Lunchtime Live

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them. This week, Martin ‘Manu’ Krishna joins Andrea to discuss his faith: Hare Krishna.

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year 1980!

Two weeks after Storm Éowyn, there’s still thousands of people across the country without power. Local communities have started to set up hubs in parish halls and centres to allow people to charge their phones, get a hot meal and, where possible, take a hot shower. Andrea is joined by some of those affected to discuss what their experience has been.

GP Dr Máire Finn from Ennis Centric Health joins Andrea for this week’s Ask the Expert to discuss how you can recognise the symptoms of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and answer your questions!

Following Andrea’s conversation with Emmet Kelleher, who finds himself homeless at 59 - there is clearly a problem in this country with homelessness. But, what solutions are there, and what kind of supports exist? Andrea is joined by Senator Aubrey McCarthy from the Lighthouse Café and more to discuss.

January 2026 will see popular TV soaps Coronation Street and Emmerdale return as 30-minute episodes in a bid to retain audiences and to make shows more “streamer-friendly”... The decision is a reversal on a 2022 schedule change which saw Coronation Street move to three one-hour episodes midweek. Now, the soap will play as part of a special ‘Soap Power Hour’ weekday evenings from 8pm. ITV Boss, Kev...

It might be hard to believe that it is that time of the year again, as Ireland gets ready to choose an act to represent the country at this year's Eurovision!  Among the six artists competing is a very well known Irish popstar: Samantha Mumba. She joins Andrea 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. Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Emmet Kelleher is part of Ireland’s hidden homeless that you may sometimes hear about. At 59 years of age, he joins Andrea to discuss his story and current situation…

Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to. This week, Stylist and Journalist Laura Mullet and Newstalk's Tech Correspondent Jess Kelly join Andrea to review ‘Stakeknife’! Image: BBC

Today is World Cancer Day. It’s something nobody really wants to think about, but it's something you will probably have to deal with in one way or another, if you haven’t already… Andrea is joined by Claire Butler Jones to discuss what it was like to be diagnosed with cancer at 29.

Many homes throughout the country are still without power. People are facing day 12 without heating, working fridges and power to even make a cup of tea… Andrea is joined by those affected to discuss their experiences.

‘Boyzone: No Matter What’ was released on February 2nd on Sky and NowTV.  However, reviews of the documentary have been mixed… Andrea is joined by Jack Keating, son of Ronan Keating, to discuss the documentary, and what it was like to grow up during that time.

It’s How I Live Well time! Where Andrea Gilligan is joined by someone to discuss what they do to improve their life. This week, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician Shelly Gray to discuss her unique method of keeping fit!

A recent study by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has found that nearly 70% of 25-year-olds still live at home. This shift brings up some big questions for families like if young adults living at home should contribute financially? And if so, how much? What do you think? Should parents charge rent? Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Ever dreamed of running away with the circus? David Duffy, Ring Master with Tom Duffy’s Circus gave Andrea some insight into what life on the road with the circus is like.

The Department of Social Protection has told staff that from February, personnel will have to spend a minimum of two days per week in the workplace.  Up to now staff in the department had to work a minimum of one day per week in the office. Is it fair to insist people can only work from home 2 to 3 days a week? Andrea hears from callers.

Parents have gathered outside Rainbow Community Playgroup in Stoneybatter to protest a significant reduction in childcare services. Andrea speaks to some of the parents involved.

Starting tomorrow fines of up to 2,500 euro will come into play for owners of the XL bully type breed. This follows a ban that came into play last October regarding, the breeding and rehoming of the dog breed. Now owners who don’t hold a certificate of exemption could face fines, seeing their dog euthanised or even find themselves in jail for three months. Some animal welfare groups have taken to...

Our experts answer all your questions this week on laundry rooms. 

A search and rescue operation is underway in the Potomac River in Washington today after a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter in mid-air.  What happened? Andrea speaks to people on the ground in Washington DC as well as members of the aviation industry.

Following yesterdays reaction to our segment on how Storm Eowyn has impacted people across the country, we follow up with more callers to see how they have been impacted.

We’ve been taking a deep-dive into the varying religions that help make up Irish society in 2025 and today were joined by Ben O’Farrell, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Registered Dietician Ciara McNulty to answer any of your dieting questions!

Height can be a sensitive issue for men, especially when many women claim they only date men who are north of 6ft. But, are short men the last minority group that people can openly make fun of? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Jockey Leigh Roche as well as listener Andy to discuss.