Lunchtime Live

Avid golf fan Danny Rooney had his wish come true when he got to hit a few balls with legend of the game, Padraig Harrington at the Irish Open last weekend.Danny and his mum Vicki join Andrea to discuss how this all came together.

Leader of Sinn Féin and TD for Dublin Central, Mary Lou McDonald, joined Andrea in the studio to discuss her life recently, including the loss of her father, and her husband’s cancer diagnosis.

Ireland AM turns 25 today! The morning TV show first aired on the 20th of September 1999 and has been through many changes over the years. Andrea went to Virgin Media Television Studios to catch up with some special guests as well as current presenters, Muireann O'Connell, Tommy Bowe and Alan Hughes – who has been with the show from the beginning.Image: @IrelandAMTV on X

From Potholes to rare eggs, Breakfast briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has plenty of stories you might have missed from across the country this week.

The Federation of Irish Sport have called on the government to introduce tax benefits for gym membership ahead of the budget.They raised the proposal 'with a view to incentivising personal exercise amongst the wider population.' And to attempt to reduce 'the ever-increasing issue of obesity in this country.'What do you think about the idea of tax benefits for gym membership?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Karl Dunne, Chief Executive of Ireland Active, Liam Morley Brereton, Coach at St Bridget’s Boxing Club, Edenderry, John Belton, Owner of No.17 PT, Human Performance and Wellness Coach and more.

Storage is an issue in so many homes, whether you’re looking to fill it, create more, or hide it.Well, the Home Squad are here to help with your storage questions! Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY to discuss.

The ISPCA has issued an urgent appeal for dog adoptions.They have almost 200 dogs in their care and say they’re running out of space…Adrian Kennedy is joined by ISPCA CEO Dr Cyril Sullivan to discuss more.

Bill Linnane, writing in the Irish Independent, recalls:‘Looking back, it's odd we bought my daughter dolls and prams while the boys got toy guns, swords and Lego’.All of the toys that he bought his boys were geared around adventure, creating and exploration while the ones he bought for his daughters were centered around nurturing, family and domestic life.So, how big of an issue is buying 'gendered toys'?Adrian Kennedy is joined by listeners and toy shop owners to discuss.

Presenter Davina McCall, now 56, but divorced (for the second time) at 50, has been talking recently about dating a little later in life.She is returning to present the ITV show ‘My Mum, Your Dad’ in which middle-aged singles are thrown together in a house. She said that besides some difficulties and a steep learning curve, it can be a fulfilling experience.But, what is dating like in your 50s and beyond?Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by Matchmaker Mairead Loughman from Love HQ as well as listeners to discuss.

From the Cannes Film Festival to the Battle of the Sexes, Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to look back on the biggest things that happened this week…

Should every city in Ireland follow Cork’s lead and have Community Wardens to deal with parking and littering offences?Cork City Council has had them since 2008 and say that they are extremely effective, so what’s stopping other cities employing them?Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by Fine Gael Councillor in Cork Shane O’Callaghan as well as listeners to discuss.

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