Lunchtime Live
Episodes
Is Christmas in West Cork cancelled this year?
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are fears Christmas may be cancelled in a West Cork town after funding for Christmas lights has been reduced, sparking concern amongst the commu...
"I know I am not the only person who was disheartened and disappointed on Friday!"
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A lack of nursing places in the Round Zero CAO offers have left many aspiring nurses disheartened after their hopes to continue their studies was cut ...
"The car ploughed into her at 80km an hour."
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Leo joined Andrea on the show from Wicklow, to discuss the conversation earlier in the show around speed limits. Leo, spoke about losing his ...
"It's a great role, one that I will remember for the rest of my life!"
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Actress Olivia Newton John has passed away at the age of 73. She had a career that spanned more than five decades, but she will always be remembered m...
Average Speed Limits
09 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The first average speed camera to be placed on a motorway in Ireland will become operational from Monday. From 7am on April 25, the mainline Motorway ...
Is modern dating a disaster?
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for love can be a long and winding road. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the perils of modern day dating, and the challenges of find...
"It's a vital service for children in this day and age."
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the cost of living at an all time high, Andrea was joined by parents to discuss the high cost of summer camps and how the hours they usually run,...
Is Mass too boring?
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah, a listener from Thurles, sent in an email to Andrea in relation to Mass and the Catholic church. She explained to Andrea she felt Mass is faili...
"I know when I'm slipping but now I know what to do."
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined by Frank who has recently released a podcast on his mental health journey. He described periods of his life when he experienced suic...
Mother in Tunisia trying to get her children back
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Elaine Ryan is a mother from Tipperary. Her holiday to Tunisia with her husband and children turned into a nightmare, Elaine joined Andrea Gilligan on...
Packing hacks for going on holiday
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Getting ready for holidays- are you a pro or a packing disaster? A new survey shows that women pack an average of 6 pairs of shoes when they go on hol...
Should rude customers face penalties?
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Post Office in the UK has gone viral after they warned that grumpy or rude customers would face a penalty. A sign in the post office reads: ‘If yo...
Should every child have to do sport?
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Woods Professor of physical activity and Health at the University of Limerick spoke to Shane on Breakfast this morning... Andrea Gilligan...
Ask The Expert: Skin
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From acne to dry skin and everything in between, Jennifer Rock, owner of the skin Nerd and Skin ingredients, joined Andrea to answer all your skin rel...
Are wedding favor's necessary?
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wedding favors have traditionally been given for guests to take home with them, as a token of appreciation. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss ...
Are smaller gardens the answer to the housing crisis?
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Glenveagh Properties, one of the largest homebuilders in the State, has presented a plan to the Minister for overhauling existing regulations to allow...
"We short change boys and men."
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Examiner Columnist Jennifer Horgan, joined Andrea and listener's, to discuss her article about how we need to normalise men taking up caring ro...
Is it time we reconsidered uniforms?
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Parents across the country are in the throws of getting the back to school essentials, but high costs have left many parents concerned about how they ...
"There is no time frame for grief."
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bereavements leave is often in the region of three to five days, but there is no legal reqirement for companies to offer it. Andrea was joined by list...
Doonbeg welcomes back Donald Trump
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former US President Donald Trump is due to visit his golf resort in Doonbeg next month. His last visit to the west Clare village incited anti-Trump pr...
Sledging in GAA
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sledging in Sport is nothing new, but there are some that think it might have become worse because of social media. Shane Cassells, Senator & Fianna F...
Should pocket money be earnt?
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of parents give their children pocket money but many differ on whether it is earnt or just given. Andrea was joined by Aoife Lee from Parentsuppo...
Discount Vouchers
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New research has found that Irish shoppers spend up to €477 more chasing supermarket discount vouchers. It also suggested that half of Irish shopper...
EV charging points
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if we have enough charging points to encourage people to use an electric vehicle, and where the best chargin...
Dating as a single parent
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Irish business woman Zoe Desmond, joined Andrea to explain why she has created the world’s first dating app for single parents, after Tinder users o...
Burnout
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A survey by HRLocker earlier this year revealed that 52pc of full-time workers in Ireland experience burnout from pressure and stress at work. Andrea ...
"We are shaming people with judgements that are inappropriate!"
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sonya Lennon, Designer from Lennon and Courtney, joined Andrea to share her experience of taking her daughter to buy a pregnancy test, which is part a...
"I don't feel like I'm part of anything"
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Australians will be saying goodbye to Neighbours today, after 37 years on the air. Irish audiences will have to wait until Monday to watch the finale....
Ask The Expert: Motoring
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every week we give you the chance to get access to an expert and this week, we put your motoring questions to Motoring Journalist Geraldine Herbert
"I don't believe I would have got it back without the people of Ireland!"
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Two weeks ago on the show, Andrea spoke to Donna O’Connor who was travelling from Chicago to Ireland to scatter her parents ashes. She was devastat...
Do new towns lack character?
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Government has announced funding to develop a brand new town in Dublin – between Lucan, Clondalkin and Liffey Valley. Samantha Dooley from Ongar...
What makes a good friend?
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what qualities make a good friend and what people seek out when they are expanding their friendship circle. ...
Should we ban smoking on beaches?
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A ban prohibiting smoking on all beaches in Barcelona came into effect this week. Andrea was joined by listeners and environmentalists to discuss if s...
Solar Panel Scams
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener John, joined Andera to discuss his experience of falling victim to a solar panel scam.
"It attacked my daughter, she ran in roaring and crying!"
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Seagull's have been attacking children in the seaside town of Balbriggen. Sinn Fein TD Louise O’Reilly and joined Eanna Ni Lamhna, Biologist & Envir...
Whatsapp groups - informative or annoying?
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whatsapp groups can be informative, they can be a scheduling tool and they can be good for staying in contact with a friend group. Freelance journalis...
"It was unbearably hot, people were taking clothes off their children so they didn't overheat!"
25 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There was chaotic scenes on the Dart yesterday afternoon after people disembarked the train, on to the tracks as they say the heat was unbearable. A s...
Have you experienced cyberstalking?
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Emma got in touch with the show to tell of her experience of cyberstalking along with Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. If you...
How to win best dressed lady at the Galway Races
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of the Galway Races next week, Stylist Mandy Maher who is head judge and one of three judges at this year's Galway Races joined Andrea Gilligan ...
Plea for Cystic Fibrosis drug
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Gráinne Ui Luing is a mother of two girls, Caoimhe aged 8, and Fiadh aged 6. Both of her daughters have Cystic Fibrosis, meaning they are constantly ...
Is Ireland ready for electric vehicles?
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
All households can now apply for an EV electric car charging point grant in their home, even without owning an electric car. But would you make the mo...
"The system is broken and needs urgent reform because its damaging our economy."
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Staff shortages can be seen in many small businesses and hospitality settings but could things be made easier for staff to be recruited and retained....
Is Ireland a good place to come home too?
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Speaking in Australia, Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald sent out a rallying call to Irish people living abroad to return home. Andrea was joined by...
Have we lost our table etiquette?
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s keeping your elbows off the table or knowing which fork to use for your starter, table manners have been around for a long time. Theres...
"I have the energy to be his daughter and his carer, not just a wreak!"
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Staff shortages mean nearly two million hours of home help won’t be delivered this year. The HSE estimates about 35,000 hours’ worth of care will ...
Should health workers wear bodycams?
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Calls have been made to equip hospital staff with body cams as more than 34,000 nurses and doctors have been assaulted in the past seven years. Andrea...
"Standing outside a bank with thousands in your handbag is a very vulnerable position."
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
AIB announced that 70 of their branches are going cashless.Tara Buckley from RGDATA, the organisation representing Ireland’s community based grocery...
Crisp Fest!
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re a fan of the old school classics or the fancy new comers there’s a crisp for every occasion and they’re all on display at the ina...
Do chain stores add or take away from the city?
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new Pret A Manger is set to open on Dawson Street in Dublin. It adds to the Starbucks, McDonalds, Subways and countless other chain stores that are ...
Could you be forced to give up your second car?
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As we try and address the climate change crisis, Andrea was joined by Seamus Boland CEO of Irish Rural Link, Conor Faughnan,Transport commentator and...
Should husbands take their wives name?
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Lopez has announced she will be adding new husband Ben Affleck's surname to her own, making her Jennifer Lopez Affleck. Irish Independent col...
"They estimated they took ten tons of rubbish of the beach this morning!"
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This morning pictures of Burrow beach in Sutton showing a massive volume of rubbish left over from yesterday were posted online by photographer Padrai...
'Through my eyes'
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new campaign called ‘Through my Eyes’ wants to highlight that those with down syndrome can live full and meaningful lives if they are given the...
"It's close your eyes and hope for the best!"
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Deliberate heading could be completely banned from football for children under 12 in England in two seasons' time. Andrea was joined by Alan Matthews ...
"Your giving something with one hand and taking with the other."
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Lorraine was in touch with the show to discuss if the medical card can be cut off by your pension. She joined Andrea and Nat O’Connor from ...
Tourism in Youghal
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Local business owners and members of the tourism sector in Youghal, County Cork have criticised the current refugee housing plan as the local hotels i...
Yewande Biala
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yewande rose to fame in 2019 after appearing on Love Island alongside Maura Higgins and Greg O’Shea. The Dubliner has gone on to use the platform to...
Should porn be included in sex education?
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new major revamp of Sex Education will see the Junior Cert curriculum include lessons about pornography. Young teenagers will be taught about porn, ...
World Emoji Day
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Whether you’re all about the thumbs up or the crying laughing face – emoji's have crept into our daily life. To celebrate World Emoji Day – our ...
Andrea learns about the history of the Blaa
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you hear about Waterford, it’s all Blaa, Blaa, Blaa! But we want to know why! Andrea Gilligan went out and about in the Deise to hear about th...
Do you feel comfortable ringing in sick?
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
According to a new survey, 57% of women in Ireland feel obligated to work while sick compared to 34% of men. Fiona Looney columnist for the Irish D...
Amish Community in Waterford
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that Waterford is home to Ireland’s only Amish Mennonite community? We’ve all heard about the Amish community but what is life a...
How to keep cool in the heatwave?
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was on June the 26th 1887 at Kilkenny Castle… this record breaker could be broken over the com...
Does Waterford get enough recognition?
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does Waterford get enough recognition? The sunny southeast and Ireland's oldest city was recently voted the best place to live in the Country – but ...
Ask The Expert:Irish Rail
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's 'Ask The Expert' Barry Kenny answers all your rail related questions.
"She was told they were cancelling the passport and ending the call."
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Complaints to the Passport Office have increased almost fivefold this year with travellers in many cases experiencing delays in processing their appli...
Are the streets safe for cyclists?
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Almost 1,700 cyclists were hospitalised due to crashes last year. According to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk, that includes near...
"I am eight years waiting on bariatric surgery."
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new hospital has opened in Spain with the sole purpose of treating patients on the long public waiting lists here in Ireland. Around 1,500 Irish pat...
Best before dates - how much do they matter?
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Odile Le Bolloch, Environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency joined Andrea to discuss how strictly you should adhere to best bef...
"The prices are crippling for people!"
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There have been renewed calls to cut fuel excise as long queues emerged at some forecourts around the country who had reduced their prices. Andrea was...
Bring Back The Plate!
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea was joined by Darren Geraghty Mixologist and Bar manager with the Siam Thai group and Jess Murphy Head Chef and co-Proprietor at Galway Restaur...
"We thought we would miss our flight for our first trip away in 3years!"
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As airport issues continue Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their travelling experiences.
"I had months where I would not leave the house for two days!"
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On yesterday on the show Andrea spoke to Senator Lisa Chambers about how women feel they aren't listened to when engaging with healthcare in Ireland. ...
"My quality of life is deeply affected by this."
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lisa Chambers is launching a policy document off the back of the women's health conference she had recently. A key takeaway from the research has been...
Summer Sleep Solutions
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Yesterday was officially the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 25.9 degrees recorded at Shannon Airport. The heavy, humid weather...
"I am heartbroken,my parent's ashes are in the lost luggage!"
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Donna O’Connor is an American tourist who travelled to Ireland to spread some of her parents’ ashes on a family farm. However she explained to And...
"To sit and hear them talk about your country like that is hard!"
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Danny was in touch Andrea from Berlin, to highlight the negative perception some of his German peers have of Ireland. He told Andrea he worri...
"Feedback is an essential part of growing!"
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Employers are complaining that young workers are unable to deal with criticism, expect their work roster to fit around their social lives and constant...
Switching Banks
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With Ulster Bank and KBC Bank soon to exit the banking scene in Ireland, there is now a rush to find suitable replacements especially for your “curr...
Should toll prices be scrapped?
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listener Michael was in touch with the show to discuss the high price of tolls and if they should be scrapped. Andrea spoke to listeners about why tol...
"I started bawling on the plane!"
11 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pets for many of us are beloved part of the family and the loss of a pet can be a deeply upsetting experience. Andrea was joined by Family Therapist E...
Lack of a Buzz for the GAA Semi-Finals - Why?
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s one of the biggest weekends’s in the GAA Calander – two of the sport's biggest rivals go head to head on Sunday, while Derry and Galway fac...
Lost Luggage Update
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Viv joined Andrea Gilligan on the show this afternoon. We first chatted to Viv back in June, on the 13th to be exact. At that stage she was tellin...
The social side of Wimbledon
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wimbledon draws to a close this weekend, with the men’s singles final on Sunday and the women’s final day earlier. From royals to celebrities and ...
Heaven is a place on earth singer – Belinda Carlisle
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From Heaven is a place on Earth to Leave a light on – Belinda Carlisle’s songs have been filling dance floors for decades! And now, after covid in...
Is childhood obesity a form of child abuse?
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Is childhood obesity a form of child abuse? That is something which has been claimed by fitness guru & owner of Ultimate Performance gyms Nick Mitc...
Ask The Expert: Dental Health
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every week, we give you the chance to get access to an expert to answer your questions all your questions about their area of expertise. This week den...
"We watched mum die for over two hours in torrential rain."
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An Irish Hospice Foundation survey of people bereaved during the pandemic has found that 56% said that they were not able to spend the time they wante...
"You need a bit of charisma to carry it off, Boris has that in spades!"
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to step down after 3 years in the job. Andrea was joined by Jarlath Regan, host of the Irish Man abroad po...
Danny O'Reilly
07 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From GAA to Gigs Corona’s Frontman Danny O’Reilly’s career could have been very different if he’d stuck to playing football. Ahead of the Ele...
Digital Detoxing
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The U15 girls gaelic football team have decided to do a sponsored 48 hour phone free weekend. Phones will be handed over to team mentor on Friday Jul...
"People my age are invisible!"
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One in three people aged 35-44 won’t own a home by the time they retire, according to new figures from the Economic and Social Research Institute (E...
"If you want to get kids away from crime, you need to get them as early as possible!"
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While housing remains an ongoing concern, the issue of facilities and amenities to service young people in this country is also an issue. Michael McLo...
Is the art of letter writing gone?
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s 'Write a Letter Appreciation Week' and Andrea was joined by Liz Maguire, a Dublin based antiquarian, who has been collecting old love letters s...
The science of a hangover
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new hangover prevention pill has gone on sale in the UK. Physicist, engineer and science communicator Phil Smyth joined Andrea to discuss the scien...
"He has a lot of additional needs on a daily basis."
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There have been renewed calls for Spinal Muscular Atrophy to be added to the heel prick test for newborn babies, with a view to aiding early diagnosis...
"I won't give my money to a hotel!"
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andrea spoke to listeners about the high cost of hotel prices and if they are due to an issue of supply and demand or price gouging.
School Lunches
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Over 300 Deis schools with around 60,000 students in disadvantaged areas will not have access to school meals when they reopen in September. Andrea sp...
"It's an appalling mistreatment of the defence forces."
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Following news that Ireland’s defence forces may be drawn upon to help with airport security amidst chronic delays and cancellations, many have voi...
Shared Funerals
04 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The shortage of priests in Ireland has led to suggestions that lay people may be called on to do funerals. Father Iggy O’Donovan joined funeral cele...