Lunchtime Live

Three Garda cars, three buses and a Luas tram were set on fire as the city centre descended into chaos last night – with Gardaí attacked by rioters and shops looted. It comes after a five-year-old girl is “still in a very serious condition” in hospital this morning after yesterday’s attack outside a school on Dublin’s Parnell Square.Andrea was joined by listeners, locals and others working in the city to discuss...

A five-year-old girl is “still in a very serious condition” in hospital this morning after yesterday’s attack outside a school on Dublin’s Parnell Square.Andrea Gilligan was joined by Caoi Benicio, a Deliveroo rider who stepped in to stop the attacker yesterdat on Parnell Square. Anthony Boyle, a local man also joined the show...

Michelle Walsh Jackson, Travel Expert and Ed Finn, Award winning travel journalist joined Andrea LIVE at the Friends Experience in Dublin to give their advice for travel to America...

Amidst all the sports we have in Ireland, American Football is one that seems to be on the rise. There have been several amazing Irish Rugby and Gaelic players who have made their debut in the American Football scene in the states. Andrea was joined by South Dublin Panthers player Shane Brady, NFL Scout Tadhg Leader and Cian Fahey from Off the Ball...

We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk’s Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive gifts with Andrea was joined by Mike Fitzpatrick from YOLO Print, Aisling Finn from the Book Resort joins me too Rebecca Singleton from Kybalion Jewellery and John Paul from UPiLOT – Flight Simulator…

Having friends with different personality types can be a difficult thing to navigate. Some friends are more fiery than others while some are more timid and others are more anxious. So what are the best ways to make sure everyone gets along around the Christmas period? Life coach Mark Fennell joined Andrea to discuss...

Happy Thanksgiving! Lunchtime Live was LIVE from The Friends Experience in Dublin today. To celebrate all things Thanksgiving, Andrea Gilligan was joined by comedian, Jim Elliot, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad and Law Lecturer in NUIG, Larry Donnelly...

The number of women that have taken up self defence classes has gone up 1,000% (one thousand) percent in the past few years.Some people are calling for self defence to be taught in schools.  Is that a good idea? Or is it just another thing to put on schools? Andrea was joined by Anthony Cunnane, who teaches Krav Maga nationwide, Oisin, owner of Compound Martial Arts in Dublin, Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchin's College Limerick and other listeners to discuss...

The Journal of Traumatic Stress has published research showing that Irish people deal with grief better than most.Andrea was joined by Brianna Parkins, Columnist with Irish Times and Liza Clancy, Death Doula on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Does Irish music need more play time across Irish radio stations? Today, the Oireachtas Media Committee will to day discuss the importance of airplay in promoting Irish music.For more on this Andrea was joined by singer songwriter, RuthAnne, music journalist Danny McElhinney, musician Jack O'Rourke and more to discuss...

Is fat shaming still common in society? Singer Cliff Richard was on ITV's This Morning yesterday and came out a story in which he commented on Elvis Presley's weight.Is it ever ok to comment on somebody’s weight? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

We are very nearly in the festive season – the Late Late Toy Show is on this Friday and next week we are into December. But, have you found yourself dreading the rush into Christmas? Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with the obligation to meet friends and family and to go to work functions?  Has a holiday - which is meant to be a relaxing time - turned into a time endless plans and obligations and in which you have no free time?  Andrea was joined by Tara O'Connor from The Designed Table and listeners to discuss...

One listener Raymond got in touch with Lunchtime Live because of a situation he’s dealing with in the house he shares...

A legal loophole in the Road Traffic Act means some drivers have been able to avoid penalty points if they just get a disqualification from driving for one day. Some drivers have even been allowed to pick the day themselves. So for example could chose a Sunday – when they’re not working and don’t need to car. The Taoiseach has said he’s going to close all these loopholes. Do we take road safety seriously enough in this country? Andrea was joined by Evan O’Dwyer is a Solicitor specialising in road traffic law, Susan Grey, Founder of the Road Safety Group PARC and more to discuss...

Listeners joined Andrea Gilligan last week on Lunchtime Live to discuss eating disorder services in Ireland. On Friday, parents of children dealing with eating disorders staged a peaceful protest and march at the Department of Health, calling for eating disorder services reform. Today, Andrea was joined by Seán and Dee to discuss their experiences...

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills.Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts.Barry Whyte, Newstalk's Chief Reporter has done the hard work and sourced the best deals for your banking...

Is there stigma around being an only child?  Writer and commentator Barbara Neeson talked about her experiences of growing up as an only child in Belfast in the 1980s on Newstalk Breakfast. Are you an only child or do you have an only child?  Today FM presenter Alison Curtis joined Andrea to discuss…

Should Airbnbs be allowed have cameras? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Ian, who recently had an experience where he noticed security cameras inside his Airbnb.Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air & Travel Magazine and Liz Early, Airbnb host also joined the conversation...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit Antarctica? How about to live in the coldest place on Earth for an extended period? What is life like as you near the South Pole? Today on Lunchtime Live’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ Andrea was joined by Gerard Ryan from Limerick, who spent three months stationed there back in 2017.  

A survey by the Irish Council for International Students on the impact of the housing crisis on International Students has revealed some stark results.  More than 1 in 10 students said that they have been a victim of an accommodation scam while 5% of those asked had either been directly offered a room in exchange for sex or seen an ad for a room in exchange for sex. Maura, a student from Bolivia joined Andrea Gilligan to discuss...

Parents of children dealing with eating disorders are taking to the streets of Dublin today for a peaceful protest and march, calling for eating disorder services reform. Newstalk's own Sheila Naughton and others in attendance joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss...  

Queen’s 'I Want to Break Free' has been voted the best song to clean your house to. The 1984 track has claimed the crown as the ultimate cleaning song, followed by the likes of 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor, and Cyndi Lauper’s 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun.'The song famously has an accompanying video with Freddie Mercury vacuuming in drag – which may have helped! Andrea Gilligan was joined by Scientist, Phil Smyth, Siobhan Byrne Director and owner of Body Byrne Training and Emma Maclean, Owns Macleans Cleaning Service

Is rural Ireland disadvantaged? Delivering for rural Ireland is the main focus of Fine Gael’s Special Conference tomorrow. Newstalk's Shane Coleman doesn’t think rural Ireland is disadvantaged.Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss...

We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk’s Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive decorations with Andrea chatting to Meadows & Byrne, ChristmasTree.ie, the Irish Handmade Glass Company & MaraBay Deco #GetTheGUnderTheTree

Róisín Tracey, who is a Sinn Féin Candidate for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh, told Lunchtime Live presenter Andrea Gilligan that she is already began receiving abuse on social media, before she’s ever even gotten a seat.

Seagulls should be put on the pill to stop them destroying towns  according to former politician Frank Godfrey in Drogheda. He says that the birds are causing absolute chaos and a contraceptive in their food is the only way of reducing their population.

Storm Debi caused much disruption yesterday as it swept across the country.  Red weather warnings were put in place for 10 counties which played havoc with public transport and school openings.  David Quinn, columnist and Iona Institute CEO, told Andrea how he thinks Met Eireann are too quick to issue red warnings. Andrea also spoke to Alan O’Reilly, of Carlow Weather and callers.

The Office for National Statistics says the average age for new fathers is now 33.7 years – the highest since data collection for paternal age began in 1964. Newspaper columnist and political commentator, Alex Kane, who had his child Indy at age 62, spoke to Andrea.

Newstalk’s Simon Tierney says that the hair transplant industry needs to stop portraying baldness as a condition that needs to be cured 

That time of week when you have the chance to put your questions to the GP. Dr Nina Byrnes joined Jess to discuss the benefits of data in medicine as well as tackling a wide range of medical queries.

A report from iWish has revealed 67% of teenage girls lack information regarding STEM careers. How do we break down barriers and encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM?Jess spoke to Caroline O'Driscoll, Corporate and International tax partner with Deloitte Ireland and co-founder of iWish, Eve O'Callaghan, a sixth-year student and STEM prefect at Mount Anville Secondary School, and Catherine Flanagan, Guidance Counsellor and TY Coordinator at Mount Anville.

TV Reviewer Sheena McGinley joined Jess to discuss her favourite boxsets to watch as the days get wintry and the evenings get dark.

It’s International Fraud Awareness Week, and we’ve teamed up with Bank of Ireland to help educate and inform how to protect our online profiles.When protecting yourself online, the rule is simple: Stop, Think, Check. Brian Honan, CEO of BH Consulting and listeners joined Jess to discuss. 

Every week, Cut-the-Cost offers tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts.This time, Aoife Kearns joined Jess to unwrap the cost of wrapping paper ahead of Christmas.

Does your wearable tech help or hinder you? Does it encourage you on or just make you feel guilty if you don’t hit your goals?Fitness Goose Andrew Moore joined Jess to discuss.

There are 130,000 people with a gambling addiction in Ireland.We’re constantly being bombarded with ads to set up online betting accounts. It’s made very easy for us – but it is much harder to shut down an account than it is to close one.Jess spoke to Gambling Councillor Tony O'Reilly and other callers with personal experience of a gambling addiction.

We saw much disruption as Storm Debi swept across the country earlier this morning Red weather warnings were in place for 10 counties with power supplies, school openings and public transport affected.  But how do these weather warnings work and when are they sent out? Jess was joined by Gerry Murphy, Meteorologist and Weather Forecaster with Met Eireann. 

A letter written into the Irish Independent today detailed how someone had loaned a friend the sum of €600. The letter explained it had been two years and the friend hadn’t mentioned it since. Creating a difficult moral dilemmaBut is it ever a good idea to lend money to a friend? Does it lead to unhealthy Relationships? and how can you say no to a friend or loved one who has requested a loan?Joining Mairead Ronan to discuss this was Comedian Jim Elliot and Listeners of the show.

Have you ever wondered how animals are supplied and trained for Films and TV shows?Well for this week's edition of Ask Me Anything Mairead Ronan was joined by Eddie Drew, Animal Wrangler and Animal Co-Ordinator from Copsewood Aviaries in Bray who has been supplying animals for productions for many years

A sober festival is happening in Cork this weekend. Ecstatic Picnic aims to create a space where people can dance and connect through the medium of rave music without the hangover. The festival is open to all but is strictly a non-drug or alcohol use event.But are Gen Z ditching alcohol in favour of healthier lifestyles? When they do drink, are they doing it in a much more balanced way? And can you have a fun sober night out?To discuss this further Mairead Ronan was joined by Naoise Galvin, organiser of the festival, Natalie aka DJ Natmac, Stephanie from Babes Without Beers and Paul Walsh, Founder of Club Loosen sober rave to discussClub Loosen will be holding their New Year's Eve sober rave event on the 31st December in Complex Dublin, tickets will be announced this Monday.

Yesterday, Jozef Puska was convicted of murdering the 23-year-old primary school teacher Ashling Murphy who had gone out for a run in Tullamore, County Offaly in January last year.Mairead Ronan was joined by the CEO of Parent Line, Aileen Hickie, Gender Equality Rights Representative at UCC Alison Ní Threasaigh, Alexandra Ryan CEO of Goss.ie, Stylist Laura Mullet as well as listeners of the show to discuss.

Would you relocate to the countryside? Mairead spoke to city slickers who made the move to the countryside.

Dr Afif EL Khuffash, Consultant Neonatologist and Pediatrician at the Rotunda Hospital, spoke to Mairead about how we can spot the difference between good advice and medical misinformation when googling symptoms.

Listener Daniel got in touch about a poor experience he had in Dublin airport.Mairead Ronan spoke to Daniel and other callers about whether we are too accepting of bad service in Ireland.

'(I Am) Robbie Williams' the four-part Robbie Williams documentary has taken Netflix by storm.Mairead spoke to TV Reviewer Sheena McGinley, Former Xpose Presenter Glenda Gilson and Ray Dolan.

Keele University researchers have found that swearing can increase a person’s pain tolerance by up to 33%. The research found that swearing can help one withstand pain and even create intimacy with others.Mairead was joined by physicist, engineer and science communicator, Phil Smith and comedian, Steve Cummins to discuss the benefits of swearing.

Spotify is planning to only start paying artists for streams after a track has reached 1,000 streams.  The company is set to adjust its royalty model in 2024. A new minimum annual threshold for streams will apply for a song to become eligible for royalties.Mairead spoke to Claire Beck, DJ and Broadcaster with Today FM, singer and songwriter, Mary Coughlan and Andrew Hendy from the Mary Wallopers.

Journalist John Gibbons posted an image of an SUV taking up half a footpath in Dun Laoighaire which sparked outrage online. Mairead Ronan asked John Gibbons and callers if it is time we ban SUVs from built up areas.

The latest annual report from Bodywhys, The Eating Disorder Assocation of Ireland, found that calls to their helpline have jumped by almost 10% compared to 2022. Mairead spoke to callers Jess, Lisa, Micheál and Eoin on their experience living with an eating disorder For more information on Bodywhys  visit www.bodywhys.ie  The Bodywhys helpline: 01 2107906 - The helpline offers a non-judgemental and confidential support and information service.  

Listener Elaine got in touch in regards to the price she is paying for extra classes and activities in her child's primary school.