Lunchtime Live
4,791 episodes — Page 76 of 96
'A remarkable artist' - Sinéad O'Connor Remembered
There was collective shock across the globe yesterday when the sad news of the death of Singer Sinead O’Connor was announced, at just the age of 56. President Michael D Higgins led tributes following her death, stating that his first reaction "was to remember her extraordinarily beautiful, unique voice." Andrea Gilligan was joined by singer, Liam Merriman, Brid Smith TD and many more to remember Sinéad O'Connor...
'I just felt so alone' - Rape victim Karen Harkin speaks out after father is jailed
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Karen Harkin. Her father sentenced to 11 years with six months suspended for raping and sexually assaulting her over a four-year period from the. The abuse began when Ms Harkin was nine-years-old and stopped one day short of her 13th birthday. Karen waived her right to anonymity so that her father could be named...
Ireland vs Canada: 'You can't rule out this Irish team'
Ahead of Ireland's second World Cup clash against Canada in Perth, Andrea was joined by Kathleen McNamee, Off The Ball and Presenter of the COYGIG Podcast to preview the game. Andrea also spoke to Irish fans in Australia, Su Keating, Community Ambassador for the Irish team in Perth, Neil Sherwin is Editor of Back Page Football, Robbie from Morley Gaels GFC and Laura from Western Shamrocks GAA...
Flight Etiquette: 'Don't take your socks off!'
Is it ever OK to ask to swap seats, take off your socks or do basic body maintenance on a flight? Andrea was joined by Irish Independent journalist Kirsty Blake Knox and other listeners to discuss...
Anti-social behaviour in Dublin City is 'out of control'
Gardaí are investigating reports of two assaults in Dublin City Centre over the past 24 hours. The two separate incidents comes just days after an American tourist was left in a serious condition in hospital. Do you feel safe in our capital? Andrea was joined by Padraig O'Reilly, crime photojournalist and listeners to discuss...
Secret bank account in relationships raises questions 'around trust'
Do you have a secret bank account? New research from Aviva shows that more than 1 in 10 adults in relationships have a bank or savings account that their partner doesn’t know about. Andrea was joined by Life Coach, Mark Fennell to discuss...
'A crude measure': Age and BMI cut off for publicly-funded IVF criticised
Couples getting publicly funded IVF will only be entitled to one round. They also won’t be eligible for it, if they’ve paid for more than one round themselves privately. There is also expected to be a maximum age limit of 41 and Body Mass Index requirements. These criteria were recommended by a working group of clinical experts. There’s also been no mention of an allowance for single people, or those in a single sex relationship. Andrea was joined by Fianna Fáil Senator Catherine Ardagh and Labour Party Senator Marie Sherlock and listeners to discuss...
'We were engulfed in smoke' - Holidaymakers in Rhodes
Greece carries out its biggest ever evacuation as wildfires rage on Rhodes. Thousands of people have been moved from villages and resorts on the island. Andrea spoke to Rosaline, Lee and Bridget who were on the island...
Barbie superfan has 'around 700 dolls' in a dedicated room in her home
The new Barbie film is out. The movie hit the big screen across Ireland today. Andrea was joined now by Dancer Adam Fogarty who is in the movie and Barbie Superfan Glenda to chat all things Barbie...
Brian Leddin: Ireland needs to address advertisement of cars amid climate crisis
An almost constant cycle of car advertising on radio, TV and in podcasts flies in the face of the action that is needed to combat the climate crisis. That is according to Green Party TD and chair of the Oireachtas climate committee Brian Leddin who says that advertising in the car industry should be considered alongside alcohol and tobacco in terms of public health and child protection. Andrea was joined by Brian Leddin TD, Shane O’Donoghue Editor with Completecar.ie and listeners to discuss...
Taylor Swift: ‘You’d want to be going for dinner with her for that money’ - Andrea Gilligan
Taylor Swift fans all over Ireland spent hours online yesterday attempting to get tickets to one of her shows next summer. However, for many by the time they got to the top of the Ticketmaster queue, all that was left was VIP packages ranging from €371.28 to €743.62. Were you one of the lucky ones? Or are you frustrated with the price of concert tickets? Andrea was joined by listeners and fans to discuss...
'We need more Gardaí on the streets!' - Dublin City 'unsafe' due to anti-social behaviour
Do you feel safe on the streets of our cities? Another vicious assault in Dublin on Wednesday night, this time on an American tourist outside his hotel on Talbot Street in Dublin. While yesterday, a man in his 30s was assaulted in Galway City. What needs to be done to deal with this anti-social behaviour? Andrea was joined by Richard Guiney, CEO of Dublin Town and listeners to discuss...
'Let's get behind the girls!' - Calls for more support of Irish Women's Team
Have the country got behind the Girls in Green enough? Anecdotally, there is hardly any flags or bunting to be seen. Would people even know the Irish women's team were in Australia at the World Cup. Andrea was joined by Paul and Linda to discuss...
'We need more restrictions' on advertising of infant formula
The new broadcasting authority, Comisiún Na Meán plans to further restrict the online advertising of baby formula. The World Health Organisation believes that more restrictions on advertising of formula milk is required. This is just one of the measures proposed by the Breastfeeding Parliamentary Committee to support infant feeding choices Andrea was joined by Dr Liz O’Sullivan, lecturer in nutrition at the Technological University of Dublin and member of Baby Feeding Law Group, Linda, Kay and more listeners to discuss...
County Clare ‘very much a destination for Irish people’
From the Cliffs of Moher to surfing in Lahinch and trad sessions in Doolin – there’s something for everyone in Clare, but how important is the tourist industry to the Banner County? Andrea was joined by John Burke, Owner of Armada Hotel, Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism, Clare County Council, Jarlath O Dwyer, CEO of Burren Eco Tourism Network and Nuala Mulqueeny, Manager of Aillwee Burren Experience, who is also a member of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum...
'A completely unique dining experience' - Andrea visits Bunratty Castle
Lunchtime Live is LIVE from Co Clare as part of Newstalk's Summer Tour. As part of the trip to the west, Andrea took the opportunity to visit Bunratty Castle, hear about some of the history and even enjoy a medieval banquet...
Self-driving cars could be on our roads 'in the next 5 to 10 years'
There is a fascinating amount of new businesses and industry in Clare. Andrea was joined LIVE in Shannon by Shannon Airport Director, Niall Kearns, Steve Linnane from Element Six, a world leader in synthetic diamonds and Wassim Derguech, Co-founder of the Future Mobility Campus...
'There's a real sense of community' - Why is Clare so special?
Music, surfing and matchmaking, all things that make Clare particularly special – but what else makes the county stand out? Andrea was joined by Aoibhinn Garrihy, entreprenuer and social media influencer, Marcus Horan, Former Munster player and Jamesie O’Connor, former Clare Hurler to discuss...
‘On our shoulders they stand’ – Ireland’s first-ever players ready for ‘historic’ World Cup
With just two days to go until Ireland kick off their World Cup campaign Down Under, Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by some of the women that got the ball rolling 50 years ago. Nono McHugh, Paula Gorham and Catherine Rafferty all joined Andrea to discuss their time playing for their country...
'It's not talked about enough' - Coping with Infertility
This week is Fertility Awareness Week. The World Health Organisation estimates that approximately 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility. But is there a stigma around talking about it? Andrea was joined by Sorcha, Nicola and Graham Coull, Scientific Director for Sims IVF to discuss…
Wheelchair users put 'in complete danger' when navigating cluttered streets
New steel poles have been erected along Wickham Street in Limerick – with seemingly the only purpose being to hang flower baskets. It was an issue highlighted by Limerick Councillor Elisa O’Donovan, and it caused a big reaction online – with many people saying that the steel poles amount to street clutter. Do we have an issue with street clutter in our towns and cities in Ireland? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
'We're in uncharted territory': Does extreme weather make you anxious?
Europe is expected to hit even higher record tempterature today and the rest of this week. Parts of Spain went over 44 degrees yesterday, and some tourist spots in Greece have been evacuated because of wild fires. While Ireland has been experiencing extreme rain and stormy conditions. Health authorities have sounded alarms from North America to Europe and Asia, urging people to stay hydrated and shelter from the sun. These are incredibly stark reminders of the effects of global warming. Does the extreme weather make you anxious? Andrea was joined by Alan O'Reilly from Carlow Weather and listeners to discuss...
Those providing character references for rapists ‘have to be scrutinised’
Last week Helen McEntee proposed that a person who provides a character reference for someone convicted of a sexual offence can be cross examined in court. This is part of the amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023. Andrea was joined by Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Mary Crilly, founder of the Sexual Violence Centre Cork and Safe Gigs and Barry Ward Fine Gael Senator and Criminal Barrister to discuss...
COYGIG: ‘You don’t have to wish to be a boy to be a professional footballer anymore’
The 2023 Women's World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in just three days' time. Around 4,000 fans from Ireland are travelling to the tournament to support the Girls in Green. In the run up to the first match, against the host country this Thursday, Andrea was joined by some of the people who have helped train and grow the key members of the Irish Women’s World Cup Team. Andrea was joined by Milford FC's Noel Gillespie, Alan Moore, Chairperson of Blessington FC and Tony Poutch, who coached Aine O’Gorman in Bray, Co Wicklow...
Irish greyhound industry in 'major decline'
Youghal Greyhound Track is attracting an average attendance of just three members of the public at its twice-weekly meets. Is the interest in Greyhound racing dwindling? Should they still be receiving the same level of funding? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Nuala Donlon from Greyhound Action Ireland, David, Tony, Michael and more listeners to discuss...
Being black is ‘a constant fight’ in Ireland
What is the experience of being black and Irish? And how does it differ from the white experience? A Town Hall organised by Black & Irish tomorrow aims to hear from people about their lived experience, and talk about the changes needed in Ireland to better the black experience. Andrea was joined by Briana Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Black & Irish, Leon Diop, Founder of the Black & Irish and Longford County Councillor Uruemu Adejinmi and listeners to discuss…
Summer Memories with Brian Dowling
Our summer memories series returns where we chat with some well-known faces and reminisce over those long summer days! 98fm Presenter Brian Dowling joined Andrea in studio...
‘We are stealing the future from our kids’ - Transport emissions continue to rise
The latest report from the Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that transport emissions have risen by 6% in one year. What can we do to stop our high emissions? Andrea was joined by Brian Cooke, Director General at SIMI - Society of the Irish Motor Industry, John Gibbons, Environmental Journalist and listeners to discuss…
'We're behind the curve': What are the laws around sharing graphic footage online?
On Monday Andrea spoke to Sandra Byrnes, foster-mum of Wassiou who died earlier this summer. And yesterday Andrea spoke to Magda, whose son was attacked in Bushy Park last week. In both cases, the incidents surrounding their sons were filmed and shared on social media - much to the heartbreak of the families. What are the laws around this? Is enough being done to help families stop these kinds of things being shared? Andrea was joined by Senior Counsel and Specialist in Media and Data Law, Ronan Lupton to discuss...
Having a baby solo: 'I really always wanted a family'
Many women these days are opting to have children alone. There is an array of reasons why a woman might choose assisted reproduction. Andrea was joined by Lisa, Kerrie and Lucy Boyd, Nurse Manager in the Sims IVF Clonskeagh Clinic to discuss...
'A potentially damaging stereotype': Is Barbie a strong feminist icon?
Greta Gerwig’s new Barbie movie hits our screens next week, with many lifelong fans already booking out cinemas nationwide. Journalist Mary Kenny has been writing in the Irish Independent that ‘Barbie, once loathed for stereotyping young girls, is now pitched as a feminist icon’ What do you think? Is Barbie an icon or does she actually go against what feminism is meant to be about? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
Smartphones ‘way too dangerous’ for use in primary schools
Eight primary schools in Greystones in Co. Wicklow have pledged to ban smart phones. The scheme has now been approved by Education Minister Norma Foley. The Minister has also suggested that this initiative could be rolled out across the whole country. Should this initiative be extended throughout the country? Andrea was joined by Rachel Harper, Principal of St.Patricks National School in Greysones and leader of the ‘It Takes a Villiage’ campaign to ban smartphones from primary schools, Simon Lewis, principal of Carlow Educate Together and host of the 'If I Were Minister for Education Podcast' and other listeners and parents to discuss...
Bushy Park assault: Young boy brutally beaten by gang of youths in 20-minute ordeal
Yesterday The Star’s Paul Healy reported that a 13 year old boy was attacked in Bush Park in Dublin last Thursday. The attack lasted 20 minutes and the boy ended up in ICU. Gardaí are now investigating the attack. Andrea was joined by the boy’s mother, Magda...
'Things you can't control can happen' - Leaving kids and dogs alone together
Dogs Trust in the UK are warning parents of the risks when leaving young children alone with dogs. Last year in the UK 91% of dog bites to children under 14 years are from dogs known to the children in the home. Would you would leave your children alone unsupervised with your dog? Andrea was joined by Samantha Rawson Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, Elizabeth, a vet and other listeners to discuss...
'We should hang onto our accents with great pride' in Ireland
An RTÉ news report on the dead whale found in Kerry is getting huge attention. The report featured an interview with a local man, who’s accent has garnered some attention. Do we hear enough Irish regional accents on TV and radio? Are we in danger of losing our regional accents? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
'I can't accept hatred' - Effigies on loyalist bonfires condemned
Today is July 12th, which will mean Orange Orders and band parading in many parts of Northern Ireland. Yesterday, the Eleventh Night, saw more than 200 bonfires lit in loyalist areas across the North. Among the bonfires was an effigy of Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill in Co Tyrone- where it was to be burned alongside with Irish flags. A picture of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and an Irish flag were set alight again in Tyrone on Saturday. How do we ever have a conversation about a United Ireland when we have effigies of politicians being burned in the north? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss…
'The answers haven't come from today' - Ryan Tubridy before PAC
Ryan Tubridy and Noel Kelly's marathon sessions at two Oireachtas committees are underway. The first session at the Public Accounts Committee began at 11am, with the second session at the Oireachtas Media Committee getting underway from 3pm. Andrea was joined by Fionnán Sheahan, Ireland Editor with the Irish Independent and listeners to discuss the proceedings...
Mindfullness: 'It's not a one-size-fits-all approach'
So it turns out, mindfulness really does work. A new study from Cambridge University has show that it can help with depression and anxiety. And can even give you a health boost! But what is it really? Andrea was joined by Michael Ryan, Yoga and Meditation Therapist, nutritional therapist, Fawn Clarke and others to discuss...
Farming industry condemns 'disturbing' abuse of animals exposed by RTÉ report
An RTE Investigates Documentary has revealed the harsh conditions male calves endure at cattle marts. Shocking footage was aired last night causing outrage from those in the industry and animal rights campaigners. Is it time we crack down on animal welfare in the farming industry? Andrea was joined by Dennis Drennan, Deputy President of ICMSA, Gerry Boland, founder and spokesperson for Animals Behind Closed Doors, Catherine Woods, animal rights activist and more to discuss...
Foster mum asks people to ‘stop and think’ after bystanders filmed jet-ski tragedy
The family of a young man who drowned in a jet-ski accident have said that some people filmed his final moments. Wassiou Leon Ayawe was 19 when died after the jet-ski he was on flipped over in Killaloe. His foster mother Sandra Byrnes joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Swinging community in Ireland becoming ‘bigger every week’
How big is the swinging community in Ireland? Is it possible to have an openly sexual community in a country as small as Ireland? Andrea was joined by Gray and Gemma to discuss their experiences in the swinging community...
Parents 'have to be accountable' for their children's crimes
The head of Cork’s Support After Crime Services fears that a bill criminalising the recruitment of children into gangs won’t achieve its aims unless parents are also held to account. Should parents be held accountable for their children’s crimes or antisocial behaviour? Andrea was joined by Sally Hanlon, founding member and Director of Services of Support After Crime Services and other listeners to discuss…
Are we getting outraged about everything to do with RTÉ?
Marty Morrissey has revealed himself as the RTÉ staff member who had a loan of a car from Renault for five years. In a statement yesterday the RTÉ GAA commentator said he did not seek a fee to act as MC at Renault events so they ‘offered me the use of a car’ It is the latest in a number of controversies to rock RTÉ and its star in the last number of days. But, are we now at the point where we are looking to get outraged about everything to do with RTE?
Should adult children have to pay rent?
Andrea was joined on the show by callers to discuss whether or not adult children should contribute to the household...
Did you get an access code for Taylor Swift tickets?
Taylor Swift fans frantically refreshed their emails yesterday to see if they were among the lucky punters to get an access code to the golden tickets! But for many, that email never came. Were you one of the lucky ones? Or are you frustrated with the system? Andrea was joined by callers to find out if they were one of the lucky ones...
Driving test delays: 'The system is broken'
Learner drivers are regularly having to wait about 6 months to get driving tests around the country. The delays often mean that they have a long period between finishing their lessons and doing the test – so they could be out of practice. Is this fair? Andrea was joined by Brenda Bolger, owner of Bolger School of Motoring in Kilkenny and callers who shared their own experiences on the driving test delays...
Father of the bride delays wedding speeches to listen to the Kerry game
I saw a picture doing the rounds on Twitter that has really made me laugh. In it, there’s the father of the bride, at the top table, beside his daughter. But instead of taking in the beautiful surroundings – he has his phone glued to his ear. And it turns out, that’s because he’s listening to last weekend’s Kerry game – which unfortunately clashed with the wedding. He wasn’t going to miss a minute of it, even his daughter’s wedding couldn’t stop him! Father of the Bride, Kevin O’Sullivan joined Andrea on the show...
Just Stop Oil protestors: 'Bunch of attention seeking arses'
Three ‘Just Stop Oil’ Environmental activists have been arrested after two protests disrupted tennis at Wimbledon yesterday. What do you think of the Just Stop Oil protests at Wimbledon? Do you support them? Andrea was joined by callers to share their views on the Just Stop Oil protestors...
All-Ireland Dublin footballer Siobhan McGrath on suffering a stroke
Four Time all Ireland winning footballer with Dublin Siobhan McGrath put exhaustion and aches and pains down to being wrecked after a training session – little did she know that she was having a stroke. Siobhan McGrath joined Andrea on the show to tell her story...
Breastfeeding breaks - Is enough being done to help working mothers?
New employment entitlements for parents come into effect this week, including breastfeeding breaks in the workplace. They’ll be extended from the current period of six months up to two years. A positive move, but is enough being done to help working mothers?