
Lunchtime Live Highlights
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com
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Latest episodes

May 2, 2025 • 9min
What is in baby food pouches?
Baby food pouches might not be as nutritious as some of us think.An investigation from the BBC says some leading brands are failing to meet key nutritional needs of babies and toddlers.Some contained more sugar in a single pouch than a one-year-old should have in a day.So, what is in these pouches?Andrea is joined by Cathy Monahan, Pediatric Dietician from Weaning.ie to discuss.

May 2, 2025 • 13min
Why do some counties struggle with domestic tourism?
With summer approaching, many Irish people are planning their holidays. But, instead of exploring the likes of Leitrim, Westmeath or Monaghan, it seems more and more are booking flights to Thailand, Bali, or Vietnam.New data which shows that a quarter of the Irish population have explored Asia, but 82% have never visited Leitrim, and 76% have never visited Westmeath.Why aren't Irish people touring their own back garden? And why do counties like Leitrim still struggle to attract domestic tourists? Have we fallen out of love with Ireland as a holiday destination?Andrea is joined by Founder of the Viking Splash Tours ‘Viking Mike’ McDonnell, Travel Journalist Joan Scales and listeners to discuss.

May 2, 2025 • 10min
Mark McCabe on Maniac 2000 turning 25!
What stage in your life were you at when ‘Maniac 2000’ was released?Joining Andrea to discuss the 25th anniversary of the song is its creator, DJ Mark McCabe!

May 2, 2025 • 11min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

May 2, 2025 • 20min
Why do bystanders film tragedies?
Tragic news from Cork yesterday as a man drowned in the city centre.Shockingly though, seemingly instead of trying to help the man – dozens of onlookers filmed the incident – some even livestreaming...Gardaí had to push the crowd of people back and increase the cordon around first responders – with a Senior Fire Officer pleading with people not to publish or share the distressing video footage taken as the tragedy unfolded.How can people stand by filming in an emergency?Joining Andrea to discuss is Victor Shine, Second Officer at Cork City Fire Brigade & Area Officer for Crosshaven Coast Guard Unit, Ger O’Dea, National Community Engagement Manager with the National Ambulance Service and more.

May 1, 2025 • 11min
The Home Squad: Outdoor Areas
With this gorgeous weather at the moment, it’s hard not to think about the outdoor areas of your home.Well, the Home Squad are here to help you with outdoor furniture and cooking!Guest host Anna Daly is joined by Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ and Roisin Lafferty, Founder & Creative Director of Roisin Lafferty Design House.

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.