Lunchtime Live

Long Covid continues to impact the lives of many across the country.It was recently announced that those eligible for the Long COVID Support Scheme will now have until the end of the year to access this benefit.Originally set to end this month, the scheme has been extended by six months. While this extension is welcome, it raises important questions about the future of support for those affected. Andrea speaks to those still suffering and with Professor Jack Lambert from the UCD School of Medicine.Listen here.

For The Home Squad this week we look at some of the biggest trends in interior design with Jenny Sheahan, former Home of the Year winner and creator of the ‘workers cottage’ Instagram account, and Sarah Twigg Doyle, interior stylist and design colour consultant.From 'intentional clutter' to a brighter home, get all the best tips here.

Sleep expert, Erica Hargaden, joins Andrea to offer advice on how to sleep well during summer heat — from managing body temperature with warm showers to choosing breathable bedding and even keeping the room well aired all day.Listen here for more.

Tadgh Kennedy, owner of Ballinapark and Jack Whites Pub in Brittas Bay, joins Lunchtime Live to discuss why he added motorhome facilities to his venue.He’s joined by Peter Kavanagh from Motorhome Enthusiasts Ireland, Aaron Birchill from the ‘Charlie and Me’ YouTube channel, and Jason Carmody, chair of the Irish Motorhome Working Group, to explore whether Ireland is doing enough to support domestic and international campervan tourism.Listen here

Monica and Daniela Venturi — better known as The Two Nonnas — join Lunchtime Live in studio to share their kitchen wisdom, family recipes, and tips for how to bring authentic Italian flavour to your home cooking.Listen here

Alan Buckley, head tour guide at the Irish Rock 'N' Roll Museum Experience, joins Lunchtime Live to explain how U2 created the ever legendary The Joshua Tree, why it remains iconic, and how the album's legacy lives on in Dublin’s music scene.Listen here

Andrea is joined by guests to discuss the state of Ireland's roads.This comes after there has been a massive jump in complaints about potholes right across the country in the past three years, according to figures obtained by Newstalk.Listen here.

A cancer diagnosis is terrifying for the person who gets it.But it’s also a huge shock for that person’s loved ones – and knowing what to do or say can be really hard.So, how do you get it right?Joining Andrea to discuss is Founder of the Good Glow and Podcaster, Georgie Crawford, Founder of Olivia’s Gift Olivia Carpenter and Therapeutic Lead in Arc Cancer Support, Helen Hughes.

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…

A TikTok posted by car dealer David Tobin has amassed almost 90k views.He claims that no one wants to drive a car with a Donegal reg. Would you? Andrea is joined by David Tobin of David Tobin Cars, Joey Donnelly, owner of Crofton Motors and Nadia Adan, owner of Ashford Motors 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 answer all of your questions!

Irish farmers have welcomed a proposed restriction on using terms like “sausage” and “burger” for vegan products, arguing that such labels can mislead consumers and unfairly borrow from traditional meat branding. They see this as a “cynical” marketing tactic by plant-based producers.However, vegan advocates argue these terms simply describe the product’s shape or style, not its ingredients, and help consumers understand how to use them. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between the meat industry and the growing plant-based sector.Joining Andrea to discuss is Deputy President of the Irish Creamery Association and Milk Supplier Association and Chair of the National Dairy Council, Eamon Carroll, Chef at vegan and vegetarian restaurant Glas in Dublin, Malte, Political Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Pat O’Toole and more.Image: Beyond Meat

Do you live near a busy road? Or a loud trainline?More than 1 million of us are apparently exposed to high levels of transport noise.The noise exceeds the thresholds set under EU reporting rules around harming health.So, how is it affecting you?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Eoin King, a Noise Specialist based at the University of Galway, Cathal Crowe TD & Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Aviation and Logistics and listeners.

With today being the end of the Leaving Cert exams, for this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Laura Walshe, Career Guidance Counsellor with FindYourPath to discuss students’ next steps, including the CAO Change of Mind.

Irish-grown wool has now been a loss maker for farmers for many years.That's despite it being such an iconic feature of the country’s craft heritage and traditional clothing.So stakeholders across the country are trying to establish an Irish wool brand mark to protect it.President of the Wool Council, Barrister and Farmer, Brian McInerney and Pat Kane, Sustainability Advocate and Strategist join Andrea to discuss.

Speed cameras can be a help and a hindrance on our roads, with many people slowing down when they see a camera up ahead, only to increase again when they pass it.One in four admit to speeding: so how do we police speeding on smaller roads?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

The Irish language has taken the world by storm in recent years. Films like An Cailín Ciúin and bands as big as Kneecap have launched Gaeilge to a whole new demographic. The new TG4 Irish crime series Crá has become a global phenomenon, reaching 68 countries worldwide.What has caused this spike in interest? Andrea is joined by Ciaran Charles, Producer of Crá, as well as Screen Ireland Spokesperson Louise Ryan and Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd to discuss.Image: TG4

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 SynerChi Kombucha Founder and ‘Brewmaster’ Laura Murphy to talk about the benefits you can get from the fermented drink.

New proposals going to cabinet this week suggest an entire revamp of the GPO complex.According to early plans, the site would house a major museum, with room for arts events, exhibitions, office spaces, and even some retail, making it a vibrant, mixed-use destination.Is this what we need to fix O’Connell Street?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Dr Sumi Dunne, GP in Laois, joined guest host Adrian Kennedy to tackle your medical queries…

Actor Holt McCallany has claimed his Irish mother would’ve “berated” him for trying to split the bill with a woman.Do you agree?Should a man always pay the tab, or should the bill be split?Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss is Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert, as well as listeners.

There have been more than 3,000 no-shows for driving tests so far this year.Which means 3,000 working hours of RSA testers being wasted so far this year. At a time when there’s a backlog of people waiting.Some drivers are exploiting a legal loophole that enables them to renew their learner permit so long as they show they have applied for a test.So, should there be consequences?Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss is Editor of completecar.ie Shane O'Donoghue, Driving instructor and Director of the Professional Driving Instructors Association Dominic Brophy, as well as listeners.

Have you ever taken part in something you have no real interest in just for the sake of posting it online? Maybe you went to a concert for an artist you had no real interest in, or took up running just to make others jealous?Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss ‘performative socialising’ is Holly Carpenter, Irish model and social media star, Rosalyne Lipsett, Fashion Broadcaster with Ireland AM and Jason O’Callaghan, Psychologist.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and host of the ‘For Tech's Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke join guest host Adrian Kennedy to review ‘Ireland Said Yes’!Image: Onic

As schools are coming to a close for summer holidays, summer camps are becoming a necessity for parents. Like a ticketed event, many working parents are in a race against time to book their child in from one camp to the next. What does this mean for these camps and are they being used as a babysitting service?Guest host Adrian Kenendy is joined by Child Development Expert and Founder of GOGNI Kids, Ollwyn Moran, as well as listeners to discuss.

Our summer memories series is back!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Sonya Lennon joins Andrea to reminisce!

Ireland ranks as the second most expensive country in the EU, just behind Denmark. The cost of living is driven primarily by steep prices in alcohol and tobacco where Ireland tops the EU charts followed closely by food, which is also significantly above the European average.But, what’s behind these high prices, and do they align with the average person’s income?Joining Andrea to discuss is Michelle Lawlor, owner of The Nude Wine Company, Claire Nash, owner of Nash 19 restaurant, Dylan Bradshaw, owner and Creative Director of Dylan Bradshaw Salon and Averil Sheehan from Care-A-Lot Childcare in Cork.

Do Irish women tend to put others in front of their own needs? Whether it be a friend, husband or child, what is the right balance so you’re not looking after others to the point of hurting your own needs?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Eva Orsmond Founder of the Natural Women’s Council, Jana Landen and Siobhan O’Neill-White from mams.ie.

From free repairs to therapy dogs, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Being called for jury duty means making significant adjustments to daily life, taking time off work, arranging childcare, covering travel and meal costs all to carry out an important civic responsibility. But, for many people, these disruptions come at a personal and financial cost.Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Justice, Home and Current Affairs, and Chair of the Oireachtas Justice Committee, Matt Carthy is calling for jurors’ expenses to be fully covered.He joins Andrea, along with listeners, to discuss.

When you need a bit of work done to your home, how can you guess how much a job should cost?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about estimating costs!Joining Andrea to discuss is Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power and Sarah Carroll from @sand.and.deliver on instagram.

Despite widespread efforts to discourage the use of sunbeds for achieving a bronzed tan, tanning salons continue to emerge nationwide, with many people still choosing to use their services.What are the reasons behind the ongoing popularity of sunbeds, and what draws people to them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor Niki Ralph, Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists and listeners.

Parents at a school in Clontarf have been given some unsettling news: starting in September, their senior infants' classes will be merged from three into two. The Department of Education has informed the school that this change is necessary due to a reduction in teaching resources available to them.What does this mean for the young students at this school, and how will it impact them?Joining Andrea to discuss is one of the parents at Belgrove Infant Girls School in Clontarf, Eamonn Broderick, Noel Loftus, Principal, St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas.

Being gay is really the last taboo in the GAA…That’s according to footballer Kevin Penrose, who joins Andrea, along with Hannah Tyrrell, Dublin footballer and former rugby player, 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 ABBA’s ‘Super Trouper’!

The owners of dodgy boxes are coming under new threats from Sky Ireland.They’re warning there’ll be “consequences” if people are caught streaming sport or films using the illegal devices.It’s estimated about one in four people in Ireland use dodgy boxes.So, would this put you off?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, Producer at Tri Moon Films Sam Atwell, Dr TJ McIntyre, Associate Professor of Law in UCD and Chair of Digital Rights Ireland, as well as listeners.

Andrea hits the ocean to sail on the coast out to Sligo Bay with local sailor Colm O'Flaherty.Get all the sights and sounds here.

Andrea speaks to the people behind Sligo’s adventure and heritage tourism: Seamus McGoldrick of Sligo Surf Experience and Adventure Sligo, Barry Mottershead of Sligo Kayak Tours, and Pamela Cassidy of Lissadell House.Hear all about Sligo's history and great activities here.

Andrea speaks with some of Sligo’s greatest success stories: Finbarr Filan, newly appointed national chair of ISME and head of Sligo BID; Andrew Darmody, Managing Director of Voya Skincare; Viola McSharry, mother of Olympic bronze medallist Mona McSharry; and David McGowan of McGowan’s Funeral Directors in Ballina all join the show to tell their story.Listen here

Shirley Foley, who lives with MS and is part of the international sailing initiative Oceans of Hope; and Pam Scanlon, a retiring school accounts worker from Calry who helped fundraise and build a school in rural Tanzania both speak to Andrea on their inspiring stories.Listen here

Andrea meets the people behind Sligo’s thriving food and drink scene: Aisling Kelly Hunter of Sligo Oyster Experience, Paul Mullin, co-founder of The White Hag Brewing Company, Aine Mullan of Fish and Bean, and Shane Meehan of Stoked restaurant in Strandhill.Listen here

A conversation about the joys and virtues of life in the northwest with former TD Marc MacSharry, travel content creator Kevin Dooher of Wild Atlantic Traveller, and Jane Chambers, owner of Shells Café in Strandhill -- all live from The Fish and Bean Restaurant in Sligo.Listen here

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cliona Cosgrove to answer any of your questions when it comes to dealing with a child’s emotions.

Thatching is a time honoured Irish Tradition that is at risk of dying out., according to the Donegal Thatching School.They have called for more funding to protect this dying art…Andrea is joined by Conail Shovlin, Co-Founder of the Donegal Thatching School and Richard O'Lidain to discuss.

“There really is no excuse” these are the words of an animal rights organisation following a litter of five-week old collie puppies that were found abandoned by a Galway roadside. MADRA (Mutts Anonymous Dogs Rescue) say that thankfully the pups were in “surprisingly good shape” despite being found in a rain soaked box.What can be done to stop this type of behaviour in future? Should there be tougher laws on owners, and should there be more done to protect our dogs?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dawn Divilly, Director of Operations Mutts Anonymous Dogs Rescue and Adoption, Suzi Walsh, Dog Behaviourist with DogBehviour.ie, Orla Murray, one of the Directors of the Irish Kennel Club and more.Image: @madradogrescue on Instagram

Would you be brave enough to ask Chat GPT… am I hot?That’s what one 47 year old woman did, and the advice was not that pleasing…Newstalk’s Sarah Madden tested it out, and joins Andrea and Jennifer Rock, The Skin Nerd 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 Brian Lee, Owner and Founder of Tryka to discuss what exactly this hybrid fitness race league is all about.Image: tryka.fit

Ireland is facing a “national emergency” in infrastructure.That’s according to the Chair of the The Economic and Social Research Institute Sean O’Driscoll.Our transport, housing and water systems are all in dire need of help, and not enough action is being taken apparently.So, is it?Joining Andrea to discuss is Town Planner Derek Whyte, Barry Kenny, Corporate Comms Manager at Irish Rail, Chair of the National Water Forum Dr Matt Crowe, Architect and Environmentalist Duncan Stewart and listeners.

Dr John Flanagan, GP at Suffolk Street Surgery joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

With the price of coffee going up, have you considered getting your own fancy machine at home?There are so many to choose from, how do you know what’s worth the money?Joining Andrea to discuss is Journalist Glenn Kelly, who has put the best to the test!