Lunchtime Live
4,963 episodes — Page 83 of 100
Eurovision: 'Since we sent Dustin, I don't think they have taken us seriously'
Ireland missed out on a place in this year's Eurovision Grand Final. Wild Youth performed 'We Are One' as part of the first semi-final in Liverpool on Tuesday. Ireland has such high heights before but we haven’t been able to get that kind of success again in such a long time. So, if we’re going to keep doing this badly, is it worth entering? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...
Cancellation of Carlow drag show ‘a complete overreaction’ - Drag Queen
A Drag Show event in Carlow, which was meant to be going ahead at the end of this month has been cancelled after receiving a small number of complaints. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Charmin Electrik from Queens of the Party, Drag Queen Kara Kalua and Cllr Fintan Phelan, Mayor of Carlow to discuss...
'Leave the Catholic ceremony to practicing Catholic people'
Only 40 per cent of weddings in Ireland last year took place in a Catholic church. Are more people are turning towards a humanist ceremony? Do you think getting married in a church, if you’re not religious, is disingenuous? Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss...
Eurovision: 'It's an incredible event, there's nothing like it'
Ireland will perform in Semi Final 1 of Eurovision tonight. Ireland has been in Eurovision more than 50 times and has a record seven wins, but has failed to qualify for the final since Ryan O’Shaughnessy entered with his song 'Together' in 2018. But still, we enter it with joy and pure passion every year. So what makes it so appealing? Andrea Gilligan was joined by Dermot, Keith and Michael to discuss...
Car ban on College Green: Disabled people 'being left behind'
Cars are to be permanetely banned at College Green from the end of this month. The bus corridor, which currently operates from 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, will become a 24/7 bus corridor from 29 May. Work to provide more space for pedestrians at College Green and Foster Place will begin next week. Taxis spaces will be reduced at Foster Place and increased at the College Green rank. Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Senator Eileen Flynn says taxi driver refused to bring her home to halting site
Independent Senator Eileen Flynn has spoken out about the recent racism she faced when a taxi driver refused to take her home to a halting site. Eileen is the only Traveller representative in the Oireachtas and has campaigned widely on fairer treatment of the travelling community. She joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to discuss the discrimination she faces...
ADHD: TikTok ‘may have influenced me’ to seek a diagnosis
If you have TikTok, it will be hard to miss the amount of ADHD content on it. The hashtag has over 20 billion views, with creators saying they’re spreading awareness of the condition. But some people are concerned about the number of people self-diagnosing themselves with ADHD after watching the videos. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Slaney Foley, Ken Kilbride, from ADHD Ireland, Broadcaster Keith Walsh and other listeners to discuss…
'Take each day as they come’ - Sister of murdered Irishman Jason Corbett
Tracey Corbett Lynch, sister of murdered Irishman Jason Corbett has set up bereavement group to help others in dealing with loss. After losing her mum to covid, her sister-in-law to an illness and her brother in a brutal murder, she received an outpouring of support and is now aiming to support others in their battle with grief. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by Tracey Corbett Lynch and Thanatologist Jennifer Moran Stritch. You can reserve your place for Limerick Bereavement Group's support evening below: Living with Loss: A bereavement and support evening
GAAGO: Matches 'should be available free to air' - Dooley
GAAGO is a streaming service that was launched by the association in 2014 and was aimed at the Irish diaspora around the world. The streaming service has now expanded into full TV coverage in order to fill the void left by Sky Sports. The move has raised concerns over a lack of championship matches on free-to-air television. Andrea was joined by Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley, Former Clare hurler Jamesie O’Connor and listeners to discuss...
'Kin' drama 'is realistic' of crime in Dublin City Centre
Have TV shows gone too violent? There have been calls for RTE show Kin to be banned from filming on the streets of Dublin because of the 'damage' it’s causing to the city's reputation. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Tony McDonald from Deke Rivers and listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss... Image: RTÉ
Scramblers 'a menace' in South Dublin towns - Fianna Fáil Councillor
Residents in a Dublin are saying scrambler bikes are creating chaos and want a crack down on them. Councillors have said that they want green areas in estates to be reclaimed as cimmunity areas and for more laws to be brought in around the bikes. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Fianna Fáil Cllr for South Dublin, Charlie O'Connor, Fianna Fáil Cllr for Dublin Tom Brabazon and Leonard Russell to discuss...
'Royal Teilifís Éireann!' - Reaction to RTÉ airing King Charles' coronation
RTÉ One is devoting four hours of televised coverage to King Charles’ coronation this Saturday. It is a move that has drawn criticism from a number of TDs including People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy. Are RTE right to broadcast King Charles’coronation? Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Calls to rename GAA clubs named after slavery supporter ‘will blow over’
Last week Trinity changed the name of the Berkley library following a lengthy back and forth over Berkley’s slavery links. Now people are suggesting we should apply the same standard to the GAA, with the highest profile case being John Mitchel, beloved Irish nationalist, journalist and slavery advocate. Despite his pro slavery stance the Mitchel name is emblazoned on team jerseys in Kerry, Waterford, Belfast, Derry, Monaghan and more. Clare McKenna was joined by listeners, Jim and Greg to discuss...
The Cost of Parenthood
Is the cost of parenthood putting you off the idea of having children? So many people are struggling at the minute – and with the cost of bringing up a child from the cradle through college is estimated to be well into six figures, per child. Is the idea of starting a family simply out of grasp for some of us? Have you delayed having children due to finances? Clare McKenna was joined by listener Cathie and Margaret O’Connor from ‘Are Kids For Me?’, who is a Counsellor and Psychotherapist who specialises in helping people make the decision...
Driving SUVs needs to be made 'socially unacceptable'
Trinity College Dublin Professor Brian Caulfield says sport utility vehicles (SUVs) create a “less safe environment” for road users and our climate. They have a 20% higher emissions profile than a saloon car or hatchback car. Should SUVs be banned? Clare McKenna was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Wheelchair user 'crawled' off flight after ramp was unavailable on landing
Adrian, a wheelchair user from County Wicklow got in touch with Lunchtime Live over an issue he had exiting a plane. Over the weekend, he had to crawl down the metal steps off a Ryanair plane when there was no ramp there to help him disembark. Adrian and Bernard Mulvany from Access for All joined Kieran on The Hard Shoulder to discuss...
Lowering the driving age to 16 'a bit mad'
Plans in Brussels for the driving age to be lowered to 16 years of age by installing a speed-limiting device have been met with mixed reactions. Some have welcomed the move citing transport difficulties especially in rural areas, others worry whether 16 year olds will actually use the speed limiting device and the danger they will pose to other motorists. Clare McKenna was joined by listeners to discuss...
Travel Q&A with Eoghan Corry
Holiday season kicked off in earnest over the bank holiday weekend and Eoghan Corry, Editor of Air and Travel Magazine, joined Clare McKenna to answer any niggling travel questions listeners have...
Children 'as young as ten' using disposable vapes
Australia is to ban recreational vaping in one of the biggest crackdowns on the tobacco industry. The government aims to ban all disposable vapes, which often come in fruity flavours, ban the import of non-prescription vapes and limit nicotine levels, aiming for the sale of vapes to be confined to helping smokers quit. Clare McKenna spoke to listeners on Lunchtime Live...
'Dodgy box' users in Ireland 'willing to take the chance'
Last month we heard about how law enforcement is cracking down on illegal TV streaming networks – so called ‘dodgy boxes’. A story making headlines today discussed the case of a Dublin man who sold android boxes allowing cheap access to thousands of TV channels being sentenced to 240 hours of community service. While illegal here – dodgy boxes are extraordinarily common. What do you think about the Government cracking down on dodgy boxes?
'It was the perfect time' - Make-A-Wish gives teen home sensory room
This week, Newstalk is partnering with Make-A-Wish Ireland to celebrate Wish Week. All week we've been talking to incredibly brave children and their families. And hearing about how Make-A-Wish has given them hope during the harder times in their lives. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Avril Walsh Evans. Avril's son, Matthew, has adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency. Medical advancements mean the symptoms can be treated but there is no cure...
'I admire her' - Michelle O'Neill to attend coronation of King Charles
Sinn Fein's Vice President and First Minister designate, Michelle O'Neill has said she will attend the coronation of King Charles in the United Kingdom next week. Adrian Kennedy was joined by People Before Profit Councilor Madeleine Johansson and other listeners to discuss...
Peta comparing eating fish to eating dead cats ‘a new low’
A new billboard by PETA states that eating fish is comparable to eating cats. The advert, which is in the UK, shows a fishmonger holding up a fish which changes to a dead cat. Locals in the area say they are horrified by the sign. What do you think? Is there a difference between eating a fish and eating a cat? Adrian Kennedy was joined by Jennifer White, PETA Media and Communications Manager anod other listeners to discuss… Image: Peta UK
Calls to ban open fires and stoves 'totally wrong' during current crisis
The government will today unveil their first ever Clean Air Strategy which will aim to cut down on air pollution in Ireland. The EPA estimate there are 1,300 premature deaths annually in Ireland due to poor air quality. Should the use of stoves and open fires be banned? Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss…
Cherry Orchard group will ‘tackle the systemic causes of anti-social behaviour'
A board has been set up to tackle anti-social behaviour in Cherry Orchard. It will include people from the local community, the Guards, the HSE, and local authorities. The idea is to support the community, and to try to stop anti-social behaviour and violence in the area. But will it work? Is this what the community needs? Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss...
'There is no incentive to stay in rural Ireland' - Young members of Macra na Feirme
Young farmers have been walking through the night as part of a march to highlight the challenges facing young people in rural Ireland. Members of 'Macra na Feirme' began the 79km walk from their headquarters in Athy to Merrion Square yesterday afternoon. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Liam Hanrahan, Chairperson of agriculture affairs committee in Macra na Feirme, Thomas, Laura and more to discuss...
'A step too far' - Partner of Paul Murphy TD on protests outside their home
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy tweeted a picture of a group of people protesting outside his family home last night. How far is too far? Is protesting outside a politicians house crossing boundaries? Paul Murphy's partner Jess Spear joined Adrian Kennedy to discuss what happened. Other listeners also joined the discussion on Lunchtime Live to discuss... Image: Twitter @paulmurphy_TD
‘I was told no’: Stalking victim refused no-contact order calls for legislation
New legislation for stalking in Ireland has been delayed since last year. A new offence of stalking has been proposed by the Government but has yet to be acted upon. In comparison it’s been announced that since Northern Ireland brought in new stalking laws a year ago, 88 people have been arrested and 47 people have been charged. Adrian Kennedy was joined by Eve McDowell, co-founder of Stalking.ie and Una Ring to discuss...
Gender identity education in schools 'decades behind'
The new junior cycle curriculum will ensure that all secondary schools teach gender identity as part of a revised sexual education programme beginning in September. The Catholic Secondary School Parents Association have accused policymakers of “seeking to promote an ideology that refuses to acknowledge basic biological facts in favour of a new gender self-identity doctrine” while others have welcomed the new approach. Adrian Kennedy was joined by listeners to discuss...
'We need a plan in place' - Irish doctor whose father was evacuated from Sudan
Fifty Irish citizens have been evacuated from Sudan since yesterday and the Tanaiste has said he thinks there are about 150 there in total. Members of the Army Ranger Wing, the Defence Forces special operations unit have been dispatched to Sudan to help. Adrian Kennedy was joined on Lunchtime Live by Retired Lieutenant Colonel and airport safety and security auditor Kevin Byrne, Doctor Aia Mohammed, Dr Osama Ali, General secretary of the Sudanese Society of Cork and more to discuss...
Tasers 'are a good tool for the Gardaí to have' - former police officer
Frontline members of An Gardaí Síochána believe that they should be able to use tasers in response to the soaring number of assaults on their members. What do you think? Would you like to see Gardaí carrying tasers? Adrian Kennedy was joined on Lunchtime Live by Richard, a former police officer, Liam Herrick, Executive Director with the Irish Council for Civil Liberties and other listeners to discuss…
'Traumatised' - Landlord lunged at tenant with saw in attemped eviciton
A video has gone viral online of what appears to be a landlord abusing a tenant, an immigrant doctor with a family of two young children. Dr Muhammed Raheel, the tenant and his colleague, Dr Liqa Ur Rehman joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live on Newstalk to discuss...
'A true gent' - Colm Horkan remembered by his cousin
Stephen Silver has been handed the mandatory life sentence for the capital murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Silver shot Detective Horkan after taking his gun off him as he tried to arrest him in Castlerea, County Roscommon in June 2020. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Newstalk’s Courts Correspondent Frank Greaney and Liam Breheny, Colm Horkan’s cousin…
‘We need a break’ - Carer hasn’t had respite in over 3 years
Being a carer for a family member or a loved one is a full time and often exhausting role. Currently in Ireland respite care is extremly hard come by for those caring for their family. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Kevin, Tracey and Jane to discuss...
Son of Holocaust survivor condemns ‘shocking’ picture of woman posing at Auschwitz
A photo of a tourist visiting Auschwitz has gone viral online. They’re posing in front of the buildings in a way that’s been called inappropriate. People are saying tourists have lost all respect and don’t know how to behave in sensitive sites. Have you ever seen this when visiting historically sensitive sites? Andrea Gilligan was joined by Oliver Sears, Founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland, Dr Emily Mark-Fitzgerald and listeners to discuss...
Parking charges for Phoenix Park 'a step too far'
Motorists parking their car in Dublin’s Phoenix Park may have to pay to do so in the future. The Office of Public Works has flagged to politicians the potential introduction of parking charges “across the entirety of the park”. What do you think of the idea? Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners to discuss..
'I can't develop my skills' - Star motorcylist can’t compete as governing body struggles to get insurance
Aoife Griffin is a shining light in Irish motorcycle racing. However, she has been unable to compete in any racing events this year as the governing body of motorcycling cannot get public liability insurance. Aoife joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss…
Rapid extension of free GP care could cause ‘crisis’ - IMO
Should everyone who earns €46,000 or less get free doctors appointments? The Irish Medical Organisation doesn’t think so – they think it could clog up an already overwhelmed medical service. The expansion of free GP care was announced as part of Budget 2023. The IMO say they would need an extra 1,100 GPs for something like that to work. So should everyone earning €46,000 get free doctors visits? And should there be free appointments for everyone under seven? Andrea was joined by Dr Tadhg Crowley, the chair of the Irish Medical Organisation, and listeners Teresa, Pauline and Lisa to discuss…
Bloody Sunday Bridge: ‘We're afraid to offend the British’
Plans to name a bridge near Croke Park stadium ‘Bloody Sunday Bridge’ have been branded ‘crude’, ‘inflammatory’ and ‘divisive’. Dublin City Council are to debate renaming canal bridge in honour of the 14 killed by Crown forces in 1920. Is naming a bridge at Croke Park ‘Bloody Sunday’ Bridge a good idea? Andrea Gilligan was joined by listeners on Lunchtime Live to discuss...
Restrictions 'a symptom of much larger problems within our maternity system'
Calls are mounting for better maternity care in Ireland and for restrictions in maternity care imposed during covid-19 to be lifted. Campaigners says partners continue to be restricted from attending antenatal appointments. The calls come as hospitals are considering easing mask restrictions however some restrictions remain for maternity care. Andrea was joined by Rachel Fanagan-Bermingham one of the founders of the Birthright Alliance Ireland, Brenda McGrath and David Rice to discuss…
Legalising cannabis ‘could be a good thing’ - Farmer Hannah Quinn Mulligan
In the Irish Independent today, journalist and beef and dairy farmer Hannah Quinn-Mulligan writes: ‘Pretending there isn’t a substantial market for marijuana is pointless – we should legalise it and let Irish farmers cash in’ To discuss this further Andrea was joined by Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Mike, Donal and Denis…
Channel 4 show Naked Education ‘a tad voyeuristic’ - Amanda Brunker
A new Channel 4 “body positive” show which aims to “normalise all body types, champion people’s differences and break down stereotypes” has received nearly 1,000 complaints to Ofcom. In parts of the show, adults pose nude in front of teenagers in order to teach them about the human body. Do you think this is a good way for children to learn about the human body? Or is it too much? Andrea was joined by Writer Amanda Brunker, Kate from the Irish Naturist Association and many more listeners to discuss… Image: Channel 4
‘People view you based on the colour of your skin’ - Being a person of colour in Ireland
Ireland is progressively becoming more diverse with different cultures, races and backgrounds. However people are continuing to face the question ‘Where are you from?’ or ‘Where are you really from?’ Andrea was joined by listeners Suzanne, Stephanie, Michele and Denise to discuss…
‘I’m Joe!’ - Dundalk shop owners honoured by Biden visit
The Wee county had a big visitor yesterday as US President Joe Biden landed in Carlingford and Dundalk. Andrea was joined by Bobby Wain, from McAteers The Food House in Dundalk and Donal McGeough, Owner of the Windsor Bar in Dundalk to discuss meeting President Biden…
‘Leave our Angelus alone!’ - RTÉ’s Angelus doesn’t air due to Biden visit
Due to RTÉ’s coverage of the US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland, The Angelus was not aired ahead of yesterdays Six One news. Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by a range of listeners to discuss whether The Angelus should continue to be aired by RTÉ or scrapped altogether…
'Absolutely backwards' - Electric vehicle grants cut by 30 per cent from July
Grants for electric cars will be cut by €1,500 to €3,500 for private buyers from July 1st. With the growing interest of electric vehicles, we ask is the infrastructure any good and will the cutting of the grant make buying these vehicles less appealing? Andrea was joined by Garrett, Brian Caulfield - Associate Professor & Head of Department, Trinity College Dublin, Research in Transport, Public Transport, Transport Emissions & Climate Change, Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor with Irish Independent and Sunday Independent and more listeners to discuss
Digital Detox: 'I don't get enough time for friends, family, life'
Could you go without your phone for the weekend? Pat Phelan, CEO and co-founder of SISU Clinic has decided to do a digital detox every week from Friday after work to Monday morning. Pat Phelan joined Andrea alongside Newstalk’s Technology correspondent Jess Kelly to discuss…
US foreign policy ‘encouraging war and militarism’ - PBP to protest Biden visit
US President Joe Biden arrived in Belfast last night. He will visit Louth today visiting Carlingford and Dundalk before heading to Dublin tomorrow to address Leinster House and on to Mayo on Friday. But, not everyone is happy that he is here. A number of people will be protesting the visit of the 46th US President. Andrea was joined by Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mark Price, Co-Chair of the Irish Anti-War Movement and founding member of the Irish Neutrality League, and other listeners to discuss…
Surrogacy – what more needs to be done?
Ranae Von Meding, CEO of Equality for Children joined Andrea today to discuss what more needs to happen to help families looking for the support in their surrogacy journey.
Trigger warning on The Snapper
Beloved Irish movie The Snapper was on RTE on Saturday night, did you catch it? Well, if you did you would have heard a trigger warning before the 1993 movie began. It divided viewers over the weekend. Andrea discussed with some of them today to hear their opinions.