Lunchtime Live

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.

From a reward for a missing cockatoo to a Velodrome in Limerick – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty has a roundup of the stories from around the country this week!

From Taylor Swift to Coldplay, and now Oasis, tickets for gigs are becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Even those with presale codes and loyalty access are struggling to see their favourite artists on tour. Are the ticket providers at fault? Is there a fairer system when it comes to securing concert tickets? Guest host Adrian Kennedy is joined by Rebecca Cappuccini, Spokesperson for Music a...

With back to school (and general life!) sometimes you need a spot in your home where you can just chill out. Joining guest host Adrian Kennedy on The Home Squad this week is Jenny Sheahan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year' and Roisin Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty.

It's Throwback Thursday! Where we look back on things that happened this week in history. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins guest host Adrian Kennedy once more to rewind the clock… Image: Netflix

Trans performance artist and comedian Krishna Istha wants to start a family with their trans partner Logan Rea and is searching for a sperm donor through a theatre show that comes to Dublin next month. Krishna joined Adrian Kennedy to discuss the process.  

On Wednesday, Coldplay did an impromptu gig on Grafton Street.  Rumours of it had spread hours before so the crowds were absolutely enormous. When videos of the performance were later posted on social media, all that was visible was a sea of phones.  Have we lost the ability to just live in the moment? Do we need to film everything? Adrian Kennedy spoke to callers.

According to leaked documents, smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside hospitals and at sports grounds in the UK under tighter restrictions being considered by ministers. Is this something that we could see happening here in Ireland? Adrian Kennedy speaks to callers on the issue.

For the last number of the weeks on the show, Andrea has been discussing the benefits of women in sport. Today, Adrian Kennedy chats about the joy that female football brings.   Joining Adrian in studio is Coach and Former Ireland Player, Linda Gorman, Freelance Sports Journalist, Alanna Cunnane and Shelbourne FC Player, Leah Doyle.

With Andrea Gilligan turning 40 tomorrow, it only seemed right to look at the best food and drink to provide or bring to a party. And, of course, that includes wine and cheese! Michelle Lawlor, Owner of the NUDE Wine Company and Food Writer Dee Laffan join Andrea to discuss and taste. Also, a special guest gives Andrea a surprise birthday message at the end!

The 17th Paralympic Games kick off tonight in Paris, with a 35-strong team representing Ireland! Jason Smyth, world’s fastest Paralympian and Martin Gordon Paralympic Cyclist who is racing for Ireland join Andrea from Paris to share in the excitement.

The number of people emigrating has reached an all time high since 2015. In the year leading up to April 2024, 69,000 people emigrated, an increase of 5,000 when compared to the same period in 2023. So, why is emigration at an all-time high? To discuss, Andrea is joined by Model Gráinne Gallanagh, Emily and Bella from Newstalk’s Newsroom and more to discuss.

Today is Andrea Gilligan’s last in her 30’s, and she has mixed feelings about it. She’s joined by Ireland AM presenter and former Ireland player Tommy Bowe, TV Presenter Glenda Gilson, Jeweller Chupi Sweetman and Irish Independent Journalist Tanya Sweeney to discuss what it’s like hitting the big 4-0.

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…