Highlights From Lunchtime Live

Andrea was broadcasting live from Limerick and was joined by Dr Maura Adshead, Head of Community Engagement, Associate Professor of Politics, University of Limerick, Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor of Cork City Council and Alison Gilliland, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin, to debate the issue of a directly elected mayor.

The Garda Band has cost taxpayers an average of almost €25,000 per performance since 2020, a figure comparable to booking fees charged by some top stars in the music industry. Nearly €4.6 million has been spent on the ensemble over the past two-and-a-half years, during which time it has played at a total of 190 events in settings including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and churches. Andrea was joined by former guards and listeners to discuss if the band is worth the money.

Numbers revealed to Newstalk show that over one in every five people who attended Sexual Assault Treatment Units last year, were less than 18 years old. In total, 859 patients went to the units in 2021 after being attacked, an increase of 17% on the previous year. Andrea was joined by Margo Noonan, advanced nurse practitioner with Cork Sexual Assault Treatment Unit to react to the numbers.

On yesterdays show Andrea was joined by listeners who had experienced lost luggage and were experiencing difficulties contacting the airline. Today she was joined by more listeners who were in touch with the show to describe their own experiences, and to offer advice to others about how best to retrieve the baggage through the airline.

There are fears Christmas may be cancelled in a West Cork town after funding for Christmas lights has been reduced, sparking concern amongst the community. Andrea was joined by Diarmuid Creegan is the Chair of Clonakilty Tidy towns, Fianna Fail TD Christopher O'Sullivan and locals to discuss what this might mean for the West Cork community.

Anyone who has an unusual name or spelling will be used to people mispronouncing it from time to time. University Limerick want to cut out that issue, so they’ve asked graduates to record their name pronunciation for the graduation ceremony. Andrea was joined by Aelish Nagle, Ceremonies Manager with UL, and listeners with unusual names, to discuss the issues of mispronunciation.

Listener Leo joined Andrea on the show from Wicklow, to discuss the conversation earlier in the show around speed limits. Leo, spoke about losing his daughter in a road traffic accident and how hearing people make excuses for speeding drivers deeply upsets him.

A lack of nursing places in the Round Zero CAO offers have left many aspiring nurses disheartened after their hopes to continue their studies was cut short. Andrea was joined by listeners who were in touch with the show to share their own stories.

Actress Olivia Newton John has passed away at the age of 73. She had a career that spanned more than five decades, but she will always be remembered most from her role as Sandy opposite John Travolta in 1978’s ‘Grease’. Andrea was joined by listeners who played Sandy in Irish productions, and spoke to them about their experience of playing the iconic character.

The first average speed camera to be placed on a motorway in Ireland will become operational from Monday. From 7am on April 25, the mainline Motorway Average Speed Safety Camera system will begin checking motorists' speeds. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss what this mean for motorists.

Sarah, a listener from Thurles, sent in an email to Andrea in relation to Mass and the Catholic church. She explained to Andrea she felt Mass is failing to captivate our attention and that of young people.

Looking for love can be a long and winding road. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss the perils of modern day dating, and the challenges of finding love in Ireland.

Andrea was joined by Frank who has recently released a podcast on his mental health journey. He described periods of his life when he experienced suicidal thoughts and how, with support he has managed to reach a much better place in his life. If you are experiences any difficulties you can call Pieta House free on 1800 247 247.

With the cost of living at an all time high, Andrea was joined by parents to discuss the high cost of summer camps and how the hours they usually run, do not always suit a working parents schedule.

Elaine Ryan is a mother from Tipperary. Her holiday to Tunisia with her husband and children turned into a nightmare, Elaine joined Andrea Gilligan on the show to explain her situation.

Getting ready for holidays- are you a pro or a packing disaster? A new survey shows that women pack an average of 6 pairs of shoes when they go on holiday but most remain unworn.

A Post Office in the UK has gone viral after they warned that grumpy or rude customers would face a penalty. A sign in the post office reads: ‘If you are grouchy or irritable, or just plain rude: there will be a £10 charge for putting up with you.’ Do you like that idea? Have you had to deal with grumpy members of the public? Should there be penalties for rude customers?

Catherine Woods Professor of physical activity and Health at the University of Limerick spoke to Shane on Breakfast this morning... Andrea Gilligan was joined on the show by callers who got in touch with their views as to where or not every child should have to participate in sport.

Wedding favors have traditionally been given for guests to take home with them, as a token of appreciation. Andrea was joined by listeners to discuss if wedding favors are really worth the money they cost.

From acne to dry skin and everything in between, Jennifer Rock, owner of the skin Nerd and Skin ingredients, joined Andrea to answer all your skin related questions.