Lunchtime Live

With Christmas fast approaching, people will soon be making their way home to spend time with family and friends. What was once a staple of the festive season, attending Christmas Mass is no longer a priority for many.

As traditions continue to evolve, we want to know: is going to Mass still part of your Christmas tradition?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Parish Priest of Abbeyleix, Raheen & Ballinakill, Father Paddy Byrne, as well as listeners.

For this week’s Ask Me Anything, former Detective Garda and host of the ‘Lines of Enquiry’ podcast John Sweetman joins Andrea to answer any of your questions!

Surfers from around the world gathered in Sigo for some of the best surfing conditions seen in years.

So what makes the Irish seas so special?

Andrea is joined by listeners to discuss.

WhatsApp groups have become a common part of family and school life, offering parents a quick and convenient way to stay informed and connected.

However, as groups multiply, the benefits can be outweighed by constant notifications, off-topic messages and pressure to stay engaged. For teachers, these chats can be particularly challenging, often blurring professional boundaries and creating expectations of constant availability.

We want to know, how beneficial are these group chats? Are they helpful or are they a hindrance?

Joining Andrea to discuss is Native Editor of DMG Media, Sarah-Jayne Tobin, as well as listeners.

“If men gave birth, maternity hospitals would be palaces and we’d get three years off. And there’d be an awful lot greater attention on maternal care.”

So says Aodhán O’Riordán, Labour TD and MEP, after welcoming his premature daughter into the world.

He joins Andrea to discuss…

Breakfast Briefing Presenter Shane Beatty joins Andrea Gilligan with plenty of stories from around the country this week!

Should peanuts be banned from enclosed spaces? A listener got in touch with his experience at a gig last night.

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Journalist Joe McNamee, Ruth Charles, Founder of the Irish Food Allergy Network, Aoife Quinn, Register Dietician and more.

With Christmas only a week away, you may have not gotten every present just yet. So, what are the best gifts for a home lover?

Well, the Home Squad are here to discuss the best presents!

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.

Christmas is a time of huge joy, but it can also be tough for some people, especially for those who have lost someone.

If you find yourself in that situation, help is available.

Andrea is joined by the CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan and Laura Hallinan, who availed of Pieta’s bereavement counselling services, to discuss.

Pieta’s 24-Hour Crisis Helpline & Text Service: 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444.

If you wish to donate, you can do so at www.pieta.ie.

Many car parks across the country have allocated parent and baby spaces for parents with young children. These spaces are bigger than the average car parking space, and are usually located close to the front door of the shop.

The reason for this is so parents have enough room to get their child in and out of the car seat as well as having space for their buggy.

With many people parking in these spaces who do not have children, should we be calling them out, or should these spaces be available for parents only?

Joining Andrea to discuss this is Irish Times Journalist and host of the ‘Conversations with Parents’ podcast, Jen Hogan, Off The Ball’s Adrian Barry, as well as listeners.