Lunchtime Live

From the arrival of Big Bird to a Christmas favourite, 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor has plenty to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday.Image: Disney

A new report from the Garda Síochána Inspectorate recommends that gangland informants who provide valuable intelligence on organised crime should be permitted to commit criminal offences in certain circumstances.What do you think about this approach?Should informants be allowed to get away with some crime if they are feeding information to the police?Joining Andrea to discuss is Nicola Tallant, Host of the Crime World Podcast & Investigations Editor with the Sunday World, Kathleen Chada, Founder of SAVE Action Group, Niall Spelman, former Assistant Governor of Wheatfield Prison and more.

Last week, Peter McElroy from myUKpension was on the show to discuss how you might be eligible to claim a UK pension. So many people sent in questions, that he joins Andrea again for this week’s Ask the Expert!

Can you make yourself into a morning person?Sleep Expert Tom Coleman has tips on how to make those early mornings a little brighter, and joins Andrea to discuss.

With the required 270 Electoral College votes passed, it is all but confirmed that Donal Trump will be returning to the White House as President of the United States.So, what are your reactions, did you stay up late for coverage, and is it anything you expected?Andrea is joined by Americans living in Ireland and Irish living in America to discuss reactions, as well as Newstalk Reporter Ellen Butler.Image: Reuters

Dinner party ‘do’s and don’ts’ have been revealed in a new survey.About a quarter of us taste food directly from a spoon we’re cooking with, while only a third have wiped down a bread knife and put it back in the rack!Joining Andrea to discuss more of these is Andrew Rudd, Chef and Director of Medley Restaurant 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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie and Laura Donnelly from Newstalk’s Newsroom joined Andrea to review ‘Against All Odds: Chilean Mine Collapse’!

Haughton’s Pub in Kilmeaden in Waterford closed its doors 14 months ago, but thanks to a group of regulars, the bar has reopened, much to the delight of the local community!Sean Lyons from Haughton’s Pub joins Andrea to discuss what happened.Image: Daft.ie

Election day voting has begun in the United States, with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris vying to become the next President.Harris has advocated for abortion rights and pledged to lower food and housing costs for working families, while Trump has vowed to seal the border and has proposed tax cuts worth trillions.So, who will win? And when will we know?Joining Andrea to discuss is Simon Marks, Chief Correspondent for Feature Story News in Washington DC. Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie and Chief Newstalk Reporter Barry Whyte also report from Mar-a-Lago in Florida and the University of California in Berkeley. Image: Reuters

Do you know how much Christmas is going to set you back?Irish Times Consumer Journalist, Conor Pope has calculated just how much Christmas will cost for a family of five in Ireland, and joins Andrea to discuss.

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea is joined by Conor McDonnell, President of GAA Handball to learn all about the sport!

Farmers in north Mayo are calling for a deer cull in the area.There are worries that the growing number of deer will wreak havoc on local roads, animal and public safety as well as concerns about the spread of TB and with the animals eating and trampling on land prepared for silage…Joining Andrea to discuss is Martin McAndrew, a farmer in the area, Seamus Cosgrove, INHFA (Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association Head Office) Mayo Chair, John Tierney from the Association of Hunt Saboteurs, Gerry Loftus, founder of the Rural Ireland Organisation and more.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

The US music titan Quincy Jones has died.Most Famous for producing albums like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and collaborating with artists like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, he’ll be massively missed by the music world.Singer RuthAnne, who knew him as well as Arts Journalist and Broadcaster Pat Carty join Andrea to reflect on his legacy.

22 year old Hannah Leonard was training for the Dublin Marathon while in Sicily when she was struck by a car. Hannah suffered “devastating” brain injuries, and is currently in a coma in Italy. Her family are by her bedside, but have had to issue a warning after scammers set up a bogus fundraising page.Hannah’s father Kevin joins Andrea to discuss.If you would like to support the real fundraiser, you can go here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-hannah-leonard-and-her-family-while-they-navigate-he

Broadcaster Ruth Scott posted something on her social media recently about her experience with psoriasis, and it got Andrea’s attention.She joins the show to discuss that experience, along with Professor Brian Kirby, Consultant Dermatologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin.

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!With winter officially here, this week, Andrea is joined by Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton to learn more about hearty and warm soup and broth!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Americans are voting for their next president in a general election that culminates on Tuesday, November 5th.Democrat Kamala Harris, the current Vice-President, and Republican Donald Trump, the former President, have been running neck-and-neck for weeks.How long will we have to wait to know who the next US president will be?Joining Andrea to discuss and learn more is Lorcan Nyhan, Communications Clinic and Columnist at the Sunday Independent, Gina London, former White House Correspondent for CNN and Sunday Independent Columnist, Stephen O'Leary, Founder of social media analytics firm Olytico and Alexandra Ryan, CEO of Goss.ie.Image: Reuters

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.This week, Andrea was joined by Maria McNamara, Professor of Paleontology at UCC to answer all of your fossil-related questions!

You’ve heard the expression ‘Everyone has a book in them’, but have you ever thought about actually writing yours?And if you did, have you thought about what might go into getting it published?Just how tough is it to be an independent author? And how do you go about it?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Yvonne Reddin, Author of ‘TLC, Talk Learn Connect’ and Jane Buckley, writing a book based on 'Project Children'.

Are we too busy looking for red flags in people rather than seeking out the green flags?Writing in the Irish Independent today, Tanya Sweeney questions was she looking for the wrong things?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Tanya, Cathal O’Sullivan, Content Creator with Today FM and Mark Fennell, Life Coach, Speaker and Author.

Marie Markey got in touch with the show to explain her poor experience buying wheelchair accessible tickets at a show.She joins Andrea along with Graham Merrigan and Bernard Mulvaney, full-time Carer and Disability Rights Activist to discuss.

From Puppy of the year to Michael Flatley being challenged to a dance off, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with his stories from across the country!

It appears that hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Dublin were victims of a huge hoax yesterday evening.A rumour is understood to have circulated online that a Halloween parade was due to take place in the city centre.Pictures and footage posted on social media show huge crowds lined up along O’Connell Street waiting for the hoax parade to get underway.Were you one of the disappointed masses tricked by the hoax parade? And should Dublin actually have one?Andrea is joined by people who were there to discuss.

For the autumn season, you might want to do a bit of a makeover to your house. Well, the Home Squad are here to give you some tips!To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Emma Delaney, Senior Interior Designer from April & the Bear.

Thousands of people in Ireland could qualify for a UK pension, but aren’t aware of it.And apparently, the time is running out to claim it.Peter McElroy, from myUKpension.ie joins Andrea to discuss.

Charlene Masterson was abused by her father over a seven-and-a-half-year period after first blackmailing her.In 2021, David Masterson was jailed for 17 years.Charlene joins Andrea to share her story.If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, you can call the Rape Crisis Centre on Freephone - 1800 77 88 88.

What’s the going rate for trick-or-treaters this Halloween? Is your household a mini or full size bar one? And whatever happened to monkey nuts?Joining Andrea to discuss the right amount of Halloween treats is Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly, Off the Ball’s Adrian Barry and owner of LNH Edit, Laura Nolan Horgan.

From the GAA to the Nightmare Before Christmas, Newstalk Reporter Laura Donnelly joins Andrea with plenty to look back on for this week’s Throwback Thursday!Image: Disney

At least 95 people have died, with dozens still missing, in southern and eastern Spain following its deadliest flash flooding in three decades.Torrential rain, amounting to a year’s worth in just eight hours in some areas, hit cities such as Valencia and Malaga - with many finding themselves trapped in their homes and cars.Andrea is joined by Irish listeners living in the area to hear their experiences.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Pet Behaviourist and Trainer, Suzi Walsh to learn more about the world of pet behaviour and answer your questions!

Are you good for taking supplements? Maybe so, but are you taking them correctly? Possibly not.Andrea is joined by Kathy Maher, Community Pharmacist in Duleek to discuss the common mistakes.

Parents in the UK can be fined £80 per day per child for school absences.Despite this, many parents are still choosing to take their children out of school to save on exorbitant travel prices during school holidays.There have been calls to review marketing and pricing of ‘rip-off’ family holidays from companies which charge thousands more for holidays taken during school breaks.What do you think?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Lisa O'Sullivan Shaw, @modernirishmom, Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick's National School in Greystones, Yvonne Reddin, Freelance Travel Journalist, Steve Cummins, Comedian and Co-Founder of Zoomparty.ie and more.

Andrea is joined by Eoghan Tomas McDermott, Managing Director of The Communications Clinic and Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland 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.Newstalk News Anchor Eamonn Torsney joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

A new study has found that almost half of parents in Ireland give their children pocket money.And, digital currency, such as Revolut, is by far the most popular way to pay out pocket money – with almost 60% of parents saying they use it.The survey, by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland Credit Union, also discovered that almost nine in ten say that children should earn the money by carrying out some household chores.What has your experience been of paying out pocket money? Do children understand the value of money?Andrea is joined by John Lowe from MoneyDoctors.ie 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.98fm Producer Russell Alford and Laura Donnelly from Newstalk’s Newsroom join Andrea to review something she’s been very excited to hear: NIcky Byrne HQ!Image: Acast

Saoirse Ronan was on the Graham Norton show on Friday with Paul Mescal and Eddie Redmayne. She has been praised online for highlighting what women have to deal with, that men aren’t even aware of, when discussing learning self defence for film roles.Is there a lot of this kind of thing that women have to absorb, that men aren’t even aware of?And has daylight savings impacted it? Have the darker evenings made you more conscious of going out in the evenings?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly and Journalist and Stylist, Laura Mullet.

Remember the Halloween’s of your childhood, where you'd drape a black bin bag over yourself and be a witch, or decorate the house with homemade things? Nowadays, shops are full of decorations aimed not just to scare, but terrify you!So, has Halloween become too gory?Andrea is joined by Horror Consultant Dr Sarah Cleary and listeners to discuss.Richard Quinlan also joins to share an upsetting experience he had due to the use of fireworks around the season as well.

How do you talk to your children about racism?Bethan O'Riordan and Stef McSherry, hosts of The Mum Mind Podcast, were discussing this important subject recently, and it can be difficult for parents to sometimes navigate.They, alongside Conor Buckley from the Human Collective, join Andrea to discuss.

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea is joined by World Axe Throwing Champion, Ceola McGowan, to learn all about axe throwing!

Mayo TD Michael Ring says that the Government is taking the wrong approach when it comes to addressing the issue of road fatalities.His solution? He would like to see all cars being brought into Ireland fitted with technology to prevent them from reaching speeds above 100 km per hour.What do you think about the idea?Andrea is joined by Road Safety Advocate, Leo Lieghio, as well as listeners to discuss.

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.This week, Andrea was joined by Ray Cooke from Ray Cookes Auctioneers to find out what it’s like to be an estate agent and property auctioneer.

The Dublin Marathon is taking place this Sunday, October 27th for its 43rd year.All the planning and preparation has been done, with over 20,000 people now waiting to take part this weekend.To chat about preparing for marathons, Andrea is joined by Presenter of Screentime on Newstalk, John Fardy and Newstalk’s own Aaron Jordan. John has run multiple marathons, and this will be Aaron’s first!

Should there be signs in men's bathrooms asking: 'Are you a sexual predator?'Sarah Harte in the Irish Examiner recently wrote “...we are always telling women to mind their drink and change their behaviour, why aren’t we doing it with men instead?”What do you think?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Sean Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of the Men’s Development Network, Dr Michelle Walsh, CEO of MOVE Ireland, Noeleen Blackwell, Human Rights Lawyer and more.

Today is World Opera Day!Seán Boylan, who will be appearing as Marullo in RIGOLETTO at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre from December 1 - 7, joins Andrea in the studio to give us the history of Opera, and attempt to coach her on how to sing like an opera singer!

From a brand new social media influencer degree to a spook-tacular house transformation, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with his stories from across the country!

Stephen Mooney, owner of The Ginger Man on Dublin’s Fenian Street has said that the airport passenger cap is going to negatively affect tourism, and therefore hurt his business.He, alongside Eugene Garrihy from Dublin Bay Cruises and Michael Coyne, from Coyne's GastroPub in Connemara join Andrea to discuss.

From the bathtub to open fires, there are many things in your home that you may be considering removing, but should they stay or should they go? Well, the Home Squad are here to give their thoughts!Andrea is joined by Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty to discuss.