Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

This week on The Score…

We cross over to Kevin McLaughlin for live updates from Derry City’s Europa League R1 Qualifier with CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria and former Harps captain Joe Boyle takes a look at the current lay of the land in the League Of Ireland.

Plus, we hear from Joe Coll about the upcoming 5-a-side football tournament on Inishbofin this weekend and speak to Gavin Carlin who is once again bringing academy players from the USA to the Foyle Cup in Derry…

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Donna-Marie Doherty steps into the presenter’s chair for today’s program.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with a thorough review of the front pages, tracking major headlines from Donald Trump’s high-profile geopolitical intervention regarding a ceasefire, down to a powerful letter written by a 14-year-old to the Tír Chonaill Tribune calling out the aggressive, in-your-face marketing pushing nicotine and vaping products onto young teenagers.

Pushback Over Surging Road Fatalities: Debbie Mullan, Chairperson of Road Victim Support Northern Ireland-Donegal, reacts strongly to claims from the Road Safety Authority suggesting that Ireland’s recent spike in road deaths is primarily tied to a growing population. Debbie challenges this perspective, arguing for deeper systemic accountability and stronger enforcement rather than statistical excuses.

Rural & Gaeltacht Housing Left Behind: Cllr Declan Meehan joins the show to analyze the latest local housing numbers. He voices deep concerns that rural and Gaeltacht communities are fundamentally being left behind by current national housing frameworks, threatening the demographic and linguistic survival of these areas.

Defective Concrete Blocks Works: Donal Walker, Assistant Senior Engineer for Housing Capital with Donegal County Council, joins Donna-Marie to deliver an update on local authority social housing. He outlines the rolling out of minor defective concrete block works, designed to essentially “patch together” affected social housing units and maintain structural safety until a permanent, full remediation scheme is fully established.

Earagail Arts Festival Launch: We look forward to a spectacular celebration of local culture as Earagail Arts Festival CEO and Artistic Director Paul Browne joins us ahead of the official festival launch this evening.

Also in-studio are renowned traditional musicians Grace Toland and Lorna McLaughlin, who are both performing as part of this year’s festival lineup. We are treated to a beautiful live performance by Grace, and we chat with Lorna about her busy festival schedule both as a member of the acclaimed local group The Henry Girls and in her role as director of the Inishowen Traditional Choir.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore stops by to preview this week’s Business Matters podcast, catching us up on all the essential commercial, enterprise, and economic news shaping the Donegal landscape.

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

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Today we address frustrating local infrastructure stalemates, crucial advice for farmers impacted by major road developments, an explosive investigation into predatory gambling, and the political fallout of a major international resignation.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our thorough daily review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning.

The Roadside Hedge Cutting Row: Cllr Michael McClafferty joins Greg to tackle the growing community frustration surrounding overgrown hedges encroaching onto rural roads and footpaths. He breaks down the complicated blame game between private landowners and the local authority, both of whom seem to be at a complete standstill on enforcement.

Ten-T Road Project Advice: Joe Sweeney of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) issues an urgent appeal to Donegal farmers whose lands will be impacted by the upcoming Ten-T major road development project. He strongly encourages landowners to secure expert representation and professional advice early to ensure they secure the best possible deal and protections.

Exposing Predatory Gambling: Irish Times journalist Mark Tighe joins the show to outline his year-long investigation into the dark side of the gambling industry. He exposes how unlicensed, black-market operators are intentionally targeting vulnerable problem gamblers, bypassing regulatory safeguards with devastating financial consequences.

Social Housing “Patch-Up” Backlash: 100% Redress Party TD Charles Ward reacts strongly to news that the local council is issuing tenders to perform temporary, cosmetic repairs on social housing units structurally compromised by defective concrete blocks. Ward argues that “patch-up” jobs are an insult to affected tenants who deserve permanent, structural remediation.

Nigel Farage’s Calculated Gamble: Political commentator Richard Logue weighs in on the breaking news surrounding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s abrupt resignation as an MP for Clacton to force a by-election amidst parliamentary standards inquiries. Logue analyzes Farage’s growing political woes and explains why this high-stakes strategy might not be working out exactly as he planned.

In the Garden with Paul: We close out today’s episode on a brighter note as our resident gardening expert, Paul, drops by the studio to take your questions and offer essential mid-summer tips to keep your lawns, flowers, and vegetable patches thriving.

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Today we cover a powerful vow for justice following a shocking courtroom verdict, an inspirational academic milestone, emerging global regulations for farming, and the latest local safety updates.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our thorough review of the front pages, looking at everything from Donald Trump’s high-profile World Cup intervention to mounting calls for tighter e-scooter safety regulations.

No Stone Unturned for Lyra McKee: Following the shocking not-guilty verdicts handed down to three men accused of the 2019 murder of journalist Lyra McKee, her sister, Nichola McKee Corner, joins Greg. In a deeply moving interview, she reaffirms the family’s fierce determination, vowing that “no stone will be left unturned” in their unrelenting pursuit of justice and accountability.

Alternative Paths to Success: In an inspiring segment for students, Lucy Sheridan joins the studio to share her remarkable journey. Having left school at just 16 years old, she recently achieved a Master’s degree, delivering a powerful message that there are always alternative, non-traditional routes to reaching your career and educational goals.

The Reality of ‘No Wait’ Access: Local listener Danny weighs in on the No Wait Cards initiative. He bravely shares his personal experiences navigating the daily challenges of incontinence, recalling a striking contrast from a trip to Rhodes back in the 1980s, where standardized, urgent public toilet access for those in medical need was already seamlessly ahead of its time.

Shades of Red on the Weather Map: Met Éireann meteorologist Joanna Donnelly joins Greg to look ahead to a highly anticipated warm spell arriving in the coming days. She also addresses the evolution of modern weather warnings, discussing the science and intent behind the deeper shades of red now being deployed on extreme meteorological maps.

Community Garda Information: Garda Shane Sweeney delivers this week’s essential frontline brief, catching us up on regional crime trends, road safety reminders ahead of the good weather, and active local witness appeals.

Killybegs Fire Fundraiser Update: We bring you an heartening update on the community fundraising campaign for the local family who tragically lost everything they owned in a devastating house fire in Killybegs last month, highlighting the incredible generosity of the Donegal public.

Paid Leave for Farmers? Dennis Drennan, President of the ICMSA, joins the show to break down controversial new EU proposals that aim to mandate paid holidays and statutory sick leave for farmers, weighing the benefits of social protections against the immense practical challenges of managing independent agricultural holdings.

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This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney talks Ladies football with Maureen O’Donnell and Katy Herron plus Donegal U20 Ladies Manager Dessie McNamara looks ahead to the All Ireland Final and in a London special Brendan speaks with coach Michael Boyle and selector Stephen Collins.

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

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Today we address a profound tragedy on Inishowen’s roads, high-profile media justice reactions, navigating the medical cross-border system, and cultural upgrades in the county.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning.

NUJ Reacts to Journalist Murder Trial Verdict: Seamus Dooley of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) joins the show to share the union’s strong reaction following the not-guilty verdicts handed down in the trial of three men accused of a high-profile journalist’s murder, addressing what this outcome means for press freedom and justice.

Tragic Inishowen Collision Appeal: Inspector Jonathan Sweeney makes an urgent, solemn appeal for information following the devastating weekend collision at Kinnego Cross, Ballymagan, which claimed the life of 21-year-old Aaron Friel from Buncrana and left three other young people injured. Gardaí are urging any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to step forward.

Beating the HSE Waiting Lists Abroad: Louise Flanagan from Letterkenny Babies joins Greg to share her firsthand experience of bypassing long HSE waiting lists by utilizing cross-border health schemes to receive essential medical treatment abroad, offering vital advice for local parents facing similar healthcare delays.

The Reality of Hidden Urgency: Ahead of an important awareness day this Thursday, Maria Crowe from No Wait Cards Ireland speaks to us about the daily struggles faced by individuals living with hidden disabilities and medical conditions that require immediate, urgent access to toilet facilities.

Parent & Toddler Parking Abuse: Local listener Wendy takes to the airwaves to express her deep frustration over the blatant misuse of dedicated Parent and Toddler parking spaces by motorists without children. She calls for stricter supermarket and local authority enforcement to protect these essential bays.

An Grianán Theatre Expands: Patricia McBride, Director of An Grianán Theatre, joins the studio to celebrate the official opening of a brand-new, revamped studio space at the Letterkenny facility, discussing how this modern creative hub will benefit local performing artists and youth theater.

The DL Debate Preview: GAA pundit Brendan Devenney stops by to preview this evening’s DL Debate podcast, reflecting on a stellar and uplifting weekend win for the Donegal Ladies’ football team.

The Big MSG Wedding: Our very own newsroom ‘Swiftie’, Katie Gillen, wraps up the show with all the glamorous, viral details surrounding the massive, star-studded wedding that has taken over New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

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Today we address the political importance of Ireland’s EU leadership role, a looming legislative showdown over blood sports, local concerns regarding vehicle theft spikes, and an alarming report detailing the harsh reality faced by women in public office.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Midlands–North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly, Brendan Byrne (CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association), and John McAteer (Editor of the Turlough/Tír Chonaill Tribune) join Greg in-studio to tackle a packed agenda:

Ireland’s EU Presidency: With Ireland preparing to take the reins of the Council of the European Union, the panel debates whether holding the rotating presidency is a vital opportunity to shape continental policy or simply a costly bureaucratic distraction.

The Dáil Hare Coursing Vote: Ahead of an upcoming Dáil vote, our guests clash over whether it is finally time to implement a permanent ban on live hare coursing in Ireland.

The Fate of Pier Jumping: Following controversial safety restrictions along our coastlines, the panel weighs in on whether traditional pier jumping should be strictly regulated or preserved as a rite of passage for Donegal youth.

N13 Speed Camera Surge: Damien O’Dowd, Editor of Inish Live, joins the show to discuss eye-opening new data from the N13. He reveals a remarkably high rate of speeding detections captured by the route’s static safety cameras, raising questions about motorist behavior on the primary road.

Vehicle Theft Spike in Donegal: Donegal’s Garda Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Fergus McGroary, delivers a stark warning following a notable rise in thefts from cars and vans across the county. He outlines the specific tactics criminals are using and delivers essential security advice for vehicle owners.

Abuse Targeting Women in Politics: We delve into a disturbing new report exposing the toxic environment surrounding female politicians in Ireland. Representatives join the show to discuss the incredibly high levels of online harassment and in-person abuse directed at women in elected positions, discussing how it threatens democracy and deters future leaders.

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This week, we are joined by a truly global heavy-hitter in the medical world who remains deeply rooted right here in Donegal. Professor Dennis McGonagle is a clinical academic and top NHS consultant at the University of Leeds. This year, he made history as the first person from the Republic of Ireland to be awarded the prestigious Heberden Medal by the British Society for Rheumatology.

In this brilliant, wide-ranging, and at times deeply emotional conversation, we step outside the lab to look back at his early days growing up in Glengad and his self-admitted “smart-ass” school days at Carndonagh Community School.

Dennis shares powerful insights from his 30-year career at the forefront of understanding autoimmune diseases, tracking the incredible evolution of modern treatments that save lives today. We also tackle the hype surrounding stem cell research, with Dennis issuing a sharp warning against the “cowboy businesses” exploiting vulnerable patients.

This is a casual chat that covers an extraordinary amount of ground—delving into everything from the daily realities of gout to the unexpected effects of space travel on the human body. Plus, Dennis explains a fascinating scientific twist: how he is collaborating with companies using Donegal alpacas—tied to his brother’s venture, the Wild Alpaca Way—to develop advanced treatments for human arthritis.

An inspiring, funny, and profoundly honest conversation with one of Ireland’s finest medical minds.

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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at a new business called Getmorecustomersonline.ie

It was founded by Letterkenny based Derrick Fotar, originally from Cameroon, who spent many years working in IT and finance in Dublin before moving to Donegal.

He is using his expertise to guide and help clients to get not just more traffic to their online platforms but to ensure they are targeting the customers who are more likely to get them additional business.

His client base is growing and he recently became a member of Letterkenny Chamber.

He came into studio to speak to Chris about his business, and how he intends to develop it.

You can listen to the full programme here:

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This week on The Score…

We delve more into the proposed takeover at Finn Harps as we hear more from potential investor Freddie Gonzalez while Anthony Gorman will preview this week’s games for Finn Harps & Derry City in the SSE Airtricity League.

We also hear from headliner Danny Duffy ahead of this Saturday’s Fight Night At The Valley 2 event in the Twin Towns and Paul O’Donnell joins us to talk all things American Football as a big weekend beckons for the North West Vipers…

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