Lunchtime Live

Reasons to be Happy: Cork, Plants, Pints

23 Oct 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...

Kathleen Correia sheds light on coercive control

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Kathleen Correia waived her right to anonymity after a high profile court case that saw her former husband jailed for eight years for rape ...

The Pod Squad: Bad Dates

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Host of the ‘For Tech’s Sake’ podcast El...

Was this listener scammed online?

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Karl got in touch with the show with an issue he has. After a mysterious €18 charge to his account, he has seemingly been signed up to some...

Are playdates too much pressure now?

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A survey has found that 88% of parents say that social media has made playdate hosting even more competitive.Parents now feel they have to ditch the f...

Bystander CPR increases 25% in past 10 years

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

According to a HSE National Ambulance Service report, bystander CPR in cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increased by 25% between 2012 and 2023....

How I Live Well: Home Sommelier

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea ...

Is it fair to double unemployment fines?

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Unemployed people who refuse to engage with social welfare ­employment services will see their Jobseeker’s Benefit cut by €90 under a plan quietl...

Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea to tackle your medical queries…

How to handle ‘vampire friends’

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you have any ‘vampire friends’? The friends that absolutely suck the life out of you, maybe with negativity, or they just leave you feeling dra...

Listener dealing with massive rat infestation

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Tina Koumarianos got in touch with the show to share her issue. She has about 50 rats currently in her garden, and the problem doesn’t seem...

When does political satire go too far?

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has accused RTÉ of “electoral interference” over a satirical joke aired on the Late Late Show.During the open...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Oats

21 Oct 2024

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...

Why is there a primary school teacher shortage?

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new survey reveals almost 1,000 teaching vacancies nationwide in primary and special schools as principals struggle to fill posts.The survey carried...

Ask Me Anything: Emergency Dispatcher

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different career...

What’s going on in our skies?

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The skies have been awash with activity the past few weeks, between the supermoon this week, the Northern Lights last week and the comet zipping throu...

Are books too long?

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some people might think there is nothing better than to curl up with a cup of tea and a thousand-page book, but Sir Ian Rankin would disagree…The be...

Life in the ‘Sandwich Generation’

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you part of the ‘Sandwich Generation’?This refers to middle-aged adults who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children.Nowaday...

Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From libraries in pubs to rats in Cork, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with his stories from across the country.

Should we have an honours system like the UK?

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rather than awarding people with the Freedom of the City in Dublin, should we instead have an honours system like they do in the UK?To discuss, Andrea...

The Home Squad: Making art work!

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From choosing the right frames and to how to hang them, the Home Squad are here today to help you make your art work at home!Andrea is joined by Jenny...

Liam Panye dies aged 31

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

News broke last night that Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer, has died aged 31 in Argentina after falling from the third floor of a hotel in...

Should you let your child play rugby?

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rugby star Simon Zebo has revealed that he doesn't want his children playing rugby, as he finds the head injuries scary.The former Ireland and Munster...

Senator Catherine Ardagh on finding a school place for her son

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fianna Fáil senator Catherine Ardagh has spoken out about the struggle to find a school place for her son, who has autism.She joins Andrea to discuss...

Throwback Thursday: Winnie the Pooh, Jungle Book, Kardashians

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the Jungle Book to the BBC, Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joins Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock!

Eoghan Quigg on Liam Payne’s passing

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sad news as reports last night confirm the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne. He died at the age of 31 in Argentina after falling from a...

Ask the Expert: Pensions

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Financial Advisor with Irish Life, David Roche to answer all of your pension questions!Segment w...

Are the viral TikTok lunchboxes realistic?

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you are a parent or not, you have probably seen the viral TikTok lunchboxes being made for some outrageously lucky kids out there.The work and...

Prague bans pub crawls!

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Prague city councillors have banned nighttime pub crawls organised by travel agencies, because the city wants to target “more cultured” tourists.T...

Is money a taboo in friend groups?

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is money a taboo topic? Would you feel comfortable telling a friend that you can't afford to go to their birthday dinner?Saoirse Hanley, Journalist wi...

Reasons to be Happy: Donegal, Oat Milk, Taylor Swift

16 Oct 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...

Should Irish homes get rid of chimneys and fireplaces?

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new report is urging the Irish government to get gas boilers, fireplaces and chimneys out of homes as soon as possible.What do you think? Is it time...

The Pod Squad: Origins with Cush Jumbo

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullett and Off T...

Sleep trackers - more harm than good?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you suffer from Orthosomnia? It’s the medical term for an unhealthy obsession with getting perfect sleep.It usually stems from those hooked on we...

Do referees get too much abuse?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is enough done to deal with abuse being hurled at referees?It’s something Yvonne Redden has been writing about in the Irish Examiner.She joins Andre...

School goes on strike after GAA ban

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Students at a Co Louth school have pledged to continue with a protest to have a “ban” on playing Gaelic games lifted.Over 70 senior students at Du...

How I Live Well: Cycling

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea ...

What should the GPO be used for?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would you think about the GPO, the most iconic building in O’Connell Street, being repurposed? Would it be better served as a world-class ...

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

What are the ‘World Jigsaw Championships’?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emma Quirke from Kerry recently represented Ireland in Spain, but at an event you might not think of: the World Jigsaw Championships.She joins Andrea ...

Public nurse shortage - how bad is it?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of babies are missing out on face-to-face developmental checks because of a lack of public health nurses…It has created a real worry that ...

Should the state buy Rory Gallagher’s guitar?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Should the state buy Rory Gallagher’s Guitar? Or is that the best way of spending taxpayers money?Tánaiste Micheál Martin has hinted that one of t...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Tomato Sauce

14 Oct 2024

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...

Do gangland funerals glorify crime?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A Dublin priest is promising to ban the "glorification of criminality" during funeral masses in his church.Fr Bill O'Shaughnessy, who is based in Tall...

Ask Me Anything: Casting Director

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different career...

What your profile picture says about you

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does your profile picture say about you? If you have it as a selfie, are you more likely to be self centered?That’s the question posed by Journ...

Should you go to your school reunion?

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

‘School reunions are LinkedIn with gin and tonics – do I really want to go to mine?’ So asks Tanya Sweeney, Columnist with the Irish Independent...

How to properly save for retirement

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you doing enough to prepare for your retirement?A survey from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission shows that one in 10 people betwe...

Regional Roundup with Joe Caulfield

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the Northern Lights to flying GAA players home for championship – Joe Caulfield from the Newstalk Newsroom joins Andrea to share some of the st...

Are touchscreens in cars dangerous?

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Touchscreen controls in modern cars pose a road safety risk, that is according to the Euro NCAP - the consumer organisation that gives safety ratings ...

The Home Squad: Making Houseplants Work

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From getting the perfect balance between house plants and jungle in your room, to how to keep them alive – the Home Squad are here to help make hous...

Is it weird for actors to talk about politics?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Mark Ruffalo hit out at the Irish Green Party this week, weighing in on Irish politics. The actor claimed that the party is ‘about to do somet...

Hurricane Milton - what’s it like on the ground?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hurricane Milton has done incredible damage to Florida overnight, so what is it like on the ground for those living there?Andrea is joined by listener...

Kids are reading less - why?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A love of reading is something all parents want to instil in their children, but a new survey from BookTrust shows a drop off in reading once children...

Throwback Thursday: John Denver, Phantom of the Opera, Birthdays

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the Chilean miners to John Denver, Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joins Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock!

What can revive Dublin’s nightlife?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dublin City Council have launched their new plan to breathe life back into the city's night time economy. The new Dublin City Night-time Economy ...

Ask the Expert: Mechanic

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Joey Donnelly, owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin, to answer any of your car-adjacent qu...

The problem with being too tall

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

7-foot-tall Andrew Day talked in the Telegraph about how being so tall can lead to some pretty big disadvantages.Everything from hobbies and holidays ...

Mum of murdered Danielle McLaughlin on delayed trial

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

(Some details of this story could be distressing for listeners.)Donegal woman Danielle McLaughlin was backpacking in India when she was murdered.That ...

Is it worth it to travel solo?

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Travelling solo can be an incredible adventure, but is it worth the cost? From higher accommodation prices to missing out on group discounts, solo tra...

Reasons to be Happy: Love Actually, Mullets, Joe Wicks

09 Oct 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.Rebecca ...

Is pocket money a bad thing for kids?

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier on Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, said that you have to be careful that children understand the value of the mo...

The Pod Squad: Broomgate - A Curling Scandal

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Editor of rollercoaster.ie ...

Bantry flooding - is enough being done?

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Up to 65mm of rain fell in Bantry in Cork over the course of just 12 hours at the weekend.Bantry is a high risk area, having flooded four times in 18 ...

Has tipping culture become too much in Ireland?

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tipping culture is annoying, unfair and worst of all, American. And it is starting to creep into Europe…That is according to Columnist for the Guard...

What you can do to avoid breast cancer

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Cancer is something that will touch everyone’s lives, either through your own personal experience or that of a loved one.But, are there things we ca...

How I Live Well: Learning an Instrument

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea ...

Is religion a barrier for primary school teachers?

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is religion a barrier to getting a job as a primary school teacher?In interviews for teaching jobs at many primary schools, a certificate in Religious...

Ask the GP with Dr Nina Byrnes

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea to tackle your medical queries…

What is ‘clothes swapping’?

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After seeing the consequence of fast fashion during a trip to Africa, Mary Fleming was inspired to try and make a difference here in Ireland. She esta...

What living with narcolepsy is like

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Sharron McSherry was just 14, she started to suffer with debilitating migraines and kept falling asleep in school. Years went by and doctors...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Bread

07 Oct 2024

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...

Is Dublin Bus security necessary?

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are a Dublin Bus user you might notice that, today, they are introducing new private security to curb anti-social behaviour on their service.&n...

Ask Me Anything: Naturist

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different career...

Safely using a baby sling

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There was very sad news today about a five week old baby that was found unresponsive after he had been carried around in a sling by his mother.It’s ...

Should we give contraception to rats?

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a bold new effort to tackle New York City's infamous pest problem, city officials have approved a pilot programme that aims to control the rodent p...

Why do we like scary movies?

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new horror sequel, Terrifier 3, was screened in the UK this week. Cinema goers were apparently left ‘traumatised’, with walkouts and one person ...

Regional Roundup with Ellen Butler

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From the spice bag to a mammoth endurance challenge, Ellen Butler from Newstalk’s News Team joins Adrian Kennedy with stories from around the countr...

Ryanair announces airport desks will be gone by May

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ryanair passengers will soon have no option but to use the Ryanair app on their phone as the company announced they will be going paperless in the nex...

The Home Squad: Lighting

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To big light, or not to big light – the age old debate! For this week’s Home Squad, Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner...

The biggest stunts in music history

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

James Blunt has vowed to legally change his name to whatever fans choose if his album reaches number 1 in the charts!It’s the latest in a long line ...

Irish Rail’s controversial new timetable to be fixed

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Irish Rail released a new timetable in late August, and it seems to have caused nothing but issues since…They apologised for the impact on commuters...

How inheritance tax hurts ‘blended’ families

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following yesterday’s coverage of inheritance tax changes from the budget in the show, Andrew McCann, Author of ‘Know your Rights’, emailed in w...

Throwback Thursday: Jerry Springer, OJ Simpson, James Bond

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

From James Bond hitting our screens to the Thrilla in Manila fight, Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joins Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock!

Is the government giving too much to horse and greyhound racing?

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The annual state grant to the horseracing and greyhound industries has increased by €4.1 million to €99.1 million for 2025: the highest the fund h...

Ask the Expert: Audiologist

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea Gilligan is joined by Frank McGrath, Hearing Aid Audiologist with Ear Care Clinics, to answer all of your hea...

Why do we love coffee?

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s International Coffee Day this week!Technically it was yesterday, but with Budget day overshadowing things, it seemed right to still celebrate!B...

Inheritance Tax changes - what do you think?

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The amount that a person can receive as a gift or inheritance from a relation before having to pay Capital Acquisitions Tax will be increased as part ...

How hard is friendship in your 40’s?

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

‘Anyone else find friendship in their 40s hard?’ – so asked Journalist Niamh O’Reilly as she scribbled on the wall of a bathroom cubicle!Niamh...

Reasons to be Happy: Rugby, Intermezzo, Peaky Blinders

02 Oct 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.Ciara Tr...

Should you be religious to be a Godparent?

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier on Newstalk, Home Show Presenter Sinead Ryan spoke about being a Godparent despite not being religious, and whether or not that matters. ...

Is bad handwriting holding students back?

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are we losing the ability to write legibly?Poor handwriting in Scottish schools is holding pupils back with assessors increasingly deducting marks fro...

How I Live Well: Running Marathons

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This year on Lunchtime Live we’ve been looking at things that we can do in order to make ourselves that bit happier and healthier.This week, Andrea ...

Irish people living at home longer than EU average

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Irish people are living in their childhood home until they are 28 on average, according to an analysis from the European Union’s statistic agency Eu...

Ask the GP with Dr Niall Breen

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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

Why are traditional weddings becoming less popular?

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Did you go to many weddings this summer? If so, how many of them took place in a Church? Odds are, it’s been less than usual.Fewer and fewer Irish c...

Listener’s experience with the foster care system

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sadie entered the foster system before her first birthday and left at the age of 18. She's now working as a special needs assistant. She has found lov...

Is manifesting all it’s cracked up to be?

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Manifesting: are you all for it? Or do you think it’s a load of codswallop? “The Queen of Manifestation” Roxie Nafousi attracted big crowds...

Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch: Short Ribs

30 Sep 2024

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 councils be able to raid homes?

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Councils could stop cars and raid houses under plans for a fresh crackdown on smoky fuel sales.The new measures are contained in a draft Air Pollution...