Lunchtime Live

With the population of deer growing exponentially, deer culling will go ahead this year to control their population and reduce various issues such as biodiversity and farm management. Many people agree with the culling of these animals while others feel there are more humane ways of controlling the animal population size.  Andrea was joined by Animal Rights Activist, Gerry Boland, Damien Hannigan from The Irish Deer Commission and other listeners to discuss...

Do your family know your wishes when It comes to organ donation when you die? Despite the Human Tissue Bill passing through the Dáil, family consent is still central to organ donation in this country. Andrea was joined by Matthew McNeive, who was the recipient of a kidney when he was just 11 years old, and Colin White, the National Advocacy & Projects Manager with the Irish Kidney Association...

Do you agree with the deposit scheme for plastic bottles and cans? The new scheme which comes into effect here on February 1 will see a 15 cent levy added to every aluminium can or plastic bottle sold in Ireland. Customers will then have to return their empties to the likes of these 'reverse vending machines’ in order to get that back. Andrea was joined by Sinead Ryan, presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk and other listeners to discuss...

Love them or loathe them – there’s nothing quite like an invite to a wedding dropping in the door – but what if you don’t make the cut? Allegedly Meghan and Harry, have not received an invitation to the wedding of their friends the Duke of Westminster Hugh Grosvenor and his fiancée Olivia Henson. But how do you navigate the tricky subject of the guest list?  Journalist with the Irish Independent Kirsty Blake Knox and Jessica O'Sullivan from One Fab Day joined Andrea to discuss...

The Transport Infrastructure Ireland have announced that there will be an increase in toll prices which will come into effect starting January.  However, many have called on the Government to intervene as this is the second road toll hike in six months. Andrea was joined by Shane O'Donoghue from CompleteCar.ie and other listeners to discuss...

Gardaí will begin wearing baseball caps from today – and they are asking the public for opinions on the new look.Over 100 Gardaí will be sporting the new caps as part of a pilot programme in three areas.They will try out two different cap options, each for a period of two weeks.Andrea was joined by former Assistant Garda Commissioner, Pat Leahy and others to discuss...

Is Ireland on the cusp of a Donald Trump or Argentinian Javier Milei Presidential moment?  Last month saw Former TV celebrity economist Javier Milei win the Argentinan President Election, Donald Trump served as the 45th US President, while Boris Johnson served as British Prime Minister, but how close is Ireland coming to this kind of leadership? Andrea was joined by Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer in University of Galway, Paul Treyvaud, Owner of Treyvaud's Restaurant and Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly to discuss...

A major University in Scotland is considering scrapping it’s modern languages degrees. They say there’s been a steep fall in the number of students studying modern languages. Andrea was joined by Padraig Ryan from the ELC Euro Language College, Melanie May, solo travel writer and 'Talk Travel' presenter on Dublin City FM and more to discuss...

One in five people will spend more on their pets than their partners this Christmas. Almost eight out of 10 people say they don’t ‘want them to feel left out’. Andrea was joined by Shauna Kilduff, the owner of Shauna’s Pet shop,

 Dublin City Councillors have agreed to fly the Palestinian flag over the City Hall.  It will be flown in an “act of solidarity” for seven days starting this morning.  Are you happy about City Hall flying the Palestinian flag?  Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss...

How do you plan to grow old? Do we have to do it with grace? Or do you plan on being loud and proud in your old age? Dolly Parton, the Country Music icon dressed as a cheerleader for the  Thanksgiving Day halftime show wearing short shorts and with her belly button out.  Terry Prone, wrote an article on Dolly Parton and how she’s aging and she joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss.Celia Holman Lee, Model & Stylist, Kerry Hanaphy, Owner for Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinic and Mari O'Leary also joined the conversation...

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.Aoife Kearns, Newstalk Reporter has done the hard work and sourced the best deals to keep you warm this winter...

Would you charge your family for Christmas dinner? It can be a quite costly meal to prepare - but is it ok to ask your family to pay?  Carla Bellucci, a Mum in the UK has said she will be charging her guests £150 for dinner. Carla joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to breakdown what guests can expect for forking out for their Christmas dinner...

A  survey has revealed how one in six are paying between €26 and €50 to see their GP, while over a third are paying between €51 and €75, with prices highest in Dublin. Are GP’s prices too high? Andrea was joined by Siobhan Chidley, GP in Kildare, Sheena Mitchell, Pharmacist, podcaster “A WonderCare Podcast”, Owner Milltown totalhealth Pharmacy and listeners to discuss...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be out on the road delivering the nation's post?Today on Lunchtime Live’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ Andrea was joined by Emma Langan, Postwoman to chat on Lunchtime Live...

If you’re out and about today, you might notice that some buildings across the country are illuminated red – not to kick off the festive season – it’s part of the Glow Red for World AIDS Day. Rebecca Tallon de Havilland and Will Kennedy joined Andrea Gilligan to discuss...

Do you ever get that reaction when you tell people you have never seen Star Wars?  Or Harry Potter, or Game of Thrones, or Breaking Bad or the Godfather?Can you believe the shock from some people when you tell them you haven’t seen a particular movie or TV show? Tanya Sweeney was writing about in the Irish Independent today, John Fardy, prsenter of Screentime on Newstalk and Tanya Sweeney joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live today...

Do children with disabilities get enough support when they turn 18? Aisling and Lourdes are both mothers to teenagers with disabilities. They joined Andrea to discuss their experiences...

It’s the 1st of December, Christmas is officially here. If you’re headed to your Christmas party tonight, we want to know if you love them or hate them.Andrea was joined by Ian O'Doherty, columnist with Irish Independent, Tina Koumarianos, Agony Aunt, Louisa Meehan, HR and Mediation expert with Woodview HRM and Newstalk's Cathal O'Sullivan to discuss...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.Kiera Dignam, Christy Dignam's daughter joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live this afternoon...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.His death was announced by his wife Victoria Mary Clarke this morning.MacGowan had suffered health issues in recent years and was only recently released from hospital after reportedly spending time in intensive care.Andrea was joined by broadcaster Dave Fanning, singer Mary Coughlan and more to remember the legendary singer...

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 toys. Andrea was joined by Cogs the Brain Shop Ruth Roberts from Cogs the Brain Shop, James Fallon from Bainisteoir Board Game, Nikki Bee, from Bowie the Bear, Mindfullness Books for Children and Paraic Cuddy, from The Field Toy...

The Pogues frontman and songwriter Shane MacGowan has died at the age of 65.His death was announced by his wife Victoria Mary Clarke this morning.MacGowan had suffered health issues in recent years and was only recently released from hospital after reportedly spending time in intensive care.Andrea Gilligan was joined by Dave Browne, Singer with Picturehouse, BP Fallon, Musician, Brian Warfield from The Wolfe Tones, Danny McElhinney, Music journalist Irish Mail on Sunday and more to remember the legendary singer...

Grainne, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about an issue she wanted raise regarding her Facebook profile being hacked...

Junior Minister Patrick O’Donovan has told a Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting that those involved in the riots last week should be “punished financially” and have their welfare stopped.  He questioned whether any of the rioters worked saying that most of them were in bed when the rest of the country was up working to pay taxes for their lifestyle. Should rioters have their social welfare payments cut?  Andrea was joined by Patrick O'Donovan, Minister of State with responsibility for Office for Public Works, People Before Profit Councillor Hazel De Nortúin and others to discuss...

Antoinette, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live about an issue she wanted raise regarding disability payments from this years Budget...

Between Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here – contestants are putting themselves through absolute torture. But why do we enjoy watching people go through this? Andrea was joined by TV Streaming Columnist for the Irish Independent Sheena McGinley and Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly to discuss...

Proposals by Transport Infrastructure Ireland will see lay-bys on Ireland's major roadways being used by professional drivers only. Is this the right move from TII? Will it effect private motorists?  Andrea was joined by Fianna Fáil Senator, Niall Blaney, Cllr PJ Ryan, Independent Councillor in Clare and others to discuss ... 

Councillor Joe Leddin is campaigning for Limerick City to become an election poster free zone. With local elections, European Parliament elections, and the election of Limerick's first directly elected mayor on the horizon, is it time politicians change their method of campaigning?  Andrea Gilligan was joined by Limerick Cllr. Joe Leddin, Naas Cllr. Bob Quinn, Cllr. Shelly Herterich Quinn, Fianna Fail Councillor in Athenry-Oranmore and more to discuss...

Are you looking to have a more sustainable Christmas?   Do we make enough efforts to reduce or waste this Christmas?    Samantha Carter from Vision Ireland joined Andrea to discuss...

Is Ireland a good country to breastfeed in? In a global report in to breastfeeding - Ireland achieved a mediocre ranking, coming 56th out of 100, placing it 10th out of 19 European countries who have completed the assessment. What more can we do to help parents? Andrea was joined by Dr. Liz O’Sullivan, - Lecturer in Nutrition and Programme Chair of the BSc in Public Health Nutrition at Technological University Dublin and other listeners to discuss...

Since the rioting in Dublin last week there has been a lot of conversation about policing in Ireland. Do the Gardai need to be more heavy handed? Do we need bodycams? Should there be more training for Gardaí? Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD in Dublin says there is a need for a dedicated Metropolitan Police force in Dublin. What changes would you like to see in the Gardai?  Andrea was joined by Pat Leahy, Former Garda Assistant Commissioner, Architect Róisín Murphy and listeners Richard and Maureen...

Dr Nina Byrnes joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries...

Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen unveiled its festive advert on Friday, which shows an older man with a sad expression on his face, walking through town alone until he enters the bar and is joined by a couple who sit, drink and talk with him. Andrea was joined by Aoife Teague, who made and edited the ad for Charlie’s Pub and Neal Davies is the CEO of BBDO in Dublin...

Trade unions will hold a vigil in Dublin city centre this afternoon in solidarity with the woman and children injured in Thursday’s stabbing attack and workers affected by the riots.Andrea was joined by Owen Reidy, General Secretary of ICTU, Cllr Donna Cooney, Green Party Councillor in Dublin and Dermot O’Leary from the NBRU...

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.Caoimhseach Connolly, Newstalk Reporter has done the hard work and sourced the best deals for Cyber Monday...

A set of rules for a GAA Club in Ireland have been circulating online over the weekend and causing quite the stir in the GAA community. They were sent to players as part of player review meeting.  Tommy Rooney, GAA Correspondent with Off the Ball, Shairoze Akram and Tim Barry all joined Andrea to discuss...

The Government is to fast-track and expand controversial new facial recognition technology following violent scenes in Dublin last week.  Justice Minister Helen McEntee will bring forward legislation to enable facial recognition technology to quickly prosecute offenders involved in violence and looting.   Would you like to see facial recognition technology laws fast-tracked and expanded? Andrea was joined by Liam Herrick, Executive Director with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and more to discuss...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a stunt double in a movie or TV series?Today on Lunchtime Live’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ Andrea was joined by Niamh Hogan, stunt performer to find out...

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...