Lunchtime Live

From Australian wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin’s tragic death, to Sweet Valley high hitting our screens. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins Claire McKenna to look back on pop culture history from this week. Image: FX

There has been a lot of controversy in recent days over the ticket prices for the upcoming Oasis Croke Park gigs. Standing ticket prices soared to over €400, and it has brought up big questions about the use of dynamic pricing. But, as Melanie Finn argues in the Irish Independent: in a world where nobody wants to pay for their music, can we begrudge artists for soaring ticket prices? Claire McKenn...

Have you ever watched an episode of Only Murders in the Building and thought you could do it yourself?  Well you’re not alone... Apparently a third of us think we can solve crimes because we’ve seen it being done so much on TV! We have enough expertise from watching Midsummer Murders and Law and Order to do as good a job as any detective… right? Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is...

For this week’s Ask the Expert, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Paul Kenny, Ireland’s former Pensions Ombudsman and Course Leader with the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland to talk all things pensions, and answer your questions!

A number of people who gave testimony to the inquiry into sexual abuse at religious schools in Ireland say they think a ‘pedophile ring’ was operating in certain schools. The inquiry revealed almost 2,400 allegations of sexual abuse of children in schools run by religious orders. There were 844 alleged abusers in over 300 schools run by 42 religious orders across the country. Joining guest host Cl...

It was a fantastic night for Ireland at the Paralympics in France yesterday as Róisín Ní Riain and Orla Comerford secured two bronze medals within 5 minutes of each other! Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss and celebrate the two achievements is Róisín’s father Seosamh O’Riain, Dave Hooper, PRO with Raheny Shamrocks and Jade Murphy, Head Coach for the Performance Development Squad with Lim...

How would you feel about a free workplace health check?  In the UK, the NHS are rolling out health checks across several workplaces and are describing it as the ‘MOT’ for middle aged people.  In doing so, it could stamp out waiting lists and save NHS time in the long run. But, should we consider doing the same here? Clare McKenna is joined by Janis Morrissey, Director of Health Promotion...

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’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined guest host Clare McKenna in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Studies show that some teenage boys are being shown posts on TikTok featuring violence and promoting misogynistic views.  In general, teenage girls are being recommended very different content based on their interests.  Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Andrew Kaung, former Analyst on user safety at TikTok.

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, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Niall O’Floinn, Owner of Chen Tai Chi in Galway to learn more about this martial art.

It’s time for the Pod Squad! Every week, we review a podcast to see if it’s worth your precious time or not! This week guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Newstalk’s Sue Murphy and Dave Hanratty of the ‘No More Encore’ podcast to talk about the BBC Scotland Podcast - ‘Who Killed Emma?’. Image: BBC Scotland

Aslan played with Coldplay in a surprise appearance last night in Croke Park. Coldplay included the band as a tribute to Christy Dignam. Christy passed away in June last year after a long battle with cancer. Aslan band member Billy McGuinness joins guest host Clare McKenna to discuss the experience and how it came about. Image: @coldplay on Instagram

Kieran O'Donnell, the Minister with Responsibility for the Office of Public Works has demanded an immediate review around the construction of a new bike shelter at Leinster House which has cost €335,000. What do you make of this? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Green Party TD & Member of Public Accounts Committee Marc Ó Cathasaigh and more to discuss.

Last night the documentary ‘Rugby on Trial’ aired on BBC One. It examined whether enough has been done to protect rugby players from the devastating impacts of concussions.  And whether parents can be sure their children will be safe playing rugby at school. One of the people behind the documentary was Sam Peters from Concussed Media, and he joins Clare McKenna to discuss. Also joining to dis...

The Department of Education has come under pressure to drop a Junior Cycle textbook containing ‘absurdly misconceived and discriminatory’ depictions of an Irish family. The book, which is part of the SPHE curriculum, contrasts a ‘traditional Irish family’ with another from a mixed background. The Irish family, depicted outside a thatched cottage and all wearing Aran jumpers, eat ‘potatoes, bacon a...

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Clare McKenna to tackle your medical queries.

From what to have for dinner to what to watch on TV, the typical adult apparently spends the equivalent of 23 days a year making decisions. Do you struggle to make decisions? Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosby took to the streets of Killarney to hear people’s thoughts, and guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly to discuss.

As children return to classrooms, the challenges facing some are more profound than others. Listener Hannah Daly has multiple neurodivergencies and joins Clare McKenna to discuss if the school system is ill-equipped for neurodivergent students? ADHD Coach Aoife Hughes also joins to discuss.

An investigation shows that some outlets selling electric scooters are openly advising customers how easy it is to flout new safety laws. Safety precautions aren’t being fully explained to people looking to purchase these e-scooters. Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Colin Baker, Managing Director of Back from the Future Tech Support, Cllr. Conor Keelan in Dundalk and more to discuss.

This is Lunchtime Live’s newest segment, Gilligan’s Island! Every Monday, we're going to explore this gorgeous island of ours and all that it has to offer. This week, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Cian Ginty, Editor of Irish Cycle to talk about cycling around Ireland’s Greenways! Image: Discover Ireland

The Oasis ticket saga (unfortunately) continues. There’s been national outrage since last Saturday morning that saw standing ticket prices soar to over €400.  Since then, the Culture Minister and even the Taoiseach have commented on it. What does this mean for other concerts in the future? Is this something we should put up with? Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss, inc...

Former Irish Rugby International Shane Byrne joined guest host Adrian Kennedy this week to share his favourite summer memories!

It’s another action-packed day at the Paralympics in France as team Ireland contend throughout. The sporting day fired away in archery with Kerrie Leonard who unfortunately missed out by just 5 points. Aisling O’Reilly from Off The Ball joins Adrian Kennedy to discuss the exciting sporting events you can expect today and throughout the weekend.

Passengers who signed up for a dream three year around the world cruise have found themselves stuck in Belfast for the last 3 months after their voyage was beset by delays.  Holly Hennesy and her cat Captain are on the ship, and join Adrian Kennedy, as well as more guests, to explain more. Image: Villa Vie Residencies

Some children with special needs often need around the clock care. Some of that is provided by schools and respite care. But when they turn 18 – a lot of that disappears. Parents are suddenly expected to be able to provide 24 hour care. Should there be more support? Adrian Kennedy is joined by Tom Clonan, Independent Senator and Aisling McNiffe to discuss.