Lunchtime Live

Listener Neil got in touch with the programme because of a problem he has gotten himself stuck in - which involves getting a new passport, and seemingly jumping through a million hoops in the process. He joins Andrea to share his frustration.

Have you ever gone to meet your friend for a coffee and a catch up, only to discover that they’ve brought their other half with them? Met a friend down the pub for a drink and been stuck making small talk with their partner?Kate Lister wrote a piece in the Independent titled ‘Women who bring their husbands to lunch with the girls should be arrested (immediately)’.To discuss, Andrea is joined by Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Acting Editor of Rollercoaster.ie, Podcaster Aideen Finnegan, Sunday Mirror Columnist Siobhán O'Connor and more.

In April 2017, Ainara was told she was HIV Positive, she says she never felt stigmatised over her status until she and husband sought fertility assistance. Listener of the show Ainara joins to share her story.

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.

A survey carried out by Fianna Fáil shows that Dubliners do not feel safe in their own city. 65% of those polled said that they had witnessed anti-social behaviour in the city centre. 70% said they had witnessed drug-dealing in public.So, do you feel safe in Dublin?Andrea Gilligan is joined by listeners to discuss.

From pregnancy to postpartum, for this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea Gilligan is joined by midwife Christine Lane (@myholisticmidwife on Instagram) to answer all of your midwife-related questions.

Ciarán Beahan is 24 from Lucan in Dublin, and is Ireland’s most decorated Rubix Cube Champion. But what does that mean exactly?He joins Andrea to discuss the recent Rubik’s Cubes Championships that took place in Ireland, and why it’s so fun to finish the puzzle as quickly as possible.

Tori Towey, a 28 year old from Boyle in County Roscommon, is currently facing criminal charges - including attempted suicide and consuming alcohol - in the United Arab Emirates. With the Taoiseach’s announcement that Tori’s travel ban has been lifted, her family are desperately trying to get her home. Tori’s aunt, Ann, joins Andrea Gilligan to discuss.Image: Detained in Dubai

Several European cities are exploring ways to manage the level of tourism they’re seeing. Locals are starting to turn on visitors - there were angered protestors spraying tourists with water pistols in Barcelona this week, and places like Venice have added a tax to limit the amount of people that can visit the city daily.For a positive spin, the city of Copenhagen is now going to reward tourists who take part in climate-friendly tasks when they holiday there. They’ll get things like free lunches, coffees, glasses of wine and kayak rental in return for things like litter picking and using public transport.Should we be doing the same? Andrea is joined by Travel Journalist Ed Flynn, Gwen Leyden, Landlord of George’s Street Arcade and Melanie May ‘Talk Travel’ Presenter on Dublin City FM 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…Image: Dreamworks

You may have heard the sad news from Dublin Zoo recently after two Asian elephants died from the same disease within a week.There is an update to this story, Newstalk reporter Stephanie Rohan joins Andrea to tell what she has learned. Also, Gerry Boland from Animals Behind Closed Doors, James who runs the National Reptile Zoo and more join to discuss if we should have zoos at all.

It’s the Pod Squad – where we troll through the podcast offers to see what we can recommend!This week, we’re talking about British Scandal – a podcast that explores famous scandals, in a country that loves scandal. The series we’ve listened to is The Canoe Con.Andrea Gilligan is joined by Laura Donnelly and Elaine Burke to discuss. Image: Wondery

Are we on the cusp of a conversational crisis? Have phones affected how kids learn to talk? The UK Labour party wants all state-school children to be taught speaking skills as part of the curriculum.  What do you think? Have you noticed a fall in conversational skills? Ollwyn Moran, Neuro Developmental Therapist & Founder of COGNI Kids joins Andrea to discuss.

On the 14th October 2022, Tony Browne was stabbed in the neck by his partner while he slept in his home in Belfast. This week, the killer has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.His twin daughters, Shannon and Bobbi-Leigh McIllwaine join Andrea Gilligan to discuss the tragedy and life since.If you think you are a victim of domestic abuse, you are not alone. Below are resources that can help:mensallianceni.co.ukmensaid.ie National Confidential Helpline – 01 554 3811

U2 are the highest-earning band from Ireland or the UK so far this year.Bono and crew have banked more than €118 million from 23 shows in Las Vegas and playing to 382,000 fans.U2 have been on the go since 1976 and it is clear that almost 50 years later they are still one of the biggest bands in the world.So why aren’t they more celebrated here?Andrea is joined by Jackie Conboy from the Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland, Newstalk’s Jess Kelly, singer Paul Byron and more 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, Andrea is joined by Darren Scanlon to talk about Celbridge Boys Club.Image: @celbridge_boys_club

A tweet from Psychologist and Author Katriona O’Sullivan shocked many today. Her son told her that 'The poor kids are often the rule breakers & don't get accepted into TY!'. This was after a conversation on the cost of school trips. Is this a common thing?Andrea is joined by Katriona as well as listeners to discuss.

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

Every Monday we're going to explore this gorgeous island of ours and all that it has to offer. Today, Andrea chats to Yvonne Reddin about holidaying as a single parent

Should there be more public toilets provided when there are large public events? Listener Eimear wonders why Croke Park can't put portaloos around the stadium so stop people urinating in the streets and in her own garden.

There have been calls to ban energy drinks in Ireland after two men suffered cardiac arrest due to excessive consumption. What do you think?Should there be restrictions on energy drinks?Photo by cottonbro studio

A listener got in touch with the show 'My wife and I have both pay our salaries into a joint account and have been doing so since we bought our first home. We don’t maintain any bank accounts in our own names. All joint accounts. I mentioned this at work the other day and everyone around me said this was weird...'Should you avoid joint bank accounts? Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show explains allPhoto by Pixabay

Glenda Gilson, Model & TV Presenter joined Andrea Gilligan to share some of her favourite summer memories!

Do we risk our politicians being too afraid to speak out about issues because of the backlash they receive?  Apparently, public figures are increasingly afraid to talk about certain issues in the face of online harassment. Fine Gael Cllr Eileen Lynch has been at the receiving end of online abuse and joins Andrea as well as SocDem Cllr Elisa O’Donovan to discuss.

Have kids birthday parties lost their way? Costing way too much to run? It seems like there is an issue where pressure is put on parents to run the best party possible; what happened to just bringing them over to the house?Andrea is joined by Niamh Hennessy from the Irish Examiner, Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast, Mary McCarthy, Columnist with the Irish Independent, Niamh Dunlea, Owner of BounceBox Parties and Events and more to discuss.

Ethan Boyle, Wexford FC Captain was recently in the local playground with his 18 month-old son when he experienced a racist encounter. He joins Andrea to discuss what exactly happened.

From pitch invaders to bee invasions – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories you might have missed this week.

Dublin Airport is warning people not to drive to Dublin airport unless they have parking pre-booked. All the car parks are currently sold out over the next several days.They’ve told anyone without a booking to use public transport or to get a taxi or a lift.So how bad are things now, and what should we expect over the rest of the summer?Andrea Gilligan is joined by listeners to discuss.

Built-in versus freestanding furniture – what should you go for?Joining Andrea Gilligan to give their recommendations are Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Colin Baker from DecWells Expert Hardware.Image: MyLife Bathrooms

Here’s a really good news story – a reunion 17 years in the making.Victoria O’Leary’s daughter Fatima was taken to Saudi Arabia by her husband 17 years ago. Ever since she’s been fighting to get her back.Last week, they finally reunited.Victoria joins Andrea to discuss.

Almost a third of childcare and early years facilities are now at risk of closing. With also 95% of workers in the industry apparently struggling to make ends meet.Finding childcare places is already an enormous stress for parents, so what does the future look like? And what needs to change?Andrea is joined by Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood, Averil Sheenan from Care-a-lot Childcare in Cork, Karen Clince, Founder of Tigers Childcare and more to discuss.

The Daily Express says you should ‘Vote Tory’, The Daily Mirror says ‘Vote for Labour’ and The Daily Mail says ‘Vote Farage’.You may notice that there is a distinct difference in how elections are covered in the UK versus in Ireland.Seán Defoe, Newstalk’s Political Correspondent, joins Andrea to discuss, as well as listeners across the UK and Ireland.Image: The Daily Express

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: Paramount Pictures

Taoiseach Simon Harris has re-opened the debate around GAAGO by reiterating his stance that Gaelic games should not be behind a paywall. Has GAAGO affected your GAA watching experience this year? Or do we need to just get over it and pay to watch the games?Andrea is joined by Conor Grimes, sports journalist Mortimer Murphy, Liam Brassil from Kilrossanty GAA and more to discuss.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service has issued an appeal for an additional 2,000 blood donations over the next four weeks to help the national blood supply, as some blood groups have fallen to less than three days of stock.Dr Ellen McSweeney, Irish Blood Transfusion Donor Consultant joins Andrea to answer all of your blood donation questions!

Andrea was invited to Donegal to see the launch of Muff Liquor’s new million euro facility, also announcing celebrity investment. Which celebrities? Well, Andrea spoke with Ronan Keating, Ryan Tubridy and Russell Crowe all about why they are backing the brand!

Sweden have just launched a groundbreaking new law that would entitle grandparents to get paid parental leave while taking care of their grandchildren for up to the first 3 months of a child’s life.Should grandparents get paid parental leave while taking care of their grandchildren?Andrea is joined by broadcaster Claire Ronan and listeners to discuss.

Josie Rowley, who has been living in West Cork for over 40 years, had to have both of her legs amputated after getting insect bites at her home.Josie, who is now staying with her daughter Jen and granddaughter Becky, joins Andrea to discuss the situation.Photo: Jen Rowley

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…

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.