Lunchtime Live

If the kitchen is starting to look a bit old-fashioned, it might be time to give it an upgrade.The Home Squad are here to talk about kitchen renovations!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) & Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Fitness Instructor Donna Dunne got in touch with the show about a harrowing holiday experience, and how travel insurance may not make up for it…She joins Andrea to explain, with Consumer Journalist Siobhan Maguire also joining to discuss.

An announcement has been made to consumers not to eat ready-made meals that have been recently bought in supermarkets due to a listeria outbreak.The contamination of these meals has led to an urgent recall after one adult has died following a confirmed case of listeria infection.With many people living busy lives and turning to these meals as a healthy dinner on the go, can we rely on these ready-made meals in future, or are we better off cooking from scratch?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Maire Finn, GP from Ennis Centric Health, Registered Dietitian and Presenter with Today FM Shelly Gray, Adrian Martin, Chef and owner of Wild Flower restaurant in Blackrock and Butcher and owner of Kerrigan's Craft Butchers, Barry Kerrigan.

A listener got in touch with the show this week, frustrated by how complicated the process of setting up power of attorney in Ireland can be. But, what exactly is that?Rebecca Rodgers and Áine Hynes, Senior Counsel at St.John Solicitors joins to discuss.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Sinéad O’Connor’s ‘The Lion and the Cobra’!

Debs season is officially underway, with young people celebrating finishing secondary school.But, just how many students are pressured into taking drugs at their debs?Joining Andrea to discuss is Jacqueline Hogge, Rural Affairs Journalist in Irish Country Living, Michael Guerin, Addiction Therapist in Limerick, Alan McCardle, Managing Director of DebsIreland.com and listeners.

The family of a 67 year old woman with a rare disease living in a Cork nursing home have been told to remove her because of their “troubling conduct” after they raised serious concerns about her care.Carol-Ann Murphy developed a rare, but devastating neurological condition about 10 years ago.Her son, Andrew Murphy and his wife Jennifer join me on the line today.Andrew can you take me back before the diagnosis and tell me a bit about your mum...

“Think you know Spain? Think again.”That’s a slogan from a Turespaña campaign this year. It encourages tourists to embrace slower travel in Spain, visiting its “unknown and surprising destinations”.So, why do we go back to the same holiday destinations every year?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sarah Slattery, owner of Travel Expert.ie and Mark Fennel, Life Coach.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.This week, Andrea is joined by Dr Anthony Rafferty, Medical Doctor & Shamanic Healer at Intuitive Health and Patricia Cullen, Founder & Ultrasonographer at OvaScan to discuss if holistic practices can assist in pregnancy at all.

Sad news last night as Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, passed away at the age of 76.He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019…Joining Andrea to look back on the life of this legendary rockstar is Tabby O'Callaghan, former XFactor contestant and Claire Beck from Today FM.Image: Reuters

The Government plans to allocate €1.5 billion for tax cuts in the upcoming October Budget, but €1 billion of that will go toward reducing VAT for restaurants, bars, and cafés from 13.5% to 9%.Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed the measure aims to support the struggling hospitality sector. However, it leaves just €500 million for all other tax measures.These new plans will significantly be limiting the potential for personal tax cuts at a time when households continue to feel the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.Joining Andrea to discuss is Deputy General Secretary Responsibility Private Sector, Greg Ennis, as well as business owners and listeners.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Paul Kenny, Ireland’s former Pensions Ombudsman and Course Leader with the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland to answer all of your pension questions!

Research carried out by Oxford professor Dr Tom Crawford has determined that Bon Jovi’s ‘Living on a Prayer’ has been crowned the best karaoke song of all-time.The rock anthem has surpassed Whitney Houston's ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’.We want to know, what is your go-to karaoke song?Joining Andrea to discuss is Drag Queen, Davina George and Presenter with Spin 1038, Michaela Hayes.

Some families have witnessed sudden and unexplained regression in their loved ones with Down Syndrome.These can be things like a loss of communication, mobility, or daily living skills.So, why is this happening, and what help is there?Joining Andrea to discuss is Deputy Pete Roche, TD for Galway East, Gina Grant from Down Syndrome Ireland and listeners.

With the summer season well and truly upon us, many people are setting off on their holidays. Some by car, others by plane but are many people exploring Ireland by boat?With so many waterways across the country, what is it like to travel by boat across the country?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alex Goor, General Manager at Killary Fjord Boat Tours, Catriona Walsh, owner of Lough Key Boat Tours and Mike Clinton from The Shannon Boat Owners Club page.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Mary Bishop, Head of Education at ‘Grow it Yourself’ to discuss the benefits of growing your own vegetables.

Almost 20,000 people have signed a petition calling on the Government to stop tenancy agreements banning pets, after a 112% increase in surrenders to Dogs Trust.So, should pets be allowed in rental properties?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ciara Murrin, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust, Maurice Deverell, Landlords Member of Irish Property Owners Association and more.

Lactation Consultant, Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding Specialist Katie Mugan joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

There was frustration for a recent Bus Éireann passenger waiting for the early-morning bus service from Sligo to Dublin Airport, as the bus did not stop at its designated bus stop in Castlebaldwin Village.Maura joins guest host Anna Daly to discuss what happened.

The Liam McCarthy cup was lifted once again yesterday as the Tipperary hurlers took to the Hogan stand to claim their title as All Ireland Hurling Champions 2025.However, the victorious side were left celebrating to a sea of red, as it appeared most of the fans in Croke Park were there to support Cork.What does this say about the ticket allocations, and how did so many Cork fans get their hands on tickets?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Off the Ball’s Eoin Sheahan, as well as listeners, to discuss.

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) removed a film showing two men kissing after a member of the public claimed it was “harmful” to her child’s health.Was it the right thing to do?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Willie White, Artistic Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast and Lucy Medleycott, Director of the Irish Street Arts, Circus And Spectacle Network.Image: IMMA

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Laura Donnelly from Newstalk’s Newsroom join guest host Anna Daly to review ‘What It Was Like’!Image: Superreal

Michael O’Leary has admitted what we’ve all long suspected – Ryanair crew get paid bonuses for spotting and fining oversized bags…He said that Ryanair staff are paid €1.50 per bag to catch oversize bags, with a cap of €80 per month.So, would you put someone through the misery of the oversized bag debate for €1.50?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Soprano Celine Byrne joins Anna Daly to reminisce!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a ballerina?How gruelling it can be on the body – is it anything like Black Swan?Ireland’s most celebrated ballerina, Melissa Hamilton, joins guest host Anna Daly to discuss.

With the All-Ireland final taking place on Sunday. We want to know who is favorite to win, and what we can expect for a great game of hurling.Also, how much of a struggle is it to get tickets to the game?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is former Cork hurler Lorcan McLoughlin, All-Ireland winner with Tipperary in 1989 and 1991 and Manager of Tipperary Senior Hurlers from 2003-2005, Ken Hogan, 10-time All-Ireland football final winner with Cork GAA, Valarie Mulcahy and more.

It’s the kiss cam everyone is talking about, and the pop band that may have accidentally exposed an affair…What’s going on with this Coldplay concert affair?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Journalist Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Claire Auchmuty, Divorce and Relationship Coach.

From build-up to the All-Ireland to a snake roaming Cork, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Homeowners will pay a higher rate of property tax next year as a result of a vote being held this evening by Dublin City Council.Councillors are expected to vote to remove a 15% discount on the tax for the first time in over a decade.So, if there is a hike in property tax, should there be greater transparency around where these taxes are actually spent?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

When you want to add a bit of flair to the bare walls of your home - you might want to add a piece of art. But, how do you go about it, and how do you know if it’s the right fit?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about buying art!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) & Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

As All Ireland fever sweeps the nation, the difference between the teams could come down to their equipment!Andrea is joined by former Cork senior hurler and hurley maker Aidan Walsh and owner of Buckley Hurleys, Stephen Buckley to discuss what goes into making the perfect hurley. Also, Michael John Murphy is so confident in Cork's potential to win, that he's gotten a tattoo to celebrate it ahead of time! He and Darragh Murphy from Skint Tattoo Studio join to discuss.Image: Skint Tattoo

Only two children in need of urgent spinal surgeries have been treated abroad.This is despite a legal instruction to the HSE to provide all children with scoliosis the option to travel.So, what has gone wrong?Andrea is joined by affected parents to discuss.

Every day, we’re hearing more rumours about who might be the next President.Could it be Joe Duffy? Or maybe it’ll be Mairead McGuinness? Could the rumours of Packie Bonner be true?Joining Andrea to discuss is Adrian Kavanagh, Geography Lecturer at Maynooth University and John Lee, Executive Editor at The Irish Daily Mail.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Arctic Monkeys’ ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not’!

Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has called for the Irish national anthem to be taught in schools across the country.He criticised the Government’s failure to prioritise this, describing it as "...a clear sign of how little respect this Government has for Ireland's republican heritage." Deputy McGuinness argued that the national anthem is "a basic expression of national identity and civic belonging" and should be part of every young person's education.Should learning Amhrán na bhFiann be mandatory in school?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Former Leitrim Hurler Zak Moradi has risen to fame for his hurling career. His new documentary, which airs on RTE One this evening, shows a different side to the GAA star.  Zak Moradi was born in a refugee camp in war-torn Iraq during the Gulf War. His family made the conscious decision to flee to Ireland where he found his love for hurling and made a name for himself in the world of GAA.  Zak joins Andrea to discuss.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Big Breakfast Co-Host Rebecca Shekleton joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Image: @EFprocycling on Twitter

Families visiting Dublin Zoo are frustrated by a new exit route that forces them through the gift shop, putting added pressure on parents to avoid impulse buys after a long day.While some see it as a push to boost sales, the zoo likely relies on retail income to support rising operational costs.What do you think? Is this new location necessary, or is it just added pressure for families?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Cork Beo, Joe O'Shea, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast, as well as listeners.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Obstetrician and Clinical Director at the Rotunda, Vicky O'Dwyer to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Vicky joins Andrea to talk about bonding with your baby.

And Just Like That, the Sex and the City reboot has been getting a lot of mixed reviews since it first went on air in 2021, with many of its die-hard fans slating it for making a mockery of the original.Many say that the show just isn't the same without the iconic Samantha Jones, played by Kim Cattrall, even with her one minute appearance at the end of the first season, for a reported $1 million.Joining Andrea to discuss this further is TV Editor for the Sunday World, Deirdre Reynolds and Rory Cashin, Entertainment and Culture Journalist.

Temple Bar has been named the third biggest tourist trap in the world.The complaints against it are the prices, the dirty streets and being overcrowded.We often hear complaints about the cost of a pint there, or of the mess on the streets, so how do we sort it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Declan O’Brien, Chair of The Temple Bar Resident’s Association, owner of Rory's Fishing Tackle, Mary Harkin, Travel Writer Melaine May and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Corinna Tolan, Co-Owner of Monica Tolan Skin Experts, multi-award-winning Facialist and Ultraceuticals Expert Advocate to answer any of your questions when it comes to minding your skin!

Cork Singer Claudia Rose Long Maguire led emotional tributes to Diogo Jota at a Liverpool friendly game yesterday.She joins Andrea to discuss.Image: Reuters

Today is the final day for GAA Palestine to get visas for Palestinian children to travel to Dublin next week.A team of 33 children and 14 mentors were due to travel to Ireland for a summer tour this Friday 18 July, but were denied entry.So, what has happened to get to this point?Andrea is joined by Stephen Redmond, GAA Palestine Founder, to discuss.

Sinn Féin are calling for more support to be given to women suffering with endometriosis. It comes as 1 in 10 women suffer with this deliberating illness and feel they do not get any support when it comes to both diagnosis and treatment.Uachtaráin Shinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald will host a public meeting today to discuss the motion.Would these government supports help those suffering with endometriosis?Joining Andrea to discuss is Deputy Medical Director and Fertility Consultant at Beacon CARE Fertility Dr Bart Kuczera, Serena Massey, former CEO of Endometriosis Ireland, Singer-songwriter RuthAnne and listeners.

Social media influencers are renowned for working hard, securing their brand deals and promoting content on their platforms.However, AI influencers are now starting to hijack social media platforms and do the same job, claiming numerous followers and setting unrealistic aesthetic expectations for followers.What does it mean for content creators and their followers when AI influencers take over?

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Counsellor and Psychotherapist at My Mind Lindita Vani to discuss the benefits of therapy.

Over the last 25 years the structure of households has changed.The 2022 Census found that 23% of households contain just one person, around 426,000 people. That’s a leap higher from 15% at the 1996 Census.So, should single people get extra support to get on the property ladder?Joining Andrea to discuss is Independent Economist David W Higgins, as well as listeners.

Dr Sumi Dunne, GP in Laois, joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…