Lunchtime Live

Video games are the world's most valuable entertainment industry, estimated to be worth more than $220 billion, twice as much as films and recorded music, combined!So, it’s no surprise that films based on games are replacing superhero blockbusters…Joining Andrea to discuss this new big screen trend is Padraig Ryan from Geek Ireland and Movie Critic Brian Lloyd.Image: Warner Bros Pictures

Bars will be closed at David Gray’s upcoming concert at the 3Arena this weekend.The 3Arena shared a post on social media saying: ‘Once David Gray goes on stage, all bars will close and will remain closed for the duration of the show…’It follows complaints of a raucous crowd constantly coming and going from the bar in the 3Arena during his performance there earlier this month.What do you think? Are they right to close the bars at the 3Arena for David Gray’s performance?Andrea is joined by Dave Hanratty, Host of the ‘No Encore’ Music Podcast, and listeners, to discuss.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by top Irish skin expert Eavanna Breen, who shares her insights on caring for pale or sensitive skin, tackling rosacea, and what really works when it comes to treatments like laser.

We’re on a mission to find Ireland’s Best Lollipop Person - the everyday heroes keeping our children safe on the school run! What does the job involve, and what makes someone truly stand out?Sinéad Crowther, Founder of Tonstix, Search for Ireland's Best Lollipop’s Person joins Andrea to discuss.

New research shows that being shouted at by parents can reshape a child’s brain, raising the risk of mental health issues and social difficulties.So, is it ok to shout at your children?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids and listeners.

Are we (literally) lost without our phones?Are we relying too much on Google Maps to get us from A to B in the car; which doesn't always bring us the best way?Two weeks ago, Mountain Rescue England and Wales published figures showing a record number of annual callouts; are we lost in every sense of the word without access to GPS?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor at completecar.ie, Shane O’Donoghue, as well as listeners.

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 Knitting Teacher from ‘Knit with Helen’, Helen Crawford, to talk about all the benefits to gain from knitting!

Kneecap have apologised to the families of two former British MPs who were murdered in recent years, and said they do not support Hamas or Hezbollah, after videos from past gigs came to the attention of police and politicians.The Belfast rap group released a statement after a video appeared to show a member shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah”, while the other appeared to show a member saying: “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP”.Kneecap took the opportunity to also criticise what they describe as a “smear campaign” against them over their support for Palestine.They wrote: “Establishment figures, desperate to silence us, have combed through hundreds of hours of footage and interviews, extracting a handful of words from months or years ago to manufacture moral hysteria”.What are your thoughts on this? Was Kneecap right to apologise?Andrea is joined by Alan Buckley, Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, as well as listeners, to discuss.Image: Kneecap

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

He may be legally and constitutionally barred from serving a third term in office, but that hasn't stopped Donald Trump putting ‘TRUMP 2028’ red caps on sale. His online store crashed due to the demand.Will the power of merchandising shape the narrative, and no matter how impossible, will TRUMP 2028 be an inescapable force for the next few years?Joining Andrea to discuss is Lorraine Carter from Persona Branding & Design and Professor Scott Lucas, Professor of American Studies and International Politics at University College Dublin.Image: Trump Store

As rail fare and zonal adjustments come into effect today from Irish Rail, including Leap Cards becoming available over a wider area, we’re asking the question: should we be trialing free travel?  Joining Andrea to discuss is Conor Reddy, People Before Profit Councilor for Ballymun-Finglas, Gary Marshall, Committee Member of Dublin Commuters, Lochlann Gallagher, Chair of Galway Commuters Coalition and Travel Writer Melanie May.

Clare and Limerick are teaming up in a bid to host EuroPride, Europe's most significant LGBT+ event, in 2028.If they are successful, Ireland would play host to the international event for the first time, which attracts around 100,000 visitors from around the world.Amongst those steering the West of Ireland bid for EuroPride 2028 is Bernie O’Gorman, Chair of QuareClare, Lisa Daly from Limerick Pride and Eddie McGuinness, Director and Founder of The Outing Queer Arts Collective and Festival.They join Andrea to discuss!

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Today FM’s Shelly Gray and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea to review ‘Good Hang’!Image: The Ringer

Should Gardaí receive financial assistance to purchase homes given the current housing crisis?Members of the Gardaí Representative Association at their annual conference today will debate a motion to call on the Government to introduce an “enhanced scheme” to allow Gardaí to purchase homes using State assistance.What do you think about this idea?Could it help with recruitment and retention of rank-and-file Gardaí?Should subsidised housing be something that is made available for all civil servants?Joining Andrea to discuss is Tara McManus, Assistant General Secretary of the Garda Representative Association, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Ray Cooke, CEO of Ray Cooke Auctioneers and listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Philip Thornton from the DCU Caving Club joins Andrea to answer any of your questions when it comes to being a caver!

Plans have been unveiled for a winter sports arena in South Dublin. The proposed €190 million development in Cherrywood will include two Olympic-sized ice rinks; a 5,000-seat indoor arena and a training centre.Joining Andrea to discuss is Raymond Hegarty, Chair of Seamrog Ice Skating Club, Cllr Jim O’Leary from Fine Gael and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as well as listeners.

For most brides-to-be, hair and make-up is a big part of the preparation before walking down the aisle. One American woman recently caused a bit of a stir on social media last month when she revealed she decided to go make-up free on her wedding day, going on to amass 30 million views with opinions split down the middle.So, should you wear make-up on your wedding day? And is a completely natural look too stripped back for such an occasion?Joining Andrea to discuss is Laura Mullett, Stylist & Broadcaster, Sarah Kennedy from ‘The Aisle’ blog and Wedding expert, Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent and more.

International accountancy firm Forvis Mazars has announced a new course in social skills for its Gen Z employees, which will simulate client meetings and offer training for speaking on the phone.At the same time, students in three of Manchester’s universities in the UK will be taught empathy, active listening, conflict resolution and time management.Are Gen Z lacking when it comes to ‘soft skills’ in the workplace?Andrea is joined by Caroline Reidy, HR expert with the HR Suite as well as listeners.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Nearly 300,000 hospital appointments were cancelled across the country last year – an average of more than 772 every day. That number is growing, even as the state makes efforts to cut waiting lists.Have you been affected? Has one of your appointments been cancelled?And what are your thoughts on the health system at the moment?Joining Andrea to discuss is Dr Matthew Sadlier, Chair of the IMO Consultant Committee, Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín, Dr Brendan O’Shea, Spokesperson for the Kildare faculty of the ICGP and Kildare GP as well as listeners.

It’s Home Squad time, and today we’re talking paint with Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Designs & & Jennifer Sheahan, @workerscottage on Instagram and Former Winner of ‘Home of the Year’

The Government is set to crack down on customers using supermarket loyalty cards to get discounts on alcohol.  While existing laws ban customers using loyalty card points to purchase alcohol some supermarkets do allow customers to buy items – including alcohol – at a reduced price if they use their loyalty card. Callers join Andrea to discuss the issue.

Sinn Féin is calling for a dedicated treatment centre for endometriosis, a condition that impacts 1 in 10 women. Andrea speaks to Senator Maria McCormack, a leading voice on women’s health. 

Are you a people pleaser at the expense of your own happiness and wellbeing? Andrea speaks to Brendan Kelly, Psychiatrist and others about the phenomenon.

Some airlines offer free seating for under-12s once an adult has paid for a seat. Andrea asked should this be law across all airlines?

Should we introduce fines for people who conduct loud conversations on public transport?In France, a man was recently fined €200 for using his speakerphone on a train station concourse…Joining Andrea to discuss is Gina London, Communications Expert and Sunday Independent Columnist as well as listeners.

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…

Most teachers think schools should not prepare pupils for church sacraments.That is according to a survey by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) which found that just 4% of primary school teachers believe it should be the school’s responsibility to prepare children for Communions, Confirmations and first confessions.What do you think?Should religious sacraments preparation be taken out of schools?Andrea is joined by listeners 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 what can act as a barrier to conception.

Ireland is seeing a surge in gold investment, driven by economic uncertainty, inflation fears, and a growing desire for financial security.Andrea is joined by David Higgins, Head of Trading at Merrion Vaults, to find out what’s behind this gold rush, why more Irish people are turning to precious metals, and what it means for investors today…

Sharon Osbourne has called for Kneecap’s US work visas to be revoked…At the end of their Coachella set, they put pro-Palestinian messages up on the big screen behind them.Sharon Osborne has said they took their performance to a different level by incorporating “aggressive” political statements.She said - after witnessing their performance during the first weekend, that allowing them to perform again the following weekend suggests support for their rhetoric and a lack of due diligence.Are artists and celebrities free to make political statements? Or, are they meant to entertain, and nothing else?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley, the Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Journalist Saoirse Hanley, John Brereton, Grand Social PR Manager & Director of the Dublin Bowie festival and listeners.Image: @KNEECAPCEOL on Twitter

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Adam Buckley, Tattoo Artist in Wildcat Tattoos and Matt Noble, Senior Laser Technician at Dundrum Cosmetic Clinic to answer any of your questions on tattoos, as well as tattoo removal!

If you’re like Andrea and somehow have a lot of leftover Easter chocolate in the house – we're here to help!What recipes can you make out of them?Joining Andrea to discuss is Baker Graham Herterich, ‘The Cupcake Bloke’.Image: Hamiltons Chocolates

With the recent death of Pope Francis, we're asking: does it still matter to people in Ireland — and is Ireland still a Catholic country?Whether it is your faith or identity, how much has really changed?Joining Andrea to discuss is Father Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakill, John Hamill, from the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and listeners.

According to new research, making changes to conserve water will lessen those energy bills...Fitting water-saving devices in your home could save you up to €300 a year!Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor John Gallagher from Trinity College Dublin, who co-wrote this report, Pete the Builder and Research & Policy Lead with the National Water Forum, Dr Triona McGrath.

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 Trish Greene, the Dublin Reflexologist to talk all things reflexology!

Dublin Bus services have been withdrawn from the Mountjoy Square area of Dublin after a bus driver was threatened by a man holding what appeared to be a gun.SIPTU has instructed its member drivers to withdraw services until union representatives meet with management to agree actions to improve safety.   Are you worried about safety on buses?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

With the weather (sometimes!) improving, you will probably be looking to get your garden summer-ready.Well, the Home Squad are here to help you regain that green thumb!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Brian Burke, Woodie's DIY & Garden Expert and RTÉ Super Garden judge to discuss.

Can we actually change who we are? Is it possible to reshape your personality?Psychologist Dr. Brent Roberts is known for his research on personality change, and joins Andrea to discuss.

Castletown House, the large public land around Celbridge and Leixlip, is still caught in a battle between the locals and the OPW.There has been a long running stand-off at the heritage site in Co Kildare.Locals have maintained a presence at the entrance to Castletown House since September 2023, which had resulted in the majority of OPW staff not accessing the site.The protests began after an entrance and car park near the M4 was closed to the public and to OPW staff by the private owner of the land.So, will a resolution be reached?Andrea is joined by local Soc Dems Councillor Claire O’Rourke, as well as local listeners, to discuss.

Have you ever heard of financial dysmorphia?A lot of us wish we were better with our finances then we are, but could you be living with this without realising?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Financial Expert, Eoin McGee.

Stepmothers are portrayed negatively in more than two-thirds of films, a study has found. Does this affect dating? Are women avoiding single fathers as potential partners?And what preparations should a family and a new partner make?Joining Andrea to discuss is Mairead Loughman, Matchmaker in Love HQ Mullingar, Katriona O’Sullivan, Psychologist & author, Jim McKee, artist & single parent and Karen Kiernan, CEO of One Family.

A tax on hotel guests is planned by four Dublin councils...Dublin City Council, Fingal and South Dublin county councils have all signed up to the proposed working group, while Dún Laoghaire Rathdown is close to doing so. Will this be off-putting to visitors and bad news for tourism?Joining Andrea to discuss is Paul Gallagher, CEO of Irish Hotels Federation. Michael Lennon, Director of Skylon Hotel in Dublin, Eugene Garrihy from Dublin Bay Cruises, Seamus McGrattan, Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillor as well as listeners.

Aldi is starting to sell wine in aluminum bottles; would you drink it?It has a smaller carbon footprint than glass and could get cold a lot quicker too.Joining Andrea to discuss is owner of the Nude Wine Company, Michelle Lawlor, Director of SIP wine cans Phil Ellison and Tara O'Connor from The Designed Table.

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…Image: Warner Bros

Today, we're talking about something many people experience, but rarely discuss: the guilt that comes with moving away from home. Whether it’s for college, work, or a fresh start, leaving family behind can bring a mix of freedom and emotional weight.Joining Andrea to discuss is Manon Gilbart, Journalist with the Irish Examiner and listeners who have left the country.

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 what the steps are if you are having difficulty conceiving.

Do we shower enough? One Spanish TikToker who spent time living in Ireland was astonished at how little we bathe our children and ourselves!Nacho Barrueco told his followers he had noticed that Irish people seemed to bathe less in comparison to those in Spain...“The kids came to class dirty, with the paint from the day before, with two band-aids on their heads… and I thought, damn, it seems they don't bathe!’’So, is he right?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jen Hogan, Journalist with the Irish Times and Aesthetician Eavanna Breen.

From next year, a new EU directive on pay transparency is set to come into force in June, where employers will no longer be able to ask job candidates about their current salary.And, when advertising job vacancies, employers will have to give a range.Is this a step in the right direction?Do we need greater pay transparency?Joining Andrea to discuss is Columnist with the Irish independent Mary McCarthy, Louisa Meehan from Woodview HRM, Professor of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin Richard Layte and listeners.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, affects around 1 in 4 people in Ireland: roughly 1.25 million individuals, including many children. With symptoms peaking from spring through late summer, it can seriously impact daily life, especially in urban areas where pollution may worsen reactions.So, how does hay fever affect people in Ireland and what can be done to manage it better?Joining Andrea to answer your questions for this week’s Ask the Expertis Joyce Clegg, CEO at The Allergy Clinic…