
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

Mar 3, 2025 • 9min
Are you Going to Sabrina Carpenter?
Sabrina Carpenter has quickly become one of the biggest names in pop music, and she plays two nights of her European ‘Short n’ Sweet’ Tour in Dublin.Andrea speaks to all those caught up in ‘Sabrina-mania.’

Mar 3, 2025 • 23min
Where To Get Help if Dealing With Suicidal Thoughts
Last week, Andrea spoke at length about the obstacles people face when they seek help for suicidal feelings.This week, it was important to follow on and ask the question, is there enough help for people with suicidal thoughts in Ireland? If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact Samaritans at 116 123 or Pieta at 1800 247 247 for free, confidential support 24/7.

Mar 3, 2025 • 14min
School Absenteeism
How do we tackle an issue like school absenteeism? Fergus Finlay, Political Commentator, Irish Examiner Columnist & Former CEO of Barnardo's joins Andrea with a number of other guests to go through this rising problem.

Mar 3, 2025 • 8min
Can We Batch Cook Snacks?
Siobhan Berry, or @mummycooks on Instagram, joins Andrea to talk batch cooking snacks at home.

Mar 3, 2025 • 20min
Planning Chaos
The Government recently announced it was going to make cabin homes in back gardens exempt from planning so that family members could live together on the same site. But news today from Revenue says homeowners who hope to take advantage of this could face an extra property tax bill.Andrea speaks to all those affected by this potential backtracking.

Feb 28, 2025 • 18min
Ask Me Anything: Survivalist / Prepper
For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Frank Deegan, Founder of the Irish Survival and Prepper Group joins Andrea to answer any of your prepper-related questions!

Feb 28, 2025 • 26min
What suicide supports exist in Ireland?
Yesterday, Andrea heard from Joe Loughnane and the tragic death of his brother by suicide…Since then, listeners have been sending in their experiences of mental health services in Ireland.Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss, as well as Sarah O’ Toole, Executive Director at the Samaritans.If any of these issues have impacted you, please call the Samaritans on 116 123.

Feb 28, 2025 • 14min
What blockbusters have you not seen?
Oscar's season is just around the corner…However, a new study has revealed that almost 38% of people have never watched Titanic, among other huge movies!So, what blockbuster movie have you never watched?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Movie Critic, Brian Llyod, Ciara Treacy from the Newstalk Digital team and Tom Douglas, from Newstalk’s Newsroom.Image: Disney

Feb 28, 2025 • 10min
Regional Roundup with Shane Beatty
From inheritance scams to dog bakeries, Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Feb 28, 2025 • 14min
Are people too Dublin-centric?
People often fall into the trap that news that happens outside Dublin is no news at all. That’s according to Irish Examiner Columnist and Cork native Michael Moynihan, who was speaking to Newstalk earlier today.What do you think? Do people in Dublin sometimes act like they’re at the centre of the universe?Are we too Dublin-centric in Ireland?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Joe O’Shea, Editor of CorkBeo.ie, as well as listeners.