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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
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May 1, 2025 • 12min
Could you be suffering from coeliac disease?
May is Coeliac Awareness Month, highlighting a condition that affects 1 in 100 people - many undiagnosed. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, and managing it means big changes in daily life.Joining guest host Anna Daly to answer key questions and help us better understand this often-misunderstood condition is Registered Dietitian Sarah Keogh.

May 1, 2025 • 22min
Are Irish women leaving it too late to get married?
When is the right time to get married? CSO findings show that the average age of tying the knot for women is now 36 and 37 for men– the highest it has ever been.Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss this is Fergal Harrington, Director of Intro Matchmaking on Grafton Street, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, Native Editor with DMG Limited and from One Fab Day, Andrea Smith, Freelance Journalist and more.

May 1, 2025 • 10min
The rise of Vinted and Depop
More and more of us are buying and selling our clothes on second hand websites.The urge to grab a bargain and the opportunity to clear out your wardrobes are probably the biggest incentives.That, and the chance to skip fast fashion.Second hand clothes apps are massively growing in popularity, but how do they work?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Newstalk Producer Niamh Dunne and Founder of the Design Room, Rhoda McDonagh.

May 1, 2025 • 16min
Do we need better facilities for motorhomes and camping?
With more people exploring Ireland by motorhome, pressure is growing for better parking and camping facilities.But, are we doing enough to support this booming travel trend?Joining Anna Daly to discuss is Kieran Donovan, Chairperson at Phoenix Motorhomes, Peter Kavanaugh from Motor Home Enthusiasts Ireland and more.

May 1, 2025 • 20min
Is the Government failing on childcare?
Over 40 civil society organisations are gathering outside Leinster House today under the banner ‘Together for Public Alliance’.Organisers say that we are 100 days into the new Government and, despite promises for reform, we are yet to see significant action to tackle the childcare crisis.What do you think? Is the Government failing on childcare?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Rachel Coyle, National Women’s Council Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, Paula Donohoe, owner of Clever Cloggs Creche in Co Cavan & Chairperson of the Association of Childhood Professionals, Avril Green, Graduate Lead Educator and Chair of SIPTU Early Years National Committee and more.

Apr 30, 2025 • 9min
Where should you go on the bank holiday weekend?
This bank holiday weekend seems to have taken a lot of people by surprise!Hot off the heels of Easter’s 4-day weekend, another one is already here - with hopefully some sun to boot!Joining Andrea to give their top recommendations for a last-minute trip is Travel Journalist April Drew (who’s on Instagram as Getaways with Kids) and Sinéad Kennedy, Independent Travel Agent and Host of Wellness Activity Breaks.

Apr 30, 2025 • 13min
Reasons to be Happy: Desperate Housewives, Ed Sheeran, Good Weather
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 30, 2025 • 19min
Are SUVs too dangerous for the road?
The topic of SUVs has been covered on the show before, and the impact they can have on the environment. A big defence for them is often the safety aspect, and how people feel safer inside them than saloon cars.Well, new research out today says children are over 80% more likely to die if they are hit by an SUV than by a smaller car, and that pedestrians and cyclists are 44% more likely to die if hit by an SUV…So, is it time to rethink our love for them?Andrea is joined by owner of Crofton Motors in Dublin, Joey Donnelly, as well as listeners, to discuss.

Apr 30, 2025 • 14min
Making Babies: The Start of a Pregnancy
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 the best advice for the early stages of pregnancy.

Apr 30, 2025 • 7min
Why video game movies have become so popular
Video games are the world's most valuable entertainment industry, estimated to be worth more than $220 billion, twice as much as films and recorded music, combined!So, it’s no surprise that films based on games are replacing superhero blockbusters…Joining Andrea to discuss this new big screen trend is Padraig Ryan from Geek Ireland and Movie Critic Brian Lloyd.Image: Warner Bros Pictures


