Lunchtime Live
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Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 2, 2026 • 13min
The Home Squad: Easter Decorations
Do you decorate your house for Easter? And if so, how do you do it without being tacky?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss Easter decorations!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Tanya Neufeld Flanagan, Interior Designer and host of ‘The Interiors Podcast’.
Apr 2, 2026 • 9min
Should we have a ‘National Pothole Patrol’?
The UK is looking to introduce a ‘National Pothole Patrol’ in which road repair machines will be available to tackle any potholes reported to the council. With many people furious at the state of Irish roads, do we need to introduce something similar across the country?What are the potholes like in your area?Listener Ellen got in touch with the show, and joins Andrea to discuss.
Apr 2, 2026 • 21min
Should dogs always be on a lead in public?
While out walking, a dog ran out at Sinéad, Co-Founder of Intuitive Eating Hub & Healthy Habits Hub, barking and scared the life out of her.It begs the question: should dogs be allowed to go off their leads in public?Sinéad joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Suzi Walsh, Animal Behaviourist and listeners.
Apr 2, 2026 • 9min
Do you find the trains to be overpacked?
Listener Jack sent the show an email about serious overpacking on his train route from Westport to Dublin, and how if there was an emergency, things could go very wrong…He joins Andrea to discuss his experience.
Apr 2, 2026 • 13min
The Making of Mary Black!
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 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 Mary Black!
Apr 2, 2026 • 19min
Should we incorporate Hackney licenses to encourage better transport in rural areas?
With transport being a massive issue in rural areas, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced a series of enhancements to the Local Area Hackney (LAH) license. The Local Area Hackney is a specialized license designed to improve transport options in rural communities.Would you be in favor of something like this, or would it have an impact on taxi drivers?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.
Apr 1, 2026 • 16min
Sligo Under 18’s match unable to be played with Leaving Cert clash
Calls have been made for the Connacht Football Association to review how it schedules its fixtures. This is after Real Tubber FC had to pull out of the under 18 Girls Connacht Final, because it clashed with multiple players having to do their Leaving Cert oral exams.Joining Andrea to discuss this is Louise Kilbane, who is involved with the team, and one of their players, Emma.
Apr 1, 2026 • 9min
Reasons to be Happy: Raye, Hiding in Work, SNL UK
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…
Apr 1, 2026 • 15min
Do we need to make toilets more family friendly?
Yesterday on the show, we heard from our callers about the lack of public toilets in towns and cities across the country. One listener got in touch to express his frustration with regards to the lack of family toilets anywhere. John has three young girls and finds it difficult to bring them to the toilet when out in public…He joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Barry Ward, Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Comedian Steve Cummins and listeners.
Apr 1, 2026 • 14min
Making Babies: Pain Relief
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 pain relief options during pregnancy.
