The Late Lunch, Thursday April 9th, 2026

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

A man left his 26-year IT career due to burnout after his doctor asked if he enjoyed cycling.

The episode opens with host Louise Walsh introducing the show's topics, including pedal power, protests, and various human interest stories. The first guest is Gareth Curran, who explains how burnout after 26 years in the IT industry led him to change careers to bicycle mechanics and cycling instruction. He describes his social anxiety, lack of presence in life, and how cycling became a form of meditation. Gareth now works as a cycling instructor in primary schools, teaching children, including those with additional needs, and finds it rewarding. He also discusses bike safety issues like rusted chains and dry-rotted tires. After a break, the conversation continues with Gareth about his school programs and road safety tips for cyclists. Next, Ashley Garry of Beauty by Ashley discusses her boudoir photo shoot with Will Leach Photography. She explains that working as a carer with the elderly made her realize bodies are 'on loan' and inspired her to embrace body positivity. Ashley shares her experience, the positive reactions from her family and social media, and her faith journey, including writing a book about mindfulness and faith. Then, Aisling O'Donnell, Healthy County coordinator for Meath County Council, introduces the Civic Dollars app. The app rewards users with virtual tokens for spending time in mapped community spaces like parks, beaches, and GAA clubs, which can be redeemed for rewards or donated to local groups. She explains the funding from Healthy Ireland and the goal to improve health and wellbeing. Following that, Mandy Gilston shares her diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, where she stopped breathing up to 73 times per hour, resulting in only 1.5 hours of sleep per night. She describes her exhaustion, brain fog, and safety concerns, like falling asleep on buses. Mandy now uses a CPAP machine, which has dramatically improved her sleep and daily functioning. Finally, Michelle Quinn discusses her efforts to support Sonia's cafe, Chloe & Co in Dundalk, which employs nine people with disabilities. The cafe includes a sensory room and was opened with a personal loan after funding was denied, leading to a GoFundMe campaign. The episode concludes with Louise signing off.

As heard by us

Local change, personal risk, and small acts of care gather around Louise Walsh's lunch table.

The Late Lunch sits with the choices people make when ordinary life starts asking for something different. Louise Walsh begins with cycling and a question about protests, then follows Gareth Curran as he leaves 26 years in IT after burnout and turns toward bicycle mechanics and…

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Why you'd press play

You can follow a career reset, a sleep-apnea life change, and a Dundalk cafe campaign in one lunch.

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