Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney takes a looks at the All Ireland Championship and more with Jason Byrne, Head of Sport with the Irish Sun, Highland’s Match Analyst Brendan Kilcoyne and Colm Parkinson’s of the Smaller Fish Podcast.

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

The post The DL Debate – 15/06/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address a massive local uproar over a pier jumping ban, analyze Donegal’s tough championship road ahead, track a frustrating ongoing water outage, raise vital medical awareness, and look at the alarming link between major sporting tournaments and domestic violence.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the week with our signature digest of the national and local newspapers, tracking the leading stories dominating the headlines today.

The Portnablagh Pier Jumping Ban: A controversial council decision to ban pier jumping from the popular Portnablagh Pier has sparked massive debate. We open the phone lines to listeners to voice the pros and cons. The response was unprecedented, with callers raising deep concerns that this traditional summer activity could soon be outlawed at piers right across the county, balancing public safety liability against local summer culture.

Rebuilding for Dublin & The Road to the All-Ireland: Our GAA analyst Brendan Devenney is live in studio to reflect on Donegal’s tough defeat to Cork in Ballybofey. He breaks down where things went wrong, assesses our critical upcoming Round 3 clash against Dublin, and outlines exactly what tactical adjustments Jim McGuinness’s men need to make if they want to stay in the hunt for the All-Ireland Championship.

St. John’s Park Water Outage: Local caller David vents his frustration over a serious water burst in the St. John’s Park area. Despite being reported early on Saturday, the leak still hasn’t been fixed, leaving residents stranded without a reliable supply well into Monday.

Raising Awareness for Lipoedema: Aileen Duffy from the Lipoedema Support Network Ireland joins Greg to shed light on Lipoedema, a chronic condition causing a painful build-up of fat cells, typically in the legs and arms, which is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity. She discusses the challenges patients face in Ireland ahead of a major national conference taking place in Cork later this year.

Sport and Domestic Violence Trends: Karol Balfe from ActionAid Ireland joins the show to discuss a deeply worrying global and national trend. She highlights the sharp, statistically proven increase in incidents of domestic and gender-based violence that occurs around major sporting tournaments, discussing what needs to be done to protect vulnerable people during these high-emotion periods.

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Today we dissect a volatile week of protests in Belfast, preview an inspiring long-form interview, launch a massive cultural calendar with international diplomats, and brace for a heavyweight clash in Ballybofey.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Greg is joined in studio by Cllr Ciarán Brogan, Paddy Rooney, and Professor Pat O’Connor for an intense and unfiltered debate. They dissect the recent escalating tensions and subsequent protests in Belfast. The segment sparked a massive live response on the text lines, with listeners weighing in heavily on the political fallout, cross-border community relations, and what these demonstrations signal for stability across the region.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We look ahead to this week’s long-form podcast drop featuring guest Carolynn Murray. Greg plays an exclusive preview clip detailing Carolynn’s deeply moving and inspiring journey—exploring how she navigated through immense personal tragedy to rebuild her life and carve out a path to true success.

Errigal Arts Festival 2026 Launch: A major boost for the Northwest cultural scene. His Excellency Mr. Artur Michalski is in Donegal to officially unveil the vibrant 2026 Earagail Arts Festival brochure and programme. He drops into the studio to chat about the incredible 15-day lineup of music, theatre, and circus acts hitting the county this July, highlighting the international and local cultural connections to this year’s launch.

Heavyweight GAA Preview: The countdown is officially on for tomorrow’s massive All-Ireland Senior Football Championship clash between Donegal and Cork at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey. Mary Coughlan, Chairperson of the Donegal GAA County Board, joins Greg to look ahead to the logistics, the anticipated atmosphere in the twin towns, and the high stakes for Jim McGuinness’s men on home soil.

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 12/06/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this episode, we sit down with Carolynne Murray, Director & General Manager of the Shandon Hotel & Spa and Chairperson of the Donegal branch of the Irish Hotels Federation.

Carolynne’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. Growing up in Derry, she learned early on that true strength is often found in the quiet sacrifices made by parents to create a better future. Her path to leadership was shaped by immense personal challenges in her youth, forcing her to develop independence and a firm belief that your beginnings do not dictate your destination.

Today, Carolynne shares her perspective on modern leadership, the importance of fostering regional excellence in the Northwest, and why she now views every professional decision through the lens of legacy. We discuss how navigating life’s most difficult chapters has shifted her focus from traditional achievements to the values of safety, kindness, and security she hopes to instill in her daughters.

In this episode, we cover:

The Power of Perspective: How a childhood memory—a simple tracksuit—became a lifelong symbol of possibility and sacrifice.

Leading Through Adversity: How Carolynne’s early personal losses forged her capacity to think independently and lead with empathy.

Beyond the Resume: Why she believes professional titles take a backseat to the legacy of being a positive role model for her children.

Regional Pride: Why the Northwest is a hub for excellence and why she is passionate about proving that ambition isn’t just for capital cities.

Strength & Kindness: Her philosophy on how to hold space for both high-level business goals and the human element of leadership.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 23: Carolynne Murray – Strength Forged in Loss appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Food Coast Donegal network which recently launched a new website, and he also learns about  a multi-million euro investment in the hi-tech photonics microchips education and research centre.

First up, he was joined by Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator, and Seamus McDaid, chair of Food Coast Donegal and Managing Director of Football Special, to talk about the continued evolvement and success of the Food Coast Donegal network. 

Food Coast Donegal has launched a new website and interactive map, bringing together producers, experiences, and the wider Donegal food story in a single platform accessible to consumers, visitors, and trade audiences worldwide.

Also this week Chris has been finding out about the creation of a Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research Centre, which will be known as the Spear Centre. Photonics is essentially the science and technology of using light. Photonic chips are microchips that use light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) to process and transmit information, enabling faster, energy-efficient, and high-bandwidth computing and communication. The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded €8.46 million in funding for this and it has been described as a game-changing investment for the north-west region and is set to drive a new wave of innovation, upskilling, and entrepreneurship.  Roadshows are taking place in Letterkenny, Derry, Buncrana and Ballymena in relation to the new SPEAR Centre.

Project lead, Nick Timmons spoke with Chris about the considerable potential that this can bring to the region.

You can listen to the full programme here:

The post Business Matters – Ep 300 – Food Coast Donegal’s new website – plus a hi-tech photonics education and research centre boost for the north west appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Score…

We’re joined by our Derry City Correspondent Martin Holmes as Mark Connolly was announced as the club’s new Director Of Football today.

We also hear from former Finn Harps captain Gavin Cullen for a preview of this week’s LOI games for Harps & Derry.

Darran Nash takes a trip down memory lane to look back at Fanad United’s sensational run to glory in the 2006 Ulster Senior League.

Plus, as a massive weekend in GAA beckons, Ryan Ferry joins us to look ahead to the action…

The post The Score – 11/06/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: Donna-Marie Doherty kicks off the show with our daily scan of the front pages as the national and local papers hit the shelves.

The Cost of Underinsurance: Gillian Devereux, Insurance Adjuster at Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC, joins the show to discuss a worrying trend of people underinsuring their properties and paying a devastating financial price when they need to make a claim.

Hospital Road Bottleneck Fears: John Hegarty of Sean Hegarty & Sons Haulage Limited raises serious safety concerns over the newly configured road by the hospital, warning it is now far too narrow to allow emergency vehicles to pass if two large lorries meet on the route.

Council & Transport Backing: Cllr Donal “Mandy” Kelly weighs in on the hospital road gridlock, revealing that local bus operators share the exact same anxieties and confirming that a high-level meeting has been organized with the Roads Director of Donegal County Council to find a solution.

A Plea for Peace: Bishop Donal McKeown issues a powerful call for calm, unity, and reconciliation in the wake of recent riots and civil unrest in Belfast and Derry.

Bringing Uber to Donegal: Cllr Micheal Naughton outlines his campaign to bring ride-hailing and taxi apps like Uber into the county, explaining to Donna-Marie how it could inject vital new life into South Donegal’s nighttime economy.

I Love Inishowen Day 2026: Niall McCaughan, manager of Go Visit Inishowen joins the program to flag what promises to be a spectacular celebration of the peninsula this coming Saturday, detailing the local events and community spirit on display.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore is live in studio to give us an exclusive look ahead at the key stories and local interviews featured in this week’s upcoming episode of the Business Matters podcast.

Stream the full Thursday broadcast and listen back here:

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A morning packed with crucial discussions on local community safety, an exclusive inside look at a historic sporting farewell, and the final call for public input on one of Donegal’s greatest natural gems.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We begin with our daily scan of the front pages as the national and local papers hit the shelves.

Future of Glenveagh National Park: Dr Emmitt Johnstone, Regional Manager of Glenveagh National Park, joins Greg live in studio. He outlines the public’s final chance to have their say on the critical Visitor Experience Development and Management Plan, while addressing ongoing staff shortages and what they mean for the overall visitor experience this season.

Katie Taylor’s Croke Park Farewell: We bring you an exclusive chat straight from the tour bus of boxing legend Katie Taylor ahead of her massive final fight in Croke Park this September. We also catch up with Donegal man Paddy Doherty, who holds the historic distinction of being the last Irish person to fight in the iconic stadium.

Illegal Taxis & Regulatory Red Tape: Solicitor Frank Murphy joins the show after representing three individuals in the Buncrana area who were found to be illegally operating a taxi service. He explains why a lack of local transport options, mixed with excessive regulatory red tape from the regulator, is fueling the problem.

Community & Education: Concerned parent Claire McGroarty issues an urgent plea to the powers that be. She highlights growing safety anxieties surrounding chaotic traffic and speed at Frosses National School, demanding immediate intervention before an accident happens.

Lifestyle & Gardening: Paul McLoughlin is back in studio to add some color to your Wednesday. He talks all things seasonal gardening and opens up the phone lines to solve our listeners’ burning green-thumb dilemmas.

Stream the full Wednesday broadcast and listen back here:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 10/06/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney looks ahead to Donegal v Cork with 2012 All Ireland winner and former Donegal Captain Patrick McBrearty, along with former Donegal player John Gildea and Cork GAA writer Denis Hurley.

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

The post The DL Debate – 08/06/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we feature an in-depth, balanced discussion on the complexities of immigration, preview massive GAA action, look ahead to summer youth programs, and launch a lively fundraiser for the Donegal Hospice.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the broadcast by combing through the front pages of the morning papers, analyzing the top regional and national stories leading the news cycle.

The Immigration Debate: Siobhan Cullen, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Consultant, joins Greg for an in-depth and balanced conversation regarding changing public attitudes toward migration. While discussing the importance of tackling prejudice and fostering community integration, the segment also addresses the genuine, practical concerns being raised by local communities—including the immense pressure on local GP practices, school places, housing infrastructure, and the overall capacity of rural towns to absorb rapid population growth.

Countdown to Cork: Our GAA analyst Brendan Devenney drops by the studio to preview a massive tactical weekend for the county. He looks ahead to the highly anticipated Donegal v Cork clash and gives us a preview of the heated debates lined up for tonight’s DL Debate podcast.

Summer with Donegal Youth Service: Laura Byrne, Elevate 55 Project Worker with the Donegal Youth Service, outlines the exciting, jam-packed calendar of events and safe-space programs hitting the county for young people over the summer months.

The Campaign to Ban Sulky Racing: Conor Dowling from the ISPCA joins the show to discuss the organization’s escalating campaign to protect animal welfare. He encourages listeners to back and sign their national petition aimed at implementing a total ban on sulky racing on public roads.

Jive for June is Back!: We close out the morning with a celebration of local care. Isobel Rodgers from the Donegal Hospice and Jamie Sweeney from FinTru are live in studio. They discuss the vital, free palliative care services the hospice provides to the county, celebrate the massive success of the “Jive for June” campaign in 2025, and issue an enthusiastic call for people to get their dancing shoes on and register for this year’s events.

Stream the full episode and stay ahead of the local news:

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