Lunchtime Live

What does it take for a video to go viral?Sarah Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie, accidentally made her son viral at the start of lockdown, playing football against the wall as both the striker and goalkeeper!She joins Andrea to tell the story!

If you were listening to Lunchtime Live yesterday you would have heard caller Emmet Kelleher who joined Andrea to discuss his experience of homelessness in Ireland...A lot of people got in touch with the show following Emmet’s story, including listener Mal who said that he is facing losing his rented accommodation this weekend…Today, listener Jane joins Andrea to discuss her own experience of homelessness, and Fr Peter McVerry from the Peter McVerry Trust joins to discuss the landscape of homelessness in Ireland today.

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Martin ‘Manu’ Krishna joins Andrea to discuss his faith: Hare Krishna.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 1980!

Two weeks after Storm Éowyn, there’s still thousands of people across the country without power. Local communities have started to set up hubs in parish halls and centres to allow people to charge their phones, get a hot meal and, where possible, take a hot shower.Andrea is joined by some of those affected to discuss what their experience has been.

GP Dr Máire Finn from Ennis Centric Health joins Andrea for this week’s Ask the Expert to discuss how you can recognise the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and answer your questions!

Following Andrea’s conversation with Emmet Kelleher, who finds himself homeless at 59 - there is clearly a problem in this country with homelessness. But, what solutions are there, and what kind of supports exist?Andrea is joined by Senator Aubrey McCarthy from the Lighthouse Café and more to discuss.

January 2026 will see popular TV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale return as 30-minute episodes in a bid to retain audiences and to make shows more “streamer-friendly”...The decision is a reversal on a 2022 schedule change which saw Coronation Street move to three one-hour episodes midweek. Now, the soap will play as part of a special ‘Soap Power Hour’ weekday evenings from 8pm.ITV Boss, Kevin Lygo, has said it is viewer-led, but will it be enough to save ratings?Andrea is joined by Mikie O'Loughlin, RSVP Magazine’s Showbiz Editor, as well as listeners, to discuss.

It might be hard to believe that it is that time of the year again, as Ireland gets ready to choose an act to represent the country at this year's Eurovision! Among the six artists competing is a very well known Irish popstar: Samantha Mumba.She 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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Emmet Kelleher is part of Ireland’s hidden homeless that you may sometimes hear about.At 59 years of age, he joins Andrea to discuss his story and current situation…

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and Newstalk's Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly join Andrea to review ‘Stakeknife’!Image: BBC

Today is World Cancer Day. It’s something nobody really wants to think about, but it's something you will probably have to deal with in one way or another, if you haven’t already…Andrea is joined by Claire Butler Jones to discuss what it was like to be diagnosed with cancer at 29.

Many homes throughout the country are still without power.People are facing day 12 without heating, working fridges and power to even make a cup of tea…Andrea is joined by those affected to discuss their experiences.

‘Boyzone: No Matter What’ was released on February 2nd on Sky and NowTV.  However, reviews of the documentary have been mixed…Andrea is joined by Jack Keating, son of Ronan Keating, to discuss the documentary, and what it was like to grow up during that time.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician Shelly Gray to discuss her unique method of keeping fit!

A recent study by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has found that nearly 70% of 25-year-olds still live at home.This shift brings up some big questions for families like if young adults living at home should contribute financially? And if so, how much?What do you think? Should parents charge rent?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Ever dreamed of running away with the circus? David Duffy, Ring Master with Tom Duffy’s Circus gave Andrea some insight into what life on the road with the circus is like.

The Department of Social Protection has told staff that from February, personnel will have to spend a minimum of two days per week in the workplace.  Up to now staff in the department had to work a minimum of one day per week in the office. Is it fair to insist people can only work from home 2 to 3 days a week? Andrea hears from callers.

Parents have gathered outside Rainbow Community Playgroup in Stoneybatter to protest a significant reduction in childcare services. Andrea speaks to some of the parents involved.

Starting tomorrow fines of up to 2,500 euro will come into play for owners of the XL bully type breed. This follows a ban that came into play last October regarding, the breeding and rehoming of the dog breed. Now owners who don’t hold a certificate of exemption could face fines, seeing their dog euthanised or even find themselves in jail for three months. Some animal welfare groups have taken to the high court to appeal the ban – stating that the Minister for Rural and Community Development had failed to publish the reasons why the breed is a danger to the public. Andrea hears the thoughts of callers on the ban.

Our experts answer all your questions this week on laundry rooms. 

A search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River in Washington today after a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter in mid-air.  What happened?Andrea speaks to people on the ground in Washington DC as well as members of the aviation industry.

Following yesterdays reaction to our segment on how Storm Eowyn has impacted people across the country, we follow up with more callers to see how they have been impacted.

We’ve been taking a deep-dive into the varying religions that help make up Irish society in 2025 and today were joined by Ben O’Farrell, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician Ciara McNulty to answer any of your dieting questions!

Height can be a sensitive issue for men, especially when many women claim they only date men who are north of 6ft.But, are short men the last minority group that people can openly make fun of?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jockey Leigh Roche as well as listener Andy to discuss.

Comedian Dara Ó Briain has said he wanted to find his birth mother to tell her “it worked out OK” in his life after being adopted as a child. He also spoke about how it was kind of awkward at times…The Irish stand-up, 52, spoke about his experience of searching and finding his birth parents in his previous comedy tour ‘So Where Were We’?So, what is it like meeting your birth parents?Andrea is joined by Clodagh Malone from the Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors, Iseult White, Psychotherapist and author as well as listeners.

A new documentary focusing on the behind the scenes of Boyzone will be released on the 2nd of February, but Andrea got to see the premier of its first episode last night and loved it!Will you be watching?TV Producer Bill Hughes and Today FM Producer Shauna O’Reilly join Andrea to discuss.Image: Sky

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

We have heard from people over the last number of days that have been affected in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.Around 142,000 homes, farms and businesses are still without power, while Uisce Éireann says over 6,000 premises still have no water supply.Many of the people that have been worst affected – many of whom have spoken on the show – live in rural areas.Is Storm Éowyn proof that rural Ireland is forgotten?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Seamus Boland, CEO of Irish Rural Link, Michael Fitzmaurice, Independent Ireland TD for Roscommon / Galway as well as listeners to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie and 98fm’s Russell Alford join Andrea to review ‘The Curious History Of Your Home’!Image: Noiser

Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to homes last week…But, what repairs can you do at home?Peter Finn, better known as Pete the Builder from the Home Rescue TV show, joins Andrea to discuss what you can do yourself!

New data reveals that over three quarters of women have been labelled as emotional in performance reviews, compared to just 11% of men…  So, are women actually more emotional in the workplace, or is there a gender bias?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Caroline Reidy, Director of the HR Suite, Hannah Quinn Mulligan is a Journalist and Farmer, Nadia Adan is the owner of Ashford Motors and Nora Casey, businesswoman and Broadcaster.

Are the Irish good at dealing with death - you may have heard people say that we “do death well”, but is that really true?This week is National Grief Awareness Week, and Andrea is joined by Bereavement Coordinator with Our Ladies Hospice, Ann D’Arcy, to discuss.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by Clare McKenna, Presenter of Alive and Kicking on Newstalk, to discuss why we should prioritise rest more in our lives!

Up to 100,000 homes and businesses are likely to be without power for the rest of the week in the aftermath of last week’s storm, and some will be cut off from the grid until the end of next week.Brian Tapley, ESB Networks Regional Manager, gave Newstalk an update earlier this morning...Meanwhile, the Government has said that they have no plans to recall the Dail early to tackle the fallout from Storm Eowyn.Has the Government’s response been good enough?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined guest host Anna Daly to tackle your medical queries…

“I’m in my mid-30s and I haven’t had a boyfriend since I was 21. I’ve been going on dates the entire time, observing the many seismic shifts in dating culture. Here are 15 things I’ve learned from 15 years of singlehood…”So writes Rachel Thompson in the Guardian. She joins Anna Daly to discuss.

The fallout from Storm Éowyn continues today as almost 250,000 homes and businesses are still without power.Many workers have also been impacted by the closure of businesses, and have been left wondering what pay they are entitled to…Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners affected to discuss.

Apparently, we only wear a third of the clothes in our wardrobe!So, joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss how you can make the most out of yours is Stylist Mandy Maher and owner of Organised Chaos, Sarah Reynolds.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!This week, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton, to look at her recipes for instant ramen focaccia and her underrated ragu!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Three in five people back Ryanair’s call for a two-drink limit at airport bars, according to the latest Red C poll published in the Business Post yesterday.The airline again recently called for a limit on alcohol served at airports, which it said would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, “...and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.”What do you think?Should there be a two-drink limit at airport bars?To discuss, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Pól Ó'Conghaile, Travel Editor at the Irish Independent, Marisa Mackle, former Flight Attendant and author of ‘Confessions of an Air Hostess’ as well as listeners.Image: McNally Design

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise, joins guest host Jonathan Healy to discuss how you can negotiate for a pay rise in your job.

Gillian O’Gorman is making a plea for help as her 83-year-old father has been stuck in University Hospital Limerick since October 23rd. He has stopped receiving rehabilitation treatment, but still cannot leave.Gillian joins guest host Jonathan Healy to explain the situation.

From a crazy Carrauntoohil hike to ‘smart’ benches, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Jonathan Healy with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Most of the country is still feeling the effects of Storm Éowyn and its accompanied red weather warning. You can expect more winds this evening as it continues to move…So, how have you been affected, and what are the latest updates?Guest host Jonathan Healy is joined by Aoife Keely from Met Éireann, Siobhán Wynne, ESB Networks Regional Manager, Newstalk’s Henry McKean as well as listeners around the country.

From the different types to where you can put them, the Home Squad are here to talk all things tiles!Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year' and Sarah Twigg Doyle, Interior Stylist & Design Colour Consultant.

Met Éireann has issued a red weather warning for the entirety of the country, with Storm Éowyn hitting tomorrow.To get the latest updates on services around the country, as well as tips on how to prepare, Andrea is joined by:Aoife Keely from Met ÉireannBarry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager with Irish RailBrendan Crowley, Owner and Managing Director of Wexford BusGraeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAAAlan O’Reilly of Carlow WeatherSiobhán Wynne, ESB Networks Regional ManagerPeter Finn, also known as Pete the BuilderEoghan Corry, Travel JournalistNeil McDonell, CEO of ISMEKillian O’Kelly, RNLI Water Safety Education Manager

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Quaker Will Hare joins Andrea to discuss his faith.