The Hard Shoulder

An appeal by the residents of Portadown's Garvaghy Road against a ruling to allow an Orange Order parade along the route was heard at the Court of Appeal in Belfast today, with a Barrister for the residents describing it as "one of the most polarising parades in the history of Northern Ireland".

Joining Shane to discuss is Claudia Savage, Press Association Journalist based in Belfast and Tom Kelly, Columnist at Irish News.

Primary and secondary schools across the country experienced disruptions from today as teachers began industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule.

Joining Shane to discuss this is Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchins College, Limerick and Darren O'Rourke, Sinn Féin Education Spokesperson.

This week, Ciara was joined by Freelance Journalist Niamh O’Reilly and Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, Columnist with the Examiner and co-host of the ‘They Mess You Up’ podcast to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists...

From Monday, primary school teachers across the country will begin industrial action in a row over public sector pay.

The INTO says its members will begin a work-to-rule, which will mean teachers no longer carrying out additional duties outside their normal school hours.

The action could have a knock-on effect for families, with some schools saying arrangements like early drop-off and after-school supervision may no longer be available.

So, what exactly will change for parents and pupils from Monday, and what would it take to resolve this dispute?

Máirín Ní Chéile is Assistant General Secretary of the INTO, and joins Ciara to discuss.

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

Bertie Ahern is allegedly in talks to take up a mediator role in the Drumcree stand-off. The news comes as Drumcree talks to resolve the dispute end without agreement…

Joining Ciara to discuss is former Labour MP for Ealing North and former Northern Ireland Shadow Minister, Stephen Pound.

There are growing concerns over diesel prices and supply across Europe.

US President Donald Trump is threatening a 90-day ban on US diesel exports unless European countries release some of their emergency reserves.

EU Energy Ministers are meeting today to discuss the situation, so what does it mean for Ireland?

Joining Ciara to discuss is Kevin McPartland, CEO for Fuels for Ireland and Aoife Foley, Chair in Net Zero Infrastructure at The University of Manchester.

Niall McCoitir has released his 5th book, ‘Ireland’s Animals. Myths, Legends and Folklore’ about creatures that have shaped storytelling in Ireland. It draws from Celtic myth, medieval bestiaries, folk stories and even saintly legends.

He joins Ciara to discuss!

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, today announced the key timetable dates for the 2026 new round of the Community Sport Facilities Fund.

Joining Ciara to discuss this and more is Minister Charlie McConalogue.

The Irish Times and Electric Ireland are announcing the winners of their search for Ireland’s Greenest Places. 

With over 90 entries all around Ireland in 5 different categories, it's now time to find out who came out on top. Mary Minihan, Irish Times Features Editor joins Ciara to exclusively reveal this year’s winners!