Lunchtime Live

Living in Sligo

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation about the joys and virtues of life in the northwest with former TD Marc MacSharry, travel content creator Kevin Dooher of Wild Atlantic...

Ask the Expert: Dealing with a child’s emotions

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cliona Cosgrove to answer any of your questions when it comes ...

Is thatching a dying tradition?

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thatching is a time honoured Irish Tradition that is at risk of dying out., according to the Donegal Thatching School.They have called for more fundin...

Puppies abandoned at Galway roadside

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

“There really is no excuse” these are the words of an animal rights organisation following a litter of five-week old collie puppies that were foun...

Would you ask AI to rate your looks?

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Would you be brave enough to ask Chat GPT… am I hot?That’s what one 47 year old woman did, and the advice was not that pleasing…Newstalk’s Sar...

How I Live Well: Tryka

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Brian Lee, Owner and F...

Is Ireland facing an infrastructure emergency?

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland is facing a “national emergency” in infrastructure.That’s according to the Chair of the The Economic and Social Research Institute Sean ...

Ask the GP with Dr John Flanagan

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr John Flanagan, GP at Suffolk Street Surgery joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries…

How to pick the best coffee machine for your home

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the price of coffee going up, have you considered getting your own fancy machine at home?There are so many to choose from, how do you know what’...

Irish couple win £300k in Tattle Life legal case

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a landmark legal victory, Irish entrepreneur Neil Sands and his wife Donna were awarded £300,000 in damages after successfully suing the operators...

Irishman on joining the ‘March to Gaza’

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John is an Irishman who was part of a delegation who attempted to join thousands of others on a global 'March to Gaza'.He was among thousands of peopl...

The Pod Squad: The Reserve Drivers

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Rory Galvin and Journalist and Styli...

Will tourism protests throw you off going abroad?

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anti-mass tourism protests have erupted across Italy, Spain and Portugal as campaigners call for a curb in tourist numbers.The rising cost of living a...

Summer Memories with Dermot Bannon

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our summer memories series is back!We chat to some well known faces and reminisce over those long summer days.This week, Architect and Presenter Dermo...

What would you do if you won the lotto?

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Winning the lotto sounds like a dream come true, but what happens next can be overwhelming. With millions suddenly in your account, how do you avoid c...

Should we expect pop stars to be role models?

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been anywhere on TikTok or Instagram, you might have seen the uproar related to a new Sabrina Carpenter album cover.The cover sees Sabrina...

Do we let kids quit hobbies too quickly?

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do we let kids quit hobbies too quickly? Is walking away a sign of giving up - or just part of figuring out what they love?Joining Andrea to discuss i...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Tidy Towns to dirty dentures, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

How bad is your commute?

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As property prices get further out of reach, people are committing to longer commutes to get houses.You can get much more for your money if you leave ...

The Home Squad: Staging your home for a viewing

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking to sell your home, you want to make sure it looks perfect when potential buyers come to give it a look. So, what are the best thin...

Is it fair for celebrities to refuse a picture?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Jessica Parker has said she really doesn’t like taking pictures with fans, preferring to have conversations over selfies.What do you think abo...

Is this new ad from the RSA too gruesome?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new ad campaign by the Road Safety Authority shows blood on the hands of those who drink and drive, as well as those who don’t call it out.But, is...

Should there be more focus on workplace wellbeing?

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As work becomes increasingly sedentary, the need to prioritise physical activity and wellbeing in the workplace has never been more important. Integra...

The Making of ‘A Woman’s Heart’

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? ...

Ryanair to fine passengers for bad behaviour

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you had to deal with a disruptive or unruly passenger while aboard a flight? Well, in a bid to tackle what they call an “industry-wide” issue...

Health insurance averages to go up - what you can do

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The average cost for health insurance has gone up €480 in the past two years.Insurers are saying it's down to an increase in medical claims, the hig...

What’s happening with Beyond the Pale?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Music festival Beyond the Pale has a new backer and is all set for this weekend.But, there were rumours during the week that it was going to be shut d...

Reasons to be Happy: Ed Sheeran, HIV Breakthrough, Kids Holidays

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.98FM’s...

Has the situation improved for carers?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week is National Carer’s week.We have spoken to carers many times on this show – about the impact they make, and the supports they need.Last ...

Making Babies: Inducing Labour

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospita...

Is it hard for students to get a summer job?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How hard is it for students to get a summer job?Are there part time summer roles out there, or have they all dried up?One listener got in touch becaus...

Should public transport be more pet friendly?

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over 4,500 people have signed a petition that says public transport options for Irish pet owners are "severely limited".As more people treat pets like...

Ask the Expert: Estate Agent

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Estate Agent for Hunters MD Rowena Quinn to answer any of your property-related questions!

Why this school in Galway is giving €2,000 to new pupils

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A school in Galway is offering €2,000 to new pupils who join the school in an attempt to prevent the loss of its second teacher.Scoil Naomh Pádraig...

Have weddings become too expensive?

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Almost half of people getting married are willing to go into debt to fund their wedding celebrations, according to a survey from online savings platfo...

Are manual cars a thing of the past?

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recent figures from Cars Ireland reveal manual car sales have dropped by over 50% in the last ten years, while automatic sales have skyrocketed by mor...

How I Live Well: Scrabble Club

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Marie McDonald and Car...

Does Love Island set unrealistic beauty standards?

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Love Island returned to our screens last night, much to the delight of many.But, does the show perpetuate unrealistic standards of beauty?Joining Andr...

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Would you go to a pub that doesn’t allow phones?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Phones have become an extension of ourselves, an ever-present feature as we make our way through our days.But, a pub in Cork has decided to go offline...

How to keep your kids entertained over the summer holidays!

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

School's out, and it's time to scream and shout! But, for many parents, the real juggling act begins. In Italy, some parents are even turning to thera...

Why do we procrastinate?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What are the things you put off or procrastinate over? The singer behind the song ‘I don’t like cricket, I love it’ went to see cricket for the ...

The Pod Squad: Begin Again With Davina McCall

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Tom Douglas from the Newstalk Newsroom and Native...

Government plan to remove rent pressure zones - are you in favour?

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Rent pressure zones are set to be gotten rid of – with a plan going to cabinet soon.Currently, rent increases are capped at 2% a year, or at the rat...

Bord Gais Theatre making production from scratch - the work involved

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What goes into making a huge theatre production?What kind of work goes into putting on those huge shows that we see like the Lion King or Wicked?For t...

Reasons to be Happy: Loving to Chat, New Music, Meet the Fockers

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.98FM’s...

Has grocery price inflation impacted how you shop?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Inflation across groceries and household items is resulting in an increased spend of nearly €400 from the same shopping basket as last year, but how...

The do’s and don’ts of fairy forts

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you superstitious? Do you believe in fairies? Maybe not, but would you interfere with a fairy fort or a hawthorn tree, and what do we believe abou...

Making Babies: The Types of Care Available

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking about Making Babies.Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Ma...

Should there be age verification for pornographic sites?

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a major shake-up in France’s digital landscape - Pornhub, YouPorn, and RedTube have gone dark nationwide.The move comes after their parent compan...

Ask the Expert: Lactation Consultant

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Roisin Sullivan, Lactation Consultant with the HSE to discuss and answer any quest...

The influencers promoting the Irish language online

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Irish language has exploded on TikTok, with a 600% growth in people using the platform through the language, according to reporting by the Herald....

Do we need more CCTV cameras to tackle crime?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There’s a discussion happening in the Irish Times today about the need for more CCTV cameras to help Gardaí track down criminals, and also to gener...

Do we have proper treatment for Lyme disease in Ireland?

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Anna Daly’s guest today is Daire Fitzpatrick. His wife Anne-Marie became seriously ill in 2022, and was later diagnosed with Lyme disease through pr...

How I Live Well: Kayaking

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, guest host Anna Daly is joined by Jonathan...

Ask Me Anything: Criminal Barrister

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Katherine McGillicuddy, Practicing Barrister with an emphasis on criminal law, joins Andrea to answer any of your c...

Will you be running the Women’s Mini Marathon this weekend?

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Women’s Mini Marathon is this weekend.Women from all over the country will be in Dublin this weekend to run the 10k around the city.Will you be ...

Are Irish Peacekeepers safe in Lebanon?

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Irish peacekeeping troops in Lebanon came under fire yesterday from Israeli forces.Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris described the incident ...

The most unique stays in Ireland

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the bank holiday ahead of us, and hopefully a lovely summer ahead – we wanted to give you some much needed holiday inspiration!What are some of...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Cork culinary wins to rural social woes, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country th...

Should Ireland introduce an expanded smoking ban?

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

France is introducing a bold new smoking ban, extending to parks, beaches, and near schools - aiming for a tobacco-free generation by 2032.But, should...

The Home Squad: Making the indoors feel like the outdoors

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s fair to say the weather hasn’t kept up its end of the bargain lately, we’ve had one too many summer showers and cloudy days!So, how do we m...

What does it take to become an Irish citizen?

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does it take to become an Irish citizen?Last year, over 5,000 took part in the citizenship ceremony that’s coming up in a few weeks.But, what d...

Should good customer service be a consumer right?

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener contacted the show recently detailing how they have been plagued by poor customer service in recent years.How big of a problem is bad custo...

Should children have the option to wear tracksuits in school?

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are dickie-bows and ties a thing of the past, should children have the option to wear tracksuits, or should we stick to tradition and discipline?Joini...

The Making of Taylor Swift’s ‘Tortured Poets Department’

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the band really think of each other? Whe...

Do cyclists have an arrogance problem?

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're talking about a growing tension on roads — fast-moving cyclists and unsuspecting walkers. In The Irish Times, Kathy Sheridan writes, 'I...

Dealing with the grief of losing a friend

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On the show, the topic about the pain of losing a parent, or a child, has been covered before. But, something not touched on as much is the grief that...

Reasons to be Happy: Baby Names, Beatboxing Nun, Clueless

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.98FM’s...

Is the grass really greener in Australia?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Many young Irish people are still heading to Australia in search of a better life. Lately, an increasing number are choosing to work in the mines, hop...

Making Babies: Diet and Exercise

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking about Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity H...

Why are we afraid of dancing in public?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new survey by Lipton Ice Tea has revealed that half of us are terrified of dancing in public. Nearly 6 in 10 say that they “actively avoid” soci...

Do we need permanent welfare zones in city centres?

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re talking about Dublin’s new permanent night-time welfare zone, a space aimed at supporting vulnerable people in the city centre after d...

Ask the Expert: IBD

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Professor Karen Boland to discuss and answer any questions about Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or ...

Why are Irish people indirect?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Pavlo Bogachenko has been living in Ireland for two years now, and while he loves the humor of Irish people, there’s one thing that still throws him...

Have parents been let down by Children’s Health Ireland?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, an independent audit raised serious concerns about how hip surgery procedures were carried out, and the oversight involved by Children’s ...

Could you marry into farming?

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what it would be like to marry into a farming family when you’re not from that world? How quickly could you embrace the 4am starts and...

How I Live Well: Tufting

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life…This week, Andrea is joined by Ellen Webb, General Ma...

Tragedy at Liverpool victory parade

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You have probably heard about the tragedy that took place in Liverpool yesterday.Four children are among almost 50 people injured. 27 people were take...

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

Should you travel Europe by train?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your summer holidays – have you ever considered travelling Europe by train?It’s a slightly slower jou...

Are children encouraged to be outside enough?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new outdoor primary school is opening in Wicklow, offering a unique learning experience set across 52 acres of nature.With a custom curriculum, outd...

Do you check your email on holiday?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you struggle to stop yourself checking your emails when you’re off work?Despite our best intentions, apparently half of us cannot switch off on h...

The Pod Squad: In Bits

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Ciaran Bradley from Newstalk’s Digital Team, an...

Should we return to 100% mortgages?

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The possible return of 100% mortgages for first-time buyers in Ireland could be a controversial idea.With these loans making a comeback in the UK, one...

Ask Me Anything: Paranormal Investigator

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Paranormal Investigator Ann Massey McElroy joins Andrea to answer any of your spooky, haunted or otherwise question...

Child hip surgery investigation brings major scandal

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re discussing a troubling healthcare scandal; an investigation has found that many children in Ireland may have undergone unnecessary hip ...

Have Communion parties gotten out of hand?

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Communions and Confirmations often come with a less heavenly side: the price tag…While the ceremonies may be spiritually priceless, the overall cost...

Do we have enough parental rights for same sex couples? 

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve been talking about the 10 year anniversary of the marriage referendum on the station all this week.And, while it’s definitely a cause for ce...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From Kerry chaos to Tipperary’s connection to tennis, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the ...

Are we choosing dogs over children?

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you less likely to have children, because you’ve gotten a dog?Apparently, dogs are increasingly being seen as “child surrogates”.That having...

The Home Squad: Building your home office

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Working from home is still alive and well years after covid lockdown, so why not try and make your space the best it can be?The Home Squad are here to...

How has the word ‘Queer’ evolved?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On Tuesday’s show Andrea was joined by Roscommon Poet Jane Clarke, who talked about her experience of being gay, and the importance of the marriage ...

Is there a problem with teacher absenteeism?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Recently on the show was the topic of school absenteeism, where students would spend too much time out of school. But, is there a problem with teacher...

Is Ozempic killing the hospitality sector?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are desserts becoming a thing of the past? The restaurant industry is noticing a shift, with fewer customers ordering that sweet treat to finish off t...

The Making of The Beach Boys’ ‘Pet Sounds’

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the band really think of each other? Whe...

Would you buy a standing seat on a plane?

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Would you stand on a flight to save money?It’s been spoken about before, but it seems to be one step closer to reality.New rollercoaster style stand...

What are the biggest glam mistakes brides make on the big day?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s your big day, the dress is perfect, the flowers are blooming, and all eyes are on you... but, wait, what happened to your hair?! Or your makeup...

Reasons to be Happy: Marriage Referendum, Movie Soundtracks, Pasta

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.98FM’s...

Are concerts and festivals prohibitively expensive?

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach summer, many are considering the costs of a festival-filled season. With soaring ticket prices, are young people finding themselves adj...