Lunchtime Live

Author Marian Keyes’s 2020 novel ‘Grown Ups’ is set to be adapted for Netflix, but she has made a plea to the makers not to ruin it with awful Irish accents.  From Brad Pitt to Julia Roberts – the Irish accent has been butchered many times on the big screen. Film reviewer and Newstalk’s own Sue Murphy joins Andrea to chat about some of the biggest offenders. 

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak has pledged mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if the Tories win the UK election in July. What do you think about the idea? Should we have something similar here? Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their takes, including Estelle Birdy, journalist and author and Shelly Cotter from the WPDF (Wives and Partners of the Defense Forces).

James Casserly has just graduated from 6th year in school – however, he has been excluded from the post graduation night out and also the Debs.   James’ mum, Cllr Vicki Casserly, joins Andrea to explain why.

Turbulence has hit the headlines again after eight passengers were taken to hospital following a flight from Doha to Dublin. Emma Rose, Conor and Malcom were on that flight and joined Andrea to discuss their experience and what exactly happened.

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 Butler to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration! This week Andrea and Sarah looked at veggie burgers and chicken / steak marinade! Very well suited for barbecues and the summer months. Plus, some tips to keep you...

An Irish committee on the funding of water in Ireland recommended that households that use excessive water should pay charges. That was seven years ago, and nothing has changed.  Independent Councillor Pádraig Ó Céidigh said that the Government is paying €1 billion a year as support to Irish Water, and that people who are wasting water should be punished.  Are there any circumstances in...

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.     Andrea Gilligan is joined by Ciara Foley from Platinum Travel to learn all about what it’s like being a travel agent.

A London-born teenager is set to become the first millennial to be made a saint.  Carlo Acutis died of leukaemia in 2006, and since his death, two miracles have been attributed to him by Pope Francis.   Eight years after his death a seven-year-old boy from Brazil recovered from a rare pancreatic disorder after coming into contact with one of Acutis’s T-shirts. A priest had also pray...

Have you ever confronted anyone about their parking?  Well, one person in Crosshaven in Cork certainly made their feelings known when it comes to bad parking in their area. A number of cards using colourful language were stuck on cars that were poorly parked last weekend.   What do you think? Is this the approach that might work?   Andrea is joined by Fianna Fáil Cllr. in...

Actor Brian Mulvey’s life changed when, after learning about his son’s autism, he seeked his own diagnosis. He joins Andrea to discuss what he learned and how it has impacted his life.

From tattoos for Taylor to Gordon Ramsay spotted out and about – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has stories from around the country you may have missed.

Do you feel that you’re able to disconnect from work? Or are you constantly checking emails and answering phone calls after work hours?   According to a survey by the Association of Higher Civil and Public Servants, there is a growing expectation that civil servants engage with work outside of their normal hours is creating “an unsustainable working environment”  What’s your experie...

How can you add texture to your wall, easily and without breaking the bank?  Andrea is joined by DIY Expert Alan Grant and Eimear Hutchinson, Columnist with the Cork Echo to discuss the best ways to add some flair to your walls.

Have you noticed you snack more, or binge eat when you’re working from home?  Psychiatrist Brendan Kelly joins Andrea to discuss why this might be the case.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging task, but climbing it in a wedding dress? That’s a whole other ballgame! Leonore Good and 14 women from Cork are undertaking the task next week.  She joins Andrea to discuss why. Image: Teretta Foundation

When somebody we love is diagnosed with cancer, it’s hard to know what to say, you might feel awkward about getting in touch with them.  However, Donna Kelly is urging people to please ‘Send that Text’ and reach out.  Donna joins Andrea to share her story.

Almost 2,500 complaints about Cork’s footpaths have been made to Cork City Council over the last six years.    The data was provided to Social Democrats local election candidate for the Cork City South Central ward Pádraig Rice.  Éabha Wall, Disability Advocate in Cork, Evie Nevin, Disability Activist and Labour election candidate and Pádraig all join Andrea to discuss.

It's Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joined Andrea Gilligan to rewind the clock.

Education Minister Norma Foley has said that she will bring in legislation to ban the sale of smartphones to children under the age of 13 if it is needed.  The Government has been on a mission to prevent children in primary schools from getting smartphones. But, is it right to expect the Government to take the lead here? Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their opinions.

From costs to coverage, for this week’s Ask the Expert, we’re putting your home insurance questions to Jonathan Hehir, Managing DIrector of Insuremyhouse.ie .

Is it a good idea to have no photo rule at weddings? Or a bit miserable?  More and more couples are opting to put a ban on guests taking pictures. Andrea is joined by Jenny McCarthy, Wedding Photographer and Lyndsey Moynagh, Wedding Planner, to discuss.

Around 30,000 football fans are descending on Dublin to watch the Europa League final between German side Bayer Leverkusen and Italy's Atalanta taking place in the Aviva Stadium tonight.   Thousands of Gardaí will police this evening's event, which is the second biggest European club football event after the Champions League. It will be watched by millions worldwide.  Journalist Bar...

Ireland, alongside Norway and Spain will formally recognise the state of Palestine, it was confirmed this morning. Israel has recalled their ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich in response in a “strong message to Ireland”. What do you make of this historic decision? And, what does it mean for the future of Palestine? Andrea is joined by Declan Power, Security and Defence Analyst, Ibrahim Alagha, an...

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 Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces… Image: Cruinniú na nÓg

Should we bring in price caps for certain food like bread and milk?  That’s what People Before Profit are calling for. They’re saying that the price of potatoes has gone up by over 17%, and rice has gone up more than 10%.  Should the government intervene? Andrea is joined by Michael Kelly, Founder of Grow it Yourself (GIY) and listeners to discuss.