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Newstalk
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

Mar 26, 2026 • 9min
What you need to know ahead of Ireland vs Czechia
If you’re not 100% clued in to what’s happening tonight - what can you expect from the Ireland vs Czechia match? What are the things you need to know?Joining Andrea to discuss is Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill!

Mar 26, 2026 • 12min
Life with Motor Neuron Disease
The Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association (IMNDA) is inviting people across Ireland to put the kettle on and host a tea party this March as part of its annual ‘Drink Tea for MND’ campaignLorraine Kelly Donnelly from Garristown, North County Dublin, was diagnosed with MND in July 2025. She, along with her husband Cormac, joins Andrea to share her story…

Mar 26, 2026 • 13min
The Making of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’
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 Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’!

Mar 26, 2026 • 14min
Irish fans are taking over Prague!
Thousands of Ireland soccer fans have descended on Prague ahead of the big match tonight...So, as Ireland gets ready to take on Czechia tonight, what's the atmosphere like there ahead of the game?Andrea is joined by Irish fans to find out!

Mar 25, 2026 • 12min
The excitement is building for Ireland vs Czechia!
World Cup fever has certainly kicked off as thousands of Irish fans make their way to Prague ahead of the play-offs tomorrow.Henry McKean has followed the fans from Dublin Airport, Josh Crosbie has been to Portland Row to speak with family and friends of Troy Parrot and Andrea is joined by Noel Anderson, from the Grandslam bars group - all to get a sense of the excitement!

Mar 25, 2026 • 8min
Reasons to be Happy: New Planet, Bridgerton, Harry Potter
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…

Mar 25, 2026 • 23min
Should Ireland provide paid miscarriage leave?
Paid leave for miscarriage will come into effect on the 6th of April in Northern Ireland. This will mean that the North will be leading the way as one of the first places in Europe to ensure paid leave for miscarriage.The paid leave will cover both partners and include any stage of pregnancy.Should we follow suit and introduce this here in the Republic?Joining Andrea to discuss is Siobhan O’Neill Whyte from Mams.ie, Tracey Carroll, Vice President of Safe for Birth Ireland, Fianna Fáil Senator Catherine Ardagh and listeners.

Mar 25, 2026 • 11min
Making Babies: Exercise During Pregnancy
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 what to know if you exercise during pregnancy.

Mar 25, 2026 • 14min
The expense of being a wedding guest
Do you dread seeing a wedding invite drop in the door due to how much it’s going to set you back?Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show and Columnist with the Irish Independent, Wedding Planner Lyndsey Moynagh and Newstalk Reporter Josh Crosbie join Andrea to discuss the cost of being a wedding guest.

Mar 25, 2026 • 19min
What are the obstacles in learning to drive?
Journalist June Shannon wrote in today’s Irish Times that she recently got her driver’s license, at the age of 54 and a half.She isn’t the only one, as many people, of all ages, face obstacles in learning to drive…June joins Andrea to discuss, as well as Brenda Bolger from the Bolger School of Motoring, Newstalk’s Katie Gallagher and listeners.


