Lunchtime Live

On Friday 8 March 2024, we are being asked to vote on two proposed changes to the Constitution. But with the date closing in on us – many people still have questions about what the referendum actually means.  Oran Doyle, Research professor Trinity College Dublin joined Andrea on Lunchtime Live to explain...

Should court cases be broadcast on television in Ireland? Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Sinead Ryan, presenter of The Home Show on Newstalk, Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer in the University of Galway and other 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.   Newstalk’s own Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in studio to put a smile on your faces...

Parents in America are saying that Peppa Pig is making their kids rude.  They're saying she’s a brat, a bully and is a bad influence on young minds.  Is this true? Andrea was joined by parents to discuss...

98fm presenter Karl Dawson has been the target of abuse on social after a photo from 1 year ago with An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar was posted in a far right group. Karl joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

This year Andrea Gilligan is determined to make some changes and become that bit healthier!  Over the next few weeks Andrea will be joined by a number of different people to find out how they live well. Graham Herterich, The Cupcake Bloke and author of 'Bake' joined Andrea Gilligan on the show today...

We saw another record-equalling Irish win in the Six Nations at the weekend as Ireland saw off Wales.   According to Gerry Thornley, Rugby Correspondent with the Irish Times the atmosphere at the game fell flat. Andrea was joined on Lunchtime Live by Gerry Thornley and other listeners to discuss...

Andrea Gilligan was joined on Lunchtime Live by GP and lecturer, Dr Sumi Dunne to answer listeners health queries and questions...

A pilot programme which will train prisoners to retrofit homes gets under way today.   Prisoners close to release can undergo training in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise and Wheatfield Prison in west Dublin.   It is hoped this retrofitting scheme will help reduce the risk of re-offending.   Andrea was joined by Damien Quinn, a lecturer, community worker and founder...

A new mental health bill in Ireland is expected to be the largest overhaul of the State’s mental health laws in decades.  Mental Health Reform groups have warned that the current legislation is at odds with international human rights standards.  The new legislation would strengthen regulation around people consenting to the type of treatment they receive.  It is also expected to reg...

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 recipes for an Indian Chicken Curry and Crispy Chicken Goujons... Follow the hashtag #LLBigBatch for all our recipes.

Should flights be more expensive?  Ryanair's Michael O'Leary has warned that holidaymakers will face higher air fares this summer because of capacity constraints – but should flights be more expensive anyway to help the environment?  Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

Every Friday, as part of our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series, we put your questions to people from interesting background or working in different jobs.   Today, Andrea was joined by Clarity Mills, a Professional Dominatrix and sex educator...

A London museum is hoping to recruit a Taylor Swift superfan to join their staff and advise them on all things Taylor.  The Victoria and Albert museum is looking for insights into the culture and craftsmanship behind Taylor fandom. Things like handmade signs, friendship bracelets and other memorabilia associated with her ahead of the European leg of her Eras tour. 

Every day we scour the newspapers but often, many great stories from the regional papers don’t make the headlines. Newstalk's Breakfast Briefing presenter Shane Beatty has rounded up some of the best stories that you might have missed... 

This Saturday marks the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.  When the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, some predicted it could take as little as three days for Russian forces to capture the capital, Kyiv.  Andrea was joined by some Ukrainian's who have been living in Ireland since the invasion...

Would you like to see gaelic football, hurling and camogie at the Olympic Games?   The GAA revealed in their World strategy plan that they would like to get recognition from the International Olympic Committee and have their sports feature in future Olympic Games.  Andrea was joined by Roddy Walsh, Vice chairperson with London GAA, Karen Hegarty, Westmeath Ladies Footballer, Darren...

Mental health blogger and writer, Daragh Fleming joined Andrea to discuss an experience he has been having with a social media account that has been abusing him on social media. Dr Catherine O’Sullivan, lecturer in the Law School, University College Cork also joined the conversation on Lunchtime Live...

If you’re going through menopause, could you be paying too much for HRT?  Apparently the cost can differ wildly – and you might be overpaying. Andrea was joined by Catherine O’Keeffe is a Menopause Workplace Consultant, founder of Wellness Warrior, and creator of the Menopause Success Summit and Tom Murray, Murray’s Pharmacy in  Convoy, Co Donegal... 

It's time for Throwback Thursday, where we look back on things that happened this week in history.  Ciaran O’Connor from 98fm joined Andrea Gilligan on Lunchtime Live... 

There were a number of delays on the Dublin-to-Cork train line last night. The delays left a number of people stranded in bad weather conditions at Portarlington without water or trolley services. Andrea was joined by some of those affected and Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications with Irish Rail...

On Monday's Ask The GP, Dr Nina Byrnes recommended physio for quite a lot of the queries people sent in.   To continue this conversation, Andrea was joined by Andrew Dunne, Senior Physiotherapist and Founder of Personal Health - Medical Exercise Clinic to answer some listener questions... 

BBC Presenter Kate Garraway returned to work this month, following the death of her husband Derek. How can you make returning to work after bereavement a little bit easier?  Andrea was joined by Ciaran Coyle, Counsellor & Psychotherapist and other listeners to discuss...

Lonely Planet has said that the Ireland guide is one of its top sellers around the world.  Along with Ireland, the other top sellers are Japan, Iceland, Thailand and New York City.  Ireland has also featured in Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches, which named Achill Island’s Keem Bay among the world’s 100 best.  Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet across UK & Europe joined Andrea...

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.   Newstalk’s own Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in studio to put a smile on your faces... Image: Netflix