Lunchtime Live

There are calls in the UK to stop ‘junk food’ companies sponsoring sports teams. It's claimed that it will help stop the number of people dying from heart attacks and strokes.Is this something we should be looking at here?To discuss, Claire McKenna is joined by Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse, Dr Donal O'Shea, HSE Lead for Obesity and more.

Do you have a piece of furniture that you want to spruce up? Or maybe you’re looking to source the perfect vintage gem to complete your room? Well, the Home Squad is here to talk about all things upcycling!Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ joins guest host Claire McKenna to discuss.

It’s safe to say that support is mounting for the Irish Women’s Football Team, and with hopes of securing a spot in the Euro 2025, the girls in green need our continued support!Now that the games are more prominent, our TV screens and stadiums are gaining more fans in the seats, it’s clear that perceptions of women’s football are changing.Joining guest host Claire McKenna to discuss is former player Méabh De Burca and Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemians FC.(Part 5 of our FAI / Cadbury series)

Would you like to see a smartphone ban in restaurants?A French bistro in north-eastern France banned smartphones at the table last year and said that the policy is not deterring diners, and is actually encouraging them to order more food as they continue their conversations!Would you like to see something similar introduced here?Claire McKenna is joined by Darina Allen, Chef, Food Writer and Founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, Laura Mullet, Journalist & Stylist and more to discuss.

As parents all over the country resume school routines and welcome back the structure that provides, others are facing the daily struggle of getting their children to eat a healthy breakfast, finish a lunchbox or join the dinner table.   But, how can you manage a fussy eater?To discuss, Claire McKenna is joined by Stephanie Fleming, whose daughter is a fussy eater, and Teresa Foley, Paediatric Occupational Therapist & Feeding Therapist.

From Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin’s tragic death, to Sweet Valley high hitting our screens. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins Claire McKenna to look back on pop culture history from this week.Image: FX

There has been a lot of controversy in recent days over the ticket prices for the upcoming Oasis Croke Park gigs.Standing ticket prices soared to over €400, and it has brought up big questions about the use of dynamic pricing.But, as Melanie Finn argues in the Irish Independent: in a world where nobody wants to pay for their music, can we begrudge artists for soaring ticket prices?Claire McKenna is joined by Jackie Conboy from the Music & Entertainment industry in Ireland, Dublin-based singer-songwriter Tim McStay, singer Mary Coughlan and more to discuss.Image: @coldplay on X / Twitter

Have you ever watched an episode of Only Murders in the Building and thought you could do it yourself? Well you’re not alone...Apparently a third of us think we can solve crimes because we’ve seen it being done so much on TV!We have enough expertise from watching Midsummer Murders and Law and Order to do as good a job as any detective… right?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Private Investigator Liam A Brady, from Special Investigation Bureau Eire and Sam Blake, Founder of Murder One Festival.Image: Disney

For this week’s Ask the Expert, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Paul Kenny, Ireland’s former Pensions Ombudsman and Course Leader with the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland to talk all things pensions, and answer your questions!

A number of people who gave testimony to the inquiry into sexual abuse at religious schools in Ireland say they think a ‘pedophile ring’ was operating in certain schools. The inquiry revealed almost 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse of children in schools run by religious orders.There were 844 alleged abusers in over 300 schools run by 42 religious orders across the country.Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Philip Feddis, who attended Blackrock School and represents the group Restore Together, Naomi Gould, Advocacy Director One in Four and Dr Joseph Mooney, Assistant Professor School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at UCD.Those affected by this podcast can contact support at One In Four, nationwide, at 01 662 4070. Or, at oneinfour.ie

It was a fantastic night for Ireland at the Paralympics in France yesterday as Róisín Ní Riain and Orla Comerford secured two bronze medals within 5 minutes of each other!Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss and celebrate the two achievements is Róisín’s father Seosamh O’Riain, Dave Hooper, PRO with Raheny Shamrocks and Jade Murphy, Head Coach for the Performance Development Squad with Limerick Swimming Club.

How would you feel about a free workplace health check? In the UK, the NHS are rolling out health checks across several workplaces and are describing it as the ‘MOT’ for middle aged people. In doing so, it could stamp out waiting lists and save NHS time in the long run. But, should we consider doing the same here?Clare McKenna is joined by Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion, Information and Training with the Irish Heart Foundation and Moira Grassick, CEO of Peninsula 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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined guest host Clare McKenna in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Studies show that some teenage boys are being shown posts on TikTok featuring violence and promoting misogynistic views. In general, teenage girls are being recommended very different content based on their interests. Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Andrew Kaung, former Analyst on user safety at TikTok.

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 Niall O’Floinn, Owner of Chen Tai Chi in Galway to learn more about this martial art.

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 Newstalk’s Sue Murphy and Dave Hanratty of the ‘No More Encore’ podcast to talk about the BBC Scotland Podcast - ‘Who Killed Emma?’.Image: BBC Scotland

Aslan played with Coldplay in a surprise appearance last night in Croke Park. Coldplay included the band as a tribute to Christy Dignam.Christy passed away in June last year after a long battle with cancer.Aslan band member Billy McGuinness joins guest host Clare McKenna to discuss the experience and how it came about.Image: @coldplay on Instagram

Kieran O'Donnell, the Minister with Responsibility for the Office of Public Works has demanded an immediate review around the construction of a new bike shelter at Leinster House which has cost €335,000.What do you make of this?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Green Party TD & Member of Public Accounts Committee Marc Ó Cathasaigh and more to discuss.

Last night the documentary ‘Rugby on Trial’ aired on BBC One.It examined whether enough has been done to protect rugby players from the devastating impacts of concussions. And whether parents can be sure their children will be safe playing rugby at school.One of the people behind the documentary was Sam Peters from Concussed Media, and he joins Clare McKenna to discuss. Also joining to discuss is Alix Popham, former Welsh Rugby International who was diagnosed with early onset dementia at age 40, and Professor John Fairclough, former President of the British Sports Trauma Association and a spokesperson for Progressive Rugby.

The Department of Education has come under pressure to drop a Junior Cycle textbook containing ‘absurdly misconceived and discriminatory’ depictions of an Irish family.The book, which is part of the SPHE curriculum, contrasts a ‘traditional Irish family’ with another from a mixed background.The Irish family, depicted outside a thatched cottage and all wearing Aran jumpers, eat ‘potatoes, bacon and cabbage every day’, ‘do not like change or difference’ and the children ‘get told off if we mix with people with a different religion from ours as they would be a bad influence on us’.In contrast, the mixed-race family ‘love change and difference’, eat ‘curry, pizza and Asian food’ and spend their time travelling internationally and visiting art galleries…Is it really this bad? Or is it an overreaction?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Clare McKenna to tackle your medical queries.

From what to have for dinner to what to watch on TV, the typical adult apparently spends the equivalent of 23 days a year making decisions. Do you struggle to make decisions?Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosby took to the streets of Killarney to hear people’s thoughts, and guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly to discuss.

As children return to classrooms, the challenges facing some are more profound than others.Listener Hannah Daly has multiple neurodivergencies and joins Clare McKenna to discuss if the school system is ill-equipped for neurodivergent students? ADHD Coach Aoife Hughes also joins to discuss.

An investigation shows that some outlets selling electric scooters are openly advising customers how easy it is to flout new safety laws.Safety precautions aren’t being fully explained to people looking to purchase these e-scooters.Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Colin Baker, Managing Director of Back from the Future Tech Support, Cllr. Conor Keelan in Dundalk and more to discuss.

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 Clare McKenna is joined by Cian Ginty, Editor of Irish Cycle to talk about cycling around Ireland’s Greenways!Image: Discover Ireland

The Oasis ticket saga (unfortunately) continues. There’s been national outrage since last Saturday morning that saw standing ticket prices soar to over €400.  Since then, the Culture Minister and even the Taoiseach have commented on it.What does this mean for other concerts in the future? Is this something we should put up with?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss, including Dave Hanratty, Host of the 'No Encore Music Podcast' and Alan Buckley, Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience.

Former Irish Rugby International Shane Byrne joined guest host Adrian Kennedy this week to share his favourite summer memories!

It’s another action-packed day at the Paralympics in France as team Ireland contend throughout. The sporting day fired away in archery with Kerrie Leonard who unfortunately missed out by just 5 points.Aisling O’Reilly from Off The Ball joins Adrian Kennedy to discuss the exciting sporting events you can expect today and throughout the weekend.

Passengers who signed up for a dream three year around the world cruise have found themselves stuck in Belfast for the last 3 months after their voyage was beset by delays. Holly Hennesy and her cat Captain are on the ship, and join Adrian Kennedy, as well as more guests, to explain more.Image: Villa Vie Residencies

Some children with special needs often need around the clock care. Some of that is provided by schools and respite care.But when they turn 18 – a lot of that disappears. Parents are suddenly expected to be able to provide 24 hour care. Should there be more support?Adrian Kennedy is joined by Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Aisling McNiffe to discuss.

From a reward for a missing cockatoo to a Velodrome in Limerick – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has a roundup of the stories from around the country this week!

From Taylor Swift to Coldplay, and now Oasis, tickets for gigs are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Even those with presale codes and loyalty access are struggling to see their favourite artists on tour. Are the ticket providers at fault? Is there a fairer system when it comes to securing concert tickets?Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by Rebecca Cappuccini, Spokesperson for Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland (MEAI), Elaine Burke, host of the ‘For Techs Sake’ podcast and more to discuss.

With back to school (and general life!) sometimes you need a spot in your home where you can just chill out. Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy on The Home Squad this week is Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year' and Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty.

It's Throwback Thursday! Where we look back on things that happened this week in history. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins guest host Adrian Kennedy once more to rewind the clock…Image: Netflix

Trans performance artist and comedian Krishna Istha wants to start a family with their trans partner Logan Rea and is searching for a sperm donor through a theatre show that comes to Dublin next month. Krishna joined Adrian Kennedy to discuss the process.  

On Wednesday, Coldplay did an impromptu gig on Grafton Street. Rumours of it had spread hours before so the crowds were absolutely enormous. When videos of the performance were later posted on social media, all that was visible was a sea of phones. Have we lost the ability to just live in the moment? Do we need to film everything?Adrian Kennedy spoke to callers.

According to leaked documents, smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside hospitals and at sports grounds in the UK under tighter restrictions being considered by ministers. Is this something that we could see happening here in Ireland? Adrian Kennedy speaks to callers on the issue.

For the last number of the weeks on the show, Andrea has been discussing the benefits of women in sport. Today, Adrian Kennedy chats about the joy that female football brings.  Joining Adrian in studio is Coach and Former Ireland Player, Linda Gorman, Freelance Sports Journalist, Alanna Cunnane and Shelbourne FC Player, Leah Doyle.

With Andrea Gilligan turning 40 tomorrow, it only seemed right to look at the best food and drink to provide or bring to a party. And, of course, that includes wine and cheese! Michelle Lawlor, Owner of the NUDE Wine Company and Food Writer Dee Laffan join Andrea to discuss and taste.Also, a special guest gives Andrea a surprise birthday message at the end!

The 17th Paralympic Games kick off tonight in Paris, with a 35-strong team representing Ireland!Jason Smyth, world’s fastest Paralympian and Martin Gordon Paralympic Cyclist who is racing for Ireland join Andrea from Paris to share in the excitement.

The number of people emigrating has reached an all time high since 2015. In the year leading up to April 2024, 69,000 people emigrated, an increase of 5,000 when compared to the same period in 2023. So, why is emigration at an all-time high?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Model Gráinne Gallanagh, Emily and Bella from Newstalk’s Newsroom and more to discuss.

Today is Andrea Gilligan’s last in her 30’s, and she has mixed feelings about it. She’s joined by Ireland AM presenter and former Ireland player Tommy Bowe, TV Presenter Glenda Gilson, Jeweller Chupi Sweetman and Irish Independent Journalist Tanya Sweeney to discuss what it’s like hitting the big 4-0.

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…

Ryanair Boss Michael O’Leary wants to see a two-drink airport limit introduced to curb in-flight violence.Is airport drinking a problem? Or is this a bit of a wild request?Andrea is joined by Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air and Travel Magazine, along with listeners, to discuss.

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 Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and Broadcaster Ciara King to review TV host Rylan’s podcast ‘How to Be a Man’.Image: BBC Sounds

Oasis have finally announced a reunion tour – 15 years after the group disbanded in 2009. Liam and Noel will be playing a series of gigs across the UK and Ireland in July and August of 2025 – culminating in two gigs at Croke Park. Are you buying into the Oasis hype? Will you be trying to get tickets on Saturday?Andrea is joined by Off the Ball’s Colm Boohig, Joe Caufield from the newsroom and Kelly-Anne Byrne, Presenter and DJ to discuss the excitement, how to get ready, and anticipating price gouging.Image: @oasis on Twitter

Listener Niamh lives in a compact two bedroom flat with her son Ollie as well as her daughter. Ollie has cerebral palsy, and Niamh says that her current accommodation is not good enough to meet his needs.She joins Andrea to share her story, and discuss the experience looking for new accommodation.

Asbestos is a street artist that has been on Lunchtime Live before, but his latest project, ‘Don’t Forget to Remember’, is different to what he’s done before, and a very personal one.He joins Andrea to discuss the project, and dealing with this mothers Alzheimer’s.Image: @artofasbestos on Instagram

This year, Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.This week she was joined by Mike Kemp, founding member and Deputy President of the Irish Padel Association to learn all about the sport of padel, and why it’s taking over Ireland.

It’s that time of the year - back to school week is here, and it can be a mixed bag of emotions for the whole household. Kirsty Blake Knox from the Irish Independent has been writing about the idea of ‘back to school guilt’. She joins Andrea, along with TV Presenter Karen Koster, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast and Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly to discuss.