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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.You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 9, 2024 • 12min
Gilligan’s Island: Food Tours
This is Lunchtime Live’s newest segment, Gilligan’s Island! Every Monday, we're going to explore this gorgeous island of ours and all that it has to offer.This week, guest host Claire McKenna is joined by Dee Laffan, Food Writer and host of the Beár Bia podcast to discuss some of the fantastic food tours you can take around the country!Image: Boyne Valley Flavours

Sep 9, 2024 • 0sec
Is it okay to boo the English anthem?
Boos rang out around the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening when Ireland faced England in the Nations league. It happened whenever Jack Grealish or Declan Rice touched the ball, but it was apparently deafening when ‘God Save the King’ was played.What’s your reaction to Irish fans booing the English National Anthem? Is it disrespectful?Guest host Claire McKenna is joined by listeners, including John O’Brennan, Professor of European Integration at NUI Maynooth, to discuss.

Sep 6, 2024 • 0sec
Ask Me Anything: Michelin Star Chef
Our ‘Ask Me Anything’ series is back! We put your questions to people from interesting backgrounds or working in different careers.Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the kitchen of a Michelin star restaurant?Is there as much pressure in the kitchen as portrayed in movies and TV? How do you get and maintain a Michelin star rating? Do Michelin star chefs eat fast food?Guest host Claire McKenna is joined by James Moore, Executive Chef and co-owner of D’Olier Street Restaurant to answer all of your questions!

Sep 6, 2024 • 8min
There's only 20 items you need in your wardrobe
Do you have those boots made for walking, raspberry berets, blue suede shoes or maybe you’re forever in blue jeans? There’s nearly a song for every wardrobe item, but how many of these do we actually need?Well apparently, all we need is 20 pieces in our wardrobe. What’s the secret to a ‘Happy Closet’? Award winning author Annmarie O’Connor has the answers, and joins Claire McKenna to discuss.

Sep 6, 2024 • 20min
Should fathers walk brides down the aisle?
There have been calls in Sweden to ban fathers walking brides down the aisle.Traditionally, in Sweden, the bride and groom walk down the aisle together rather than the bride being accompanied by her father but in recent years – perhaps inspired by the influence of global television, films and social media – more Swedish women are being “handed over” by their fathers.It has reignited a conversation about bride handovers – considered by some to be a sexist hangover from a patriarchal society.What do you think? Are those calling for banning fathers in Sweden right? Is it an outdated tradition?Claire McKenna is joined by Freelance Journalist Andrea Smith, Rebecca Dore, Content Creator at One Fab Day and more to discuss.

Sep 6, 2024 • 7min
Transgender woman says she was unable to receive ‘basic healthcare’ at Dublin hospital after gender surgery
A trans woman has claimed that she was denied treatment at a Dublin Hospital.Paige Behan went to St. James’s Hospital with a wound infection, and says they wouldn’t treat her...Paige joins guest host Claire McKenna to discuss.

Sep 6, 2024 • 11min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
From the wettest county to celebs breaking up fights – Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Claire McKenna with a roundup of stories from around the country this week.

Sep 6, 2024 • 25min
Should junk food be banned from sponsoring sports?
There are calls in the UK to stop ‘junk food’ companies sponsoring sports teams. It's claimed that it will help stop the number of people dying from heart attacks and strokes.Is this something we should be looking at here?To discuss, Claire McKenna is joined by Trevor Twamley, CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Endorse, Dr Donal O'Shea, HSE Lead for Obesity and more.

Sep 5, 2024 • 13min
The Home Squad: Upcycling
Do you have a piece of furniture that you want to spruce up? Or maybe you’re looking to source the perfect vintage gem to complete your room? Well, the Home Squad is here to talk about all things upcycling!Jennifer Sheahan, Irish Examiner columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ joins guest host Claire McKenna to discuss.

Sep 5, 2024 • 11min
The changing perceptions of women’s football
It’s safe to say that support is mounting for the Irish Women’s Football Team, and with hopes of securing a spot in the Euro 2025, the girls in green need our continued support!Now that the games are more prominent, our TV screens and stadiums are gaining more fans in the seats, it’s clear that perceptions of women’s football are changing.Joining guest host Claire McKenna to discuss is former player Méabh De Burca and Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemians FC.(Part 5 of our FAI / Cadbury series)