Lunchtime Live

Is the current school transport system fit for purpose? Listener Eleanor has gotten in touch with the show to share her frustrations while trying to get a ticket for her child…She joins Andrea, along with other listeners impacted, to discuss.

We all may be guilty of stalking people online, perhaps a new person is starting work or your friend has a new guy on the scene…But, what constitutes cyberstalking? According to a study in the UK, cyberstalking has surged by 70% since 2012...Catherine O’Sullivan Senior Lecturer in Law in UCC and Eve McDowell, Co-Founder of Stalking in Ireland join Andrea 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 Fontaines D.C.’s ‘Romance’ - ahead of their performance at All Together Now!

€66.7 million worth of cans and plastic bottles were not reclaimed by the public last year as part of the Deposit Return Scheme. The scheme, which was set up to encourage people to recycle with the incentive to make money back from their cans and bottles has shown that people are maybe not so inclined to return their plastic.A spokesperson for Re-Turn has said that the €66.7 million not reclaimed is due to people still forming these return habits.We want to know, do you use this scheme and if you don’t, why not?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

England footballer Lucy Bronze has admitted that she played six matches with a fractured tibia. Lucy is not the only athlete who pushed herself in order to succeed, with a lot of us being guilty of this.But, how far is too far when a person has an injury?Joining Andrea to discuss is Clinical Lead with BTL in the UK and Ireland and Chartered Physio, Karl Fullam, former Professional Tennis player Jenny Claffey and Content Creator & Personal Trainer Nathalie Lennon.

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…

If an expensive treatment is available to help save a baby – should the Government be obliged to pay for it?That’s the issue facing one family. Lucy Gavin joins Andrea to discuss…

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital 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, Shane joins Andrea to discuss endometriosis, as well as immune testing after two listeners got in touch with their questions…

People across Ireland are being encouraged to buy curtains for their homes to reduce night-time light pollution. It comes after a study at the University of Galway determined that private windows are the biggest culprit of emitting light after dark, with street lightning coming in second.What does light pollution mean for our environment, and who does it affect?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Astronomy Ireland Magazine, David Moore and Climate and Environmental Journalist, John Gibbons.

Figures released by Fáilte Ireland show a decline of 18% in tourists from all major overseas markets between January and April this year versus last year…But, what is causing the decline in tourism?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brian Flanagan, owner of Silken Thomas Hotel & Restaurant in Kildare Town, Nuala Mulqueeny is the Managing Director, Aillwee Burren Experience, Michael Lennon owner of the Westport Woods Hotel & the Skylon Hotel in Drumcondra and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Alison Byrne, Dream Interpreter and Holistic Therapist to answer all of your dream-related questions!

A listener got in touch last week to tell us about her difficulties trying to get a solicitor - can it really be that hard?Angela in Cork City joins Andrea to discuss, as does Elaine Byrne from Elaine Byrne Solicitors in Athyboy, Meath.

The struggle to find childcare is something often heard on this show. And if you manage to find it, the cost of it can be astronomical…So, with many parents struggling to afford childcare, an army of grandparents have stepped up.But, are we too reliant on grandparents to plug the gaps?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter podcast, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork and listeners.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has announced the new Garda Commissioner replacing Drew Harris: Justin Kelly.How significant is this appointment, and what do people want to see from the new Commissioner?Crime Correspondent with the Irish Times, Conor Gallagher and listeners join Andrea to discuss.

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 Suzanne Rice, Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator to discuss the benefits of equine or horse therapy!

A four-week public consultation begins today on proposed planning permission exemptions aimed at easing the housing crisis. The changes would allow certain small-scale projects—like attic conversions and garden cabins—without formal approval, giving homeowners more flexibility and expanding housing options.Do you think this planning permission should be scrapped?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Peter Finn AKA Pete the Builder and listeners.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

David and Paudie Clifford won their second All-Ireland together this weekend. The Kerry players are a formidable family dynasty, but they’re not the only ones.Sporting talent seems to run in families. Whether you subscribe to the ‘nurture or nature’ theory, some of the greatest players of all time happen to be related.Andrea is joined by Off the Ball’s Nathan Murphy to discuss.

Donald Trump's US Tariffs could see a rise in EU pharma imports into the US from zero to 15%.The tariffs which have been discussed between the US and the EU pose major hikes to multiple suppliers. We want to know who will be most impacted by these tariff hikes?Joining Andrea to discuss is Simon McKeever, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association, Carol Lynch, Customs and Trade partner with BDO Ireland, Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan Cream Liqueur and more.Image: Reuters

Apparently, the Irish are the biggest per-capita users of fake tan in the world!So, do you love it or loathe it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Noelle O’Connor, CEO of the Kind Brand Company, Off the Ball’s Kathleen McNamee, Michelle Ragazzoli Stone, AKA Mrs Makeup and more.Image: NBC

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘The Ex Files’!Image: Global

A listener has reached out to the show to express their frustration over ongoing delays to the move-in date for a newly purchased home in Sligo. Their experience raises questions about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, such as ESB, Irish Water, developers and estate agents in setting, and repeatedly missing, realistic delivery timelines…Peter and Fiona join Andrea 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.Broadcaster and Dancing with the Stars Judge Brian Redmond joins Andrea to reminisce!

Over 82,00 fans will be in Croke Park this Sunday to watch the All-Ireland final, but how does the stadium operate on All-Ireland final day? How many meals will be served? How many pints will be poured and who gets the pitch perfectly ready?Andrea went to find out!

Donegal take on Kerry in this weekend’s All Ireland Senior Football Final.Donegal haven’t won the all-Ireland since 2012, and Kerry took home the Sam Maguire in 2022…But, who will claim the silverware on Sunday?Joining Andrea to discuss is Eamon McGee, 2012 All-Ireland winner with Donegal, Jack O'Shea, member of the Kerry Senior Football Team from 1976 until 1992, Tony Boyle, former Donegal Player, Mortimer Murphy, Freelance Sports journalist, Broadcaster, GAA Podcaster and Mary Coughlan, Chair of Donegal County Board and former Tánaiste.

From WWII movie filming to Limerick being the home of Halloween, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

With the All-Ireland football final taking place this Sunday. We want to know which county is not only better on the pitch but off the pitch. To determine this our Kerry and Donegal supporters will go head-to-head in our county quiz.Who will be victorious?Joining Andrea to compete are Donegal representatives Presenter of Newstalk Daily Ciara Doherty & Digtal Content Creator Michéal Brennan and representing team Kerry is Off the Ball’s Eoin Sheahan and Freelance journalist Edaein O'Connell.

In the upcoming budget, the government is looking to follow France and implement a weight tax on SUVs.Owners of these heavy vehicles will be penalized for having bigger cars. Is this unfair to those who depend on these larger vehicles to get around?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor of Complete Cars.ie, Shane O’Donoghue, Director General of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Brian Cook and listeners.

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