Lunchtime Live

According to a recent survey 1 in 3 people allow their dog to sleep in their bed.Many people say it's great company, it's great for the cuddles and, as our heating bills creep up, sharing the bed with a furry friend is certainly one way of staying warmer!But, is sharing a bed with your dog hygienic?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr. Primrose Freestone, Associate Professor in Clinical Microbiology with the University of Leicester and Laoise Downes, owner of Outpaws and Wedding Woofs, a bespoke dog service.

It's How I live well time! Where someone joins to discuss what they do to improve their life...This week Andrea is joined by Sandra Lewis, Librarian with Edenderry Library, to discuss how you can set up your own book club!

When a loved one passes away by suicide, it is often hard to grieve. Knowing what to say and how to process one's emotions can be challenging. Many times, people turn to social media to express their feelings.A County Galway priest has urged people to be mindful of what they post online following deaths by suicide. Fr Mark Quinn appealed to the public to avoid comments such as “he’s in a better place” or “she’s at peace with the angels,” saying that while well-intentioned, such phrases can send harmful messages.He warned that these expressions may imply that death brings peace, which could be dangerous for those struggling with their mental health…Fr Quinn said greater care and sensitivity are needed when offering condolences, reminding people that thoughtful language can help protect those who are vulnerable while still showing compassion to the bereaved.How can we grieve the loss of a loved one? Are we better off to stay away from social media in this instance?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Fr Paddy Byrne, Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakil, Counselling Psychologist and Lecturer in TU Dublin, Leslie Shoemaker, Mental Health Advocate and Antibullying Campaigner, Chris Sherlock and Member and Ambassador of Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention & Professional Boxer, Lee Reeves.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Conductor and Composer Michael T Dawson, joins Andrea to answer any of your conducting questions!

For the last two days, Lunchtime Live has been focusing on pensions – all you need to know from the very beginning to retirement.Today, Andrea is joined by Co-Founder and Head of Financial advice for Moneycube, Ralph Benson, to discuss the steps you should take with your pension as you approach retirement.

Irish doctors have called for “prioritisation” of further e-scooter regulations after a new study found there was a year-on-year increase in injuries related to the motorized vehicles.These injuries are creating a “growing challenge to healthcare”.Should there be more rules and regulations imposed on these e-scooters, or should they simply be banned from Irish roads completely?Andrea is joined by Colin Baker from Back from the Future IT Support, Cian Ginty Editor of Irish Cycle, Dr Mick Molloy and listeners.

We are less than 48 hours away from runners taking to the start line for the 2025 Dublin Marathon.For many, it will be their first time running in the marathon.Andrea is joined by some of them taking it on, Orla Carney, Producer on The Last Word on Today FM, Broadcaster Mairead Ronan, Stephen Robotham, who is running on behalf of Irish Kidney Association and Running Coach Wes O’Brien!

From a lack of Holy Water to a gigantic Limerick pumpkin, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

A new EU pay directive, set to come in next June, would see greater transparency on job listings, aim to help reduce the gender pay gap and allow employees the right to enquire about the salaries of co-workers with similar duties.So, would you welcome this? Would you like to know what your colleagues earn, and would having the salary figure up front encourage you to be more honest in your job search?Joining Andrea to discuss is Caroline Reidy from the HR Suite, as well as listeners.

When you want to make changes to your home, there are some small things you can do that you may not realise can make a big difference!Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss small (but impactful) interior changes!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Emma Delaney from April & the Bear.