Lunchtime Live

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Colm Kieran, Funeral Director with Kieran Bros. Funeral Care and former Spokesperson for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors to answer all of your funeral-related questions.

Warm summer days and a bottle of Football Special, a core memory for many Donegal natives. But now, the beloved drink is leaving the hills of Donegal and spreading its wings nationwide!Joining Andrea to tell more is Seamus McDaid, Managing Director of Football Special.

If you have been following the Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez series ‘Only Murders in the Building’ on Disney+, you’ve possibly seen the latest episode where Paul Rudd makes an appearance - with a less than convincing Irish accent…It is not the first time we have heard a poorly-done accent in Hollywood.But, why do actors so often get the Irish brogue so wrong? And why is our accent ridiculed so much in movies and TV shows?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Gina London, Communication Leadership Expert and Columnist with the Sunday Independent, Dialect Coach Aisling Goodwin, Newstalk’s Kathleen Keane, Actor Brian Mulvey and more.Image: Disney

This Friday sees the release of a new film called ‘The Substance’. It stars Demi Moore, and focuses on our obsession with youth and good looks.It’s a theme that’s never going away – so, are we all obsessed with ageing?Andrea is joined by Mary McCarthy, Columnist with The Irish Independent, Liz Dwyer, Co-Founder of the Future Beauty Show and Co-Host of Fess Up Podcast 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…

Is free contraception for 16 year olds a good idea?Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is looking to expand free contraception to 16-year-olds as part of Budget 2025. Would you like to see this happen?To discuss, Andrea is joined by listeners and Clinical Psychotherapist Stephanie Regan.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, Andrea was joined by Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and Entertainment and Culture journalist Rory Cashin to review ‘Hysterical’!Image: Wondery

3,600 people became Irish citizens during citizenship ceremonies in Dublin yesterday, including Irish rugby superstar Bundee Aki!Two of those new citizens, Edvaldo Castro and Daniele Fortunato, join Andrea to discuss their experience, and share what it means to become an Irish citizen.Image: @rugbyplayersireland on Instagram

Leading universities have been urged to take no more than 10% of students from private schools.Aaron Reeves and Sam Friedman, Professors of Sociology at the London School of Economics say that strictly limiting the numbers of private school pupils attending leading universities is a “radical” move needed to boost social mobility and improve access to elite professions.What do you think?Andrea is joined by Brian Mooney, Guidance Counsellor and Irish Times Education Columnist as well as listeners to discuss.

Yesterday on the show Andrea spoke with Stephen Morrison, whose son Harvey was suddenly removed from the scoliosis surgery list without explanation. Today, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly comments on the case, and Andrea discusses further with Harvey’s mum, Gillian Sherratt.

A man was seen walking from a Dublin apartment building with a five-year-old child “in his grasp” under his arm in an attempted abduction, it is alleged.The man (25) is accused of trying to unlawfully take a minor after “interacting” with the child and a 10-year-old.The media have been banned from naming the accused at the request of gardaí because of the “current climate in the country" and the “sensitive nature” of the case.Is this common? And should an offender always be named? Andrea is joined by Senior Counsel Ronan Lupton, who specialises in Media Law, 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 Dermot O’Callaghan from Sing Ireland to learn all about social choirs!Image: Sing Ireland

A new unmarked Garda lorry is being launched today in a bid to catch bad behaviour on the roads.Gardai have started using an unmarked Scania truck as part of ‘Operation Iompar’, which will allow the Gardai to utilise the elevated height of the vehicle to see down into cars in order to catch motorists using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts.Is this the system we need, or would you rather a different road policing approach? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

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

You may have already seen the displays in shops - yes, places are already getting ready for Christmas. And with it only being 100 days away, are you prepping too?Andrea is joined by Damian O’Reilly, Lecturer in retail management at Technological University Dublin and listener John to discuss.

A recent post on Reddit sparked a conversation around the role fathers are allowed to take in their children’s lives. It came after a dad tried to apply for children’s benefit, but was told that he couldn’t.Aaron joins Andrea to tell more about what he posted. Listeners also join (including Aileen Hickie, CEO of Parentline) to share their thoughts and experiences.

Dublin Airport was hit by a power outage on Sunday morning.The outage caused traffic chaos at the airport and delays at check-in and at US pre-clearance in Terminal 2.Were you caught up in the disruption at the airport yesterday? And, are we too reliant on Dublin Airport at the expense of our regional airports?Andrea is joined by Eddie Punch from Independent Ireland and more to discuss.

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch is back! Every Monday, we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Chef and Director of Conbini Condiments, Holly Dalton, to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!For the first week back, Andrea and Holly looked at the perfect things to include in lunchboxes for your kids!Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Eight year old Harvey suffers from scoliosis, and is in desperate need of surgery. However, his parents say that he was removed from Children’s Health Ireland’s urgent scoliosis surgery waiting list without them being informed. Harvey’s dad, Stephen, as well as Sinn Féin’s Health Spokesperson David Cullinane join Andrea Gilligan 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 Gilligan was joined by Biohazard Crime Scene and Trauma Cleaner Alana Gillen to answer your questions.

North Dublin residents are joining an international protest this afternoon about night flights from Dublin Airport.Today is International Day for the Ban of Night Flights, and protests will be taking place at airports across Europe.Andrea is joined by David Walton, a concerned Dublin citizen and Ian Coatman, a campaigner from Leeds to discuss.

Having twins can prove a much bigger financial hit, it has emerged.New research from charity Twins Trust and Per Capita suggests parents of twins or triplets are paying almost €24,000 more in the first year after their childrens’ birth compared with those who had two babies in succession.Joining Andrea to discuss these costs are listeners with twins.

Are you heading out to eat this weekend?Once the pinnacle of culinary art, the traditional world of white tablecloths and multi-course tasting menus seems to be on a decline in recent years.So, has dining out become less formal?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Darina Allen, Founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School and Ballymaloe Organic Farm School, Dee Laffan, Food Writer and host of the Beár Bia podcast, Brenda Hyland Byrne from the Irish school of Etiquette and JP McMahon, Chef, Restaurateur and Author.

From the cost of a round of drinks to Emmys as Gaeilge – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has a roundup of the stories from around the country this week.

Hundreds of parents are left ‘in limbo’ as children across the country still haven’t received school bus places. Why is this happening?To discuss, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín as well as parents.

Whether you’re trying to pick paint colours or do a hidden TV wall – our home squad are here to help! Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY and Interier Designer Sarah Twigg Doyle of Retwiggd join Andrea to discussPhoto by Wang Ming

The new 2025 Guinness World Record Book is due out and is celebrating the platinum anniversary of the world's biggest-selling annual book. Andrea chats to some of the Irish record holders including - the longest hug, the largest gathering of Dolly Partons and the greatest distance covered driving on ice We also hear from Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief of the Guinness Book of World Records

From Scooby Doo to Marilyn Monroe – 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor has loads to chat about on this week’s throwback Thursday. 

Andrea hears from listener Bob who paid over €50 for two adults for a 50-minute train ride each way. Are train fares too expensive in Ireland? Image: A train pictured leaving MacBride station in Drogheda. Image: Anze Furlan / Alamy Stock Photo 

Every week- we give you the opportunity to put your questions to the Experts- this week- we're looking at wills. From making them to contesting them, guest presenter Clare McKenna chats to Susan Murphy from MakemyWill.ie

Music superstar Taylor Swift has endorsed vice president Kamala Harris for US president following her debate with Republican rival Donald TrumpBut, how important are celebrity endorsements? And, do they make a difference when it comes to elections?   Guest presenter Clare McKenna chats to Stephen O'Leary, Founder of Online News Media and Social Media Monitoring and Analysis company Olytico Image: Taylor Swift performing on stage at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, 28/06/2024. PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

After 60 years of performing, the Wolfe Tones are set to hang up their mics this year.  But is their music respected enough? Should we acknowledge the importance of rebel songs more? Guest presenter Clare McKenna chat to Wolfe Tone's Brian Warfield and hears from listeners Image: Brian Warfield from 'The Wolfe Tones' performs in Belfast, Northern Ireland in August 2015. Picture by: Stephen Barnes/Music / Alamy Stock Photo

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 guest host Clare McKenna in the studio to put a smile on your faces…Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Picture by: Alamy.com

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has announced he fathered a child "outside of my marriage".  In a statement he put on his Instagram page, he said: "I've recently become the father of a new baby daughter, born outside of my marriage. I plan to be a loving and supportive parent to her."  We went on to say: "I love my wife and my children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness. We’re grateful for your consideration toward all the children involved, as we move forward together."  Can a relationship survive something like this? Photo: Suamy Beydoun/AGIF (via AP)

It’s time for the Pod Squad! Every week, we review a podcast to see if it’s worth your precious time or not!This week guest host Clare McKenna is joined by host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast Elaine Burke & Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig to talk about 'Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) Image: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Ireland Paralympic Athletes returned from Paris yesterday to great fanfare. Thirty-five athletes were selected to compete in nine different sports and they came away with six medals. Guest presenter Clare McKenna chats to Paralympic medalists Linda Kelly, Orla Comerford, Eve McCrystal & Katie-George DunlevyPhoto: Henry McKean

Asos have ruffled feathers by introducing a new £3.95 returns charge for shoppers. Customers will now have £3.95 deducted from their refund if they keep less than £40 worth of their items. Are people right to be annoyed? Or has fast fashion just become too easy for shoppers? Should more places introduce charges to cut down on people overbuying?Photo by Kai Pilger

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, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Elaine Rowe from Carlow Rowing Club

YouTube will stop recommending videos to teenagers that idealise fitness. It will still allow 13- to 17-year-olds to view the videos, but its algorithms won't push young users down “rabbit holes” of related content afterwards. It comes after experts warned it could be harmful to their health and self image. Photo by Karolina Kaboompics

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

Star Trek fans have launched a petition calling for a statue to be built in Killarney in honour of the Chief Miles O’Brien.The character was played by Irish actor Colm Meaney in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and was apparently born in Killarney.The petition says:‘This statue would shine as a beacon of hope for our world standing at the centre of one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland, if not the galaxy...’Guest host Claire McKenna is joined by Seán Ferrick, host of Trek Culture, to discuss.

Are we allowing our children too much screen time?Health authorities in Sweden have issued guidelines which say that:Teenagers from 13 to 18 years of age should have just 3 hours of screen time a day. Between 6 and 12 years, it should be no more than 2 hours.From 2 to 5 years, it should be limited to a maximum of an hour a day.And, children under the age of two should not be exposed to any screens whatsoever.What do you think?Guest host Claire McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.

The world's first respite centre for people with Prader-Willi Syndrome opened in Co.Laois this weekend.But, what is Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS)? And what impact will this have on people with PWS and their families?Rory, whose son Henry has PWS, joins guest host Claire McKenna to discuss, as well as Lynsey Moorehouse, Regional Operations Manager PWS at Resilience Healthcare.

This is Lunchtime Live’s newest segment, Gilligan’s Island! Every Monday, we're going to explore this gorgeous island of ours and all that it has to offer.This week, guest host Claire McKenna is joined by Dee Laffan, Food Writer and host of the Beár Bia podcast to discuss some of the fantastic food tours you can take around the country!Image: Boyne Valley Flavours

Boos rang out around the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening when Ireland faced England in the Nations league. It happened whenever Jack Grealish or Declan Rice touched the ball, but it was apparently deafening when ‘God Save the King’ was played.What’s your reaction to Irish fans booing the English National Anthem? Is it disrespectful?Guest host Claire McKenna is joined by listeners, including John O’Brennan, Professor of European Integration at NUI Maynooth, to discuss.

Our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series is back! We put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the kitchen of a Michelin star restaurant?Is there as much pressure in the kitchen as portrayed in movies and TV? How do you get and maintain a Michelin star rating? Do Michelin star chefs eat fast food?Guest host Claire McKenna is joined by James Moore, Executive Chef and co-owner of D’Olier Street Restaurant to answer all of your questions!

Do you have those boots made for walking, raspberry berets, blue suede shoes or maybe you’re forever in blue jeans? There’s nearly a song for every wardrobe item, but how many of these do we actually need?Well apparently, all we need is 20 pieces in our wardrobe. What’s the secret to a ‘Happy Closet’? Award winning author Annmarie O’Connor has the answers, and joins Claire McKenna to discuss.

There have been calls in Sweden to ban fathers walking brides down the aisle.Traditionally, in Sweden, the bride and groom walk down the aisle together rather than the bride being accompanied by her father but in recent years – perhaps inspired by the influence of global television, films and social media – more Swedish women are being “handed over” by their fathers.It has reignited a conversation about bride handovers – considered by some to be a sexist hangover from a patriarchal society.What do you think? Are those calling for banning fathers in Sweden right? Is it an outdated tradition?Claire McKenna is joined by Freelance Journalist Andrea Smith, Rebecca Dore, Content Creator at One Fab Day and more to discuss.

A trans woman has claimed that she was denied treatment at a Dublin Hospital.Paige Behan went to St. James’s Hospital with a wound infection, and says they wouldn’t treat her...Paige joins guest host Claire McKenna to discuss.

From the wettest county to celebs breaking up fights – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Claire McKenna with a roundup of stories from around the country this week.