Lunchtime Live

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…

Businesswoman Sharon Bannerton was close to death after getting sepsis from a mosquito bite.The PR boss described how she was ‘an hour from dying’ when she caught double pneumonia and blood poisoning, taking 12 months to recover from the health scare…Sharon joins Andrea to tell the whole story.

Rural pubs have fallen in the past 20 years with more than 2,000 pubs closing their doors. It is believed that a further 1,000 are due to face the same fate in the next decade, with little to no government intervention to help them stay open…Have local pubs in your area closed down, and what can be done to help them stay open?Joining Andrea to discuss is Offaly TD, Cllr John Clendennen, Co-owner of Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, Una Burns, Owner of JJ Hough's, Ger Hough Conor O’Neill from The Glyde Inn and CEO of Irish Rural Link, Seamus Boldan.

Following Donegal’s spectacular win over Meath yesterday, the hunt is now on to find tickets for the final, especially for Andrea!But, how easy (or difficult) is it to nab a ticket?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Eoin Sheahan, Katie Gallagher, Daniel Hussey, Freelance Sports Journalist and Cathal Minogue, Today FM Presenter.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke join Andrea to review ‘Persuadable’!Image: CNN

The HSE have said they don’t have the funding to help people stop vaping.There are calls now to make it a priority as the health service sees an increase in people looking for help for vaping, and the use of nicotine pouches.So, should there be a bigger focus on it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Labour TD Conor Sheehan, Columnist with the Irish Independent JJ Clarke, as well as listeners.

It’s time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Writer and Broadcaster Maia Dunphy joins Andrea to reminisce!

Did you know you could get a grant to live on one of the Irish islands?There are grants of up to €84,000 available, and you can live in some gorgeous spots, if you’re able to!So, what does it entail?Joining Andrea to discuss is listeners living the island life to discuss!

Research suggests that involving chores in a child's routine from as young as three years old has massive benefits.A 20-year study by the University of Minnesota found that doing chores from a young age is the best predictor for having a good education, a solid career and healthy relationships with family and friends in adulthood.It has been shown that having set chores helps improve a child's responsibility, self-reliance and a sense of accomplishment. It has also been proven that it boosts self-esteem, teaches valuable life skills, and contributes to a child's overall positive mental health.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Dr Anne Keogh, Senior Clinical Psychologist and Chartered Member of the Psychological Society of Ireland, Siobhan O'Neill White from mams.ie, Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom on Instagram) and listeners.

With this heatwave, temperatures around Europe are regularly reaching 40°C…People are being warned not to holiday in some areas, but what is it like to live in them?Andrea is joined by Irish living in some of the continent’s hottest spots to discuss.

From funny seniors to Ugandan GAA, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Should you get a ‘fit note’ instead of a ‘sick note’?GPs in the UK have been ordered to send people to the gym instead of automatically giving them a sick note for time off work. The new pilot scheme will help to encourage people to get back to work and reduce the number of illnesses across the country.Is this something Ireland should consider and if so, how would we go about it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Niall Breen from Portmarnock GP Clinic, Chairperson of the IPAA Darina Dunne and listeners.

First impressions are important, so, when you have guests over, how can you leave the best one once they step into the door?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about making an entrance!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.

Are weddings in Ireland becoming bigger affairs?We’re hearing more about these huge parties, lasting days and costing enormous sums of money.Only a few weeks ago, a wedding in Adare manor had TikTok gripped when an American couple put on an enormous extravaganza.So, are they getting bigger, and should we return to a more humble gathering?Joining Andrea to discuss is Olivia Buckley from Olivia Buckley International and Zoe King from We Deux.

If you’ve attended a concert or match recently, then the likelihood is you’ve spent a couple of hours travelling to and from, especially if you live outside of the city centres...So, do we need better public transport to concerts and matches?Joining Andrea to discuss is Thomas Gould- Sinn Féin TD for Cork North-Central, as well as listeners.

The Irish Immigration Service has denied the visa applications for a group of GAA Palestinian players and mentors ahead of a summer tour.A team of 33 children and 14 mentors were due to travel to Ireland, arriving here next week.So, what happened?Joining Andrea to discuss is Stephen Redmond, Founder of Palestinian GAA and Cathal Ó Gaillín, Liaison Officer with the Moataz Sarsour Club in Al Am'ari refugee camp in Ramallah.

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 Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’!

A bonfire in Co Tyrone has sparked controversy ahead of the twelfth of July celebrations. It comes after a boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets was erected on top of the bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon.The display is believed to resemble the scandal of ‘mass illegal immigration’.Many people are horrified by this display saying, “it resembles sickening racist and far-right attitudes” while others say it is a form of "artistic protest".Should freedom of expression play a part here, or should topics like immigration be kept to a minimum?Joining Andrea to discuss is Sinn Féin's Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Colm Gildernew, as well as Phoenix Editor, Paddy Prendiville, Executive Editor of Daily Mail, John Lee and listeners.Image: @GildernewColm on Twitter

Adult education teachers will protest at the Dáil today over cuts to their teaching hours and growing job insecurity. Many have been told they won’t be guaranteed hours in September and are classified as unemployed during the holidays.The Adult Education Teachers’ Organisation (AETO) says these cuts undermine both teachers’ livelihoods and the future of adult education. They are calling for secure contracts, guaranteed hours, and recognition of their year-round contribution to the education system.Andrea is joined by some of the teachers impacted by these cuts 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…

Long school holidays widen the gap between those enjoying trips, camps and excursions, and those left with nothing to do, according to Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent.So, is three months off school too long?Mary McCarthy and listeners join 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 talk all things fetal movement.

Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull’s Formula 1 team, has been sacked. What led up to this, and what does the future look like for the team and its star driver Max Verstappen?Joining Andrea to discuss is Elaine Power, Host of ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast and Ali Ryan, Founder of Goss.ie.Image: PA / Wire