Lunchtime Live

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.

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

In the last month, Andrea Gilligan took on a vegan challenge, where she went vegan for two weeks.At the start of the challenge, she spoke with Heather Leeson, Registered Nutritional Therapist with Glenville Nutrition. Heather joins Andrea again to discuss how she got on.

You have probably heard before about how issues around the new runway in Dublin Airport are impacting people’s lives.Well, those issues have not gone away, and for some, it’s getting worse.To discuss, Andrea is joined by Private Pilot and Civil Engineer Gareth O'Brien, Fingal Independent Councillor Cathal Boland and local residents.

Ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Irish Cancer Society are looking for people to sign up to host a Big Pink Breakfast to raise much needed funds. Patrice Morrissey, a lone parent of three boys, was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, and joins Andrea to share her story.Image: Irish Cancer Society

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, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Freelance Journalist Yvonne Reddin to discuss the benefits of a phone detox holiday at home!

Christmas has come early for Oasis fans as the band have teased on X (Twitter) the possibility of a reunion, something that has been clouded by doubt for such a long time. It seems the sibling rivalry between the Gallagher brothers may have taken the back seat, and a much-anticipated reunion is on the cards!To discuss, Andrea is joined by Oasis superfans Gareth Dunleavy, Curator of the ‘Oasis WTS’ fan page, Nick McKay of Oasis tribute act Roll With It and Alan Buckley, Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience.

For this week’s Summer Memories, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Actor and Comedian Pat Shortt to share some of his favourite summer memories!

Aer Lingus’ College Football Classic has returned, sure to attract many American tourists into Dublin for the match between Georgia Tech and Florida State.Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie has been speaking with plenty of tourists here for the game and more, and joins Andrea to share what he’s heard.

More than half of people say they want to meet new people, but a third say they have no idea how to strike up a conversation.A new survey in the UK found that 45% of people wouldn’t know what to say to someone they didn't know.Many feared they would come across as intrusive with 56% saying there is a cultural stigma around talking to people you don’t know.Are we missing out by not talking to strangers more?Andrea is joined by Screenwriter and Columnist Stefanie Preissner, Gina London, Communications Expert and more to discuss.

Now this is one for those of us over 35.Are there too many 20 year olds in all the bars you go to? Would you go to an over 35's nightclub?Because one is opening in Dublin, and its co-owner, Jerry Harrington, joins Andrea to discuss. Also joining is DJ Mark McCabe and Jane Cowen, Lifestyle Columnist with the Irish Examiner.

From Sheep dogs to Sporty Spice – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan to look over some of the stories from around the country this week.

Today is Leaving Cert results day - a day full of nerves and excitement that you’ve all experienced at some stage. While many students work out their points and the career path they’re about to embark on, how many will be heading for apprenticeships? Is there still a stigma around apprenticeships?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Back to school is looming, so the Home Squad are here to help you create a study space to make that dreaded homework a little less miserable!Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY join Andrea to discuss.

C.J. McCann was just 21 months old when he lost his battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer in October last year. He had ATRT (Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumour).Now, his father, Joe, and 20 other enthusiastic volunteers are taking on a gruelling Malin Head to Mizen Head cycle to raise money for two of the charities who supported the McCann family during their childhood cancer journey.CJ’s mum Niamh joins Andrea to discuss.If you would like to donate, you can visit https://www.idonate.ie/event/cjsrainbow

Do TVs make the experience of the pub worse? Newstalk’s The Home Show Presenter, Sinead Ryan, seems to think so!She joins Andrea Gilligan, along with listeners, to discuss.

TV Presenter Kirstie Allsopp has defended letting her son go travelling around Europe with a teenage friend when he is only 15.Do you think she’s right? Do we let young people have enough independence?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Lisa O’Sullivan Shaw (@modernirishmom), Steve Cummins, Comedian and Co-Founder of Zoomparty.ie and Keith Walsh, Writer and Broadcaster.

From Bambi to the world wide web – Ciaran O’Connor from 98FM joins Andrea Gilligan to look back on some big pop culture moments from this week in history.Image: Sony Music

Animal activists have demanded that Farrow & Ball should change its paint colour names to make them “vegan-friendly”.Peta asked the high-end decorating brand to “update” the names of colours that it said “normalise exploiting animals”. The paint maker is well known for its original and eccentric names, such as Dead Salmon and Smoked Trout.What do you think?Andrea is joined by Margarita Sachkova, PETA’s Senior Digital Marketing Manager and more to discuss.Image: Farrow & Ball

Laya Healthcare announced this week that they’re set to hike their premiums by an average of 6.5% from the start of October, and it’s expected other insurers might follow suit.In light of this, Andrea is joined by Dermot Goode from TotalHealthCover.ie to answer all of your health insurance questions.

This weekend, over 600 girls will descend on Enniskerry village in County Wicklow for their annual Belles in The Meadow football tournament. To discuss, Andrea is joined by Mags O’Grady from Enniskerry FC and Shamrock Rovers Captain and former Ireland player Aine O’Gorman.(Part 3 of our Cadbury/FAI series, with thanks to Cadbury)Image: Enniskerry FC

Parents all over the country are struggling to get creche places for their kids.The stress and financial toll this can take is huge.There’s a story out saying there are 900 Wicklow children waiting for just 109 local creche places. How are parents supposed to cope?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Our friendships get us through the toughest of times – through every bump in the road. And are often at their strongest in the best of times, to share the great moments.But, there is something extra special about female friendships – they know and outlast everything.But, what is it about them that makes them so great? Andrea is joined by journalist Jenny McEntegart to discuss.

Another successful Electric Picnic festival has come and gone, but there were unfortunately some unsavoury events that occurred. Andrea is joined by listener Cian, who details how he had to deal with homophobia over the weekend.

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…

A new Road Safety Authority advert has been criticised as an insult to non car users, those with disabilities and public transport users.The ad features a young man relying on others to get around – in the video, quite literally, he is being carried in the arms of friends and family as he gets from place to place.The RSA shared the video online saying - ‘When you lose your licence, you become reliant on other people to take you where you need to go and you become a burden for others. If you get caught drink or drug driving, you will be disqualified’.What do you think?To discuss, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Dr Sean Owens from Irish Doctors for the Environment, Neasa Bheilbigh, Chairperson with the Irish Cycling Campaign, Bernard Mulvany from Access For All and more.Image: RSA

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 Editor of rollercoaster.ie, Sarah-Jayne Tobin and 98fm Producer Russell Alford to review the mystery podcast (with a unique name!), ‘Who Shat On The Floor At My Wedding?’.Image: Acast

A food truck on the Isle of Man has introduced ‘Seagull Insurance’ to deal with the scourge of seagulls robbing customers' food! It seems like a mad idea, but does it make sense?Charlotte Paige Smith, Co-Owner of Hawkins BBQ joins Andrea to discuss.Image: Hawkins BBQ

With talk of the passenger cap limiting Dublin Airport, should we be focusing more on the regional airports around the country?Andrea is joined by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran as well as listeners to discuss.