Highlights From Lunchtime Live

It’s time for Ask the Expert – and today we’re talking Mortgages...Tara Duggan in for Andrea, was joined by Trevor Grant, Chairperson, Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors

Centra sold nearly 10 million chicken fillet rolls last year, helping to increase sales by 4.6 per cent to a record 2.2 billion euro.A survey last year also found that the delicacy is Ireland’s favourite lunch on the go.  So, why is it such a coveted meal? Russell Alford from 98FM & and GastroGays joined Tara Duggan in for Andrea to explain.  

A new ‘rejuvenation’ plan has been submitted for the Stephen’s Green shopping centre, after a previous plan was rejected by An Coimisiún Pleanála last summer.The proposals include expanding the building to eight storeys, adding office space, hospitality outlets, and cinema screens.  The plans not only reconfigure the inside of the building, but would completely alter the outside facade, removing the dome architecture and steel lattice work.  The proposal has prompted outcry from many locals and architecture studentsTara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Marta, architect and PhD candidate as well as the co-founder and coordinator of the Save Stephen’s Green Campaign,  Roisin Murphy, Lecturer in Architecture and Interior Architecture, Mannix Flynn, Independent Dublin City Councillor aswell as callers giving their opnion on the plan.

France’s new child-free train carriages divide opinion.France’s state train operator SNCF rolled out a new carriage on its high-speed trains which provides a ‘quiet journey that’s ideal for working or relaxing’, the reason it’s quiet- there’s no children allowed.  To discuss whether its an idea we should consider in Ireland Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Comedian Jim Elliot, Katie Makk from the Opinion Matter Podcast and Tina in Wicklow.

Therapy, I’m sure, could be good for all of us.But when you’re seeking help, where do you begin? It’s an incredibly daunting thing to face into, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable.Tara Duggan in for Andrea was joined by Michelle Flynn – psychotherapist from An Croí Beag to discuss how to choose the right therapist

Nationwide status yellow wind warnings are in force as Storm Chandra hits the country with flooding an issue in many counties.  Tara Duggan in for Andrea spoke to  Anna Daly, Jane Creegan Communications manager with Iarnrod Eireann, Wicklow County Councillor Melanie Corrigan And listeners up and down the country who are dealing with flooding today.

Dr Niall Breen from the Portmarnock GP Clinic joined Andrea Gilligan to tackle your medical queries.

If you didn't tell Strava, did you even go for a run? That’s the question posed by Journalist Colin Sheridan. Is he right?Have we become obsessed with telling the world about our run?Joining Andrea to discuss is Colin Sheridan, as well as Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

In March 2021, the use of illegal drugs among members of An Garda Síochána was acknowledged as a serious concern. At the time, it was announced that drug testing of Garda personnel would be introduced to prevent and deter substance misuse, with the scheme expected to come into force within six months.Five years later, routine drug testing has still not been implemented.Should members of An Garda Síochána be subject to regular drug testing?Joining Andrea to discuss is former Assistant Governor of Wheatfield Prison, Niall Spellman, former Detective Garda, John Sweetman and listeners.

A study from UCLA has found that almost half of Gen Z believe that there is “...too much sex and sexual content in TV and movies.”In line with this, actor and director Olivia Wilde has stated that they want to see less sex on their screens, as they “don’t want to see in-authenticity anymore…”So, is it true, is there too much sex on TV?Joining Andrea to discuss is Entertainment Journalist Sarina Bellisimo, Journalist Sarina Hanley and listeners.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every week so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Laura Donnelly and Journalist & Stylist Laura Mullet join Andrea Gilligan to review ‘Wanging On with Graham Norton and Maria McErlane’!Image: Listen

Word of a planned boardgame on the Troubles has prompted outcry in Northern Ireland.The game, ‘The Troubles: Shadow War in Northern Ireland 1964-1998’, is currently under development, and will not be made available for several years.The proposed game allows players to play as members of different factions from the conflict, such as the IRA and the RUC, where they can plant bombs and make political deals.The company’s founder has said that the aim of the game is to educate and promote history, yet victim’s rights groups have criticized it, saying it oversimplifies a complex issue.So, is this type of game acceptable?Joining Andrea to discuss is Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation, Journalist and Author Aoife Grace Moore, Writer and Political Commentator Emma De Souza and more.Image: Compass Games

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Stephen Gallagher, Beekeeper and Founder of Swarms.ie joins guest host Anna Daly to answer any of your questions!

Doctors have issued an urgent warning about tampon use after a teenager in Drogheda was admitted to hospital suffering from toxic shock syndrome and organ failure during her period.In Ireland, 50% of girls aged between 12 and 19 in Ireland report occasional period poverty, where financial constraints limit access to menstrual hygiene products. As a result of this, many young women do not have sufficient education on how to use sanitary products in the correct way.What do we need to look out for to prevent this happening to more women?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Dr Eleanor Galvin from Rosemount Family Doctors.

Now, it’s time to chat about duvet days - taking a day off, even if you aren’t strictly under the weather, whether that be from work or school.Is offering children the occasional day off a restorative act that could benefit their mental health or a big no no?This is the question posed by Freelance Journalist and mother Niamh O’Reilly, who joins guest host Anna Daly, alongside Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry in TCD, Siobhan O’Neill White of Mams.ie and more to discuss.

It’s an exciting day for Harry Styles fans today, as his new single ‘Aperture’ was released at midnight last night.Not only that, he also announced his 2026 tour, ‘Together Together’, last night - with shows in Amsterdam, New York, Mexico City and London.Guest host Anna Daly is joined by three of his enthusiasts, Newstalk’s own Niamh Dunne, Cathal Minogue of Today FM and Jane Cowan, Irish Examiner Columnist to share in the excitement!

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins guest host Anna Daly with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Irish dancing is known for its high kicks, intricate footwork, and iconic curly hair, but at its core it demands years of training and dedication. As competitions become more frequent, some believe the growing focus on appearance and glamour may be overshadowing true talent.Registered Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist Peter O’Grady warns that the modern image of an Irish dancer is becoming increasingly costly for families, and may shift attention away from skill and technique…What do you think? Should we focus more on dancing and less on the dancer's appearance?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Peter O'Grady, Registered Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Irish Dance Professional. World Champion & Teacher, Ciara Sexton, Patrick O'Mahony, Designer and Digitizer for dresses, CEO of Riverdance Patrick Moyles and more.

You spend a lot of your life on one, so how do you know if you’re sleeping on the right mattress for you?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss all things mattresses!Joining Andrea to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Irish Examiner Columnist and former winner of ‘Home of the Year’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Kate O’Driscoll, @victorianrathmines on Instagram.

Collagen banking is the newest anti-aging skincare trend, but what exactly is it, and how does it work?Professor Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at Institute of Dermatologists and Blackrock Clinic joins Andrea to discuss.