

Lunchtime Live
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

Jun 19, 2025 • 14min
The impact of large classes on young students
Parents at a school in Clontarf have been given some unsettling news: starting in September, their senior infants' classes will be merged from three into two. The Department of Education has informed the school that this change is necessary due to a reduction in teaching resources available to them.What does this mean for the young students at this school, and how will it impact them?Joining Andrea to discuss is one of the parents at Belgrove Infant Girls School in Clontarf, Eamonn Broderick, Noel Loftus, Principal, St. Attracta's National School in Roscommon and Eoin Dolan, Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas.

Jun 19, 2025 • 15min
Is it still taboo to be gay in the GAA?
Being gay is really the last taboo in the GAA…That’s according to footballer Kevin Penrose, who joins Andrea, along with Hannah Tyrrell, Dublin footballer and former rugby player, to discuss.

Jun 19, 2025 • 8min
The Making of ‘Super Trouper’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through ABBA’s ‘Super Trouper’!

Jun 19, 2025 • 18min
Sky warns of "consequences" from use of dodgy boxes - does it put you off?
The owners of dodgy boxes are coming under new threats from Sky Ireland.They’re warning there’ll be “consequences” if people are caught streaming sport or films using the illegal devices.It’s estimated about one in four people in Ireland use dodgy boxes.So, would this put you off?Joining Andrea to discuss is Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent, Jess Kelly, Producer at Tri Moon Films Sam Atwell, Dr TJ McIntyre, Associate Professor of Law in UCD and Chair of Digital Rights Ireland, as well as listeners.

Jun 18, 2025 • 9min
Sailing in Sligo
Andrea hits the ocean to sail on the coast out to Sligo Bay with local sailor Colm O'Flaherty.Get all the sights and sounds here.

Jun 18, 2025 • 12min
Tourism in Sligo
Andrea speaks to the people behind Sligo’s adventure and heritage tourism: Seamus McGoldrick of Sligo Surf Experience and Adventure Sligo, Barry Mottershead of Sligo Kayak Tours, and Pamela Cassidy of Lissadell House.Hear all about Sligo's history and great activities here.

Jun 18, 2025 • 18min
Success Stories of Sligo
Andrea speaks with some of Sligo’s greatest success stories: Finbarr Filan, newly appointed national chair of ISME and head of Sligo BID; Andrew Darmody, Managing Director of Voya Skincare; Viola McSharry, mother of Olympic bronze medallist Mona McSharry; and David McGowan of McGowan’s Funeral Directors in Ballina all join the show to tell their story.Listen here

Jun 18, 2025 • 8min
Sailing with MS and Building a School in Tanzania
Shirley Foley, who lives with MS and is part of the international sailing initiative Oceans of Hope; and Pam Scanlon, a retiring school accounts worker from Calry who helped fundraise and build a school in rural Tanzania both speak to Andrea on their inspiring stories.Listen here

Jun 18, 2025 • 20min
Sligo on a Plate
Andrea meets the people behind Sligo’s thriving food and drink scene: Aisling Kelly Hunter of Sligo Oyster Experience, Paul Mullin, co-founder of The White Hag Brewing Company, Aine Mullan of Fish and Bean, and Shane Meehan of Stoked restaurant in Strandhill.Listen here

Jun 18, 2025 • 15min
Living in Sligo
A conversation about the joys and virtues of life in the northwest with former TD Marc MacSharry, travel content creator Kevin Dooher of Wild Atlantic Traveller, and Jane Chambers, owner of Shells Café in Strandhill -- all live from The Fish and Bean Restaurant in Sligo.Listen here