Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

Today we dive into national security concerns surrounding school hoax emails, community safety, long-term transport infrastructure for the North West, world-class athletic achievements, and local songwriting heritage.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Minister Marian Harkin, Richard Logue, and Michael Margey join Greg in studio to debate the top stories dominating the news cycle this week:

School Bomb Hoax Threats: Following the recent wave of emailed threats sent to schools across Donegal and nationally, the panel discusses the disruption caused to families and teachers, debating whether a coordinated national security response is required.

Waterford Arson Tragedy: The panel reflects on the horrific arson attack in Waterford that claimed four lives, examining public safety measures, community support, and policing strategies to prevent future tragedies.

North West Rail Delays: A sharp discussion on regional infrastructure disparities as timelines for restoring railway links to the North West drag into the 2040s, leaving Donegal isolated from national rail networks.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We feature a special clip from this week’s podcast episode with Letterkenny’s own European 800m Gold Medalist, Dr Mark English. Mark reflects on his historic championship performance, balancing his medical career with elite athletics, and what lies ahead.

Patsy Cavanagh – ‘Between the Loaning and the Lane’: Prolific Donegal songwriter and author Patsy Cavanagh joins Greg to discuss his newly released memoir, Between the Loaning and the Lane:

Life, Music, and ‘Home to Donegal’: Patsy reflects on his childhood growing up in rural Donegal, his decades-long music career, and the story behind writing the iconic anthem Home to Donegal.

Official Book Launch: Patsy previews his official book launch taking place this Sunday, hosted by country music star Daniel O’Donnell.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Eight years to get 0.13 seconds faster. How do you keep believing when the stopwatch won’t budge?

Irish Olympian and European 800m champion Mark English knows the patience elite sport demands. After running a personal best in 2013, he waited until 2021 to improve it — a breakthrough that also broke a longstanding Irish record and secured his place at the Tokyo Olympics.

In this episode, Mark joins me to explore his journey from Donegal to international athletics, his early passion for sport and the challenge of pursuing medicine alongside competing at the highest level.

We discuss the injuries, setbacks and breakthroughs that shaped his career, including rebuilding after injury and racing against some of the greatest athletes in the sport. What keeps you motivated through years of uncertainty? How do you manage the physical and mental demands? And what changes when you commit fully to finding out how good you can be?

A conversation about the person behind the performances, the cost of ambition and the persistence behind every fraction of a second.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep44 : Mark English: The Making of His Best Years appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Score…

We preview the historic first ever all-Donegal clash in the FAI National League – Bonagee United Manager Declan Lynch and Cockhill Celtic Manager Gavin Cullen will give us their thoughts ahead of Saturday’s encounter.

We also have our weekly League of Ireland chat and we hear from the captains of St Eunan’s and Naomh Conaill, Conor O’Donnell and Ciaran Thompson, ahead of Sundays Donegal Senior Football Final.

Plus, we talk with Donegal racer Reece Barr before his big weekend in Portugal and James McCarron runs his eye over the upcoming Peter O’Donnell Box Cup…

The post The Score – 15/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we cover security threats facing local schools, the sporting loss of a Donegal GAA star to Australian rules football, community efforts toward neuroinclusive urban planning, political cinema, and regional green economy events.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Security Alerts & Threats at Donegal Schools: We address the concerning wave of emailed threats targeted at primary and secondary schools across the county:

Garda Operational Response: Sergeant Fergus McGroary joins Greg to outline the ongoing Garda investigation into the origin of the threats, detailing security protocols, threat assessment procedures, and precautions implemented to safeguard students and staff.

Parental Perspective: Local parent Terrie shares the anxiety and distress caused to families, discussing how parents and school communities are navigating safety concerns and communicating with children amidst the disruption.

Finbarr Roarty’s AFL Departure: Sports analyst Brendan Devenney reacts to the major news that Donegal young football talent Finbarr Roarty has signed a rookie deal with AFL side Collingwood. Brendan evaluates what Roarty’s move to Australia means for his professional sporting career and the significant blow his departure deals to Donegal GAA’s senior setup ahead of the upcoming season.

Building an Autism-Friendly Letterkenny: Local advocate Stephen O’Donnell drops into the studio to launch an initiative aimed at transforming Letterkenny into a fully designated autism-friendly town. Stephen invites local businesses, community leaders, and residents to collaborate on designing accessible public spaces, sensory-friendly environments, and inclusive services.

‘Forever Is Now’ – Climate Politics & Family Life: Renowned filmmaker Neasa Ní Chianáin and former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan join Greg to discuss Neasa’s new documentary, Forever Is Now. The film provides an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Ryan’s final 18 months in government pushing for climate policy while interweaving his personal family life and relationship with his autistic son, Tommy.

Green Futures Education & Jobs Fair: Denise McCool and Sinéad McDaid highlight the upcoming Green Futures Education and Jobs Fair in Donegal. They outline the array of training opportunities, green tech apprenticeships, and sustainable employment pathways showcased for local jobseekers, students, and businesses transitioning to the green economy.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore presents today’s local commercial roundup and previews the key themes featured in this week’s edition of the Business Matters podcast.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Today we cover mass public sector strike action across Ireland, calls for a full public inquiry into the Omagh Bomb, national tragedy in Waterford, three decades of international humanitarian work, and key tenant rights advice.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Over 300,000 Public Sector Workers on Strike: We broadcast direct from the picket lines as major industrial action halts public services across the country:

Union Perspectives: Áine McGinley from the INTO Executive Committee, SIPTU’s Seamus Hannah, and home care worker Edel McGowan discuss the mounting pressure on frontline workers, outlining why pay parity and improved working conditions are vital.

Government Response: Government Minister Deputy Pat “the Cope” Gallagher joins Greg to share the state’s perspective on the disruption, addressing the financial constraints and ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute.

Calls for an Irish Public Inquiry into the Omagh Bomb: Gerard McLoughlin, who lost close friends and had family members injured in the 1998 Omagh bombing, issues a passionate call to the Irish Government to establish a full public inquiry. Gerard emphasizes the need for complete transparency and cross-border cooperation to provide long-awaited answers for surviving families.

Tragic Fatal Arson Attack in Waterford: Mayor of Waterford Cllr Liam Brazil joins Greg to reflect on a devastating arson attack that claimed the lives of four people and left two young children fighting for survival. Cllr Brazil describes the profound shock across the local community and calls for support for the impacted family.

30 Years of Children in Crossfire: Humanitarian Richard Moore drops into the studio to reflect on the 30th anniversary of founding the Derry-based charity Children in Crossfire. Richard shares insights from his remarkable life journey—from being blinded by a rubber bullet as a child to building an international movement—and recalls his recent inspirational meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Know Your Rights as a Tenant: Hannah O’Connell from housing charity Threshold joins the show to advise renters across Donegal. Hannah breaks down essential tenant protections, lease rules, notice periods, and dispute avenues to help renters navigate rising housing pressures.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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Today we cover local environmental dumping in Inishowen, capital punishment ethics, hospital mental health inspection findings, driving tester abuse, community policing, sensitivity around the Creeslough tragedy site, and protest weather updates.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Illegal Dumping Discovered in Clonmany: Local advocate Brendan Diver joins Greg to raise serious concerns over a fresh spate of illegal dumping uncovered in the Clonmany area. Brendan details the environmental and visual impact on the local countryside and calls for stricter surveillance and community vigilance to catch offenders.

US Livestreamed Execution Plans Spark Capital Punishment Debate: Former Deputy Thomas Pringle—whose father, Peter Pringle, was famously exonerated after spending years on Death Row—offers a deeply personal perspective on US military plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan. Thomas discusses the ethics of capital punishment, public execution broadcasts, and human rights standards.

Mental Health Inspection Reports at Letterkenny University Hospital: John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, discusses the latest regulatory inspection report for the Department of Psychiatry at Letterkenny University Hospital. John outlines notable operational improvements while addressing key areas of ongoing concern around governance, staffing, and facility management.

Treasured Finds in Local Homes: Listener Mary calls in to respond to today’s interactive studio question, sharing the fascinating story behind the oldest and most valuable antique items discovered tucked away inside her family home.

Abuse of Driving Testers in Donegal: Driving instructor Collette O’Donnell discusses a troubling new RSA report highlighting escalating physical and verbal abuse directed at driving examiners. Collette shares her firsthand experiences witnessing aggressive behavior at local test centers, calling for greater respect and safer working conditions for instructors and testers.

Community Garda Information: Garda Pádraig McFadden delivers this week’s frontline brief, bringing listeners the latest road safety warnings, crime prevention tips, and public appeals from Donegal Gardaí.

Planning Refusal Adjacent to Creeslough Site Welcomed: Community spokesperson Hugh Harper joins Greg to welcome the decision to refuse planning permission for a proposed new commercial business adjacent to the site of the Creeslough tragedy. Hugh explains why the decision respects the memory of the ten victims and provides solace to grieving families.

Weather Forecast for Tomorrow’s Protests: Kenneth of the Donegal Weather Channel drops in with the latest regional forecast, breaking down wind, rain, and temperature conditions expected across the county ahead of planned public demonstrations tomorrow.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Tuesday| 13/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week’s DL Debate came LIVE from Sister Saras as Brendan Devenney reflected on all the club championship action and had a preview of next Sunday’s Donegal Senior Football Championship decider. His panel included Eddie Brennan, Gary McDaid and John Gildea plus members of the competing St Eunans and Naomh Conaill clubs.

The DL Debate in association with Sara’s Kitchen at Sister Sara’s Letterkenny:

The post The DL Debate – 12/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we cover traffic management fixes in Letterkenny, healthcare delays, credit union lending scrutiny, mica redress hurdles for older residents, and local folklore alongside our regular sports breakdown.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily review of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Traffic Measures & Parking Fee Controversy in Letterkenny: Councillor Donal “Mandy” Kelly joins Greg to discuss new yellow box junction markings installed on two of Letterkenny’s busiest roundabouts to ease traffic congestion. Cllr Kelly also clarifies his position on town centre business issues, going on the record regarding whether he supports local traders in opposing proposed council parking charge increases.

Bowel Cancer Survival & Screening Delays: Bowel cancer survivor Patricia shares her personal health journey and recovery experience with Greg. Patricia speaks out against escalating waiting lists for diagnostic colonoscopies across the health service, warning that administrative delays in screening risk delaying life-saving early interventions.

GAA Championship Silverware & The DL Debate: Brendan Devenney reflects on the weekend’s high-stakes GAA finals across Donegal as championship silverware was awarded, setting the scene and previewing the tactical analysis lined up for tonight’s edition of The DL Debate.

Credit Union Loan Scrutiny & Online Raffles: Irish Independent journalist Seán Pollock joins the show to examine how credit unions are scrutinising loan applications. Seán discusses how underwriters are increasingly factoring personal spending on online competitions, prize draws, and digital raffles into affordability assessments for prospective borrowers.

Defective Blocks Scheme Impact on Older Residents: Inishowen residents Jackie and Mary, both directly affected by defective concrete blocks, discuss an upcoming public meeting in the region aimed at drafting a dedicated submission for government. They outline the unique, severe challenges faced by older homeowners navigating the redress scheme, including relocation stress, physical disruption, and financial shortfalls.

Donegal’s Lesser Known Tales – Slasher’s House: Historian Paul McLaughlin drops into the studio for his regular folklore segment, exploring the legend and history surrounding “Slasher’s House.” Paul discusses the recent resurgence of community interest in the site and uncovers the local tales and historical context behind the location.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Monday| 12/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we kick off the weekend with The Friday Panel debating national spending priorities, RTÉ funding models, and public sector industrial action, alongside law events examining high-profile legal defenses, medical charity updates, and a preview of The Greg Hughes Podcast.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Ben Harkin, Paddy Rooney, and Senator Eileen Flynn join Greg in studio to debate the week’s headline stories:

Budget 2027 Reactions: The panel weighs up the government’s fiscal choices, discussing whether tax relief measures and cost-of-living supports adequately cushion vulnerable families and rural communities against ongoing inflation.

Public Sector Industrial Action: The panel reacts to escalating work-to-rule disputes across local authorities and education sectors, debating the balance between fair worker compensation and public service delivery.

Broadcasting & Sports Subsidies: A sharp exchange on state spending priorities, examining the future funding framework for RTÉ alongside continued government subsidies for horse and greyhound racing.

The Greg Hughes Podcast: We preview the latest edition of The Greg Hughes Podcast, featuring a wide-ranging, candid interview with Bishop Donal McKeown. Bishop McKeown reflects on shifting societal values, faith in modern Ireland, and community resilience across the North West.

ATU Law Event – The Lindsay Clancy Trial Debated: Atlantic Technological University law students Faizullah Memon and Abbas Mahmood drop into the studio to invite the public to an upcoming legal debate on Monday evening at ATU. They outline how the event will examine the complex legal, psychiatric, and defense arguments surrounding the high-profile US criminal trial of Lindsay Clancy—focusing on postpartum psychosis, diminished responsibility, and legal accountability.

Coffee Morning for the New Children’s Hospice: Yvonne Brolly, Manager of the Letterkenny branch of Bank of Ireland, joins Greg to announce a special upcoming coffee morning fundraiser. Yvonne discusses community efforts to raise vital funds and support for the development of a dedicated new Children’s Hospice designed to serve families across the West and North West of Ireland.

Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Friday| 09/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this episode, I sit down with retired Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, to reflect on a life shaped by faith, sport, education and service.

We explore his early years, his connections to Belfast and his childhood passion for sport, before following his journey through education and theological formation towards the priesthood.

We also discuss retirement, his plans for the future and what comes next after decades of ministry. A personal conversation about the experiences behind a public life, and the beginning of a new chapter.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep43 :Bishop Donal McKeown: The Man Behind the Ministry appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.