Lunchtime Live

Should Michael D Higgins speak at a Holocaust memorial?

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Senior representatives of the Jewish community in Ireland have objected to President Michael D Higgins giving the keynote speech at the Holocaust Memo...

The Pod Squad: Shell Game

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, Entertainment and Culture Journalis...

Derry nun set to become Saint

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Derry nun has begun the path to sainthood with a special ceremony in Madrid.Sister Clare Crockett from Derry died in an earthquake in South America ...

Female sports stars don't see themselves as role models - why not?

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A study has found that a shocking number of female sports stars don’t see themselves as role models.According to new research from Lidl Ireland and ...

Are movies too long now?

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last night, Andrea went to see The Brutalist, which stars Adrian Brody. It was great, but was also three and a half hours long, with an intermission t...

How I Live Well: Running Club

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by D...

Are high insurance premiums hurting businesses?

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Since 2019, personal injury claims have fallen by about 40%, and yet, premiums continue to rise and affect businesses.Joining Andrea to discuss how bu...

Ask the GP: Breastfeeding Special

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the GP, Andrea is joined by Katie Mugan, Lactation Consultant & Breastfeeding & Formula Feeding Specialist…

How Irish people have been impacted by the LA wildfires

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Weather forecasters in California are warning fierce winds around Los Angeles are expected to pick up again this week.Fire fighters there are still tr...

Should protests at school gates be allowed?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Enoch Burke has been back protesting outside the school he was sacked from last week. He has been protesting there on and off since 2022, and is somet...

Does Ireland have a dog poo problem?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's hard to go on a walk these days and not see an abundance of dog poo, but what should we do to solve it?What do you do if you notice people aren’...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Pan-Frying

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an...

Should we be worried about AI in schools?

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Students in Ireland have easy access to a personal “homework genie” powered by artificial intelligence that can do their assignments in a matter o...

Ask Me Anything: Wedding Planner

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Lindsay Moynagh, Founder of Wendor and House of Hannah Weddings & Events joins Andrea to answer any of your wed...

How bad is scrolling on your phone in the morning?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you reach for your phone as soon as you wake up?Well, you’re not alone: 75% of people immediately check our social media feeds as soon as they ge...

Should you offer to mind your friends’ children?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Vogue Williams has said in a recent podcast that no friends or family offered to mind her children over the Christmas holidays.Is there a pressure to ...

‘Brotox’: Is there a stigma around male cosmetic procedures?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

‘Botox for Bros’ or ‘Brotox’ as it’s being called in certain online circles – describes the rise in men getting cosmetic procedures. ...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From kindness in the cold weather to Wexford being shown to America, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories fro...

What has your experience been of the LA wildfires?

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There have been wildfires engulfing Los Angeles the last few days, with thousands evacuated and thousands of homes destroyed. Joining Andrea to discus...

The Home Squad: Window Treatments

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re looking for ways to keep your house heated in the cold - why not take a look at windows? This week, the Home Squad are looking at all thin...

How to navigate the end of a relationship

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing your relationship is coming to an end can be very hard.But, how do you know if, and when, to call it a day?Claire Auchmuty, Divorce and Relati...

Religion in Ireland: Irish Amish Community

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Pastor Dani...

Throwback Thursday: Rocky, Mars Photos, U2

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 1976!

What should happen to unruly plane passengers?

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ryanair has confirmed that it will now file legal proceedings against disruptive passengers. The company is claiming €15,000 in damages against a pa...

Ask the Expert: SEAI

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With January bringing blustery weather, you’re probably feeling the cold a lot more.So, are there things we can do to our homes that might help, wit...

Is coffee actually good for you?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You hear very different information about whether or not coffee is good for you.There’s a new report out today saying that one cup in the morning is...

How the snow is affecting local communities

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Snow and Ice continue to disrupt the whole country today…To hear more about the effect this weather has had in areas around the country, Andrea is j...

Should Grafton Street buskers be protected?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Buskers on Grafton Street say they fear for livelihoods as apartments there have been given the go ahead.They are concerned that noise complaints will...

Reasons to be Happy: Snow, Watching TV, Britney Spears

08 Jan 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.Today FM...

Should annual leave be prioritised for parents?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Parents should get priority over child-free colleagues on booking annual leave – particularly when children are off school.That’s according to Fre...

The Pod Squad: Bone Valley

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, host of the ‘For Tech Sake’ pod...

Are the new soup kitchen bylaws fair?

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New proposed bylaws for soup kitchens have caused a lot of controversy with volunteers in the sector…There are plans to draft ‘soup kitchen’ byl...

What is delaying free HRT products?

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may have heard it on Newstalk Breakfast this morning: despite the government promising the rollout of free HRT to women of all ages – that there...

Prescription medical cannabis destroyed in Dublin Airport

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all know the extra stress that can come with catching a flight, ensuring a suitcase isn’t overweight, that toiletries and liquids are removed fro...

How I Live Well: Stress Management

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life.This week, Andrea is joined by K...

Why skiers should be careful in the Wicklow Mountains

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You may have seen videos and photos of people around the country enjoying the snow. And, you may have even seen people skiing in various mountains aro...

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Does Dublin need a congestion charge?

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

New York City congestion charges came into effect over the weekend: a car entering Manhattan can expect to pay up to $9 a day.So, is it time some Iris...

Advice for new puppy owners after Christmas

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some families may have grown during the Christmas break – you may have a new four-legged furry friend competing for space on the sofa! But, how do y...

Tips on getting fit for the New Year!

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The idea of getting fit in January is not exactly new.But sometimes, it can seem very unobtainable and just like a lot of work after an exhausting Chr...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Lentil Mother Sauce

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an...

Were you affected by bad weather recently?

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reports this morning show that some-60,000 people across the country are affected by power outages – with some others experiencing problems with the...

Films to look forward to in 2025

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We look ahead now to the big cinema releases of the year – with Pop Culture and Entertainment Expert, Deirdre Molumby. Photo by Pixabay

Are Gardai too restricted when it comes to using force?

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) , Garda Mark O’Meara has warned that ‘Over-zealous’ disciplining has left Gardaí af...

Ask Me Anything: Ireland's first female Steeplejack

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Angela Collins O’Mahony, Ireland’s first female Steeplejack joins Andrea in studio to answer all of your questions!

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

From live-saving heroism in Kerry to a village shocked by a spate of cat poisonings, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plent...

Do schools need guidance on how to tackle influencers like Andrew Tate?

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A new resource has been created to provide guidance to schools, teachers and parents on how to address the impact of online masculinity influencers li...

The Home Squad: Planning a renovation

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Planning on doing a bit of home decorating in 2025, but don’t know where to start? Well, the Home Squad is here to help!Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examine...

Should we make New Year’s Resolutions?

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You will probably be hearing a lot about New Year’s Resolutions over the next week or two. But, are they even worth making?Andrea is joined by Esthe...

What is it like to treat an A-lister?

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what you would say if you met a huge A-lister in real life? What about if one walked into your shop?That happened to Eyebrow Expert...

The return of Traitors for 2026

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Claudia Winkleman returned to our screens last night, with a fresh batch of faithfuls hoping to catch out those dastardly traitors and take home the p...

How big of a problem are classroom assaults?

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An article in the Irish Examiner today details that school assaults have forced nearly 400 staff to take leave…Sophie Cole is a recent victim of an ...

Religion in Ireland: Sikhism

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them. This week, she’s jo...

Throwback Thursday: Jaws, Rubix Cube, Eamonn De Valera

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s all about 1975 for this week’s Throwback Thursday! Ciara Treacy from Newstalk’s Digital Team joins Andrea to discuss the biggest things tha...

Should Ireland have an outdoor smoking ban?

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Milan has introduced a total ban on smoking outdoors in the city…Those caught lighting up on city streets could face fines of up to €240. So,...

What are your favourite Christmas memories?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With Christmas right around the corner - what are your favourite Christmas memories? What traditions do you have with your family, and how are you spe...

Should non-religious people go to Christmas mass?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It can sometimes be easy to forget, with all the shopping and presents, but Christmas is a Christian holiday.And, while a lot of people might no longe...

Why does Gen Z love bingo?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Apparently, bingo is the newest old craze among young people!Buzz Bingo owns 82 clubs in the UK – and say they’re expecting record numbers this Ch...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Vegan & Vegetarian for Christmas

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All this month, Lunchtime Live is doing Christmas specials to give you plenty of time to prepare for the big day, and hopefully batch cook some bits i...

Should the taxpayer subsidise private education?

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The taxpayer is subsidising 50 private secondary schools by more than €140 million a year, new figures show.What do you think about giving funding t...

What is ‘tablescaping’? Tips for the festive season

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A huge trend this year online has been hosting and learning how to create a gorgeous table for guests coming around to your house this festive season....

Niamh O’Reilly on ‘womanspreading’

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist Niamh O’Reilly has decided she’s pushing back on manspreading with a bit of womanspreading of her own!She joins Andrea to discuss why, ...

Should Sinéad O’Connor’s home become a music museum?

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sinéad O’Connor is in the news today because her Bray home is up for sale, but… should the State buy it to convert it into a music museum?The sea...

Daniel O’Donnell sends warning over impersonation scam

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Singer Daniel O’Donnell has been warning people about scams going around, where people are posing as him online in a bid to steal money…Daniel joi...

Regional Roundup with Eamonn Torsney

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From UFOs in Athlone to business booming in Coppers - Newstalk’s Eamonn Torsney has the stories from around the country that you might have missed t...

Should LED headlights be banned?

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should LED headlights on cars be banned?Keith Fay has written that he has sent a complaint to the RSA, believing that they are too dangerous.Keith, Da...

The Home Squad: Best Trends of 2024

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should it stay or should it go?What trends should we carry over to 2025 and what should be binned?Well, The Home Squad: Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner ...

How to have a clutter-free Christmas

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the time of giving and receiving... But it can also result in so much clutter! So, how can you avoid your home becoming a hoarder’s paradise ...

Number of children missing school has doubled

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Figures today show that school attendance is down below pandemic levels... What is this down to? What are your thoughts – are we doing enough to enc...

What is being a male midwife like?

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There seems to be certain careers where you see a higher percentage of women over men or vice versa. One to buck the trend is Seán Dowling, who is am...

Night-time welfare area to open in Dublin

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A night-time welfare area, designed to support safe and enjoyable nights out over Christmas, will open this weekend near College Green in Dublin. Is t...

Ask the Expert: Dublin Airport Authority

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Grame McQueen, Media Relations with the Dublin Airport Authority, to answer any of your travelli...

The best board games to play for Christmas

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Board games are back – and they’re not just for Christmas – apparently, Gen Z have turned to the old fashioned games to entertain them!But why? ...

Are we in danger of losing our accents?

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s often seen as something we need to shed in order to be seen as forward-thinking and cosmopolitan: our accents… But, are we in danger of losin...

Listener shares potential theft of parents’ graves

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Lucy from Crookstown in Co. Cork joins Andrea to share her harrowing story of a potential theft at her parents’ graves…Colm Kieran, Funeral Direct...

Reasons to be Happy: Keeping Secrets, NFL, Traitors Ireland

18 Dec 2024

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.Today FM...

What do you think of the President’s speech on Israel?

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

President Michael D Higgins reacted yesterday to the claims that Ireland is anti-semetic.Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, accused Ireland of ...

The Pod Squad: The Good Whale

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.This week, Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill and J...

The two Irish women racing in the Formula Woman Nations Cup!

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Andrea’s guests: Clare woman Laura O’Connell and Hanna Celsie from Dublin are just back from Dubai where they competed in the first-ever Formula W...

Is the week before Christmas better than Christmas itself?

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re officially in the week leading up to Christmas – and it's the final festive sprint. The dinner prep, the last-minute shopping and the social...

Buying Irish: Food

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over the next few weeks Andrea will be talking to Irish producers across the country about the wonderful things they have on offer, and why it’s imp...

How I live well: Cyclocross

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s How I Live Well time: where we learn how to live a little better from someone who has mastered it!Paul Norton, Participation Manager for Cyclin...

Would you pay 100 euro to list a death notice on RIP.ie?

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The website, which was bought by the Irish Times earlier this year, is  introducing a fee of €100 per notice. What do you think of Rip.ie ...

Dundalk Grammar School to introduce Gaelic football

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back in October we heard about a protest organised by students in Dundalk Grammar school over the school’s refusal to allow them play Gaelic footbal...

Ask the GP with Dr Afif El Khuffash

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Afif El Khuffash, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, joins Andrea for a special segment of 'Ask the GP' - with the focus on newborns

Recycling- how are we still getting it so wrong?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland is producing 20% more waste than a decade ago and our recycling rates have not improved over that time. How are we still getting it so wr...

Is it time to scrap Christmas traditions?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it time to scrap Christmas traditions? Terry Prone, Chairman of the communications clinic, joins Andrea to tell us why she thinks so! Photo by Kati...

Lunchtime Live's Big Batch: Christmas sides

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

All this month, Lunchtime Live is doing Christmas specials to give you plenty of time to prepare for the big day, and hopefully batch cook some bits i...

Are you worried about the disruptions at Holyhead Port?

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The travel plans of tens of thousands of people with ferry crossings booked over the festive period are under threat. Are you worried about the disrup...

Ask Me Anything: Plastic Surgeon

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Plastic Surgeon Professor Jack Kelly, President of the Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons joins guest host Clare...

Are Irish motorists being priced off the road?

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Driving licences, learner’s permit fees and National Car Tests costs all are set to rise in the New Year, The Road Safety Authority announced yester...

Tips to keep a festive swim safe!

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re mad enough to be planning a Christmas Day swim, or even a New Years one – firstly – fair play!But, there are some warnings that you sh...

Regional Roundup with Caoimseach Connolly

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From a humpback whale to drama over a Disney trip, there’s plenty of stories you might have missed from around the country this week. Caoimseach Con...

Are teenage boys discriminated against?

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Guest host Clare McKenna has a 13-year-old son who went into town last Sunday with some friends. They went to a burger restaurant where they queued, b...

The Home Squad: Brightening a dark room

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

How can you brighten up a dark room without too much hassle? The Home Squad is here to help!Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner ...

Donal Skehan’s Christmas dinner hacks

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

He might not be able to settle the rows over what to watch on TV, or who won what game, but Donal Skehan can help take the stress out of making the Ch...

Should ‘headers’ be banned?

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should we ban heading the ball?A new study finds that there may well indeed be a connection between heading the ball and dementia, with a large percen...

Achieving a Guinness World Records title!

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This morning, Lunchtime Live, with the help of Kieran Cuddihy, attempted to set a Guinness World Records Title…Here’s how they got on!David Wilson...

Throwback Thursday: The Muppets, Winona Ryder, Nobel Prize

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the Muppets Christmas carol to Winona Ryder up to no good, 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins Andrea with plenty to chat about on this week’s thr...

Should kids play with toy guns?

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it wrong to let children play with toy guns?Stephanie Rohan from the Newstalk Newsroom has a predicament, and joins Andrea along with Brendan Kelly...