Newstalk is "incredibly excited' to announce new presenters for a revamped schedule starting in the spring of 2026. 

Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman are the new presenters of The Hard Shoulder. After years co-presenting together on Newstalk Breakfast, the pair will now be on air together between 4 and 7pm following the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday. 

Commenting on the news, Ciara described herself as "thrilled".

"I’ve had a really brilliant time on Newstalk Breakfast but since I started out in broadcasting, I’ve truly loved that time slot and now I literally can’t wait to get stuck in," she said. 

"Let the games begin!”

 Shane Coleman said he was looking forward to the new challenge. 

“After nearly a decade of travelling to work with Ireland's commuters every morning on Newstalk, I am hugely excited at the prospect of now joining them for their journey home on The Hard Shoulder," he said.

"And I'm thrilled to be doing so alongside my co-host and great friend Ciara Kelly. We can't wait to get started."

Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly. Image: Newstalk

Replacing them on Newstalk Breakfast will be Anton Savage, who previously presented his own show on Saturday and Sunday. 

"I've a hard act to follow with Ciara and Shane's success, but I'm hoping we can pick up where they left off, providing a morning show that gets listeners up to speed for the day in a way that's fast, informed and fun to listen to," he said.

Anton Savage.

Meanwhile, Claire Byrne is returning to Newstalk to present between 9am and midday. 

Claire Byrne.

From March, Pat Kenny will be heard on the airwaves every Saturday and Sunday, where he hopes to “make a big impact”. 

Andrea Gilligan will continue to present Lunchtime Live from 12 to 2, while Seán Moncrieff will remain at the helm of Moncrieff from 2 to 4.

Newstalk Managing Editor Eric Moylan said he was "incredibly excited" about the changes.

"With this line-up we have the strongest presenting team in the country and combined with the best production personnel, we are set to make some great radio," he said.

"This marks a new era for Newstalk; as we strengthen our seven-day offering alongside innovative and compelling new podcast offerings to come, we are set to deepen our connection with the Irish public.

"As ever they will be central to everything we do as we continue to have conversation that counts”.