Lunchtime Live

You have probably heard the tragic news this morning that a mum and her eight-year-old daughter have died after a car crash in Co Mayo. Andrea Gilligan is joined by Teresa O'Malley, Head of News Midwest Radio, Frances Mitchell, Road Safety Officer with Mayo Council, Local Councillor John Caulfield and Susan Grey from the Road Safety Group PARC to discuss what happened and share their thoughts.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. This week guest host Anna Daly is joined by Newstalk’s Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly and Entertainment Journalist, Rory Cashin to review ‘Generation Why’!Image: Wondery

Could you go a day a week without spending any money?The ‘No Spend’ challenge is the viral trend that involves buying nothing for a day each week. How difficult is this in practice?Journalist Joel Snape took on the challenge and joined Anna to discuss how it went.

UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer has been mocked for saying he won’t work past 6pm on Fridays. Critics have dubbed him ‘Sir Sleepy’ and have suggested that he will be a ‘part-time’ Prime Minister if successful in the UK election taking place this Thursday.Speaking with Chris Evans on Virgin Radio UK, he said that he likes to protect family time. What do you think?Listeners join Anna Daly to discuss, including Labour Cllr Joanna Tuffy, who was previously a TD and a Senator.

There is an increased demand and need for foster care in Ireland.The opportunity to foster these days is open to married, single, same sex couples, people with disabilities, older generations and for people who work who were previously discounted.Christina and Suzy, who are a same sex couple who foster here in Ireland, join Anna Daly to discuss their motivation behind fostering and what made them go for it.

Every Tuesday Lunchtime Live learns from someone doing something to make their lives better.Usually it’s Andrea learning how to better herself, but this week, guest host Anna Daly is learning about something calming… tea!Oliver from Wall & Keogh joins to discuss the benefits of the drink.

Irish people know about skin cancer risks, but think it's all right to get 'slightly sunburned’?'Studies show that tanned skin is still being seen as a sign of beauty and not “dangerous” sun damage caused by the sunbeds, and people not wearing their factor 50 when the sun comes out!Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Marissa Carter, Cocoa Brown Tan creator, Rebecca Hellen, Consultant Dermatologist and listeners to discuss.

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

‘BookTok’ is a thriving community on TikTok that is completely changing the book industry for authors. It allows authors to snatch up book deals directly from the exposure that they’ve received on BookTok. Irish Authors shortlisted for the TikTok Book Awards are Claire Wright for BookTok Breakthrough Author, and ‘The Rachel Incident’ for Book of the Year by Caroline O’Donoghue.Both authors join Anna Daly to discuss how BookTok has changed things.

Do the Irish complain about bad service?Justine O’Mahoney, Columnist with the Wexford People has been writing about this recently. What do you think?Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss if we complain enough.

The Irish Wheelchair Association says its members are being discriminated against on a Blue Flag beach in Iorras, north Mayo, because they have been denied permission to use wheelchair accessible beach mats.Wheelchair users now feel completely excluded and feel denied access to the beach.Anna is joined by National Access Programme Manager of the Irish Wheelchair Association, Rosaleen Lally and Teresa Gaughan, one of the Access Group Members 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.Maybe you have a weekend unaccounted for this summer that needs inspiration, or you have no desire to get on a flight – whatever the reason, this will get you in the mood to travel.This week, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Kevin Dooher from the Instagram @thewildatlantictraveller to talk about all things snorkelling in Ireland.

Waste collection companies have warned they may increase prices for recycling bin collections to make up for the loss of plastic bottles and drinks cans to the Deposit Return Scheme.They say the bottles and cans are the most valuable items in household green bins, and they are losing millions of euro in sales of these to manufacturers since the Deposit Return Scheme began.What do you think?Guest host Anna Daly is joined by listeners to discuss.

Aslan’s Billy McGuinness joined guest host Adrian Kennedy to reflect on some of his fondest summer memories!

Gut health is one of those important things to look after, and will leave you feeling great if you look after yourself properly!Dr Mary McCreery, Consultant Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian at Blackrock Clinic joined Adrian to give her top tips for gut health.

Taylor Swift is in Dublin to play three sold out shows at the Aviva Stadium - and because of that, the Swifties (Taylor fans) have taken over the city!Adrian Kennedy is joined by Newstalk Reporter Emily Keegan to get a sense of the atmosphere from the arrivals in Dublin Airport, and Swifties join to share their collective excitement.

This couple is quite unique compared to most...Ireland's two most famous adult stars met on the job are now a real-life couple.Northern Ireland OnlyFans star Meghan O'Neill joins guest host Adrian Kennedy to share their story.

From world record makers in Monaghan to a Liverpool star giving gifts to a Mayo village – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with stories from around the country.

Last night, round one of the US presidential debates kicked off on CNN – and it was viewed as often-uncomfortable viewing.Joe Biden's performance at the  debate has been described as a "slow motion car crash" by members of his own party. Meanwhile, Donald Trump told over 30 lies during the debate according to fact checkers.What did you think?Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by listeners to hear their thoughts.Image: CNN

From keeping your patio clean to buying an outdoor heater - it’s important to get your garden ready for the summer!Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy to give their top tips are Suzanne from @this.and.that.diy on Instagram and Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’!

Writing in today’s Irish Examiner, Terry Prone, Chairman of the Communications Clinic detailed her experience of her ‘tisks’ saying “I thought I was just being quirky, but maybe I shouldn't count on it.”She joins Adrian to explain.Image: Communications Clinic

A report released today shows that there were a record 18,605 calls to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre’s national helpline last year. Rachel Morrogh, CEO of DRCC joins guest host Adrian Kennedy along with Sarah Grace, Solicitor, author and survivor of sexual assault, to discuss.

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.