Lunchtime Live

The infamous ‘Traitors Ireland’ returns to our screens this Sunday evening, with many of us glued to our TVs at 9:30pm to discover who will be chosen as the new Traitors, and who will take on the role of the Faithfuls…Clare McKenna is joined by some of last year’s contestants to give the inside scoop on life in the castle, the challenges of the game, and how deception can leave even the most observant players questioning who they can trust…Eamon O’Keefe, Faye Brennan and Esther McCarthy from the Irish Examiner join to discuss!

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems?Today, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Travel Content Creator Will Murphy to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Fermanagh!

Losing someone you love can make grief impossible to navigate. Sadly, it can also affect your relationships, with friends or family sometimes distancing themselves because they don’t know what to say or how to support you…Have you lost friends or family members through grief?Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.

80,000 fans are heading to Stradbally this weekend for what looks to be a very rainy Electric Picnic...So, how are festival goers down there already getting on?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Spin News Anchor Katie Gallagher and listeners.

Killarney in County Kerry was hit with flash flooding last night after what locals are describing as “biblical” rain…Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by some of those impacted to discuss.

If you’re looking to design or do up your child’s bedroom, where do you start, and what should you look out for?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss all things kids bedrooms!Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Jenny Butler, Interior Architect & Design Director of Jennifer Anne Interior.

Do you walk along while looking at your phone?We’re all guilty of being distracted, but because of people’s smart phone dependency now further measures are being implemented to add new ground level traffic lights at zebra crossings.So, is this really what’s needed to deal with distracted pedestrians?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Colin Baker, Managing Director of Back from the Future tech support and listeners.

A report has shown that transplants have fallen significantly, having failed to return to pre-pandemic levels.So, what impact does this have on those on the transplant list?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Maureen O'Donnell, CEO of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, Colin White, National Advocacy Manager with the Irish Kidney Association and listeners.

How important are reviews to you when choosing a restaurant or any form of accommodation? Do you swear by reviews you read online?What impact do they have on businesses and should we monitor them more closely to ensure the information given is accurate and fair?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Barry Duff from Lock & Brew café and restaurant and Food Writer Dee Laffan.

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 guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of Van Morrison!

The former General Secretary of AGSI is calling for retired Gardaí to return on a voluntary basis to help tackle the force’s soaring overtime bill, which rose from €97m in 2020 to €197m in 2024.Could bringing experienced retired members back help ease pressure on serving Gardaí and increase their presence on Irish streets?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.

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.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined guest host Clare McKenna in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Do you talk about your weight with your friends?A survey reveals that men are typically embarrassed and feel stigma opening up about their weight and trying to lose it among their pals.Joining Clare McKenna to discuss this is Michael O’Malley, Podcast Producer and content creator, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Making Babies, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Advanced Midwife Practitioner from the National Maternity Hospital Caroline Brophy to discuss ongoing physical symptoms or complications after childbirth.

Irish actress Aisling Sharkey has recently joined the cast of the two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy series Ted Lasso, where she plays footballer Niamh Harrigan, who finds herself under the management of the charismatic American coach Ted Lasso.She joins Clare McKenna to discuss the experience!Image: Apple TV

CAO offers are out today, which officially ushers in the new academic year.However, while new or returning students should be excited, many are stressed as they struggle to secure accommodation…Listeners join guest host Clare McKenna to share their experiences.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager with the DAA, to answer any of your questions about Dublin Airport!

Back to school time is upon us, but how do you deal with lunchboxes when it comes to fussy eaters?Louise Lennox, Children’s Feeding Therapist and Aileen Cox Blundell, Nutritionist & author join Clare McKenna to give their tips!

The HSE today has approved a new offer from drug firm Biogen over ‘Skyclarys’, which will now be available with reimbursement to Friedreich’s Ataxia patients. This comes after mounting pressure, and months of campaigning…Joining Clare McKenna to discuss this is Teresa Kane, a mother of two children with Friedreich’s Ataxia and Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird, who lives with Friedrich’s Ataxia…

“I’ll just Klarna it”. Have you gotten into the habit of using ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services?And from big ticket items to takeaways, just why are these services so popular, and do people realise they are actually getting into debt?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Dr Shane Timmons, Senior Research Officer with the ESRI’s Behavioral Research Unit and Laura Jordan, Founder of Style Savvy.

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins guest host Clare McKenna with the things you don’t want to miss this week!Image: Netflix

The company behind the Sphere in Las Vegas, Yankee Stadium in New York and the Aviva Stadium has released computer-generated images of its proposed events arena in Cherrywood, south Dublin.The Prime Arena is planned as the home of a professional ice hockey team, while also hosting concerts, winter sports and a wide range of other events.The venue would feature two Olympic-sized ice rinks and an 8,000-capacity arena, expandable to 10,500 for major events and concerts. It is projected to attract more than 1.5 million visitors each year.Could a project like this be a major boost for sport and entertainment in Ireland? Should we be encouraging more large-scale sports facilities, or do you think this is an unnecessary use of money and resources?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.Image: Prime Arena Holdings

We all say we’re going to eat better, get more active or finally get around to those health checks, but too often, we put it off. Irish Life Health gives you practical ways to act today, from a wide range of digital health services to access to ExpressCare Clinics in Dublin and Cork. For more information, see irishlifehealth.ie.For this week’s Health Reset, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Dr Heather McKee Behaviour Change Specialist and Irish Life Ambassador to discuss managing stress at this stage of the year!

We're nearing the end of summer, and thus the end of the first holidays without mum or dad for many young people.A survey done in Britain claims one-third of young people think their mum and dad should never stop footing the bill for the family holiday.But, is this really feasible, should you have to pay for your children's holidays?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Anne Marie Macken, Founder and Director of Money Coaching Ireland, Broadcaster Claire Ronan and content creator Holli Breslin.

For many working parents, finding affordable childcare has become one of the biggest barriers to returning to work. A recent Irish Independent survey found that 117 of 142 creches had waiting lists of at least a year, while the average monthly fee was €845 before State subsidies.For families needing full-time care, the cost can feel like a second mortgage, while the lack of available places leaves many with few options.If we want to support working parents and keep people in the workforce, the Government needs to do more to make childcare both affordable and accessible, while providing greater support to the childcare sector to increase capacity.What is your experience?Joining Clare McKenna to discuss owner & Director of Mary Geary Childcare, Ollie Sheehan, new mum and founder of Clarico Coaching, Sorcha Keogh, Journalist & Broadcaster Dominique McMullan and listeners.

Opening up about your mental health struggles is not easy, and many men in particular suffer in silence.Fitness coach Domhall Hyland is 30 and has been sharing about his own experience of OCD, anxiety and depression.He joins guest host Clare McKenna to discuss.

Are you determined to finally get on top of your finances once and for all?For many, looking at your bank account is something you dread, but how should we best manage what’s coming in and what’s coming out?For this edition of Money Matters, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Sinead Ryan, Presenter of the Home Show on Newstalk, to discuss everything you need to know about SUSI grants if you or a child are financially planning college.

Figures from the NTA’s annual report on how public transport users feel about their personal security reveal that almost half of passengers have felt unsafe using public transport…The report also revealed that 46% of people believe antisocial behaviour was worse on buses, trains and trams during 2025, an increase of three percentage points on the previous year.With this in mind, do you feel safe on public transport?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Lochlann Gallagher, Public Relations Officer for the Commuter Coalition, as well as listeners.

We continue a county-by-county journey across Ireland, exploring all 32 counties that make up this remarkable island. Have you been to some of these places and hidden gems?Today, guest host Clare McKenna is joined by Travel Content Creator Tony Smyth to find out what the best things to see and do are in County Galway!

Do you and your other half like the same music?Or is it a clash between heavy metal and classic pop in your home?A new study suggests that having the same music taste is an indicator of a successful relationship.Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss this is musician Aoife Scott and Psychotherapist with the Coast Counselling in Malahide, Helen Vaughan…

Ahead of Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run, we’re highlighting the importance of early detection and how genetic factors play a role in breast cancer...Sisters Aisling and Aine join Clare McKenna to share their extraordinary story.

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joined guest host Clare McKenna with a roundup of some of the stories from across the country this week.

A ban on under 18s using e-scooters due to be introduced this month has been deferred following advice from Attorney General Rossa Fanning.The Cabinet agreed to a series of new restrictions following a report that showed one third of all paediatric traumatic brain injury admissions to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street this year were related to e-scooters.What do you think of this deferral, is this acceptable?Guest host Clare McKenna is joined by listeners to discuss.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has bought Strancally Castle in County Waterford, but is there a big castle market in Ireland? And what is the history of the castle?Joining Clare McKenna to discuss is Willie Fraher, Curator of Waterford County Museum and David Byrne, Managing Director of Lisney Sotheby International Realty.

Does your house need a few maintenance jobs to be done, but you’re too lazy to do them?This week, the Home Squad are here to discuss low-stress home maintenance tips and tricks!Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Jenny Sheehan, Co-Host of ‘Rip it up: The Renovations Podcast’ (@workerscottage on Instagram) and Martin Glynn, Founder of the DIY Academy.

Wanting children, but not being lucky enough to have them, is unfortunately an issue that affects many couples…Life Coach Mark Fennell recently spoke very honestly about his and his wife’s experience. He joins Clare McKenna to discuss.

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 guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Alan Buckley from the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, who’s going to talk through the life and work of Kneecap!

Do you know the basics when it comes to finances?From mortgages to interest rates and rainy day funds, the CCPC have announced that new lessons on financial literacy will be available for teens...Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss this is Kel Galavan AKA Mrs Money Smart, Financial Educator and TJ Hegarty, Founder of online maths school Breakthrough Maths.

Have you or someone you know been affected by long ambulance wait times?HSE figures show average ambulance response times deteriorated to 21 minutes and 43 seconds in 2023.What needs to be done to improve ambulance services, support frontline paramedics and prevent avoidable deaths?Joining guest host Clare McKenna to discuss is Vice Chairman with Blessington AFC, Alan Moore, Owner of Lifeline Ambulance, David Hall, Bernard Mulvany from Access for All Ireland and listeners.

Model, Author and Advocate Monica Walsh has used the tragic death of her aunt in the 90s, at the hand of her husband, to try and lift the silence surrounding domestic abuse…Monica joins Andrea to discuss.

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.Ciara Treacy from the Newstalk Digital Team joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces!

The mandatory retirement age for inter-county GAA referees is 50 years old.Once an official on the National Referees Panel reaches this age, they must step down from officiating at the inter-county level, though many continue to referee local club games.But, should we extend the referee retirement age?Joining Andrea to discuss is Rory Hickey, former Intercounty GAA Referee and Referee Administrator of Clare GAA, Paddy Osbourne, former Coach and Referee, David Kennedy, Tipperary center half back in the All-Ireland final in 2001 and Tim Barry, Secretary of Rathdowney Errill GAA.

For this week’s Making Babies, Andrea is joined by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Maria O’Sullivan, to discuss the best ways to go about breastfeeding and bottle-feeding!

Caoilfhinn Ní Choiligh, alopecia advocate and newly-crowned Rose of Tralee joins Andrea to discuss her win!Image: @roseoftraleefestival on Instagram

Many people have recently voiced concerns about safety on our roads. The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has described reckless driving on motorways as a “huge concern” for hauliers across Ireland.With road deaths continuing to occur on Irish roads, are people becoming increasingly afraid to get behind the wheel? And what more needs to be done to ensure people feel safe when travelling on our roads?Joining Andrea to discuss is President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Ger Hyland, Haulier Cyril McGuinness, Motoring Editor with the Sunday Independent, Ger Herbert and more.

For this week’s Ask the Expert, Andrea is joined by Ray Cooke from Ray Cooke Auctioneers to answer any of your property questions!

Are you the kind of person that leaves hundreds - if not thousands - of emails unread?How do you clear the inbox and stay on top of things?Joining Andrea to discuss is Stylist Laura Mullet and Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Kelly.

Have you ever experienced post natal depression? How did you deal with it, and what advice would you give to others?Madge Fogarty, Chairperson of Post Natal Depression Ireland, Aolish Gormley, Maternal Mental Health Advocate and Founder of the Year of Care campaign and more join Andrea to discuss.For immediate postnatal support in Ireland, call Parentline at 01 873 3599 for free, confidential advice for new parents.Samaritans 24/7 support number: 116 123

Does our current food environment make unhealthy choices far too easy? Well, according to Prof Donal O’Shea, HSE Clinical Lead for Obesity: it is.He joins Andrea to discuss.

Katie Gallagher, Spin News Anchor, has her finger on the pulse for what’s happening and she joins Andrea with the things you don’t want to miss this week!