Lunchtime Live

Is Ireland a good country to breastfeed in?  In a global report in to breastfeeding - Ireland achieved a mediocre ranking, coming 56th out of 100, placing it 10th out of 19 European countries who have completed the assessment.  What more can we do to help parents? Andrea was joined by Dr. Liz O’Sullivan, - Lecturer in Nutrition and Programme Chair of the BSc in Public Health Nutriti...

Since the rioting in Dublin last week there has been a lot of conversation about policing in Ireland.  Do the Gardai need to be more heavy handed? Do we need bodycams? Should there be more training for Gardaí?  Gary Gannon, Social Democrats TD in Dublin says there is a need for a dedicated Metropolitan Police force in Dublin.  What changes would you like to see in the Gardai?  ...

Dr Nina Byrnes joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries...

Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen unveiled its festive advert on Friday, which shows an older man with a sad expression on his face, walking through town alone until he enters the bar and is joined by a couple who sit, drink and talk with him.  Andrea was joined by Aoife Teague, who made and edited the ad for Charlie’s Pub and Neal Davies is the CEO of BBDO in Dublin...

Trade unions will hold a vigil in Dublin city centre this afternoon in solidarity with the woman and children injured in Thursday’s stabbing attack and workers affected by the riots. Andrea was joined by Owen Reidy, General Secretary of ICTU, Cllr Donna Cooney, Green Party Councillor in Dublin and Dermot O’Leary from the NBRU...

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills. Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts. Caoimhseach Connolly, Newstalk Reporter has done the hard wo...

A set of rules for a GAA Club in Ireland have been circulating online over the weekend and causing quite the stir in the GAA community. They were sent to players as part of player review meeting.   Tommy Rooney, GAA Correspondent with Off the Ball, Shairoze Akram and Tim Barry all joined Andrea to discuss...

The Government is to fast-track and expand controversial new facial recognition technology following violent scenes in Dublin last week.   Justice Minister Helen McEntee will bring forward legislation to enable facial recognition technology to quickly prosecute offenders involved in violence and looting.    Would you like to see facial recognition technology laws fast-trac...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a stunt double in a movie or TV series? Today on Lunchtime Live’s ‘Ask Me Anything’ Andrea was joined by Niamh Hogan, stunt performer to find out...

Three Garda cars, three buses and a Luas tram were set on fire as the city centre descended into chaos last night – with Gardaí attacked by rioters and shops looted. It comes after a five-year-old girl is “still in a very serious condition” in hospital this morning after yesterday’s attack outside a school on Dublin’s Parnell Square. Andrea was joined by listeners, locals and others working in the...

A five-year-old girl is “still in a very serious condition” in hospital this morning after yesterday’s attack outside a school on Dublin’s Parnell Square. Andrea Gilligan was joined by Caoi Benicio, a Deliveroo rider who stepped in to stop the attacker yesterdat on Parnell Square. Anthony Boyle, a local man also joined the show...

Michelle Walsh Jackson, Travel Expert and Ed Finn, Award winning travel journalist joined Andrea LIVE at the Friends Experience in Dublin to give their advice for travel to America...

Amidst all the sports we have in Ireland, American Football is one that seems to be on the rise. There have been several amazing Irish Rugby and Gaelic players who have made their debut in the American Football scene in the states.  Andrea was joined by South Dublin Panthers player Shane Brady, NFL Scout Tadhg Leader and Cian Fahey from Off the Ball...

We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk’s Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie . This week we put our focus on festive gifts with A...

Having friends with different personality types can be a difficult thing to navigate. Some friends are more fiery than others while some are more timid and others are more anxious. So what are the best ways to make sure everyone gets along around the Christmas period?  Life coach Mark Fennell joined Andrea to discuss...

Happy Thanksgiving! Lunchtime Live was LIVE from The Friends Experience in Dublin today. To celebrate all things Thanksgiving, Andrea Gilligan was joined by comedian, Jim Elliot, Patti Shields from Democrats Abroad and Law Lecturer in NUIG, Larry Donnelly...

The number of women that have taken up self defence classes has gone up 1,000% (one thousand) percent in the past few years. Some people are calling for self defence to be taught in schools.   Is that a good idea? Or is it just another thing to put on schools?  Andrea was joined by Anthony Cunnane, who teaches Krav Maga nationwide, Oisin, owner of Compound Martial Arts in Dublin, Er...

The Journal of Traumatic Stress has published research showing that Irish people deal with grief better than most. Andrea was joined by Brianna Parkins, Columnist with Irish Times and Liza Clancy, Death Doula on Lunchtime Live to discuss...

Does Irish music need more play time across Irish radio stations? Today, the Oireachtas Media Committee will to day discuss the importance of airplay in promoting Irish music. For more on this Andrea was joined by singer songwriter, RuthAnne, music journalist Danny McElhinney, musician Jack O'Rourke and more to discuss...

Is fat shaming still common in society? Singer Cliff Richard was on ITV's This Morning yesterday and came out a story in which he commented on Elvis Presley's weight. Is it ever ok to comment on somebody’s weight? Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss...

We are very nearly in the festive season – the Late Late Toy Show is on this Friday and next week we are into December.  But, have you found yourself dreading the rush into Christmas? Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed with the obligation to meet friends and family and to go to work functions?   Has a holiday - which is meant to be a relaxing time - turned into a time end...

One listener Raymond got in touch with Lunchtime Live because of a situation he’s dealing with in the house he shares...

A legal loophole in the Road Traffic Act means some drivers have been able to avoid penalty points if they just get a disqualification from driving for one day.  Some drivers have even been allowed to pick the day themselves. So for example could chose a Sunday – when they’re not working and don’t need to car.  The Taoiseach has said he’s going to close all these loopholes. Do we ta...

Listeners joined Andrea Gilligan last week on Lunchtime Live to discuss eating disorder services in Ireland. On Friday, parents of children dealing with eating disorders staged a peaceful protest and march at the Department of Health, calling for eating disorder services reform.  Today, Andrea was joined by Seán and Dee to discuss their experiences...

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite across the country, Newstalk is here to help with a new online series highlighting the best ways to save on your bills. Cut-the-Cost will offer tips and advice on how to save on everything from energy and the weekly shop to modern essentials like broadband and phone contracts. Barry Whyte, Newstalk's Chief Reporter has done the hard wor...