Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

Today we bring you our Friday Panel debating legislative showdowns in the Dáil, check in on listener feedback, preview a deeply personal podcast episode on mental health and recovery, and bring spooktacular Halloween fun into the studio.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Aontú Donegal Chair Rebecca McDaid, Sinn Féin Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, and Tír Chonaill Tribune Editor John McAteer join Greg in studio to debate the week’s biggest national political battles:

The Triple Lock Vote: The panel reacts to the Dáil vote approving the Second Stage of the Defence Amendment Bill (passing 79–71), debating whether removing the UN Security Council mandate requirement compromises Irish military neutrality or updates foreign policy for modern security realities.

Dáil Debate on Non-Binary & Intersex Legal Recognition: A sharp exchange on the Dáil debate surrounding the Non-Binary and Intersex Recognition Bill. The panel discusses the government’s decision to oppose the proposed legislation as currently drafted, weighing up constitutional considerations, legal identity markers, and civil rights protections for non-binary and intersex individuals.

Your Say – Audience Reactions: Greg catches up on a busy inbox of listener texts, calls, and comments reacting to the political debate, local issues, and community concerns from across County Donegal.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview – Nikki Hayes: We feature an exclusive preview clip from the latest episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast. Former high-profile radio presenter Nikki Hayes candidly shares her powerful personal story—tracing her journey from broadcast stardom through severe mental illness, addiction, and rock-bottom homelessness, to finding recovery and building her life back.

Halloween Spooktacular – The Dreadwood Experience: Studio celebrations kick off as we preview Falcarragh’s premier Halloween attraction, The Dreadwood Experience. Doireann McFadden drops in alongside some terrifying studio guests—including The Grim Reaper and a particularly scary-looking Skeleton—to detail the thrills, frights, and community effort behind this year’s haunted trail.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Friday| 23/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

For years, Nikki Hayes was one of the most recognizable voices on Irish radio. From RTÉ 2FM to SPIN 1038, she enjoyed the kind of career many could only dream of. But behind the familiar voice and public success, a very different story was unfolding.

Addiction would eventually cost Nikki almost everything. Her career, her home, her relationships and, for a time, the life she had built. At her lowest point, the woman who had once entertained audiences across Ireland was sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin, feeling invisible to the world around her.

In this deeply personal conversation with Greg Hughes, Nikki’s extraordinary story takes us from the highs of national recognition to the devastating realities of alcohol addiction, homelessness and rock bottom.

But this is also a story of survival, recovery and second chances.

Nikki reflects on the long road back, the people who helped her rebuild her life, the importance of taking responsibility and the hope she now offers others facing their own struggles.

Today, back working in radio and using her experience to advocate for people affected by addiction, Nikki Hayes has found a new purpose.

An extraordinary journey from having it all, to losing almost everything, and discovering what really matters.

This is The Greg Hughes Podcast.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep45 : Nikki Hayes: Stardom to Homelessness – Addiction, Rock Bottom and the Road Back appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Score…

In our soccer segment, we speak with Carndonagh manager Gerard Crossan to reflect on how the Inishowen Football League season has panned out so far and we hear from the Derry City camp ahead of their LOI clash with Dundalk on Friday.

Plus, Michael McMullan of The Gaelic Life looks ahead to the Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh Senior Football Finals this weekend, Jason Quigley talks Rumble in the Hills 3 and, in greyhound racing, Peter Crawford previews the upcoming Lifford Oaks…

The post The Score – 22/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we cover Dáil votes on Irish military neutrality legislation, acute policing shortages in West Donegal, banking software glitches impacting local ATM withdrawals, and ongoing features celebrating Donegal enterprise.

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.

Dáil Votes on the Triple Lock & Gender Legislation: We unpack major legislative debates occurring in Leinster House this week:

Sinn Féin Opposition: Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn reacts to the narrow 79–71 Dáil vote approving the first stage of legislation to remove Ireland’s “Triple Lock” mechanism. Deputy Mac Lochlainn argues that dismantling UN authorization safeguards undermines national neutrality and peacekeeping integrity, while also weighing in on Dáil debates regarding gender marker updates for birth registrations.

Bunbeg Policing Shortages & Rural Safety: Government Deputy Pat “the Cope” Gallagher echoes concerns regarding the Triple Lock vote before turning to urgent local policing deficits in West Donegal. Deputy Gallagher highlights that Bunbeg Garda Station is currently operating without a dedicated Sergeant and with just six station Gardaí, warning that depleted manpower leaves local communities vulnerable.

ATM Retraction & Revolut Refund Delays: Listener Kelsie calls in to detail an ongoing financial headache following a transaction error. Kelsie explains that after attempting an ATM cash withdrawal, the physical notes were drawn back into the machine before she could take them—yet Revolut has failed to credit her account, leaving her out of pocket and struggling to navigate automated customer support.

DLDC Enterprise Feature – Celebrating Donegal’s Entrepreneurs: Continuing our series with Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), studio guests Paddy Gallagher and Caroline Crumlish drop into the studio. They discuss local enterprise initiatives, small business mentorship, and how DLDC funding helps turn local ideas into sustainable West Donegal businesses.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore delivers today’s commercial news roundup and previews the key topics 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| 22/10/2026 appeared first on 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:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Wednesday| 21/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

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:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Tuesday| 20/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

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.