Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Are people ignorant of Ireland’s national anthem? Listener Claire was watching the Dublin-Kerry match on Saturday, and noticed that many of the players seemingly didn’t know the words to Amrhán na bhFiann!She joins Andrea, along with other listeners, to discuss…

There was a time that you would pop to the corner shop for some essential items.However, small retailers are now being decimated by bigger chains and are struggling to compete…Andrea is joined by Martin Mulligan, President of the Federation of Independent Retailers as well as shop owners to discuss.

This is Lunchtime Live’s Big Batch. Every Monday we’ll be learning new easy to cook batch recipes to keep you eating well. No more staring into an open fridge looking for inspiration!This week, Paul Knapp, aka @official_firefightingchef on Instagram, joins Andrea to discuss some protein-rich vegetarian recipes!

The Government is planning a new crackdown on Airbnbs to help with housing.They’re saying it could bring roughly 12,000 short-term lets back on to the long-term rental market.The new laws would mean that landlords will have to register their short stay accommodation or face being fined up to €5,000.What do you think? Would you want a crackdown on Airbnbs?Andrea is joined by Katie Makk from the Opinions Matter Podcast as well as listeners to discuss.

Last night a brand new Irish dark comedy drama on Sky called 'Small Town Big Story' by Chris O'Dowd premiered at the IFI. Henry McKean was there and met the star of the new series, actress Christina Hendricks, best known for Mad Men.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, Michael McQuillan, CEO & Founder of Pulse Security joins Andrea in studio to answer you questions about being a professional bodyguard

Our listener Siobhan got in touch because the Fairer Fares that had been promised for travel in 2024 still haven't been implemented. She wants to know when the Government are going to act!

You may not have it, but wall cladding is something that can add a lot to your home during a revamp.From paneling to soundproofing and heat, the Home Squad are here to talk about all things walls!Andrea is joined by Róisín Lafferty, Founder and Creative Director of Róisín Lafferty and Sarah Carroll from Sand and Deliver DIY to discuss.

Earlier this week, Andrea spoke to parents who were impacted by the lack of public health nurses, and it really hit home with a lot of listeners.It seems there are a lot of babies in the country not getting enough health checks…Joining Andrea to discuss further is People Before Profit TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, as well as more listeners.

The new Bridget Jones movie is set to break box office records.The fourth instalment, ‘Mad About the Boy’, is on course to become the biggest hits of the year - the pre-sales are apparently even bigger than Barbie!So, what is it we love so much about romantic comedies, and how have they stood the test of time?Andrea is joined by Bella Finn from Newstalk’s Newsroom and Entertainment Journalist Brian Lloyd to discuss.

Every Thursday on Lunchtime Live, Andrea will be joined by followers of different religions in Ireland to learn more about them.This week, Andrea is joined by Patrick Dawson to learn about the Baha’i Faith!

For this week’s Throwback Thursday, Rebecca Shekleton, Presenter on 98fm’s Big Breakfast joins Andrea to look back on the year that was 1981!

The housing crisis is “delaying marriage and children” for 84% of adults, according to a new study.48% of couples planning to tie the knot and 60% of couples planning to have children said they would have done so before now if it wasn’t for the housing crisis…Are you in a similar situation? Has it delayed marriage or starting a family for you?To discuss, Andrea is joined by Fertility Coach and Trauma Therapist Helena Tubridy, Frances Kelleher, Life Coach and Dating Expert as well as listeners.

For those of you that got engaged over Christmas but have yet to buy the ring... Or are planning a proposal in the coming months and need to start saving, this is for you...For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Jeweller David Wilson to answer any of your ring-related questions!

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris will take part in an emergency meeting of EU trade ministers later about US trade tariffs.US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on European steel and aluminium imports.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has condemned the tariffs and promised "firm and proportionate" countermeasures, although the commission has yet to confirm any retaliatory measures.Image: Reuters

A survey released by the INMO today has revealed that eight in ten nurses claim that patients are being treated in “inappropriate settings”.This includes places such as hospital corridors…To discuss, Andrea is joined by Dr John Gilmore, Assistant Professor and Head of General Nursing at UCD, as well as listeners.

Once you reach a certain age, your weekends become filled with hen parties, weddings and baby showers.These events can be all-consuming, and extremely expensive.Andrea’s guest knows all about this…Comedian Anna Clifford joins to discuss, along with Rebecca Dore, Content Editor with One Fab Day as well as listeners.

Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.Today FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Some residents of Dublin’s north inner city have “no sense of pride for their community” and “dump their waste daily” in the street, according to a report from Dublin City Council’s Head of Waste Management, Barry Woods.Janet Horner, Green Party representative for the North-Inner City on Dublin City Council, was critical of these remarks chatting to Newstalk earlier today...What do you think?Is a lack of pride in our local areas contributing to our issues with litter?Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

Welcome to The Pod Squad!We review podcasts every Tuesday so you always have something new to listen to.Newstalk’s Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly and Off the Ball’s Cameron Hill joined Andrea to review ‘What Did You Do Yesterday?’.Image: Keep It Light Media