Lunchtime Live

We saw another record-equalling Irish win in the Six Nations at the weekend as Ireland saw off Wales.  According to Gerry Thornley, Rugby Correspondent with the Irish Times the atmosphere at the game fell flat.Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Gerry Thornley and other listeners to discuss...

Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by GP and lecturer, Dr Sumi Dunne to answer listeners health queries and questions...

A pilot programme which will train prisoners to retrofit homes gets under way today.  Prisoners close to release can undergo training in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise and Wheatfield Prison in west Dublin.  It is hoped this retrofitting scheme will help reduce the risk of re-offending.  Andrea was joined by Damien Quinn, a lecturer, community worker and founder of Galway-based social project Spéire Nua and other listeners to discuss...

A new mental health bill in Ireland is expected to be the largest overhaul of the State’s mental health laws in decades. Mental Health Reform groups have warned that the current legislation is at odds with international human rights standards. The new legislation would strengthen regulation around people consenting to the type of treatment they receive. It is also expected to regulate Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) as the majority of mental health services in Ireland currently fall outside the scope of regulation set out under the 2021 Act. Andrew McGinley, whose children Conor, nine, Darragh, seven, and three-year-old Carla died at the hands of their mother, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today to discuss why it doesn't go far enough...

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Butler to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration! This week Andrea and Sarah looked at recipes for an Indian Chicken Curry and Crispy Chicken Goujons...Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Should flights be more expensive? Ryanair's Michael O'Leary has warned that holidaymakers will face higher air fares this summer because of capacity constraints – but should flights be more expensive anyway to help the environment? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting background or working in different jobs.  Today, Andrea was joined by Clarity Mills, a Professional Dominatrix and sex educator...

A London museum is hoping to recruit a Taylor Swift superfan to join their staff and advise them on all things Taylor. The Victoria and Albert museum is looking for insights into the culture and craftsmanship behind Taylor fandom. Things like handmade signs, friendship bracelets and other memorabilia associated with her ahead of the European leg of her Eras tour. 

Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines.Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing presenter Shane Beatty has rounded up some of the best stories that you might have missed... 

This Saturday marks the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. When the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, some predicted it could take as little as three days for Russian forces to capture the capital, Kyiv. Andrea was joined by some Ukrainian's who have been living in Ireland since the invasion...

Would you like to see gaelic football, hurling and camogie at the Olympic Games?  The GAA revealed in their World strategy plan that they would like to get recognition from the International Olympic Committee and have their sports feature in future Olympic Games. Andrea was joined by Roddy Walsh, Vice chairperson with London GAA, Karen Hegarty, Westmeath Ladies Footballer, Darren O’Neill, Former Olympic boxer and more to discuss

Mental health blogger and writer, Daragh Fleming joined Andrea to discuss an experience he has been having with a social media account that has been abusing him on social media.Dr Catherine O’Sullivan, lecturer in the Law School, University College Cork also joined the conversation on Lunchtime Live...

If you’re going through menopause, could you be paying too much for HRT? Apparently the cost can differ wildly – and you might be overpaying.Andrea was joined by Catherine O’Keeffe is a Menopause Workplace Consultant, founder of Wellness Warrior, and creator of the Menopause Success Summit and Tom Murray, Murray’s Pharmacy in  Convoy, Co Donegal... 

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live... 

There were a number of delays on the Dublin-to-Cork train line last night. The delays left a number of people stranded in bad weather conditions at Portarlington without water or trolley services. Andrea was joined by some of those affected and Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications with Irish Rail...

On Monday's Ask The GP, Dr Nina Byrnes recommended physio for quite a lot of the queries people sent in.  To continue this conversation, Andrea was joined by Andrew Dunne, Senior Physiotherapist and Founder of Personal Health - Medical Exercise Clinic to answer some listener questions... 

BBC Presenter Kate Garraway returned to work this month, following the death of her husband Derek. How can you make returning to work after bereavement a little bit easier? Andrea was joined by Ciaran Coyle, Counsellor & Psychotherapist and other listeners to discuss...

Lonely Planet has said that the Ireland guide is one of its top sellers around the world. Along with Ireland, the other top sellers are Japan, Iceland, Thailand and New York City. Ireland has also featured in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches, which named Achill Island’s Keem Bay among the world’s 100 best. Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet across UK & Europe joined Andrea 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.  Newstalk’s own Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in studio to put a smile on your faces...Image: Netflix

The new Dublin Airport Taxi Permit, which comes into effect today, could see increased waiting times for passengers according to taxi firm FREENOW.  The permit will grant permission to all drivers who pay a yearly fee of €10 to collect a pre-booked fare from one of the airport car parks but will not allow taxis to enter a taxi stand to pick up passengers, including joining of a virtual or digital queue on a taxi app. The move has been criticised by drivers who say it will result in reduced taxi availability and longer waiting times.  Andrea was joined by Graeme McQueen, Media relations Manager with the DAA and taxi drivers to discuss...

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. Andrea was joined by Rebekah Shekleton from 98fm's Big Breakfast and Colm Boohig from Off The Ball to discuss 'SmartLess'...

More than 80 per cent of public transport workers say they have been the target of abuse and more than half say antisocial behaviour is an issue for them at least once a week. That is according to a new survey by trade union SIPTU who are looking for the establishment of a dedicated transport police. Is there too much anti-social behaviour on public transport? Do we need transport police?  Andrea was joined by Matt Rice, Go Ahead Ireland and Alan and Raymond who have experience working in public transport...

Anna Mills family know only too well about the struggles to get care for children with scoliosis. Her 2 daughters have the condition, with her youngest currently struggling to even get an appointment with a consultant. Anna joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live alongside Sinn Fein’s David Cullinane, TD and Party Health Spokesperson...

This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.Patrick McKeown is creator, CEO and Director of Education and Training at Oxygen Advantage joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today...

The Pleasure Boys took their XLL Tour to Belfast last Saturday and it has caused a social media storm. The videos show the dancers fully naked, dancing with women on stage.Andrea was joined by John Woodward, Owner and Director of Pleasure Boys XXL Tour and Regina Sparkles, lead Drag Queen with the team...

Lots of Irish success stories at the BATFAs last night - Cillian Murphy won best actor for his role in Oppenheimer.  But the big stars were the Irish production company behind 'Poor Things.' The film won 5 BATFAs and was made by the Dublin based company Element Pictures. Andrea was joined by Andrew Lowe who is Co-CEO and founder of Element Pictures, the Producer of 'Poor Things'.... 

Transport Infrastructure Ireland says the MetroLink is needed for Dublin because the country is outgrowing its current transport infrastructure. It told the first day of An Bord Pleanala's oral hearing into the project that congestion could cost the Irish economy two-billion euro a year.Andrea was joined by Feljin Jose, Chairperson of the Dublin Commuter Coalition and other listeners to discuss...

Fashion Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullett was in New York for her wedding anniversary and had revamped her wedding dress to wear for the occasion. Would you ever have your wedding dress revamped?Andrea was joined by Laura and Mags Morgan, Owner of Mizz Rio Bridal, the original provider of alternative wedding dresses in Ireland and listener Jacinta to discuss...

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Butler to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration! This week Andrea and Sarah looked at recipes for meatballs...Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Are normal people being priced out of cultural events? Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie, pointed out in his column in the Irish Daily Mirror this morning the absurd prices of grandstand tickets in Dublin on St Patrick’s day He says:  ‘There's something a little sad about limiting the best seats for our biggest national celebration to those who can afford it (and on O'Connell Street, you're talking a grand for a family of four)’ Andrea was joined by Joe O'Shea and other listeners to discuss...

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Shane and Ciara were talking about the lies that people tell their children – from the ice cream van playing music when they’ve run out of ice cream to eating your crusts making your hair curly. But is it ok to lie to your kids?  Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly joined Andrea to discuss...

Lhara, a listener from Galway, joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss something she noticed amongst her children and their friends recently...

Time-over-distance’ speed cameras look set to be extended nationally – would you be in favour of this? Time-over-distance speed cameras monitor vehicles at two distinct points a set distance apart and note the exact time a vehicle passes each camera.  Is this the best way to deal with speeding? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Croke Park have announced that they’ll no longer be accepting screenshots of tickets into their grounds. They’ve said that from now on the ticket will either have to be printed out, or in your wallet app. Naturally this has annoyed a lot of people- saying it’ll just create issues for no real reason. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines.Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing presenter Shane Beatty has rounded up some of the best stories that you might have missed... 

Looking to give your house a fresh look on a budget?Architect Roisin Murphy and Hardware Expert Alan Grant joined Andrea with some tricks of the trade to give you tips for painting your house...

Is enough done to deal with drugs in Cork? Before Christmas there was a spate of overdoses in the city, with the HSE issuing warnings about a nitazene-type substance. Does the city get enough attention when it comes to drug issues and dealing with them? Andrea was joined by David Lane, General Manager for Social inclusion in the HSE, Fianna Fáil Councillor Colm Kelleher and Nicole Ryan, a counsellor specializing in addiction, who also give talks in schools to discuss...

If you’ve a sick family member, you know the struggles of keeping things going while they’re in hospital, the expense, finding accommodation and possibly long commutes. The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have taken on an ambitious project to open Tranquility House in Rathgar by the end of summer and make it a place where families can stay free of charge whilst their loved one is receiving treatment in hospital. Julian Benson and Brandon Duarte, the project manager joined Andrea to discuss...

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live... 

Cork county councillors have raised the issue of what they say is a worsening bus service in the county. Have you been having issues with the number of cancelled and late buses in your area? Andrea was joined by Marcia D’Alton an Independent Councillor based in Passage West in Cork and others to discuss...

A new survey by HelloFresh has revealed that two-thirds of people believe the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach! So, what better thing to discuss this Valentines Day than aphrodisiacs. Regina Sexton, food historian & lecturer at University College Cork joined Andrea to discuss...

Michelle, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about a topic she wanted to discuss.She would like people to stop using the term Ladies Football.Andrea was joined by Michelle, Aisling O’Reilly from Off The Ball and Brid Stack, Former Cork footballer to discuss...

It costs nearly €1,000 more a month to be single than it does for people in relationships. Singles shell out more than €2,300 a month on general expenses such as housing, bills and food. The same lifestyle costs couples about €2,500 a month, between them. Andrea was joined by Ariana Dunne, host of the Solo Powered podcast and Michael 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.  Newstalk’s own Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in studio to put a smile on your faces...

Comments made by broadcaster Ivan Yates have caused a backlash among Gaeilgeoirí online. He was featured on The Six O'clock Show on Virgin Media Television alongside Sile Seoige when he made comments about the Irish language.People were further upset that presenter Brian Dowling shook Ivan Yates’ hands while he was criticising the money put into the Irish language  Andrea was joined by Broadcaster Ivan Yates, Síle Seoige, broadcaster and presenter of the Ready To Be Real podcast and others to discuss...

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. Andrea was joined by Jess Kelly and Elaine Burke to talk about the Newstalk Original, Inside the Crime, season 3...

Farm owners are living in fear after a spate of robberies. What more can we do to stamp out rural crime? Andrea Gilligan was joined by farmers and people living in rural Ireland to discuss...

Sheila Duffy was forced to sell her family home after the death of her partner of 35 years after she was refused the widows pension. Sheila and Sinéad Murray from Treoir joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live today...Image: Alamy

This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well.The Holistic Gardener Fiann Ó Nuallain joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today...

Child benefit payments will be extended to include 18-year-olds who are still in full-time education from May 1st.  Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys will bring the proposals to Cabinet this morning. Do all 18-year-olds need child benefit? Andrea was joined by Suzanne Rogers, Research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland and others to discuss...