Lunchtime Live

A report has shown that transplants have fallen significantly, having failed to return to pre-pandemic levels. So, what impact does this have on those on the transplant list? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Maureen O'Donnell, CEO of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, Colin White, National Advocacy Manager with the Irish Kidney Association and listeners.

How important are reviews to you when choosing a restaurant or any form of accommodation? Do you swear by reviews you read online? What impact do they have on businesses and should we monitor them more closely to ensure the information given is accurate and fair? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Barry Duff from Lock & Brew café and restaurant and Food Writer Dee Laffan.

We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them. What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of Van Morrison!

The former General Secretary of AGSI is calling for retired Gardaí to return on a voluntary basis to help tackle the force’s soaring overtime bill, which rose from €97m in 2020 to €197m in 2024. Could bringing experienced retired members back help ease pressure on serving Gardaí and increase their presence on Irish streets? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic. 98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined guest host Clare McKenna in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Do you talk about your weight with your friends? A survey reveals that men are typically embarrassed and feel stigma opening up about their weight and trying to lose it among their pals. Joining Clare McKenna to discuss this is Michael O’Malley, Podcast Producer and content creator, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Making Babies, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Advanced Midwife Practitioner from the National Maternity Hospital Caroline Brophy to discuss ongoing physical symptoms or complications after childbirth.

Irish actress Aisling Sharkey has recently joined the cast of the two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy series Ted Lasso, where she plays footballer Niamh Harrigan, who finds herself under the management of the charismatic American coach Ted Lasso. She joins Clare McKenna to discuss the experience! Image: Apple TV

CAO offers are out today, which officially ushers in the new academic year. However, while new or returning students should be excited, many are stressed as they struggle to secure accommodation… Listeners join guest host Clare McKenna to share their experiences.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAA, to answer any of your questions about Dublin Airport!

Back to school time is upon us, but how do you deal with lunchboxes when it comes to fussy eaters? Louise Lennox, Children’s Feeding Therapist and Aileen Cox Blundell, Nutritionist & author join Clare McKenna to give their tips!

The HSE today has approved a new offer from drug firm Biogen over ‘Skyclarys’, which will now be available with reimbursement to Friedreich’s Ataxia patients. This comes after mounting pressure, and months of campaigning… Joining Clare McKenna to discuss this is Teresa Kane, a mother of two children with Friedreich’s Ataxia and Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, who lives with Friedrich’s Ataxia…

“I’ll just Klarna it”.  Have you gotten into the habit of using ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services? And from big ticket items to takeaways, just why are these services so popular, and do people realise they are actually getting into debt? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Dr Shane Timmons, Senior Research Officer with the ESRI’s Behavioral Research Unit and Laura Jordan, Founder of St...

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins guest host Clare McKenna with the things you don’t want to miss this week! Image: Netflix

The company behind the Sphere in Las Vegas, Yankee Stadium in New York and the Aviva Stadium has released computer-generated images of its proposed events arena in Cherrywood, south Dublin. The Prime Arena is planned as the home of a professional ice hockey team, while also hosting concerts, winter sports and a wide range of other events. The venue would feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks and an...

We all say we’re going to eat better, get more active or finally get around to those health checks, but too often, we put it off. Irish Life Health gives you practical ways to act today, from a wide range of digital health services to access to ExpressCare Clinics in Dublin and Cork. For more information, see irishlifehealth.ie . For this week’s Health Reset, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by...

We're nearing the end of summer, and thus the end of the first holidays without mum or dad for many young people. A survey done in Britain claims one-third of young people think their mum and dad should never stop footing the bill for the family holiday. But, is this really feasible, should you have to pay for your children's holidays? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Anne Marie Mack...

For many working parents, finding affordable childcare has become one of the biggest barriers to returning to work. A recent Irish Independent survey found that 117 of 142 creches had waiting lists of at least a year, while the average monthly fee was €845 before State subsidies. For families needing full-time care, the cost can feel like a second mortgage, while the lack of available places leave...

Opening up about your mental health struggles is not easy, and many men in particular suffer in silence. Fitness coach Domhall Hyland is 30 and has been sharing about his own experience of OCD, anxiety and depression. He joins guest host Clare McKenna to discuss.

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all? For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what’s coming in and what’s coming out? For this edition of Money Matters, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk, to discuss everything you need to know about SUSI grants if you o...

Figures from the NTA’s annual report on how public transport users feel about their personal security reveal that almost half of passengers have felt unsafe using public transport… The report also revealed that 46% of people believe antisocial behaviour was worse on buses, trains and trams during 2025, an increase of three percentage points on the previous year. With this in mind, do you feel safe...

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems? Today, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Travel Content Creator Tony Smyth to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Galway!

Do you and your other half like the same music? Or is it a clash between heavy metal and classic pop in your home? A new study suggests that having the same music taste is an indicator of a successful relationship. Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss this is musician Aoife Scott and Psychotherapist with the Coast Counselling in Malahide, Helen Vaughan…

Ahead of Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run, we’re highlighting the importance of early detection and how genetic factors play a role in breast cancer... Sisters Aisling and Aine join Clare McKenna to share their extraordinary story.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined guest host Clare McKenna with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.