Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

Today we examine footballer James McClean’s controversial comments on men’s mental health, a Revolut glitch impacting listeners’ accounts, new gender recognition legislation debated in the Dáil, local business achievements in Donegal, and calls for national road safety enforcement reform.

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.

Athletes, Men’s Mental Health & Therapy Stigma: Former Ireland international footballer Eamon McGee and mental health advocate Aidan Larkin join Greg to react to recent media comments made by footballer James McClean, who stated he views attending therapy as a sign of weakness in men:

Eamon McGee’s Perspective: Eamon breaks down the danger of high-profile sporting figures reinforcing toxic “stiff upper lip” attitudes, discussing how open communication saving lives in GAA and local sports communities.

Aidan Larkin’s Analysis: Aidan picks up the conversation to explore why emotional vulnerability requires true strength, addressing systemic barriers to men seeking psychological help and offering advice for families navigating mental health challenges.

Revolut Glitch Leaving Double-Debits: Listener Carmel calls in to report a concerning financial issue following a recent Revolut technical outage. Carmel details how transactions that initially showed as “declined” at local store tills during the disruption were subsequently debited from customer bank balances days later, leaving users out of pocket and seeking refunds.

Non-Binary & Intersex Recognition Bill: Human rights advocate Dáire Dempsey joins the show as the Dáil debates the Non-Binary and Intersex Recognition Bill. Dáire outlines what the proposed legislation would mean for legal status, birth certificates, public healthcare access, and administrative recognition for non-binary and intersex individuals across Ireland.

Your Say – Audience Reactions: Listeners weigh in with live text messages and calls, voicing their opinions on today’s debate on mental health stigma, banking glitches, and local council issues.

DLDC Feature – Celebrating Donegal’s Entrepreneurs: Continuing our series with Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), studio guests Kristina Blome and Gary McGarvey drop in to highlight local business innovation. They share their startup stories, discussing how DLDC mentorship, enterprise grants, and network building helped turn their creative ideas into sustainable local employers.

Implementing Proven National Road Safety Enforcement: Sligo Independent Councillor Marie Casserly joins Greg to discuss escalating road fatality statistics across the country. Cllr Casserly calls on the government to declare road deaths a national emergency and implement proven, intelligent enforcement technologies—such as automated red-light cameras, regional average speed camera systems, and stricter Garda traffic corps resourcing—rather than creating redundant new offences.

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

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Today we cover PSNI correspondence regarding historic civil rights stand-offs, legal dispute developments, a landmark vote for Finn Harps FC, local criminal justice reactions, community policing updates, and social enterprise features.

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.

PSNI Letter Regarding Garvaghy Road Stand-off: Sinn Féin Deputy Pearse Doherty reacts to receiving official correspondence from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) concerning his past attendance at the Garvaghy Road stand-off in Portadown. Deputy Doherty reflects on the historic civil rights context, policing oversight, and the ongoing process of addressing legacy issues.

Solicitors’ Legal Aid Dispute & Rape Cases Dispute: Solicitor Rory O’Brien joins Greg to firmly reject statements made by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan regarding the ongoing legal fees dispute. Rory addresses claims that rape cases were specifically targeted for adjournment during industrial action, clarifying the legal profession’s stance on criminal legal aid reform and court scheduling.

Shareholders Approve Freddy Gonzales Takeover of Finn Harps: Ian Harkin, Chairman of Finn Harps FC, reacts to last night’s decisive vote where shareholders overwhelmingly backed the takeover bid led by Freddy Gonzales. Ian discusses what the strategic investment means for the club’s financial stability, youth academy development, and stadium infrastructure plans.

Killybegs Murder Sentencing & Community Reactions: Following the life sentence handed down to James Spendley for the murder of Eddie Friel in Killybegs, Eddie’s cousin Hugh Friel shares his reaction to the verdict. Hugh reflects on the tragedy and speaks candidly about media coverage and public perceptions surrounding crimes committed between members of the settled and Traveller communities.

Community Garda Information: Garda Feena McManamon drops into the studio to deliver this week’s community update, sharing  crime prevention tips, and local Garda appeals across Donegal.

DLDC Enterprise Feature – Splatter and Spark: Continuing our series spotlighting initiatives supported by Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), Padraic Fingleton is joined by Colette and Róisín from local creative business Splatter and Spark. They discuss how DLDC mentorship, funding, and enterprise supports helped turn their artistic passion into a thriving local enterprise.

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

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Brendan Devenney recaps St Eunans senior championship success on the week’s DL Debate.

Among his guests , former Eunans Manager Barry Meehan and former Glenswilly Manager Gary McDaid while St Eunans Chairman Eugene Duffy reflects on a history making season for the Letterkenny side who also won the senior hurling and ladies football titles this year.

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

The post The DL Debate 19/10/26 – St Eunans back on top in Donegal appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today Donna-Marie Doherty steps into the chair for Greg Hughes, covering local business security networks, Culture Night expansion proposals, defective concrete block property transactions, entrepreneurial celebrations, anti-social fireworks disruption, and new national research on migration patterns.

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.

Twin Towns Local Business WhatsApp Network: Local advocate Shane Deery discusses a new WhatsApp group created for business owners across Ballybofey and Stranorlar. Shane details how the network allows traders to share real-time security alerts, combat shoplifting, discuss parking concerns, and foster closer commercial collaboration across the Twin Towns.

Expanding Culture Night into a Culture Weekend: Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh joins Donna-Marie to react to the overwhelming success of Culture Night across Donegal. Councillor Kavanagh makes the case for expanding the annual celebration into a full “Culture Weekend,” allowing venues, artists, and attendees more time and flexibility to engage with local arts initiatives.

Dr Maguire Cup Glory & DL Debate Preview: Sports analyst Brendan Devenney reflects on St Eunan’s triumph in capturing the Dr Maguire Cup over the weekend, breaking down their tactical performance in the senior championship final and previewing the upcoming edition of The DL Debate.

Your Say – Audience Reactions: Listeners weigh in with live messages and comments on today’s top stories, town security, and cultural events across the county.

Resolving Banking & Insurance Barriers for DCB Homes: Defective Concrete Blocks advocate Seamus Devenney previews an upcoming high-level meeting with major banking and insurance groups this Friday. Seamus outlines key objectives to address ongoing gridlock around selling, buying, and securing mortgages or insurance policies on remediated and DCB-affected properties across Donegal.

Celebrating Donegal Entrepreneurs: Studio guests Ray Lloyd (Health & Safety Training, The Rosses) and Siobhan Gallagher (Errigal Weaver) drop in to mark a new partnership with Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC). They highlight upcoming events celebrating local entrepreneurship, business resilience, and workplace safety training in West Donegal.

Persistent Fireworks Disruption in Drumkeen: Listener Angela Ward calls in to express deep frustration over three continuous weeks of unpermitted fireworks going off in the Drumkeen area. Angela highlights the severe distress caused to local pets, livestock, elderly residents, and young children, calling for increased Garda patrols and community accountability ahead of Halloween.

ESRI Migration Study & Regional Demographics: Researcher Evan Carron-Kee breaks down the findings of a major new Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study examining spatial migration patterns across Ireland. Evan discusses how migrant populations are distributed between urban and rural settings, housing tenure trends, and what the data means for local integration services in regional counties like Donegal.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Monday| 19/10/26 appeared first on 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:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Friday| 16/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

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:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 15/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

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:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Wednesday| 14/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

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:

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