Should we be worried about hantavirus?

Should we be worried about hantavirus?

Author: Newstalk May 5, 2026 Duration: 10:36

The World Health Organization says it believes there may have been human-to-human transmission of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship where three passengers have died…

Joining Ciara to discuss this is Dr Eoghan De Barra, Senior Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons and Infectious Disease & Tropical Medical Consultant at Beaumont Hospital.

Image: Oceanwide Expeditions


Stuck in traffic or winding down after the day? The Hard Shoulder offers a lively alternative to the usual radio silence, blending sharp analysis with the kind of conversation you'd have with well-informed friends. Hosted by Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman, this daily podcast from Newstalk captures the essence of Ireland's premier talk station, transforming the commute into a stimulating part of your routine. Each episode delves into the stories shaping Irish society and culture, from breaking news and political developments to sports and lighter entertainment. The discussion is always grounded, relevant, and driven by a desire to make sense of the world around us. You'll hear interviews, panel debates, and candid reflections that go beyond the headlines, offering fresh perspectives on the issues that matter. This isn't just background noise; it's engaging content designed to inform and provoke thought, mirroring the energy of a great drive-time show but crafted for on-demand listening. Tune in for a direct line to the national conversation, delivered with the clarity and independence Newstalk is known for. Whether you're catching up on the go or settling in at home, this podcast serves as your reliable audio companion for intelligent, contemporary talk.
Author: Language: en-ie Episodes: 100

The Hard Shoulder
Podcast Episodes
Ambulance strike updates - where are things at the moment? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:07
Last week, Unite and SIPTU members working for the NAS engaged in a 24-hour stoppage as a result of management’s ongoing failure to implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’. Government talks are underway to…
‘Tradfluencer’ Sharon Shannon on her upcoming documentary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:14
Shane and Ciara are joined by renowned Irish musician Sharon Shannon to discuss her upcoming documentary, ‘Tradfluencer: The Sharon Shannon Story’ which airs tonight at 9:35pm on RTÉ One.
Kids Clinic: Family Dinner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:14
For this week’s Kids Clinic, Ciara and Shane are joined by Iseult White, Psychotherapist and author, to discuss the importance of having dinner together as a family, without any distractions getting in the way.
Should we think differently about apartment living? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:50
New figures from the Department of Housing show that the building of apartments is on the rise with almost 25,000 flats under construction in the Dublin region. In contrast, the number of houses with planning permission…
The impact of using ‘gay’ as a derogatory term [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:24
Following on from the conversation Ciara had with Tommy Fleming on the show on Friday where he came out as a gay man – we wanted to talk about the use of the word ‘gay’ as a derogatory term, and the impact of it…Joining…
Do people not have sit-down Sunday dinners anymore? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:54
The sales of lamb were down 31% year-on-year, according to a report released today from WorldPanel. It highlights recent concerns among consumers as grocery inflation now stands at 6.7%.Mayo-based Master Butcher, Seán Ke…
What rights do you have when airline luggage is lost or stolen? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:33
Teacher and writer Sara Ribeiro’s prosthetic leg was lost by an airline during a connecting flight. After repeated calls and stress to locate it, she was finally informed her bag had been misplaced and would take several…
Winners and Sinners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:48
This week, Ciara and Shane were joined by Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Saoirse Hanley, Features Writer with the Irish Independent. to look back on the week that was, but with a few twists…