Lunchtime Live

It's Throwback Thursday! Where we look back on things that happened this week in history. 98fm’s Ciaran O’Connor joins guest host Adrian Kennedy once more to rewind the clock…Image: Netflix

Trans performance artist and comedian Krishna Istha wants to start a family with their trans partner Logan Rea and is searching for a sperm donor through a theatre show that comes to Dublin next month. Krishna joined Adrian Kennedy to discuss the process.  

On Wednesday, Coldplay did an impromptu gig on Grafton Street. Rumours of it had spread hours before so the crowds were absolutely enormous. When videos of the performance were later posted on social media, all that was visible was a sea of phones. Have we lost the ability to just live in the moment? Do we need to film everything?Adrian Kennedy spoke to callers.

According to leaked documents, smoking could be banned in pub gardens, outdoor restaurants, outside hospitals and at sports grounds in the UK under tighter restrictions being considered by ministers. Is this something that we could see happening here in Ireland? Adrian Kennedy speaks to callers on the issue.

For the last number of the weeks on the show, Andrea has been discussing the benefits of women in sport. Today, Adrian Kennedy chats about the joy that female football brings.  Joining Adrian in studio is Coach and Former Ireland Player, Linda Gorman, Freelance Sports Journalist, Alanna Cunnane and Shelbourne FC Player, Leah Doyle.

With Andrea Gilligan turning 40 tomorrow, it only seemed right to look at the best food and drink to provide or bring to a party. And, of course, that includes wine and cheese! Michelle Lawlor, Owner of the NUDE Wine Company and Food Writer Dee Laffan join Andrea to discuss and taste.Also, a special guest gives Andrea a surprise birthday message at the end!

The 17th Paralympic Games kick off tonight in Paris, with a 35-strong team representing Ireland!Jason Smyth, world’s fastest Paralympian and Martin Gordon Paralympic Cyclist who is racing for Ireland join Andrea from Paris to share in the excitement.

The number of people emigrating has reached an all time high since 2015. In the year leading up to April 2024, 69,000 people emigrated, an increase of 5,000 when compared to the same period in 2023. So, why is emigration at an all-time high?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Model Gráinne Gallanagh, Emily and Bella from Newstalk’s Newsroom and more to discuss.

Today is Andrea Gilligan’s last in her 30’s, and she has mixed feelings about it. She’s joined by Ireland AM presenter and former Ireland player Tommy Bowe, TV Presenter Glenda Gilson, Jeweller Chupi Sweetman and Irish Independent Journalist Tanya Sweeney to discuss what it’s like hitting the big 4-0.

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.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…