
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

Jul 1, 2025 • 20min
Voluntary Contributions in Schools
Seamus Mulconry from the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association speaks to Lunchtime Live about rising “voluntary” school contributions as inflation hits budgets. Listeners share their experience on the rising impact of school costs.From technology costs to school meals; are schools putting the squeeze on parents with voluntary contributions?Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 14min
Ask the GP
Dr Louise Fitzgerald of Grafton Medical joins Lunchtime Live to answer listeners’ medical queries — from Summer allergies to prescription side effects and general health advice.Listen here

Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
Are Left-Handed People More Creative?
A recent study has shown that only 10% of the country is left-handed. But are Ciotog’s really smarter and more creative? Margaret Leahy from Fable Tours joins Andrea to discuss her experience growing up left-handed and to dispel some of those myths around ciotogs.Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 20min
The BBC Says It Regrets Not Pulling Bob Vylan Set
The BBC has said it regrets not pulling the live stream of Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set, during which a band member shouted "death to the IDF" - as Ofcom said the broadcaster has "questions to answer". A spokesperson for the corporation said the remarks by frontman Bobby Vylan were antisemetic and "utterly unacceptable", and the performance should have been taken off air. Andrea is joined by guests and attendees for Bob Vylan's set to discuss if this statement has gone too far.

Jun 30, 2025 • 5min
On Stage with Alanis Morissette
Imagine what it would be like to sing Ironic, on stage, with Alanis Morissette.Well, Andrea is joined by one woman who had such a privelege Grainne Gillespie from Donegal.Listen to what that experience was like here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 7min
Is Cutting the Grass an Outdated Concept?
Brian Burke, Naturalist and Founder of the Micro Wild biodiversity project in Blessington and Fiann Ó Nualláin, The Holistic Gardener, join Lunchtime Live to debate whether the tidy lawn is falling out of favour. Is a bit of wildness better for biodiversity — or does it just look lazy?Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 14min
Pod Squad – Stalked
Today FM's Cathal Minogue and Elaine Burke from the For Tech's Sake Podcast join Lunchtime Live to review the podcast Stalked, how a relentless campaign of online abuse derailed one woman’s life.Listen here.

Jun 30, 2025 • 17min
How Long Does It Take to Get an Appointment with Your GP?
Parts of the country are at risk of becoming GP blackspots as family doctors retire, according to a new report for the Department of Health.The report calls for better succession planning and more incentives for GPs in areas under most pressure.Andrea takes calls from listeners impacted by the rural decline of GP practivies.Listen here.

Jun 27, 2025 • 13min
Summer Memories with Helen Steele
Designer Helen Steele joins Andrea in studio to reflect on her favourite summer memories — from holidays and music to summer jobs and more.Listen here

Jun 27, 2025 • 8min
Ticket Scams on Concert Season
Mary D’Arcy, Financial Crime Lead with FraudSMART, joins Lunchtime Live following comedian Joanne McNally’s revelation that she lost thousands in a Glastonbury ticket scam. Mary shares all the best practical advice on how to avoid getting conned while buying tickets for gigs and festivals.Listen here