Highlights from Lunchtime Live

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Catch up on the best bits from Lunchtime Live with Ciara Kelly

Newstalk


    • Aug 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 15m AVG DURATION
    • 4,799 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Highlights from Lunchtime Live

    Summer Memories with Dara O'Briain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 25:29


    It's time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Comedian Dara O'Briain joins guest host Mairead Ronan to reminisce!

    The top acts to see at Electric Picnic this weekend!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 19:58


    Many people are heading to Stradbally in their droves this weekend ahead of Electric Picnic. The annual music festival will see acts from Chappell Roan to Hozier and Kneecap take to the main stage.If you are heading to Laois this weekend, who should you go and see? Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss is Arts Journalist and Broadcaster, Pat Carty.

    Is the money rounding system fair?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 15:05


    Ireland introduced a rounding system in 2015 to reduce the use of 1 and 2 cent coins. Cash transactions are rounded to the nearest 5 cents, helping to lower minting costs and simplify cash handling.While the system offers practical benefits for businesses and the public, it also raises concerns about pricing and fairness.Do you think the rounding system for cash payments in Ireland is fair, or does it disadvantage consumers?Guest host Mairead Ronan is joined by Paul Merriman from Ask Paul, as well as listeners, to discuss.

    Regional Roundup with Emily Keegan

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 10:44


    From dad rock to locker scams, Emily Keegan from the Newstalk Newsroom joins guest host Mairead Ronan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

    School secretaries and caretakers begin indefinite strike action

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 15:40


    School secretaries and caretakers across the country began indefinite strike action yesterday in a campaign to secure access to the public service pension scheme, as well as the same occupational sick pay and bereavement leave schemes as teachers and Special Needs Assistants.Joining guest host Mairead Ronan to discuss this is Assistant Principal and member of Aontú, Eric Nelligan, Hannah Davy from Forsa and more.

    The Home Squad: Hiding Cables

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 14:11


    With more and more electronics being used in your home - how can you manage all of the cables without having them look like an eyesore, or worse, a tripping hazard?Well, the Home Squad are here to talk about hiding your cables!Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, former winner of ‘Home of the Year' (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Sarah Carroll (@sand.and.deliver on Instagram).

    Why are people choosing working out over a night out?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 8:56


    Would you consider exercising with friends instead of meeting them in the pub?More and more people are choosing to socialise over a work out - and making new friends doing it!Where has this come from? And why is it so addictive?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Fitness Coach Louise Hayden and listeners.

    Should plus-sized people have to pay for a second airplane seat?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 18:25


    Southwest Airlines in the US has just changed its long-standing policy for plus-size travelers, one that for over 30 years allowed them to get a second seat for free or be reimbursed if needed. But now, that's no longer guaranteed.So, what does this mean for passengers of size? Is it fair to ask them to pay for an extra seat in order to fly comfortably, or even to fly at all? What about accessibility, dignity, and affordability?Should plus sized passengers be made to pay for an extra seat?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Eoghan Corry, Editor of travelextra.ie, as well as listeners.

    Is it mad to cook on your holiday?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 13:26


    For many, holidays are the perfect escape from reality and the daily grind. Some people see them as a chance to switch off completely, indulging in relaxation while being looked after from morning to night. Others, however, bring their everyday habits with them, with many happily cooking up a storm in their holiday accommodation instead of leaving the kitchen behind. Would you cook when abroad, or is eating out the way to go?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Journalist Andrea Smith, Comedian Jim Elliot and Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy.

    The Making of Kings of Leon's ‘Youth and Young Manhood'

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 9:47


    We've decided to do 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 guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N' Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who's going to talk through Kings of Leon's ‘Youth and Young Manhood', ahead of their performance at Electric Picnic!

    How do we have conversations around consent?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 16:19


    A recent study carried out by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre discovered that younger men have “troubling attitudes” towards sexual consent, with 43% of men under 45 agreeing that “sometimes people say no when they want convincing”...With ‘consent' considered to be a grey area, do we need to have more discussions around what is ‘consent'? And how do we talk about it with our partners?Joining guest host Ciara Doherty to discuss is CEO Of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Rachel Morrogh, Irish Examiner Columnist and Secondary School Teacher Jennifer Horgan, Artist and Singer Songwriter Jim McKee and Comedian Claire Roche.

    Shane and Gillian Filan take on Irish Cancer Society's Relay for Life!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 14:25


    The Relay for Life is a 24-hour event run by the Irish Cancer Society, with multiple events taking place all across the country.Westlife's Shane Filan and his wife Gillian will be taking part in the Sligo event on September 13th, and join Andrea to discuss!

    Reasons to be Happy: The Traitors, Gold Medals, Jacket Potatoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 9:22


    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…

    Should referees be given more respect?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 19:32


    Sport Ireland have set up a ‘Respect the Ref' campaign, which will cost up to €70,000, is aiming to tackle abuse faced by referees and match officials.Do referees deserve more respect both on and off the sidelines?Joining Andrea to discuss is Secretary of the Dublin branch of the Irish Soccer Referees' Society and President of the national body, Sean Slattery, Off the Ball's Adrain Barry, Kilkenny Camogie Player, Laura Murphy and more.

    Making Babies: Going into labour at home

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 11:36


    Every Wednesday afternoon, we'll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital 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 going into labour at home.

    Who are the biggest power couples through the years?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 8:44


    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially engaged, and the internet can't get enough.As the worlds of pop and pro sports collide, we're diving into the magic of power couples: what makes them iconic, why we're so obsessed, and how two people can become even more influential together than apart?Joining Andrea to discuss is Mikie O'Loughlin, Showbiz Editor of RSVP and Holli Breslin, Entertainment TikTok Reporter.Image: @taylorswift on Instagram

    Why are Special Education Needs places so limited?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 22:54


    Why does there seem to be such a struggle for parents to get their children into a Special Education Needs (SEN) school?Listener Rachel Lowry got in touch with the show with her struggles, and joins Andrea to discuss, along with other listeners with similar problems.

    Ask the Expert: Wedding tips

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 9:59


    For this week's Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Wedding Planner Lyndsey Moynagh to answer all of your wedding-related questions!

    Looking ahead to Electric Picnic 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 5:30


    Newstalk reporter Laura Donnelly joins Andrea to discuss Electric Picnic's lineup and weather forecast ahead of events kicking off this weekend.

    School bus crisis leaving children stranded

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 8:53


    Wexford mother Laura Molloy joins Andrea to discuss how a local school bus crisis is impacting her family.

    How bad reviews can impact businesses

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 18:42


    A cleaning company recently targeted by extortionists was bombarded with one-star reviews on Google three weeks ago. Livia Andoreanu from Happy Clean, a domestic cleaning service in Blanchardstown, Dublin, joins Andrea to discuss her situation. Lily Store in Limerick's Elaine Clogan and food writer Dee Laffan also join the show to discuss the impact of bad reviews on a business.

    Dog theft in Dublin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 7:03


    Following on from an earlier discussion about animal welfare, listener Sophie Murray joins Andrea to discuss the theft of her mother's dog from her Dublin home.

    What punishment should be given to puppy farms?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 12:06


    Waterford pet shop owner Tara O'Connor recently came across a litter of pups found at a puppy farm in Wexford. Animal welfare rescued the dogs, but their condition was so bad they all died from illness or had to be euthanized. Tara joins Andrea to discuss the need for stronger enforcement of animal welfare laws, alongside Co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, Martina Kenny.

    How I Live Well: Aerial hooping 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 7:34


    It's How I Live Well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life… This week, Andrea is joined by Lisette Krol, Owner of Tribe Fitness Dance Studio to discuss the benefits of aerial hooping.

    Are Gen Z right to not want to work from home?   

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 17:08


    While many enjoy rolling out of bed and ‘clocking in', Gen Z is calling for remote working to be scrapped. It comes as they feel they are losing out on forming work relationships with colleagues as well as gaining valuable skills. Has the novelty of remote working worn off? Listeners join Andrea to discuss.

    Ask the GP with Dr. Nina Byrnes 

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 11:06


    Dr. Nina Byrnes, GP at Generation Health Medical Clinic joined Andrea to answer listener questions.

    Is Irish dancing a glorified pageant?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 13:29


    Former Irish dancers and parents of Irish dancers have criticised the industry's focus on appearance and the expense involved for those participating. This has led many to question whether Irish dancing is more of a beauty pageant with some dance sprinkled in. Joining Andrea to discuss is Riverdance Director Padraic Moyles, Irish dancing teacher and adjudicator Kevin Lyster, Former Sports Director of the Irish Dance Board Federation and Member of the International Olympic Committee Tommy Shaughnessy and listener Antoinette.

    Family facing eviction after Council puts tenant-in-situ scheme on hold

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 14:48


    A Dublin family are facing homelessness because the house they've been living in for seven years is being sold. The Kavanaghs and their three young daughters are facing eviction from their three-bedroom house on September 6. Evan Kavanagh joined Andrea to explain his family's situation.

    Would you include your dog in your wedding?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 11:47


    From puppuccino to doggy daycare, many people cherish their furry friends so much that they are considered family – and what is a wedding without family.But is taking your dog to a wedding party a step too far? Broadcaster and Sustainability Influencer Fionnuala Moran, Owner of PetSitters Ireland Kate McQuillan, One Fab Day's Rebecca Dore and listener James Fagan, who had his dog at his wedding, joined Andrea to discuss.

    The Pod Squad: How to Fail

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 10:14


    Welcome to The Pod Squad! We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to. Off the Ball's Cameron Hill and Newstalk Newsroom's Laura Donnelly join Andrea to review ‘How to Fail'.

    Why has BreastCheck missed screening targets?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 21:18


    The HSE's BreastCheck national screening service has missed its screening targets yet again. Figures revealed that the service target last year aimed for 195,000 screenings, but only 137,134 were performed. Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín, Fine Gael Senator and founder of Breast Friends Senator Teresa Costello, and listeners joined Andrea to discuss.

    Summer Memories with Katja Mia

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 10:20


    It's time for some summer memories!We chat to some well known names and faces and reminisce over those long summer days.Presenter Katja Mia joins Andrea to reminisce!

    Author's pen name stolen to make AI-generated books!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 8:53


    Did you know AI can write books?Not very good ones, mind you, but you wouldn't know that before you bought them.But, what happens when they start writing them in the name of a well known author? And what happens if that author is you?Author Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin, whose pen name is Sam Blake, joins Andrea to discuss what happened.

    Are beauty influencers toxic for younger children?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 18:16


    A recent discussion on smartphone use for children and adolescence has sparked criticism against beauty influencers. It is believed that social media is the root cause for eating disorders as well as the increase in steroid use.Should beauty influencers be blamed for these issues, or do we simply need to clamp down on children's access to social media?Andrea is joined by Consultant Dermatologist with the Institute of Dermatologists Professor Catriona Ryan, Program Director of PR and Media in SETU Carlow, Greg Murphy and Mrs Make Up AKA Michelle Ragazzoli to discuss.

    American Football takes over Dublin - why is there such a buzz?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 12:30


    This weekend sees Ireland welcome back the Aer Lingus College Football Classic for the first U.S College Football game of the 2025 season.The highly anticipated match between Kansas State University's ‘Wildcats' and Iowa State University's ‘Cyclones' - the game will be broadcast live on ESPN to an estimated U.S. audience of 4.5 million people.Up to 22,000 American tourists are set to travel to Ireland for this game.Will you be watching?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball's Cian Fahey, Kevin Ryan, Head of Sales and Business Development for EI Travel and more.

    Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 13:25


    From a Meath church being converted into a nightclub to a ‘nose' of Tralee winner, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

    Has Dublin gotten too rough?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 16:41


    An English tourist is in critical condition following an assault in Dublin City Centre yesterday morning.With this most recent attack it brought up a lot of questions about our capital city.Has Dublin gotten too rough? Do you feel safe in Dublin?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

    Reasons to be Happy: Swim Shelters, TV Themes, Christmas Shop

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 8:08


    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…

    Is it time to ban disposable vapes?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 21:52


    Children who vape are three times more likely to become smokers, that's according to new research from the University of York and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.With this in mind, do we need to fast track the ban of disposable vapes?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

    Making Babies: Foetal Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 11:29


    Every Wednesday afternoon, we'll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Master of the National Maternity Hospital 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 a baby's movement in the womb.

    Listener's car impounded due to Garda glitch

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 12:27


    Listener Seán got in touch with the show due to a frustrating experience with the Gardaí - where an apparent glitch on their end led to his car getting impounded…He joins Andrea, along with Motoring Journalist Dave Humphries, to discuss what happened.

    Mo Chara on trial in London - has it become a spectacle?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 21:41


    Kneecap's Mo Chara is back before Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning, accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London gig last November.The case has sparked a major show of support. Fans and campaigners have gathered outside the court, filling the streets with music, chants, and live performances in solidarity with the Belfast rapper.Andrea is joined by some of the voices who will be outside the court today to discuss.

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