Lunchtime Live

In a new report from the Road Safety Authority, the Mobile Device Usage Survey 2024 reveals a drop in the number of drivers using hand-held devices. Based on nearly 26,000 roadside observations, the study shows 6% of drivers were seen using a phone, down from 9% in 2023. The research also highlights that car drivers are the most frequent offenders, with mobile usage falling across all road types,...

If you’ve been watching The Traitors Ireland, this is one you’re going to want to stay tuned in for this… Joining Andrea to chat is one of the OG Traitors: Paudie Maloney!

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 Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through Cat Stevens’ album ‘Tea for the Tillerman’!

Curfews, community service and fines for parents of repeat offenders are among the suggestions going to the Dáil today to address anti-social behavior in Irish towns. It comes as Independent TD Paul Gogarty believes not enough is being done to counteract the “Andrew Tate-ification of young males”. Are parents to blame for their children’s behavior, and what needs to be done to handle our youth’s a...

Supermac’s boss Pat McDonagh has accused the insurance industry of holding the country to ransom. He’s calling for a statutory inquiry, wondering why premiums keep going up-even though insurance claims are actually going down? Joining Andrea to discuss this is Pat McDonagh, CEO of Supermac's, Moyagh Murdock, CEO of Insurance Ireland and more.

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 Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a life-altering neurological condition that affects thousands of people across Ireland. It can impact mobility, speech, vision, and everyday life. Joining Andrea in the studio to talk about living with MS, and the MS Readathon is Meath Gaelic Footballer, Cillian O’Sullivan and Jamie Crawford.

Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies. Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between. This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss the difficult topic of miscarriage, and what you...

AI is the fastest growing online industry in the world, and it was probably inevitable that it would be used to try and scam people. Karl Deeter, CEO of OnlineApplication.com has experienced this for the first time, and joins Andrea to discuss.

With many people heading off to third level, many companies must now look outside of Ireland for tradesmen and women. It comes as Dublin Bus has had to recruit from overseas because of a shortage of mechanics here. Many people who take on apprenticeships, learn on the job, earn a living while doing so and in turn, start on a decent salary when they have qualified. So why are these jobs being overl...

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Blake Boland, Spokesperson for Dublin Bus to answer your public transport questions!

The Ploughing Championships started earlier today, with 300,000 people expected to attend! When thinking of farming, do you believe that social media makes it look more glamorous than it actually is? Henry McKean is there and speaking with farmers (and the Tánaiste!) for their thoughts!

Do you think children today have enough time for play and to properly digest their food? There are reports of some Irish schools offering as little as 10 minutes of lunchtime for kids. And what about the number of children who end up taking food home? Does your child feel rushed eating in school? Andrea is joined to discuss by Daniel Davey, Sports Nutritionist, Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of D...

The Social Democrats had only just given TD Eoin Hayes a second chance after he misled the party about holding shares in Palantir, a controversial company that has profited from Israeli military actions in Gaza. But now, Hayes is under scrutiny again, this time over photos showing him in blackface portraying Obama at a Halloween party 16 years ago… Should we be more forgiving of people's past mist...

It’s How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life… This week, Andrea is joined by Tom King, a blacksmith from the Boyne Valley in Meath to talk all things blacksmithing!

New research carried out for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) has shown that almost three-quarters of people in Ireland believe the country’s wealth is unfairly distributed. It comes as almost half of respondents said they were concerned they would not be able to pay their bills over the year ahead. The findings have now put added pressure on the Government to incorporate ene...

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

A UK study has suggested that the wordier your apology, the more effective it is. The British Journal of Psychology has said that if you want to truly convince people that you are sorry, then longer words make you sound more sincere. Do you agree? Joining Andrea to discuss is Leslie Shoemaker, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin and Mary McCarthy, Irish Independent Columnist.

There's been a noticeable rise in the number of Irish adults without any retirement plan in place. Recent research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) shows that one in four people are unprepared for retirement… So, what’s going on? Do people simply not care about their financial future? Or has the rising cost of living made it nearly impossible to put money aside? Andre...

Learner drivers who have not passed their driving test after seven years will be required to take additional driving lessons in order to go back on the road, according to new proposals by the Government. Is this fair? Joining Andrea to discuss is Minister of State for Transport & Independent TD for Galway East, Seán Canney, as well as listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy and Host of ‘What’s Trending in F1?’ podcast Elaine Power join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Maintenance Phase’!

Later this month, Croke Park will be full of American Football fans as the Minnesota Vikings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers go head-to-head. This will be the first time that Croke Park has ever held an event of this caliber. With many people heading to the 80,000-seater stadium, fans will have a privilege that many GAA fans have not had before. They will be allowed to drink alcohol in their seats. T...

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Psychic Medium Felicity McCann joins Andrea to answer any of your other-wordly questions!

There are no boring Irish people. That was the claim made by Alicia Silverstone whilst appearing on Rob Lowe’s podcast this week. Ireland’s known for its storytellers, wit, and charm, but is it all just a flattering myth? Or is there something in the culture that makes dullness rare? Is this claim ridiculous or true? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss!

We often talk about the struggles women go through when they become a mother, and rightfully so, they undergo huge physical and mental transformations when they become a mother. But, more often than not, new dads tend to struggle with their mental health and the new changes in their roles and responsibilities. Do they get enough support? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.