentence of up to 24 months' duration.

We know our prisons are facing significant overcrowding, so could a wider use of community service ease this situation?

To discuss, Emmet Oliver was joined by  Aontu leader Peadar Toibin and Former Mountjoy Governor John Lonergan.

Every week for The Ultimate Guide on The Hard Shoulder, Fionn Davenport takes a closer look at some of the fantastic destinations to visit around the world.

This week, Fionn joined Ciara Doherty to give the ultimate guide to Ljubljana in Slovenia!

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.

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.