Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

We wrap up the week with an intense Friday Panel dealing with demographic and social changes, legal fights over Irish turf, and an inspiring story of turning life around from rock bottom.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Greg is joined in studio by Mary T. Sweeney (Aontú), former Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan, and “the wee Donegal mammy” Emma Govha for an unfiltered look at the country’s shifting landscape:

Ireland’s Declining Birthrate: Following recent data indicating a sharp drop in the national birthrate, the panel looks at the driving forces behind the trend—from the surging cost of living and housing gridlock to changing societal norms. The debate turns intensely ideological as the panel examines if there is a direct correlation with the rate of abortion, and questions what a shrinking native population means for the economic and cultural future of the country.

Scrapping the Triple Lock: The panel shifts focus to national security and defense, debating the Government’s controversial intention to dismantle the “Triple Lock” mechanism. Is it a necessary step to modernize our defense forces in a volatile global climate, or a dangerous threat to Ireland’s traditional military neutrality?

The Greg Hughes Podcast with Francie McGinley: We preview Episode 22 of the long-form podcast, dropping today. Greg plays an exclusive clip from guest Francie McGinley (owner of Intensity Fitness & ECA Donegal). He shares a powerful, raw snippet of his journey, “Two Paths, One Choice: The Route to Success,” detailing how he dragged himself out of rock bottom to build a thriving business.

The Legal Eagle on Peat Extraction: Legal expert Seamus Gunn joins the show to break down the massive news that the European Union is taking Ireland to court over its failure to protect peat bogs and regulate turf cutting. Seamus explains the complex environmental laws behind the case and takes listener questions on right-of-ways, boundary disputes, and property law.

Scroll Patrol: Shannen Wilkin drops into the studio for her regular Friday look at the digital world, checking out the viral trends, local talking points, and memes making a splash on social media across Donegal this week.

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What does it take to completely turn your life around when you’re facing rock bottom?

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, Greg sits down with Donegal entrepreneur Francie, who at just 31 years old has built two thriving fitness businesses in the county: Intensity Fitness and ECA Donegal.

But his path to success was far from traditional. After being sentenced to two years in prison—a term ultimately replaced by a 240-hour community service order—Francie used that pivotal moment to completely reinvent his future. Moving from a humble setup in his mum’s garage to qualifying 80 new coaches and building a massive, supportive fitness community, his story is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and redemption.

In this episode, we dive deep into the reality of modern mental health, why comfort is the enemy of growth, and how a post-COVID shift toward isolation is impacting our well-being. If you need a reminder that your future self will thank you for doing the uncomfortable things today, this conversation is for you.

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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Letterkenny man John Logue who is the CEO of Social Enterprises Republic of Ireland (SERI), and who has been appointed to the Government’s SME Advisory Group to represent the interests of Ireland’s 4,355 social enterprises.

In the programme he talks about the importance of social enterprises where the social return is the driving force rather than profit.

Chris has also been speaking with India Kennedy from Donegal Town who has just taken up a role as as Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation Aodh O Donnell.

India will be based primarily in Brussels but will support the Killybegs-based organisation’s work in Ireland and across EU institutions.

You can listen to the full programme here:

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This week on The Score, Highland’s Big Match Pundit Brendan Devenney takes a look at the All Ireland Championship second round draw. We’ll preview Mark English’s run in Rome at the Diamond League meeting.

The second round draw has been made for the FAI Senior Cup – Joe Boyle runs his eye over the ties for Finn Harps and Derry City and we get an update on how the Finn Harps women’s teams are doing from Head of Women’s Development Paddy McDaid…

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Today we tackle the widespread frustration over the GAA’s decision to leave Donegal fans in the dark this weekend, look closely at what the new IS465 technical guidelines mean for homeowners, and fix our recycling habits.

Inside Today’s Episode:

Left in the Dark (Opening Op-Ed): Greg kicks off the show with a passionate opening commentary condemning the decision to leave Donegal’s upcoming clash against Cork completely off our television screens. Why are loyal fans being forced to miss out on the championship action?

The Morning Press: We review the front pages of the local and national newspapers, tracking the top stories leading the day’s news agenda.

Reflecting on the New IS465 Guidance: Following the highly anticipated release of the updated IS465 technical guidelines for the Defective Concrete Block crisis, Deputy Charles Ward (100% Redress) and Cllr Martin McDermott join Greg to share their analyzed reflections. They break down what these technical tweaks actually mean for affected families on the ground and whether the updates go far enough to deliver true remediation.

The GAA Blackout Debate: The broadcasting frustration deepens. Highland Radio Sports Editor Oisín Kelly and Cllr Jack Murray join Greg to discuss the baffling news that three massive matches in the next round of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship will receive absolutely no television or streaming coverage. We look at the growing disconnect between GAA headquarters and rural supporters who cannot travel across the country every weekend.

Are You Using Your Brown Bin Right?: We chat with a representative from MyWaste.ie for a much-needed reality check on our household waste. It turns out a huge percentage of households are still using their brown compost bins incorrectly—we find out what common items are secretly ruining the composting process.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore drops into the studio with his weekly roundup of the Northwest business headlines and gives us a sneak peek at what’s coming up on this week’s Business Matters podcast.

Stream today’s full episode here:

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Today we bring you a highly anticipated road safety victory in St. Johnston, a devastating eviction loophole in Strabane, an emotional appeal from the Donegal Piper, and the great end-of-school-year teacher gift debate.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the morning with our daily review of the leading local and national headlines shaping the conversation today.

Good News for the Back Lone Road: Campaign leader Alice Lynch returns to the studio with a brilliant update for the St. Johnston community. Following a tireless campaign regarding a dangerously narrow stretch of the Back Lone Road, she confirms that local residents are teaming up with Donegal County Council to expedite the installation of much-needed vehicle lay-bys.

The Succession Rights Loophole: Strabane Cllr Jason Barr highlights a devastating housing issue after three local families were hit with eviction notices from council homes. He explains the cruel lack of “succession rights” that forces families out of their homes when their parents pass away and calls for urgent policy reform.

Carlisle Road Studio Appeal: Derry business owner Lisa Lynch issues a public appeal for information following a targeted break-in at her photography studio on the Carlisle Road. She discusses the immense impact of having thousands of euros worth of professional, expensive camera equipment stolen.

An Appeal from the Donegal Piper: In a deeply emotional interview, well-known traditional musician Christy Murray joins Greg to speak about his 36-year-old nephew, Ronan Strain, who has been missing from Dublin for 20 days. Believed to have entered the water at Howth Head, Christy appeals to the public and coastal communities to spread the word to help bring Ronan home and give the family closure.

The Teacher Gift Debate: As the school year winds down, teacher Tina McLoughlin joins the show to unpack the perennial debate: Should parents buy end-of-year gifts for teachers and SNAs? We take listener feedback on the escalating pressure, costs, and whether a simple “thank you” card is enough.

30 Years of the Donegal Traveller Project: Siobhan McLaughlin (Manager of the DTP) and Hugh Friel (Roma Health Co-ordinator) look ahead to a major milestone conference in Letterkenny tomorrow. They reflect on three decades of advocacy, cultural preservation, and the ongoing fight for healthcare and social equality.

The Power of Breathwork: To close the morning, Niall McHugo of The Breathwork Project drops into the studio. He explains the science behind conscious breathing techniques and how simple daily practices can lower cortisol levels, manage anxiety, and improve overall focus.

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Today we address the introduction of dynamic electricity pricing, a massive proposed powerdown protest, Donegal’s lucky championship draw, and local outrage over environmental damage on our beaches.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: Donna-Marie Doherty kicks off the show with a thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national stories breaking this morning.

The Cost of Living & Dynamic Pricing: Professor Lisa Ryan joins the show to break down the newly introduced “dynamic pricing” models mandated for Irish electricity customers. With an 8% price hike scheduled to hit consumers next month, she explains what real-time pricing means for your monthly bills. Meanwhile, caller John phones in calling on the people of Donegal and Ireland to join a coordinated protest by implementing a total “powerdown” on July 1st from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM to send a clear message to energy providers.

Donegal GAA’s Lucky Draw: Head of Sport at Highland Radio, Oisín Kelly, stops by the studio to analyze the freshly completed Gaelic football championship draws. He outlines a massive stroke of luck for the home side, as Cork will now have to make the long journey up to Ballybofey to face Donegal.

Beach Blight at Braade: Cllr Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig hits out at a group of irresponsible campers. The councillor expresses absolute disgust after Braade Beach was left littered with bottles, rubbish, and even an abandoned tent, slamming their decision to light an open fire as incredibly reckless.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gerard McNamee delivers the weekly community information slot, issuing the latest security notices, local crime updates, and safety advice affecting the Donegal division.

Defective Concrete Blocks Update: Professor Paul Dunlop joins Donna-Marie to dissect the latest breaking developments surrounding the IS465 standard for defective concrete blocks, providing expert analysis on what these changes mean for affected homeowners fighting for redress.

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

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On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

He speaks with Patricia Doherty about the business, which was set up by her parents, and looks at the changes and challenges and how the park has expanded .

She is also the Chairperson of the Irish Caravan and Camping Council and she explains what the role entails.

Also in this edition, Chris finds out more about plans to develop a Donegal Repair Cafes Network. He has been finding out more from Martin McDevitt, Community Development Manager with the Donegal Local Development Company.

You can listen to the full programme here:

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Donna-Marie Doherty presents today with a morning heavily focused on international sporting boycotts, local school safety, and a massive weekend ahead for transport enthusiasts in Letterkenny.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Donna-Marie is joined by 100% Redress Cllr Denis McGee, Sinn Féin Representative Niamh McGuinness, and Managing Director of Football Special Seamus Mc Daid to unpack a heavy week of news, discussing Israel, driving, and local protests:

Sporting Boycotts: The panel debates the political and sporting fallout of an apparent ministerial boycott of the upcoming Ireland vs. Israel match.

School Protests vs. Harassment: Following deeply concerning incidents at schools in Milford, the team asks the tough question: where do we draw the line between a peaceful protest and targeted harassment?

Road Safety Frustrations:  Could high-vis vests become as mandatory as seatbelts? We discuss a new motion from Clare County Council that aims to make high-visibility clothing a legal requirement for pedestrians and cyclists to cut down on road casualties.

Distracted Driving Epidemic: The road safety conversation continues with driving instructor David Scanlon, who highlights the growing danger of phone use by pedestrians. Meanwhile, local caller Sean brings a stark reality check to the airwaves, recounting how he witnessed two HGV drivers and a bus driver all operating their mobile phones while driving past his own garden.

20th Northwest Truck Fest: Great news for local tourism and transport enthusiasts! Richard Browne joins the show to give us an exclusive preview of the 20th annual Northwest Truck Fest, which kicks off in Letterkenny this weekend. Expect a massive turnout and a fantastic economic boost for the area.

The Scroll Patrol: Shannen Wilkins wraps up the week by taking us on a dive through everything social media—bringing you the funniest, weirdest, and most viral stories dominating online feeds over the last seven days.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We get an exclusive sneak peek at this week’s full-length podcast drop, featuring a remarkably candid, deep-dive interview with Donegal’s own Mickey Joe Harte.

Stream the full Friday broadcast and listen back here:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 29/05/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Over twenty years since he captured the nation’s attention on You’re a Star and represented Ireland at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest with the number-one hit “We’ve Got the World,” Mickey Joe reflects openly on the reality of sudden fame, the mechanics of the music industry, and his life off-stage.

In this candid conversation, Mickey Joe dives deep into the turning points of his career. He opens up about the industry decisions that shaped his path, including his regret over walking away from a major recording contract with Sony Music, and shares his experiences navigating prime-time television, from early reality TV to his recent stint on Dancing with the Stars.

We also explore his life at home, his immense pride in his son Percy, and his extraordinary studio collaborations—including the story behind a fascinating, as-yet-unreleased recording with the late Shane MacGowan. Looking ahead, we discuss his enduring passion for his craft and his future ambitions in an ever-changing music industry.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

The Eurovision Whirlwind: Looking back at 2003, “We’ve Got the World,” and handling the sudden weight of national expectation.

The Sony Crossroads: A raw reflection on the business side of music and the decision to exit a major label recording contract.

Television & The Spotlight: Navigating the pressures of reality television and stepping back onto the floor for Dancing with the Stars.

Family & Advocacy: Life off-stage and his pride in his son Percy’s journey.

Studio Legends: The stories behind his musical collaborations, featuring an exclusive look at an unreleased track recorded with the legendary Shane MacGowan.

The Next Chapter: Staying relevant in the modern music industry and future artistic ambitions.

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