Lunchtime Live

The Garda Band has cost taxpayers an average of almost €25,000 per performance since 2020, a figure comparable to booking fees charged by some top stars in the music industry. Nearly €4.6 million has been spent on the ensemble over the past two-and-a-half years, during which time it has played at a total of 190 events in settings including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and churches. Andrea wa...

Numbers revealed to Newstalk show that over one in every five people who attended Sexual Assault Treatment Units last year, were less than 18 years old. In total, 859 patients went to the units in 2021 after being attacked, an increase of 17% on the previous year. Andrea was joined by Margo Noonan, advanced nurse practitioner with Cork Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to react to the numbers.

Anyone who has an unusual name or spelling will be used to people mispronouncing it from time to time. University Limerick want to cut out that issue, so they’ve asked graduates to record their name pronunciation for the graduation ceremony. Andrea was joined by Aelish Nagle, Ceremonies Manager with UL, and listeners with unusual names, to discuss the issues of mispronunciation.

There are fears Christmas may be cancelled in a West Cork town after funding for Christmas lights has been reduced, sparking concern amongst the community. Andrea was joined by Diarmuid Creegan is the Chair of Clonakilty Tidy towns, Fianna Fail TD Christopher O'Sullivan and locals to discuss what this might mean for the West Cork community.

On yesterdays show Andrea was joined by listeners who had experienced lost luggage and were experiencing difficulties contacting the airline. Today she was joined by more listeners who were in touch with the show to describe their own experiences, and to offer advice to others about how best to retrieve the baggage through the airline.

A lack of nursing places in the Round Zero CAO offers have left many aspiring nurses disheartened after their hopes to continue their studies was cut short. Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their own stories.

Listener Leo joined Andrea on the show from Wicklow, to discuss the conversation earlier in the show around speed limits. Leo, spoke about losing his daughter in a road traffic accident and how hearing people make excuses for speeding drivers deeply upsets him.

Actress Olivia Newton John has passed away at the age of 73. She had a career that spanned more than five decades, but she will always be remembered most from her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta in 1978’s ‘Grease’. Andrea was joined by listeners who played Sandy in Irish productions, and spoke to them about their experience of playing the iconic character.

The first average speed camera to be placed on a motorway in Ireland will become operational from Monday. From 7am on April 25, the mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system will begin checking motorists' speeds. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what this mean for motorists.

Looking for love can be a long and winding road. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the perils of modern day dating, and the challenges of finding love in Ireland.

With the cost of living at an all time high, Andrea was joined by parents to discuss the high cost of summer camps and how the hours they usually run, do not always suit a working parents schedule.

Sarah, a listener from Thurles, sent in an email to Andrea in relation to Mass and the Catholic church. She explained to Andrea she felt Mass is failing to captivate our attention and that of young people.

Andrea was joined by Frank who has recently released a podcast on his mental health journey. He described periods of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts and how, with support he has managed to reach a much better place in his life. If you are experiences any difficulties you can call Pieta House free on 1800 247 247.

Elaine Ryan is a mother from Tipperary. Her holiday to Tunisia with her husband and children turned into a nightmare, Elaine joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to explain her situation.

Getting ready for holidays- are you a pro or a packing disaster? A new survey shows that women pack an average of 6 pairs of shoes when they go on holiday but most remain unworn.

A Post Office in the UK has gone viral after they warned that grumpy or rude customers would face a penalty. A sign in the post office reads: ‘If you are grouchy or irritable, or just plain rude: there will be a £10 charge for putting up with you.’ Do you like that idea? Have you had to deal with grumpy members of the public? Should there be penalties for rude customers?

Catherine Woods Professor of physical activity and Health at the University of Limerick spoke to Shane on Breakfast this morning... Andrea Gilligan was joined on the show by callers who got in touch with their views as to where or not every child should have to participate in sport.

Glenveagh Properties, one of the largest homebuilders in the State, has presented a plan to the Minister for overhauling existing regulations to allow developers shave more than a quarter off the distance between the rears of houses.

Wedding favors have traditionally been given for guests to take home with them, as a token of appreciation. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if wedding favors are really worth the money they cost.

From acne to dry skin and everything in between, Jennifer Rock, owner of the skin Nerd and Skin ingredients, joined Andrea to answer all your skin related questions.

Irish Examiner Columnist Jennifer Horgan, joined Andrea and listener's, to discuss her article about how we need to normalise men taking up caring roles, both informal unpaid care in the home, and as a professional career.

Parents across the country are in the throws of getting the back to school essentials, but high costs have left many parents concerned about how they will deal with the spiraling costs.

Sledging in Sport is nothing new, but there are some that think it might have become worse because of social media. Shane Cassells, Senator & Fianna Fáil spokesperson for Sport joined Andrea to discuss what can be done to solve the problem. Davy Glennon, intercounty player, also joined the conversation to share how big of an issue it has become on the pitch.

Former US President Donald Trump is due to visit his golf resort in Doonbeg next month. His last visit to the west Clare village incited anti-Trump protests but locals in the area are saying that they don’t want a repeat of some of the nastiness they experienced towards Doonbeg and, indeed, themselves. Andrea spoke to locals about how they felt about welcoming him back.

Lots of parents give their children pocket money but many differ on whether it is earnt or just given. Andrea was joined by Aoife Lee from Parentsupport.ie, Siobhan O’Neill white from Mams.ie and listeners to discuss what they do with their children's pocket money.