Lunchtime Live

Communions and Confirmations often come with a less heavenly side: the price tag…While the ceremonies may be spiritually priceless, the overall cost has a very real bottom line.The latest research carried out in this area found the average cost of such celebrations was over €900!However, this data from Ulster Bank is over six years old, so costs are likely to be well over €1,000 for the average household.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Presenter of the Hard Shoulder on Newstalk, Kieran Cuddihy, Jennifer Horgan, Freelance Journalist and Teacher, Graham Moore, Director of Next level Entertainment, Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw, Digital Creator and Mom and Sarah Bolton, Owner and Founder of Charcuterie Countess.

We’ve been talking about the 10 year anniversary of the marriage referendum on the station all this week.And, while it’s definitely a cause for celebration, there is also plenty that still needs to be done...For example: do we have enough parental rights for same sex couples?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

From Kerry chaos to Tipperary’s connection to tennis, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Are you less likely to have children, because you’ve gotten a dog?Apparently, dogs are increasingly being seen as “child surrogates”.That having a dog could fulfills a nurturing drive similar to parenting, but with fewer demands than raising kids.So, are we choosing dogs over babies?Joining Andrea to discuss is Breda O’Brien, Irish Times Columnist, Pete Wedderburn, AKA Pete The Vet, Laoise Downes owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs and listeners.

Working from home is still alive and well years after covid lockdown, so why not try and make your space the best it can be?The Home Squad are here to talk about building your home office!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan former ‘Home of the Year’ winners who is on Instagram as @workerscottage and Róisín Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty Design House.

On Tuesday’s show Andrea was joined by Roscommon Poet Jane Clarke, who talked about her experience of being gay, and the importance of the marriage referendum.Jane referred to herself as queer several times, and it got quite a bit of a reaction – some people confused by it, and some dead against it.So, we wanted to have a conversation about it, when it’s okay to use, and by whom…Listener Claire and Drag Performer and Host of the ‘Poz Vibes’ Podcast Veda join Andrea to discuss.

Recently on the show was the topic of school absenteeism, where students would spend too much time out of school. But, is there a problem with teacher absenteeism?What causes it, and how does it impact students and schools?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kieran Christie, General Secretary of the ASTI and listeners.

Are desserts becoming a thing of the past? The restaurant industry is noticing a shift, with fewer customers ordering that sweet treat to finish off their meal. But, is the rise of Ozempic to blame?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paul Knapp, the Firefighting Chef, Dee Laffan, Food Writer and Adrian Martin, Owner of Wildflower Restaurant in Blackrock.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the band 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 us through the iconic Beach Boys album: ‘Pet Sounds’…

Would you stand on a flight to save money?It’s been spoken about before, but it seems to be one step closer to reality.New rollercoaster style standing seats could be ready as soon as 2026.So, how much comfort are we willing to lose to save cash?Joining Andrea to discuss is Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel Ciara Mooney, Ariana Dunne from Irish Country Magazine, Senior aviation analyst Simon Daly and more.

It’s your big day, the dress is perfect, the flowers are blooming, and all eyes are on you... but, wait, what happened to your hair?! Or your makeup by mid-ceremony?Joining Andrea to discuss the biggest glam mistakes brides can make on their big day is Tara Fay, Wedding Planner, Laura Lou Kearney, Luxury Bridal Hair Stylist and Michelle Regazzaoli Stone, Makeup Artist.

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…

As we approach summer, many are considering the costs of a festival-filled season. With soaring ticket prices, are young people finding themselves adjusting their budgets, cutting back on clubbing nights to save for festival tickets? Could the cost of attending a major festival now rival that of a week-long holiday abroad?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ashley Chadomoyo Malone, Dublin DJ and young festival-goer, Daniel Browne, one of the Founders & Owners of Sea Sessions, Gareth Dunleavy, Curator of the ‘Oasis WTS’, Nick McKay from the ‘Roll With It’ Oasis tribute act and more.

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 any issues you might face during pregnancy…

Are we becoming less polite?Listener Sarah got in touch with the show with an email that proposed that question.Joining Andrea to discuss is Tina Koumarianos, Etiquette Expert and Michelle Harding from the School of Life.

A Mayo housing official has called for a “radical” boycott of holiday-home owners, is he right?Are holiday homes a waste during a housing crisis?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

The Leaving Cert is fast approaching, and for many students, that means rising stress and pressure. For this week’s Ask the Expert we’re talking about how to manage exam stress - what works, what doesn’t, and how students can stay focused and healthy during this intense time.Joining Andrea to discuss and answer your questions is Allen O’Donoghue from helpme2parent.ie.

Donegal hairdressers, barbers, nail technicians, aestheticians and salon owners have taken on additional training beyond their craft to recognise signs of domestic abuse, coercive control and addiction.So, how would it work? And should all employers consider this type of training?Joining Andrea to discuss is Terence Boycle from Terence Boyle Hairdressing Group, Stylist at Terence Boyle Hairdressing, Catriona, Donna McGee, HSE Addiction Services Lead and more.

Grammy-winning singer and guitarist Bryan Adams is playing Dublin tonight and Friday night to huge crowds.He has sold over 75 million albums, and has a career that spans over 45 years.Bryan joins Andrea for a chat ahead of his shows!

Ten years ago, Ireland voted yes to marriage equality in a historic referendum. Today, we’re marking that milestone with Jane Clarke, Roscommon Poet, who’s here to share what’s changed — and what still needs to — from her perspective as a lesbian woman.Andrea is joined by Jane and listeners 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 Professional Home Organiser Ann Teehan (@neatly.ie on Instagram) to share simple, effective tips on how to declutter your space and streamline your daily routine!

Should Home Economics be compulsory in schools? Once focused on cooking and sewing, the subject has faded from many curriculums.But, with rising living costs and a need for real-world skills, is it time to bring it back?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Helen Maguire, Head of School of Home Economics in ATU ST Angelas, as well as listeners.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

Austria took home the Eurovision crown on Saturday night, with Ireland failing to make it to the Grand Final. But, more shockingly, the Irish public awarded Israel 10 points, and the Irish Jury handed over 7. Is Ireland’s support for Israel stronger than we realised?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Johnny Fallon, Co-Author of the 'Eurovision Handbook', Ian O’Doherty, Columnist with the Irish Independent and Kirsty Blake Knox, Columnist with the Irish Independent.Image: EBU

There is a growing concern in Irish schools: the sharp rise in student absenteeism.Thousands of children are missing weeks of school, and officials are calling it a ‘hugely alarming’ trend. What’s causing this, and more importantly, how do we fix it?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

The Leaving Certificate exams will begin on Wednesday, June 4th.So, with just over two weeks to go, how can students optimize their study time to get the best results?Andrea is joined by Ronan Griffin from Study Skills to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘No More Encore’ Podcast Dave Hanratty & Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet join Andrea to review ‘Lucky Boy’!Image: Tortoise Media

Rent across the country is now averaging at €2,056.A new report out today says that the lack of supply is the driving factor of these rates.There were just more than 2,300 homes available to rent nationally at the start of this month…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Chief Economist with Davy Stockbrokers, Kevin Timoney, Journalist Katie Gallager, Director of Property District Carol Tallon and more.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Aisling Goodwin, Accent & Dialect Coach, joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to taking on a new accent.

We’re looking for your help in locating a 20ft container that has been stolen in Laois.The container was filled with Lego sets and educational books that had been generously donated for underprivileged children in Malawi.Evin Joyce, Volunteer at ulemu.com Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps joins Andrea to discuss.

It seems everywhere you turn these days you are hearing about ‘Let Them’ theory. It has been described as a mindset trick which can free you from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you.But, what exactly is it? And, does it work?Calodagh McCumiskey, Corporate Wellbeing Specialist and Life Coach, joins Andrea to discuss.

Imagine the scene: you're out for dinner tonight in a fancy restaurant, and this stunning plate of food arrives in front of you.How strong is the compulsion to take a photo?Does the phone eat first? Or would the thought never occur to you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Journalist Shamim de Brún, Tom Doorley, Food and Wine Writer with The Irish Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday and Chef Andrew Rudd, Director of Medley Private Venue.

A Dublin man who suffered a traumatic spinal injury said his independence as an individual has been taken from him, as he has been told he is not eligible for disability allowance…Eoghan Gorman joins Andrea to discuss.

From Galway being the best to Carlow being Pope-obsessed, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

There has been a big increase in car loans in Ireland. Close to €850 million was drawn down last year to fund the purchase of 66,200 vehicles.This is a rise of 14% on the previous year...Have we, in Ireland, become obsessed with fancy cars?Joining Andrea to discuss is Shane O’Donoghue, Editor with Completecar.ie, Nadia Adan, Owner of Ashford Motors in Wicklow, as well as listeners.

Is it a good idea to seek out fertility testing early, and how effective is it for those who want children later in life? Newstalk Reporter Bella Finn did the hard work for the show, with an AMH test from Sims IVF Clinic, and joins Andrea to discuss the process.

With the sun shining this bright - you’re probably in the mood to get your BBQ set up…The Home Squad are here to talk about all things cooking outdoors!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan former ‘Home of the Year’ winners who is on Instagram as @workerscottage and Kate O’Driscoll, who you might know on Instagram as @victorianrathmines.

Today we're talking about one of the most talked-about family dramas in the celebrity world: the rumored feud between Victoria and David Beckham and their daughter-in-law, Nicola Peltz. From wedding tensions to social media shade, what’s really going on behind the scenes?Joining Andrea to discuss is Founder of Society PR, Avila Lipsett and Alexandra Ryan from Goss.ie.

Residents of a housing estate in north County Dublin have voiced serious concerns over unfinished infrastructure, specifically the absence of speed bumps that were promised in the original planning permission. Four years after moving in, locals say the lack of traffic-calming measures poses a danger to their children’s safety and are calling for urgent action…Andrea is joined by local residents 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 band 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 us through the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours…

RTÉ’s Eurovision Head of Delegation Michael Kealy has said it “feels wrong” when others suggest the broadcaster boycott the Eurovision Song Contest.There has been controversy over Israel’s participation in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, with many calls for RTÉ to pull out of the event.That obviously hasn’t happened and Ireland is competing tonight, along with Israel.Are you disappointed that we are going ahead with the song contest?Andrea is joined by Newstalk’s Henry McKean reporting from Basel, Frank Dermody, President of Ireland’s Eurovision Fan Club, Zoe Lawlor, Chairperson of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and more to discuss.

Some Dublin taxi drivers are operating a loophole to take fares in Drogheda, and local taxi drivers are not happy…Andrea is joined by taxi drivers to discuss what is going on.

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…

Despite efforts to reduce childcare costs, many Irish families continue to face significant financial burdens. Recent reports highlight that families paying up to €1,138 monthly for childcare receive a subsidy of €414, leaving them with a €724 out-of-pocket expense.To achieve the Government’s target of €200 monthly childcare costs, an additional €524 per child per month would be required.So, is the Government dropping the ball here?Joining Andrea to discuss is Siobhan O’Neill-White from mams.ie, as well as listeners.

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 the 9 to 12 of pregnancy, the end of the first trimester…

Big Brother is back, and this year, they want you! Big Brother bosses are keen for Irish contestants to apply. If you’ve got a big personality and aren’t afraid to be watched 24/7, this could be your moment.Andrea is joined by Ray Shah, former Big Brother Contestant, to discuss the application process, and what it’s really like inside the house.

Businessman Denis O’Brien has blasted working from home as “...a load of nonsense”.He claimed Ireland’s reputation as a place to do business is at risk, and working from home is now a threat to the economy, because it has caused a loss of competitiveness, energy, creativity and ideas.What do you think? Should we all be returning to the office?Joining Andrea to discuss is Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Larissa Feeney, CEO of Kinore.

An investigation has found that many children in Ireland may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries at Children's Health Ireland…The probe could stretch back 15 years, raising serious questions about oversight, ethics, and patient safety.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín and some of those affected.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Dr. Justin Roche, Consultant Paediatrician at The National Tongue Tie Centre, to explain what tongue tie is, how it affects babies, and what can be done about it.

While you will no doubt be cheering on Norwegian singer Emmy who will be representing Ireland at the Eurovision semi finals on Thursday – there will be no harm in bopping to Croatia’s entry ‘Poison Cake’ appearing in the first leg of the semi-finals from Switzerland tonight. That is because the song was co-written by Balbriggan school teacher and singer-songwriter Ben Pyne, who joins Andrea to discuss! 98fm’s Russell Alford also joins to discuss Ireland’s chances.