Highlights From The Hard Shoulder

Sarina Bellissimo, Broadcaster and Presenter of the Bellissimo Files Podcast and John Fardy, Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk joined Ciara and Shane to review the latest TV and movie releases…

Researchers at the University of Exeter have found that the way to prevent seagulls from stealing your food is to stick googly eyes on your food packaging!Joining Ciara to discuss is Niall Hatch, Head of Communications at Birdwatch Ireland.

AIB is warning people about a new rental scam where criminals pose as landlords on legitimate letting websites and ask for deposit payments to secure a property viewing that doesn’t actually exist, or is unavailable to rent…The viewing is linked to a fake or compromised online property listing where the customer is directed to enter card or online details to authorise the payment.What can renters do to prevent being scammed? Shane is joined by Cat Clarke, Campaigns Officer with Threshold to discuss.

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action ahead of Easter…

Talking Bollox’s Terence Power joins Ciara for this week’s Thursday Interview!

The US President Donald Trump has said that the United States are “on the cusp” of ending the war in Iran.So, what has the American reaction been to his State of the Union address, and what is Trump’s plan to end the war?Joining Shane to discuss is Michael Graham, Managing Editor of InsideSources, a national news outlet based in Washington DC.

The fear of electricity blackouts has prompted Irish authorities to set down new protocols for data centre operators, as the expansion is expected to increase the sector’s electricity demand to 30% in the next five years. What is the correct protocol in the event of blackouts?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Liam Ryan, Chief Transformation & Technology and Offshore Officer at EirGrid.

As the war in the Middle East pushes up fuel prices across the globe, concern is growing about the potential impacts on the tourism industry here, should overseas visitors decide to stay at home. But, just what is the industry expecting? And are more staycations on the cards for this year?Joining Shane to discuss is Eoghan O’Mara Walsh, CEO of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of Aillwee Burren Experience.

Today is World Autism Day, and a new report from AsIAm has found that seven in ten autistic people and families say that autism misinformation is rising in Ireland and has increased in the last year…For more on this, Shane is joined by the charity’s CEO, Adam Harris…

Over 130,000 at-home STI testing kits were ordered and dispatched by the HSE last year. It’s an increase of about four thousand tests compared to 2024, and shows continuing increases in demand since the kits were introduced in 2022.For more, we’re joined now by Newstalk reporter Emily Keegan.  Emily, what else do the figures tell us?

Croke Park has been confirmed as the venue for an August 12th friendly between Manchester United and Leeds United.With the teams both massive rivals, what will it mean for fans and residents in the area?Joining Ciara to discuss is Janet Horner, Dublin North Inner City Councillor and Cathaoirleach for The Green Party and Ciaran Bradley, Newstalk’s Digital Editor and Man U fan.

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 and Shane to discuss how to name a pet!

Broadcaster, Meghann Scully is the host of the Newstalk podcast ‘28 Ways to Save the World’. The 28th and final episode of the series will air this bank holiday weekend going live on GoLoud on Friday and airing on Newstalk on Easter Sunday.Meghann joins Shane to discuss the journey!

New dark comedy The ‘Burbs launches on Sky and NOW tonight. It is based on the 1989 comedy movie of the same name, which starred Tom Hanks. This time round it is British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall who leads the series along with Keke Palmer, whose worlds are upended when a new neighbour moves in across the road from the young couple.Jack Whitehall joins to discuss this, and his upcoming hosting of SNL UK!

Off The Ball’s John Duggan joined Ciara and Shane on The Hard Shoulder to review the week in sport and look ahead to the rest of the week's action…

Iran's foreign ministry has dismissed Donald Trump's claim that Tehran asked for a ceasefire, calling it "false and baseless".Earlier today, he took to Truth Social to say the Iranian "president" had asked for a ceasefire.Ciara is joined by David Blevins, US Correspondent with Sky News, to discuss.Image: Reuters

A bill which will recognise the loss of pregnancy under road traffic legislation has been submitted to the Dáil, following a campaign by Saoirse Aylward who was thirty one weeks pregnant with her son when she was involved in a car crash.Her son Jax was subsequently stillborn following an emergency c-section. The bill going to the Dáil will be named ‘Jax’s Law’ in memory of Jax, and Saoirse joins Shane to discuss.

As the price of oil continues to soar, could travel firms demand additional payments for packages for breaks that holiday makers have already purchased?Joining Ciara to discuss this is Clare Dunne, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association.

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke has announced a new direct flight from Dublin to Shanghai. Is this poor timing, and what is the current impact the war in Iran has on tourism?He joins Shane to discuss this and more.

A Limerick county Councillor has sparked frustration after suggesting some of the region’s potholes be given “heritage status”.Independent Councillor Patsy Clancy says the idea of “Pothole Protection Zones” is aimed at highlighting what he calls the ongoing neglect of rural roads.He joins Ciara to discuss.