Lunchtime Live
Lunchtime Live is a daily phone-in programme on Newstalk, Ireland's national independent talk station. Presented by Andrea Gilligan, it invites listeners to call in and have their say on the news stories and talking points of the day. The show blends live audience conversation with news, sport, analysis and entertainment. Listeners can get involved by emailing the programme or tuning in via the station's website and the GoLoud app.
Episodes
Ask Me Anything: Sports Photographer
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, James Crombie, Press and Sports Photographer joins Andrea to answer any of your questions about his career!
Has your handwriting gotten worse?
Angelina Jolie has been exposed for her messy writing, which people are calling illegible, but is it more relatable than we would like to admit?Joining Andrea to discuss is Speech Writer Cormac Lally, Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Chair of the Communications Clinic Terry Prone and Sheena Mitchell, a pharmacy owner and health advocate at wondercare.ie.
American firing squad execution to be live streamed - does this cross a line?
The Pentagon has said an upcoming firing squad execution will be live streamed.This is the first military execution in America for more than 65 years, and it is being made public…Have we gone too far? Does this cross a line?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ronan Lupton, Barrister and Senior Council, Philip Arneill, Head of Communications and Research at Cybersafe Kids and listeners.
Survey finds endometriosis diagnosis wait times at 14 years on average!
A new endometriosis survey has revealed that the average wait time for a diagnosis is 14 years.Up to one in seven women in Ireland are estimated to have endometriosis, yet there is very little research and services available on this condition.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss this…
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.
Irish man stuck in Greece hospital - family speaks out
Keith Twomey is 52, he's from Cork and he's currently in hospital in Greece, after he was struck by a car on September 11th while on holiday in Rhodes. His family say they've spent over €37,000 trying to bring him back home, and they're now looking for help.Keith's brother, Graham, is a colleague in the wider Bauer Media group, and joins Andrea to discuss what’s happening.
The Home Squad: Wet Weather Entrances
As the wet and dreary weather becomes more common, how do you get your house ready so that the area around your front door isn’t a mess?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss wet weather entrances!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Jenny Butler, Interior Architect & Design Director of Jennifer An
Should you already be booking your summer holidays?
Have you thought about your family holiday next year?Travel agents are warning that people should be planning ahead if they are confined to school holidays in order to avoid price hikes next year...Travel Expert Eoghan Corry joins Andrea to discuss.
Autistic child left without school place for second year in a row
Roman has been left without a school place for the second year in a row.Roman Slator will be six in December, and spends his days at home with his mum, Jade Slator, who works just one day a week so she can care for her son.Roman received an autism assessment in July 2025. After a two-and-a-half-year wait, it was too late to apply for a place in a special class for September that year…They are stil
Why does nobody host friends anymore?
Once upon a time, it was the norm to pop into your neighbours house for a cup of tea or invite your friends around for dinner, but have we moved on from those days?In the US, the number of people who regularly host friends or family fell from 42% in 1975 to 12% in 2026, a 70% drop over the last 50 years.So, why does nobody host their friends anymore?Joining Andrea to discuss is Brendan O’Loughlin,
The Making of Celine Dion!
We're doing a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of Celine Dion!
College Court home destroyed after student party in Limerick - what happened?
Gardaí are investigating a break-in and criminal damage at a house in Limerick linked to a student party in the early hours of Wednesday. Videos are circulating online of young adults smashing windows, breaking down walls of the home and the ceiling torn down…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Eric Nelligan, Assistant Principal at St Munchin's College Limerick and member of Aontú, Student Pre
Enduring Power of Attorney - what needs to change?
Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell joined Andrea on Monday to discuss how he wants the rules around Power of Attorney changed.Today, Andrea is joined by more listeners to hear their issues around this…
Reasons to be Happy: Porridge, Car Singing, Pussy Cat Dolls
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.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…
Why graduate nurses are uncertain about their future
Many graduate nurses say they're facing uncertainty over their future, as they're currently in limbo without permanent contracts from the HSE. One of those is Fiona Gilmar from Dundalk Institute of Technology.She joins Andrea to discuss. Also joining is Tony Fitzpatrick, INMO Director of Industrial Relations.
Making Babies: Mental Health
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss minding your mental health during pregnancy.
Will new clamping rules ruin an upcoming wedding?
Lorna McEvoy is due to be married next year. Apart from the usual jitters before the big day, she is stressed that her wedding guests will be clamped…This comes as clamping measures have been introduced in a residential estate in Seven Mills in Dublin 22.Lorna joins Andrea to discuss.
Flasher in Tralee - Sinead Kelleher’s experience
Do you feel safe going for walks?Sinead Kelleher, Journalist with the Kerryman and Independent.ie, wrote a piece about an incident she had with a flasher during a walk on Sunday...She joins Andrea to discuss this experience.
Are you happy with Budget 2027?
After all of the announcements made yesterday for Budget 2027, what do you think about it? Are there things that benefit you, or was there more that could have been done?Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their thoughts.
Don’t Miss: War, Unabomber, Rory O’Hanlon
Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week!Image: HBO Max
Do we need stricter legislation for rickshaws?
Dublin City Council passed a motion calling for the regulation and urgent action on rickshaws in the city.Fine Gael’s Danny Byrne spoke on Newstalk Breakfast this morning, and said that all motorised rickshaws need to be licensed and insured like cars and motorbikes.So, should we implement legislation and regulations around rickshaws?Joining Andrea to discuss this is Conor Faughnan, Independent Mo
Ask the Medic with Dr Niall Breen
It’s time for Ask the Medic! Where an expert joins to answer any of your health-related questions.This week, Andrea is joined by Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic to answer your medical questions!
Phone calls - do you love them or hate them?
Are you constantly on the phone, or do you actively avoid phone calls and baulk if somebody rings you?A recent piece in the Guardian newspaper looked at how people living away rely on long phone calls to stay connected, so where do you lie on this? Are you a texter or a talker?Joining Andrea to discuss is Irish Examiner Columnist Jane Cowan, Journalist and Columnist for the Irish Independent Mary
Do we need to change the rules around Power of Attorney?
Are the legal rules around a Power of Attorney order too difficult? Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell thinks so, saying that the current process is too complex for the average person, and is too expensive for most people…Gerard joins Andrea to discuss this further, as well as Áine Hynes, Solicitor with St. John’s Solicitors and listeners.
Have you been affected by dyslexia?
October marks Dyslexia Awareness Month, so we want to hear about people who have dyslexia.Rosie Bissett, CEO of Dyslexia Ireland joins Andrea to discuss and Aoife Kilkelly, an entrepreneur from Galway joins to share her experience.
How do you get a mortgage for the first time?
In order to buy a home, you’ll need to borrow money and get a mortgage, but how does this process work?Conor McGowan, Managing Director of Finance Solutions, which is Ireland’s biggest mortgage broker joins Andrea to discuss and answer your questions!
What do you think about the teachers' strike?
Primary and secondary teachers across the country began work to rule today in a dispute over public sector pay.The unions say the Government has failed to engage seriously in a new pay deal since the previous public sector agreement expired on June 30th.A full strike is planned for Wednesday October 14th, which would close all schools.Are you currently striking? Are your children's teachers striki
Ask Me Anything: Henry McKean
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Newstalk’s Henry McKean joined Andrea to answer your questions about being a radio reporter!
What is proper black tie etiquette?
Newstalk is heading to the IMRO awards tonight and getting all done up! But, getting ready for a black tie ball is no mean feat.Stylist Lorna Weightman and Menswear owner Louis Copeland join Andrea with their advice on black tie etiquette…
Are horses treated well enough in Dublin city?
Content Creator Holly Carpenter shared a bizarre experience on her social media last night, where a loose horse was standing alone on her street! Is there any issue with how horses are treated in this city?Martina Kenny, Co-Founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, Fianna Fail Councillor and Chair of the Animal Welfare Oversight Committee, Deirdre Heney and more also join to discuss.
Would a sunbed ban break EU rules?
For a long time, the Government has been attempting to ban sunbeds, there are already restrictions on under 18s using them, but many believe it is not enough. According to the Irish Cancer Society, if you use a sunbed even one time, your risk of melanoma goes up by almost 30% and your risk of being diagnosed with melanoma before you are 50 years old goes up by 75%...The Irish Independent has disco
Regional Roundup with Holli Breslin
Content Creator Holli Breslin joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week!
Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power on her serious house fire
What would you do if you woke up to the smell of smoke?Quantity Surveyor Patricia Power had a serious house fire this week, and joins Andrea to discuss what happened…
The Home Squad: Condensation, Damp & Mould
The weather is changing, and thoughts of putting the heating on are close, but how do you stop condensation, dampness and mould?This week, the Home Squad are here to give tips preventing and dealing with all of it!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Interior Stylist Sarah Doyle of Retwiggd.
Dealing with incontinence post birth
TV Presenter Ashley James has received praise after posting very honestly about her struggles with incontinence post birth.She shared a picture of a recent trip to Paris with her partner, in which she is wearing Tena pants, as the Eiffel Tower looms in the background.Encouraged by Ashley, many women have since shared their experiences.Aoife Harvey, Women’s Health Specialist, Physio and @womensheal
Is Dublin a dangerous city?
You may have heard of an investigation into a shooting incident that happened in the southside of Dublin city that happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning. This is the third shooting in that area in the past 10 days. It begs the question, has Dublin become a dangerous city? How do you feel?Joining Andrea to discuss is Daithí Doolan, Sinn Féin Councillor for Ballyfermot-Drimnagh and Chair
How rude is lateness?
When it comes to being on time, are you always on time, or do you tend to run late?Newstalk’s Baibre Holmes went out to ask the public, and Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss!
The Making of AC/DC!
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums and artists to explore the stories behind them.What did artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of AC/DC!
Tragic accident after Westlife concert - Danielle O’Keane
Danielle O'Keane, a 37-year-old mother of two, was on her way home from a Westlife concert on Saturday when she was involved in an accident that left her with catastrophic injuries…Ashling O'Keane, Danielle's sister-in-law, joins Andrea to share her family's experience over the past few days.If you would like to donate, you can do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-danielle-qjs25
UK pledges to tackle empty home crisis - should we follow suit?
Should we be doing more to tackle empty homes across the country?UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to clamp down on absentee landlords and buildings lying vacant in a bid to improve things for tenants...So, are we doing enough now?Joining Andrea to discuss is Frank O'Connor, who runs @derelictireland on Instagram, Architect Alfonso Bonilla and Green Party Councillor for Dublin City Counci
Reasons to be Happy: Celebrity Traitors, Saving is Sexy, Backstreet Boys
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.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…
Research finds young men’s attitudes on rape allegations
Research by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has revealed that half of young men believe there are 'a lot' of false rape allegations.Men aged 18 to 25 are five times more likely to hold negative attitudes towards sexual violence, though skeptical and victim-blaming attitudes are present across the population…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Ciara Mangan, Founder of CEO of Beyond Surviving and a surv
Making Babies: Early Pregnancy Complications
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to discuss early pregnancy complications, and answer listener
Would you like to see pet bereavement leave?
Would you like to see pet bereavement leave made available to people?A company founder in the UK has said that he believes offering ‘pawternity’ leave has had a positive impact on staff and productivity.So, should employers be more understanding?Joining Andrea to discuss is Ann Marie Troy, Pet Bereavement Counsellor and Professor Philip Hyland from Maynooth’s Department of Psychology.
Do you receive financial help from family members?
New research commissioned from Royal London Ireland has found that 1 in 4 young adults receive financial help from family members. Respondents in the research said that this money was vital to help keep their heads above water.So, are you part of this group?Joining Andrea to discuss is Katie Makk from the ‘Opinions Matter’ podcast, Claire Ronan, Presenter of ‘Up and Running the Business Show’ on O
Ask the Expert: SEAI Grants
Are you thinking about solar panels or retrofitting? And are there things we can do to our homes that might help, without breaking the bank? Brian McIntyre, Programme manager at SEAI joined Andrea on the show to answer all of our listener questions.
Should Parents get priority when it comes to Annual leave?
Should Parents get priority over child-free colleagues on booking annual leave? Andrea was joined on the show by Siobhan O’Neill White from Mams.ie, Saoirse Hanley, Journalist with the Irish Independent and Damien McCarthy from the HR Buddy to discuss.
How ready are you for the next flood?
The Climate Change Advisory Council has released a statement urging the Government to stop "treating extreme events" such as storms and floods "as one-off emergencies". With more weather events surely on the way, how prepared is your area?Andrea was joined on the show by Councillor John O’Donoghue, Mayor of Killarney, Alan O’Reilly from Carlow Weather and Caroline Leahy, Secretary of the Midleton
World Transplant Games
The Transplant Football World Cup has just taken place in Frankfurt, with Ireland among the countries competing, and two of the players representing Ireland joined Andrea on the show, Val Weblin from West Cork and Shane Riordan from Dublin Newcastle who have both been through life-changing transplant journeys.
Don't Miss: The Real Rooney's, The Love Hypothesis
Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week!
Lack of celebration for All Ireland U16 winners
Andrea was joined on the show by Kildare Freelance Photographer Aisling Hyland who posted on Instagram yesterday evening about the presentation made to the Kildare U16 LGFA team, the winners of the All Ireland A final, and apparently how poor it was along with Niamh Tallon, Founder of Her Sport (leading platform for women’s sport, education, and wellbeing), Brid Stack, Former Cork footballer and M
The Health Reset: Cold and Flu Season
It's time for The Health Reset, where we speak to some of our medical experts.We all say we’re going to eat better, get more active or finally get around to those health checks, but too often, we put it off. Irish Life Health gives you practical ways to act today, from a wide range of digital health services to access to Express Care Clinics in Dublin and Cork. For more information, see irishlifeh
What are the best TV shows of the 21st century?
The New York Times has released a list of the 100 best TV shows from the 21st century, based on voting from a large selection of filmmakers and actors. What do you make of the list, and what is your favourite show?Pop Culture and Entertainment Expert Deirdre Molumby and Presenter & Podcaster Fionnuala Jones join Andrea to discuss!Image: AMC
How big of a problem is antisocial behaviour in Cork?
Do you feel safe in Cork city centre nowadays? Antisocial behaviour seems to be a growing issue, but how bad has it gotten?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss…
Ireland V Israel - how do you feel about it now?
After a weekend of controversy, Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary last night. How do you feel about it all now that the match has happened?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.
Where do you start when buying a house?
Ciaran Mulqueen from Crazy House Prices literally wrote the book on buying a house, so where do you start?He joins Andrea to discuss!
Garvaghy Road protests - what are your thoughts?
The Orange Order were stopped yesterday from marching down the Garvaghy Road by the PSNI. How did you feel watching this unfold?Newstalk Reporter Henry McKean is at the scene to give the latest updates, and Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their thoughts.
Ask Me Anything: Cadet Kate Carr
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Cadet Kate Carr who is an army cadet with the Irish Defence Forces, joined Andrea to answer your questions about life as an army cadet.
What is PMDD?
Shauna Halpin started to experience PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) from the age of 18. Now, 29, Shauna Halpin is advocating for PMDD after years of misdiagnosis and severe mental and physical pain from the condition and joined Andrea on the show to discuss.
Are U2 Celebrated enough in Ireland?
Today marks 50 years of U2 but despite their success, are they celebrated enough in Ireland? Andrea was joined by Tenor Paul Byrom and Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock and Roll Museum to discuss.
Should we scrap some nursey rhymes?
Children’s entertainer Ms Rachel has called for three racist nursery rhymes to be banned immediately. She says that Jimmy Crack Corn, Oh! Susanna and Eeny, meeny, miny, moe should be retired. Andrea was joined by Sarina Bellisimo, Entertainment Journalist, Father and Comedian, Steve Cummins and Terry Prone Columnist with the Irish Examiner and Chair of the Communications Clinic to discuss.
Regional Roundup with Laura Donnelly
News editor for music and entertainment in Bauer Media Laura Donnelly joined Andrea with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.
Dealing with loneliness
Yesterday on the show Andrea was joined by two very brave young women who shared their own experiences of being lonely in their 20's. The conversation sparked so much reaction that we have decided to continue the discussion and speak to more people who have been feeling lonely and what supports are offered to people to help them.
What is living with an invisible disability like?
1 in 7 in Ireland live with a disability, and 80% of disabilities are actually invisible.So many people deal with chronic illness as they struggle to manage invisible conditions...Andrea is joined by listeners to hear their own experiences.
The Home Squad: Renovating in Phases
Thinking about renovating your home? Is it something you have to do all at once, or can you do in phases?This week, the Home Squad are here to give tips on renovation projects and how you should go about them!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Jenny Butler, Interior Architect & Design Director of Jennif
The Making of The Waterboys!
We're doing a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the work of The Waterboys!
How do you deal with loneliness?
Do you ever feel lonely? Do you ever feel comfortable talking about times when you’re lonely? It can be very difficult…Claine is one person experiencing loneliness herself, and has begun posting on TikTok sharing it, and trying to get out of that rut.She joins Andrea to discuss.
Making Babies: Q&A in The National Maternity Hospital
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea from The National Maternity Hospital to answer your questions
The work behind the scenes in The National Maternity Hospital
The National Maternity Hospital is a hive of activity, but with so many people working behind the scenes, you won’t see all of them.Joining Andrea to shine a light on their work is Leah Haughey, Staff Midwife in the Labour and Birthing Unit. Andrea was also joined early by Lucille Sheehy, Assistant Director of Midwifery.
What services besides birth are offered in The National Maternity Hospital?
There are so many different services offered here in the National Maternity Hospital that have been a huge help to many parents but often aren’t talked about. From the neonatal unit to Bereavement Service and even physiotherapy, the hospital caters to many people's needs that aren't always about making babies.Joining Andrea to discuss is Linda Smiles, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Neonatology (NICU)
The history and future of The National Maternity Hospital
The show is coming to you from The National Maternity Hospital in Dublin today. What is the history of this building? And what does the future hold for it?Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at the National Maternity Hospital is with Andrea to discuss!
What does it take to run The National Maternity Hospital?
Lunchtime Live is coming to you today from one of the busiest buildings in Dublin: The National Maternity Hospital! What does it take to run a hospital like this?Joining Andrea to discuss is Professor Jennifer Walsh, Master of The National Maternity Hospital.
Ask the Expert: Mortgages
Many of us struggle with knowing anything about mortgages, getting mortgage approval, or even switching your mortgage.Trevor Grant, Chairperson, Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors joins Andrea for this week’s Ask the Expert to answer any questions you may have!
The Traitors Ireland finale airs tonight: are you excited?
Tonight’s the night that the Traitors will be revealed, but who will take the prize money: the Traitors or the Faithfuls?Joining Andrea to discuss is Michelle Townsend, Showbiz Reporter with RSVP and Eamon O'Keeffe, Traitor from Series 1.
Why do 7 out of 10 young people want to leave Ireland?
7 out of 10 young people are considering leaving Ireland for a better quality of life, says research released today by the National Youth Council of Ireland.Why is this figure so high?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss…
Why are cremations becoming more popular?
With cremation becoming a more popular choice at the end of life, there is a call for graveyards in Cork to introduce more memorial walls where people can store the ashes of their loved ones.These columbarium walls would offer families a place to go to remember the person who has passed and be an effective way to deal with space issues in graveyards...Joining Andrea to discuss is Darragh O’Callagh
Don’t Miss: Resident Evil, American Hostage, Russell Howard
Entertainment News Content Creator Holli Breslin joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week!Image: Columbia Pictures
What should be done about e-scooters?
Emergency doctors are before an Oireachtas committee today discussing the dangers of unregistered scramblers, quad bikes and e-scooters.They’re calling for tighter controls, including a possible ban on the import and sale of non-road-legal vehicles.What do you think? Have you had a dangerous experience with one of these vehicles? And do we need more enforcement?Joining Andrea to discuss is Editor
The multiracial experience in Ireland - what is it like?
Actor and content creator Shami Madondo recently put out a video on social media explaining her nationality to people: being black and Irish.She joins Andrea to share her experience, as well as Briana Fitzsimons, who is Puerto Rican and German.
Ask the Medic with GP Nina Byrnes
It’s time for Ask the Medic! Where an expert joins to answer any of your health-related questions.This week, Andrea is joined by Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic to answer your medical questions!
