Lunchtime Live

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.

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.