Lunchtime Live
Episodes
Reasons to be Happy: Better weather on the way, missing dog turns up after 9 months 2,000 miles away and Bridget Jones is back!
10 Apr 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. &n...
'There won't always be a grown-up present' Should children fight back if they are being bullied?
10 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should we be teaching children that it is alright to fight back if they are being bullied? Dr David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist, writing...
Simon Harris elected Taoiseach
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Simon Harris has been confirmed as Taoiseach by the Dáil.Mr Harris was nominated as Taoiseach by the Dáil with a majority vote of 88 to 69 after he ...
Grieving Life Before Children
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever grieved the life you had before you had children? Comedian Katherine Ryan has spoken about how she loves her kids but thinks they '...
How I Live Well: Organisation
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year, we are determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks we will be joined by a number of differe...
Changes to Dublin's quays 'going to create major problems'
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Parts of the quays in Dublin City centre will close to cars from August. Bus gates at Bachelors Walk and Aston Quay will be the first measures of...
'It's heartbreaking' - Rise in deaths sparks calls for more Gardaí to address road safety
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Three people died in separate tragedies in Dublin, Wicklow and Cork in the spaces of just 12 hours over the weekend. So far this year the d...
Is patience the key to good parenting?
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey has shown that the most valued skill for a parent is Patience. Also on the list are Responsibility, showing affection and time management...
Lunchtime Live's Big Batch: Vegetable Masala and Spicy Paprika Chicken
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Bu...
'The quality is there and the standards are high' - Calls for better coverage of women's sport
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tomorrow, Ireland's women's soccer team will play England at the Aviva Stadium in the European Championship qualifiers. A listener to the show Ni...
'It's not fair to penalise people for working from home'
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new study has found that people who work from home are less likely to get pay rises and promotions – but is that fair? Andrea Gilligan was jo...
Potential closure of rural post office 'won't be easy' for locals
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rural post offices are often a hub of the community centre. Nowadays, more and more are closing, or at risk of closing, because they don’t have...
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines.Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing pres...
‘A step in a good direction’ - Dublin City appoints Night Mayor
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ray O’Donoghue, director of Donegal music festival Sea Sessions, has been appointed Dublin City’s nighttime economy advisor in a bid to support th...
Is the hospitality sector being damaged by poor service?
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
JP McMahon, chef, restaurateur and author in Galway joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss an experience of poor service he had recently ...
Donegal man quoted over fifty-thousand euro for water connection at his home
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of our listeners, Michael, got in touch with the show over an issue he was having with getting a water connection for his home in Donegal.Michael ...
Throwback Thursday: Dallas debuts, ABBA wins Eurovision and The first mobile phone call
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gill...
‘It was like third world conditions’ - Listener’s experiences at University Hospital Limerick
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is set visit University Hospital Limerick's A&E Department today. It comes as the hospital has hit the headlines ...
Ask The Expert: Irish Rail
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From tea trolleys to maintenance works, Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications with Irish Rail joined Andrea to answer listener questions...
The Pod Squad: Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to The Pod Squad!We’ll review podcasts every Tuesday so you’ll have something new to listen to. Andrea was joined by Laura Mullet, St...
How can we encourage teachers to return to Ireland?
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Members of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI) passed a motion yesterday to demand that all years of teaching service should be in...
Woman to have ‘all teeth removed’ after botched dental procedure abroad
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back in October, Andrea spoke to Denise, a listener who had travelled to Turkey to get her teeth done. She told Andrea about her nightmare experience....
Reasons to be Happy: Galway 10-year-old climbs Kilimanjaro, Irish Wish and The Wolfe Tones go viral in Argentina
03 Apr 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. &n...
Cost of electric vehicles 'are absolutely crazy'
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New electric car registrations in March were down 41% compared to the same month last year. That is according to new figures from the Socie...
'There’s a complete lack of dignity’ - Elderly woman spent 3 days on a trolley in UHL
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Michelle and Sharon got in touch with the show over the long weekend to tell about their experiences in the A&E Department as University Hospital ...
Accepting not being a mother 'has been liberating for me'
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
‘How finally accepting I might never become a mother has brought me to a place of peace’ – so says Helen Coffey, Senior features writer for The ...
How I Live Well: Salsa
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a nu...
'We need to move forward with' third terminal at Dublin Airport
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Concept plans for a third terminal at Dublin Airport have been submitted to Fingal County Council. If the plans get the go-ahead it w...
Smoking Ban 20 Years On: 'One of the biggest gamechangers in our industry'
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tomorrow marks 20 years since the smoking ban was introduced in Ireland. We were the first country in the world to implement it and there w...
'You have to stay positive' - 37-year-old Limerick man on life after brain tumour diagnosis
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
About 450 people are diagnosed with primary brain tumours each year in Ireland. Tony, a listener, is one of them. He was diagnosed last September...
Throwback Thursday: Invasion of the Teletubbies, Eiffel Tower inaugurated and the Smoking Ban
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gil...
Proposals to cut vehicle use 'needs to be considered very carefully'
28 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Green Part leader Eamon Ryan has revealed 35 proposals to cut vehicle use. Among them is hitting larger vehicles such as SUVs with higher taxes.&...
World Theatre Day: 'There's a sense of escapism you get when you go in'
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From John B. Keane to PopBaby – Irish theatre has a long and rich theatre tradition. Today we’re celebrating World Theatre Day and hearing why it’...
Living with Bipolar Disorder
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is World Bipolar Day. To hear more about what it is like living with bipolar disorder Andrea Gilligan was joined by Bernadette and Liam to discu...
How to Improve Your Gut Health
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Apparently almost a quarter of us don’t think our gut health is important. Andrea was joined by Dr. Zoe Williams, leading UK expert in lifestyl...
'We are losing what we are' - Renaming Easter eggs 'quite worrying'
27 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Shops in the UK have been accused of erasing Easter by selling so-called ‘gesture eggs’ The decision to remove the word 'Easter' has sparked ...
Reasons to be Happy: Desperate Housewives rumours, Kerry surfer's success and Brighter evenings
27 Mar 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. &n...
Should we introduce a tourist tax in Ireland?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should we introduce a tourist tax in hotels? Would it help or hinder the tourism industry? Sinn Féin has called for a tourist tax to be levied o...
Nomophobia: What is it and do you suffer from it?
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nomophobia is the fear or anxiety of being without your mobile phone or being unable to use it for some reason.This is a growing phobia amongst people...
How I Live Well: Skincare
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a nu...
Deposit return scheme: 'I find the whole experience very annoying'
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Millions of euro has gone unclaimed in the first 40 days of plastic bottle and can deposit return scheme. So far €1.2 million worth of de...
'The Dáil bar should be shut down' - Over 10,000 pints of Guinness drank in Leinster House last year
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Politicians downed over €360k worth of booze last year with over 10k pints of Guinness poured at Dail’s two bars A pint of the bl...
Easter Break: Where will you get the best travel deals?
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a last minute staycation over the Easter break? Sarah Slattery, The Travel Expert joined Andrea with some tips and ideas...
Lunchtime Live's Big Batch: Easter Meals
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Bu...
'Huge amount of pressure' on schools to implement free schoolbook scheme before new term
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
All Secondary Schools are supposed to have free school books starting this September. But there are still a number of schools that don’t have t...
Ask Me Anything: Fr David Vard
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting background or working in different jobs.&n...
‘It will live with me for the rest of my life’ - Chloe Mustaki on life after cancer
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today is Daffodil Day, a day organised by the Irish Cancer Society, in which we come together to go all in against cancer.Andrea Gilligan was joined o...
Should animal owners get 'pet-ernity' leave?
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A study in the UK found that more than half of Britain's dog owners feel they should be entitled to same rights to take time off as parents have  ...
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines.Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing pres...
'We shouldn't be giving into these crazy prices' - Stevie Nicks tickets go on sale
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stevie Nicks tickets have gone on sale and they are not cheap. Starting at about €140 for standing tickets, a lot of fans say the cost have put them...
Female GAA players ‘out of pocket’ representing county teams
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kilkenny camogie player, Katie Power, says her teammates are “paying the price” for the love of their game as she has teammates who are “100% ou...
The Home Squad: White Goods
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From picking the right ones to integrated vs non-integrated – we’re talking white goods with The Home Squad. Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Cre...
Should there be a tax on fast fashion?
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
France is now looking at a string of measures to make low-cost fast fashion, especially items from Chinese mass producers, less attractive to buyers.&...
'I will be supporting him' - Minister Helen McEntee backs Simon Harris for next Taoiseach
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following Leo Varadkar's resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael yesterday, Justice Minister Helen McEntee joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtim...
Throwback Thursday: World Monopoly Day, Tiger King debuts and The Office premiered
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gil...
Who will be the next Taoiseach?: 'Simon Harris is the perfect man for the job'
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday, Leo Varadkar shocked the nation with his resignation as Taoiseach and leader of Fine Gael.He said: ‘I don’t feel I am the best person f...
Ask The Expert: Endometriosis
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As part of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Dr Bart Kuczera, Consultant at Beacon CARE facility joined Andrea to answer listeners questions...
'We're all very shocked' - Reaction to Leo Varadkar's resignation
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leo Varadkar has stood down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.Andrea Gilligan was joined by Craig Hughes, Political Correspondent with the Irish Daily...
'This Government has come to an end' - Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leo Varadkar has stood down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.Andrea Gilligan was joined by Newstalk's Chief Reporter, Barry Whyte, Fine Gael Senator ...
'He will leave a significant legacy' - Leo Varadkar stands down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leo Varadkar has stood down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.Andrea Gilligan was joined by former Fine Gael TD and Broadcaster Ivan Yates, Newstalk's...
'We need to have a general election' - Paul Murphy
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leo Varadkar has stood down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader.People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy joined Andrea to give his reaction...
‘It was magical’ - Sligo band go viral with Sophie Ellis-Bextor
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Wedding Band Bluemoose were performing in Zurich on St. Patrick’s Day when they were joined on stage by a surprise guest. Philip Jo...
'Local schools need to provide for local children' - Oversubscription of secondary schools causing frustration for parents
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Three out of four parents aren’t able to get their child a place in secondary school. An unpublished Department of Education report has reveale...
Rising cost of funerals 'soul destroying for people'
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to Fanagan’s Funeral directors the cost of a traditional religious funeral in Ireland can range from €3,500 to €8,500. TD Michael...
How I Live Well: Journaling
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year, we are determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks we will be joined by a number of differe...
'We're just giving up' - Councillor slams closure of city laneway by publican
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One Dublin publican has shut down an inner-city laneway by erecting gates at a cost of €20,000 because of persistent anti-social behaviour. &nb...
Ask Me Anything: Auctioneer
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting background or working in different jobs.&n...
'On 30 separate occasions every hour I was stopping breathing' Listener Stephen discusses his sleep apnea
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Stephen got in touch regarding his sleep Apnea - What can be done? We also hear from Anne Mary Boyhan Sleep Expert, founder of the Sleep Car...
'I was confined to bed for 12 years' Fermanagh woman shares her remarkable recovery tale from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From Bedridden for 12 years to taking on the Stairway to Heaven walk – Fermanagh woman Shelly Cowan’s recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is re...
The Home Squad: Renters Go Green
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As part of Newstalk Goes Green with thanks to SSE Airtricity our Home Squad are looking at ways that renters can go green. Architect Roisin...
'We don't want to be spoil sports' - Locals concerns over car meet in Bundoran on St Patrick's Day
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Businesses and Councillors in Bundoran have expressed concern over hundreds of car enthusiats planning to gather in the town on St Patricks day. ...
'It came completely out of the blue' - Woman who suffered a stroke at 28 wants help others
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sineád Lucey Brennan was just 28 when she suffered a haemorrhagic stroke while working out in the gym. 8 years on, she wants to help other people who...
Throwback Thursday: Coca-Cola is bottled and NYC's first St Patrick's Day parade
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Adrian Ken...
'We resent it' - Editor hits out at Gardaí issuing a warrant for photographs from Dublin riots
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Handing over Dublin riot photos to Gardaí will put photojournalists at risk That is according to Eamonn Farrell, photojournalist and...
Sudden unexplained death in childhood: ‘You feel very isolated and alone’
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aaron, a listener, got in touch with Lunchtime Live because of something he's going through and wanted to share. Aaron joined Andrea to discuss w...
'Younger people want to get back into the office environment' - Pat McDonagh
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to the recruitment company, Morgan McKinley, over 50% of workers would forego a pay rises for more work flexibility.. But is it p...
Cars illegally parked on footpaths 'a constant struggle' for people with disabilities
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
92% of bus drivers witness illegal parking at bus stops on a daily basis, and it is the elderly and passengers with disabilities that suffer the conse...
Reasons to be Happy: David Gray song goes viral, St Patrick's Day and Beyoncé and Dolly Parton team up
13 Mar 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. &n...
'It's massively problematic' - Listener struggling to get a broadband connection in new-build home
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of our listeners, Martin, got in touch with the show over an issue he was having with getting a broadband connection in his new build. Martin, Pau...
What's It Like Being An Identical Twin?
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like being an identical twin? And, does it affect your individuality? Andrea was joined by Lara Rodwell, Freelance writer and aut...
How I Live Well: Walking Football
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier! Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a nu...
'We've lost one of the greats' - Charlie Bird Remembered
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74.The legendary broadcaster and journalist served as RTÉ’s Chief News Correspondent for many years, reporting ...
Kate Middleton photograph 'looks like a composite of two or more images' - photographer
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kensington Palace released a picture yesterday for Mother’s Day of Kate Middleton with her three children, however photo agencies quickly issued 'ki...
Ask the GP with Dr Sumi Dunne
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by GP and lecturer, Dr Sumi Dunne to answer listeners health queries and questions...
'We won't have a place until July 2025' - Parents struggle to find creche place for kids
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you struggled to get a creche place for your child? Andrea was joined by listeners and childcare providers to discuss...
‘You do start to doubt people’ - Listener’s experience of hate mail after her mother’s death
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday we heard from David and Susan, they have received over 400 letters from an anonymous stalker over the past 5 years. The letters are incredib...
Oscars 2024: ‘We have to capitalise on that success’
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cillian Murphy has been named Best Actor at the Oscars for his role in 'Oppenheimer.'The Irish produced film 'Poor Things' won four awards, including ...
Lunchtime Live's Big Batch: Breakfast
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes from Cook Book Author and Recipe writer Sarah Bu...
Ask Me Anything: Air Traffic Controller
11 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting background or working in different jobs.&n...
Do we lack spaces for traditional Irish music?
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin is lacking in spaces for people to go for traditional Irish music. That is according to Ciarán Ó Maonaigh, director of new Brendan Glees...
Galway couple's stalker hell 'It is obviously someone who knows us pretty well'
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
David and Susan from Galway have been at the receiving end of hundreds of vile letters, from an unknown sender. They tell Andrea about their upse...
The Home Squad:To Fit Or Not To Fit ?
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From wardrobes to integrated appliances. Architect Roisin Murphy and DIY expert, Alan Grant joined Andrea to give some advice on how to make hard...
'We miss her dreadfully' Leona Tighe: On her sister Jean's disappearance
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Irishwoman Jean Tighe walked out of her hostel in the Portuguese resort of Parede with an unknown man on July 13, 2020.She has been missing since. She...
'We have to be careful about blowing up the congratulation balloons' Are the Irish too quick to claim sporting success ?
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It has been a somewhat disappointing World Athletics Indoor Championships for team Ireland.New Zealand a country of similar size, population and sport...
'There is a sense of community and support' Are Book Clubs booming?
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are we witnessing a boom in the book club?Celebrities such as Dua Lipa and Kaia Gerber starting clubs. The Book club seems to be coming into vogueJoin...
Throwback Thursday: The Osbournes airs for the first time, The first Female Director to win an Oscar and the Original Barbie launch
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gil...
'The best treatments didn't alleviate her suffering' Oireachtas Committee set to recommend legislation on assisted dying
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An Oireachtas Committee is today set to recommend Legislation on assisted dying.The proposed recommendation of legislation would only be allowed if ...
'I wanted to surprise her' Tesco Worker Proposes to Girlfriend at the Tills
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Love was in the aisles at Oughterard, branch Tesco Co. Galway.Michael Ward who works at the supermarket proposed to his girlfriend Sandra Lee last Val...
Botox Q&A, With Aesthetic Skin Specalist, Kerry Hanaphy
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There has been a rise in the demand for Botox services in Ireland in the past few years and with there being several unregulated Botox operations expo...
'There is not only a physical barrier but now a financial barrier' Families paying €35 for key to use wheelchair swing at West Cork playground
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Children with disabilities are being locked out of their wheel chair accessible swing in West Cork with a key for the swing setting families back €3...