Lunchtime Live

The Wicklow Pride Festival committee has postponed an upcoming ‘Rainbow Disco’ for teenagers in Newtownmountkennedy due to safety concerns after receiving threats of protest.Chairperson of Wicklow Pride, Patrick Bracken, and Vice-Chair of Wicklow Pride, Grainne Fennell join Adrian Kennedy to discuss.

It's Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Rebecca Shekleton, Co-Presenter of 98FM’s Big Breakfast joined Adrian Kennedy to rewind the clock.

Shane Beatty, Presenter of Breakfast Briefing, posted something which has caused quite the reaction online.He said that you don’t think that schools should give out certs for 100% perfect attendance. What do you think?Shane joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to discuss. Listeners also give their thoughts.

From how to keep them alive to the best places to put them – we’re talking house plants on today’s Ask the Expert. Erin Thomas, Founder of Hopeless Botanics is with Andrea to answer all your plant-related questions.

It's Pride month, and many festivals are taking place all over the country this weekend with people flying flags from their homes, businesses and windows in every town!As part of the month-long festivities, Andrea wanted to learn more about the gay history of Ireland. So, she decided to go on the ‘Secret History of Gay Dublin’ walking tour. Conor O'Rourke from Alternative Dublin was there to guide her!

The number of people in prison in Ireland has reached 5,000 for the first time ever.The Irish Penal Reform Trust say that these numbers show that “the Government’s approach to relieving the pressures on the bulging prison system is clearly failing”.So, what is the solution? To discuss, Andrea is joined by former Mountjoy Governor, John Lonergan, former Assistant Governor, Niall Spelman and Kathleen Chada from the SAVE Action Group, as well as listeners.

If you’re like Andrea Gilligan, you might be going to Glastonbury for the first time this year! It might seem overwhelming, since it’s on a much larger scale than Electric Picnic, but there’s no need to worry…To give her (and you!) some advice, Andrea is joined by Lunchtime Live Producer Dee King and Today FM Producer, and professional festival-goer, Eimear Shannon.Photo: Anna Barclay

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…

Dublin is going to be very busy this weekend. There’s Taylor Swift playing three sold out nights in the Aviva Stadium, Longitude in Marlay Park, Shania Twain is at Malahide Castle on Friday and the Saw Doctors are at Fairview Park on Saturday.You also have the GAA Senior football Championship and the Dublin Pride Parade.All of which will bring around 600,000 people into the capital over the weekend.Adrian Cummins is the CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland and a founding member of the Taxis for Ireland Coalition, and they are warning that they’re won’t be nearly enough taxis to meet demand. Will public transport be able to hold up?He joins Andrea, along with Barry Kenny, Corporate Comms Manager with Irish Rail, Sunil Sharpe, spokesperson for Give Us The Night and listeners to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. This week Andrea is joined by Broadcaster Meghann Scully and Limerick personality and Mental Health Advocate Jen Ronan to review ‘To Catch a Scorpion’!Image: BBC

Lunchtime Live, as part of Newstalk’s Summer Tour, is live from Limerick! Andrea is joined by two of the county’s community pillars: Richard Lynch, founder of I Love Limerick and Celia Holan Lee, founder of the Holman Lee Agency to discuss what makes Limerick great.Andrea was also out on the Limerick Greenway and met Ann Madigan, General Manager of the Rathkeale House hotel to discuss.

Natasha O’Brien joined Andrea Gilligan in Limerick to discuss her assaulter Cathal Crotty walking free with a suspended sentence - and to give her reactions to the protests surrounding her case.Cathal Crotty, a serving member of the Irish Defence Force, attacked O’Brien unprovoked on O’Connell street in Limerick, which left her unconscious.

Seán Kelly MEP, former President of the GAA, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to remember the legendary commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who passed away at the age of 93.

Supervised drug injection centres are being considered in Limerick if the pilot programme currently running in Dublin is a success.Some people believe that these centres would be an important tool in reducing drug harm, while Councillor Daniel Butler says that he doesn’t see such centres as a priority for Limerick right now.To discuss, Andrea is joined by Elisa O’Donovan, Limerick local councillor and resident in the city centre and Michael Guerin, Senior Addiction Therapist at the Cuan Mhuire.

The Cork-Limerick N20 road is to be upgraded to a full motorway, which will cut travel times between the two cities by up to 30 minutes!It is estimated that it will cost around €2 billion and road users will have to pay via tolls for the improvements. Joining Andrea to discuss is Dee Ryan, Former CEO of Limerick Chamber and Fianna Fáil party member.

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, Running Coach John Kinsella (@limerickrunning on Instagram) joins to show how running goes hand in hand with self improvement.

John Moran made history by becoming the first ever directly-elected mayor of Limerick City and County.He joins Andrea in Limerick to discuss his campaign, and what his future plans are for the city.

Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Dr Niall Breen from Portmarnock GP Clinic to answer listeners' health queries and questions…

The heat and humidity coming into the summer months is making it impossible for people to sit comfortably, let alone sleep through the night.The good news is that things as little as a fan or your duvet choice can really make a difference!Anne Marie Boyhan, Holistic Sleep Expert, Founder of the Sleep Care Company and Author of the 'Sleep Journal' joins Andrea to give her top tips for sleeping well with the warm weather.

We are now well and truly into the summer concert and festival season!  But, if you are an avid music fan – beware of the talkers…Emer McLysaght has been writing about this in the Irish Times, asking ‘Is there a case to be made for “no talking” areas at concerts, similar to quiet carriages on trains?’ What do you think about that idea?Andrea is joined by listeners including singer-songwriter Tim McStay to discuss.

What are those phrases from television that have stood the test of time and are still referenced today? And what ones haven’t aged all that well?Joining Andrea to discuss is Broadcaster Sarina Bellissimo and Dr Ellen Howley, Assistant Professor at the DCU School of English.Image: Warner Bros. TV

Gilligan’s Island is a new segment on Lunchtime Live that aims to explore the island of Ireland to find the best places to visit, including those hidden gems!This week, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Gillian Harvey from Where Are We Going Tomorrow Travel to find the best family friendly spots in the country.

Barcelona is set to ban AirBnb in an attempt to help house prices.Their mayor says it will be outlawed in five years. The city has seen rent increases of 70% and a rising wave of public protest against mass tourism.With house prices increasing in Ireland - is it something we should look into here?To discuss, Andrea is joined by listeners as well as Airbnb spokesperson Lorna Cahill.

Our summer memories series is back!We chat to some well known faces and reminisce over those long summer days!Irish TV and pantomime actor Alan Hughes joined Andrea Gilligan to share some summer memories…

With warmer temperatures approaching, watery eyes, blocked noses and itchy throats are becoming the new norm amongst people in Ireland.Hay fever is triggered by the pollen count which heightens during these summer months.Andrea is joined by pharmacist Laura Dowling to discuss how common it is, and how we can tackle it.

Many people were shocked to see Cathal Crotty walk free from his assault case on victim Natasha O’Brien, having been given a fully suspended sentence.After speaking with Natasha, Andrea wants to hear from experts and listeners on the show for their thoughts.

Listener Pamela joined the show yesterday to share her struggle after the rent on her home went up by more than 50%. She is now facing homelessness if she can’t find another place to live.Andrea is joined by John Mark McCafferty, the CEO of Threshold, to discuss this story and the best next step.

From rally cars in Donegal to Taylor Swift taking inspiration from a Wicklow beach – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with stories from around the country.

'Two to put her down, two to put her out', those are the boasts on social media from Cathal Crotty after an unprovoked attack on Natasha O’Brien, which left her unconscious.Crotty has since walked free from court after being given a fully suspended sentence. Speaking outside Limerick circuit criminal court yesterday, Natasha said ‘This is not justice’.Joining Andrea to discuss are the victim, Natasha O’Brien, Noeline Blackwell, Women’s Rights and Human Rights lawyer and survivor of a violent attack, Ruth Maxwell.

From instant hot water traps to wine fridges - this week’s Home Squad is all about quirky fittings and trends, and if they’re worth it!Andrea Gilligan is joined by Sarah Louise from Sarah Louise Interiors and Colin Baker from Decwells Expert Hardware to discuss.

Listener of the show John got in touch to share his story about going to Greece for his holidays, and having to return early due to extreme temperature.He joins Andrea to discuss his experience.

Limburg an der Lahn in the western German state of Hesse has just voted to exterminate its population of 700 pigeons.Residents have voted to employ a falconer to trap the pigeons, bash them over the head and snap their necks in a major cull. Animal rights campaigners were outraged by the announcement.What do you think about this approach? Would you like this approach taken to nuisance birds in Ireland?Andrea is joined by Éanna Ní Lamhna, author and broadcaster and listeners to discuss.

How do you know you’re old? Well apparently, it’s when you have a ringtone on your phone or use the crying laughing emoji! Adrian Weckler has written the 10 tech signs that show you're part of the older generation in the Irish Independent.Joining Andrea to discuss the tech signs that makes us old are Ciara Treacy, Newstalk’s Digital Content Creator, Jen Hogan, Columnist with the Irish Times and mother of 7 and Noel Cunningham, TV personality and ambassador to Harvey’s Point Hotel Donegal.

It's Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Rebecca Shekleton, Co-Presenter of 98FM’s Big Breakfast joined Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock.Image: Los Angeles Times

Listener Pamela got in touch with Lunchtime Live to share her struggle of finding a new place to live after her landlord increased rent by 45%.She joins Andrea to explain the situation.

From shin splints to getting back to exercise after injury - Andrew Dunne, Senior Physiotherapist and Founder of Personal Health - Medical Exercise Clinic joins Andrea to answer your physio questions.

A church in Waterford has received a number of complaints about unwanted noises happening during funerals and mass.People attending the church said there were noises being played into the church over a speaker, some of which were pornographic.The church is in the village of Kilgobnet near Dungarvan and Andrea is joined by local councillor Conor D. McGuinness to discuss.

Pilots at Aer Lingus have served notice to the airline that they intend to go on an “indefinite” work to rule starting next week as they refuse to work overtime. Holiday makers are worried about the disruption this will cause now at the busiest time of the year.  What does it mean for your flight?Andrea is joined by Sinead Ryan, Consumer Expert and Presenter of the Home Show, Maura Fahy from Fahy Travel and those who might be affected by the strikes, to discuss.

When your kids leave home for the first time, people can suffer from empty nest syndrome. How would you deal with it? Well, journalist Jane Green has been tackling this issue in a unique way to say the least.She joins Andrea to talk about how mushrooms can help, and journalist Suzanne Harrington also joins to discuss the syndrome.

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 ‘tax on the sick’ that’s what the Irish cancer society have dubbed hospital parking charges, with some hospitals charging cancer patients €3.20 an hour in parking fees.Have you been affected by this?Andrea is joined by cancer survivors who had to pay a lot for parking, as well as Samantha Vaughan from the Irish Cancer Society, to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. This week Andrea is joined by Irish Times Business and Technology journalist Ciara O’Brien and Dave Hanratty, audio researcher for the Irish Independent, to review Will Smith’s Class of ‘88!Image: Wondery

Would you be willing to work out twice a day and drink 4 and a half litres of water every day? All for the perfect body?Well, a new fitness craze claims to be able to transform you in just 75 days, if you stick to their very strict rules. So, should you try ‘Hard 75’?Andrea is joined by the owner of No.17 Personal Training, John Belton, to discuss.

Andrea was recently on a trip to Zurich, where she saw many free outdoor events and facilities for residents. It left her thinking: why don’t we have a similar amount of facilities in our cities in Ireland?She is joined by Diarmuid from Alternative Dublin, Simon Heaslip from the Galway Westend Traders Association, Dr Miriam Haughton and WIllie White, Artistic Director of the Dublin THeatre Festival to discuss.

The amount of students doing J1 visas has more than halved in the last 10 years.The J1 has previously been thought of as a rite of passage for most young people, so what has changed?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Liam Schokman, who is on his J1 in Chicago, Kelda McManus, Vice-President for the southern region at the Union of Students in Ireland and more listeners to discuss.

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, Helen Lawless, Mountaineering Ireland’s Access and Conservation Officer and Acting CEO, joined the show to talk all things mountaineering! (And how it’s different to hiking).

The number of learner drivers involved in fatal accidents has trebled in the space of just four years. Would stricter restrictions help reduce this number, and what’s the root of this issue?Andrea is joined by Brenda Bolger from the Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Guest host Adrian Kennedy was joined on Lunchtime Live by Dr Siobhan Chidley from Watermills Family Practice to answer your health questions.

Rob O’Donnell, who had an unsuccessful bid with the Green Party in Limerick in the local elections has had more bad news as around 40 out of his 100 election posters have gone missing.He joins Adrian Kennedy to discuss why this might have happened, and what the cost is behind the ones stolen.

Half of Irish workers would refuse job offers with no option to work from home, new research has found.Around 47% of Irish jobseekers have revealed they would refuse a job offer if the company did not have hybrid or fully remote working policies in place, according to the study.So, should working from home be expected these days?Joining Adrian to discuss are Tracy Keevans, Director with Morgan McKinley Recruitment Agency, John Evoy, Grow Remote General Manager and listeners who like and dislike working from home.Plus, Newstalk Reporter Lauren Grey asked locals what they think about working from home.