Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out about hundreds of jobs on offer at Vertiv, which has factories in Letterkenny, Burnfoot and Derry, and also hears from Ballybofey man Aiden Thompson and his new business venture The Mind Maze.

First up, Vertiv is undertaking a major recruitment drive with hundreds of positions on offer. This is a truly global company, with more than 34,000 employees worldwide and revenues of more than $10 billion.

The company is hosting an Open Day at An Grianan Hotel in Burt on Wednesday, May 6th, and Fiona Fisher, Senior HR Manager based in Burnfoot has been telling him more about the company, and what it does, and also the positions that are available.

In the second part of the programme, Chris speaks with Ballybofey man Aiden Thompson who is offering psychotherapy and coaching to businesses, individuals and organisations. It’s all very much linked in with mental health and he himself has an very interesting background himself having been a winch man on Search and Rescue helicopter in the north west for many years before suffering a bad injury. 

You can listen to the full programme here:

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Today’s show brings together a powerhouse panel to dissect the week’s biggest headlines, from the heated political landscape of Donegal to a life-saving medical discovery and the latest from the world of law and social media.

The Friday Panel

Greg is joined in studio by our expert panel to debate the issues defining the week:

Cllr Tomás Sean Devine

Professor Pat O’Connor

Mary Harte (Journalist & Author)

On the Agenda:

The DCB Conflict: We dive into the fallout of this week’s controversy between Cllr Liam Blaney and the 100% Redress Party, exploring the friction between the government’s scheme and grassroots advocacy.

Ukraine Support Changes: The panel discusses the government’s latest proposals to scale back supports for Ukrainians in Ireland and what this means for integration and local communities.

Buncrana Hospital “Bed Counting” Row: We address the backlash following the HSE’s admission of a “human error” that led to the double-counting of beds at the Buncrana Community Hospital.

The Greg Hughes Podcast: A Life-Altering Diagnosis

We share an exclusive preview of this week’s featured podcast episode. Rosemary McFadden and Sharon Flannagan join us for a harrowing and ultimately hopeful conversation about Addison’s Disease. Rosemary discusses her terrifying experience of being misdiagnosed with a mental health condition while her physical organs were actually failing—and the chance encounter in Letterkenny that changed everything.

Expert Advice & Trending News

Legal Q&A with Seamus Gunn: Our resident legal expert returns to answer your listener queries on property, employment, and civil law.

The Scroll Patrol: Shannen joins the studio to wrap up the week with the biggest celebrity stories, viral trends, and the online conversations you might have missed.

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Imagine being told your physical organs shutting down is “all in your head.”

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, we sit down with Rosemary McFadden and Sharon Flannagan to discuss a rare, life-altering autoimmune condition that almost cost Rosemary her life: Addison’s Disease.

What started as a harrowing journey of medical misdiagnosis ended in a miraculous chance meeting between two women in Letterkenny who became each other’s greatest support.

A Diagnosis by Luck

Foureen years ago, Rosemary McFadden was fading away. Suffering from extreme fatigue and weight loss, she was told she had anxiety and depression. She was even sent to a psychiatric unit—despite knowing deep down that her struggle wasn’t mental, but physical.

The turning point came when her brother-in-law, a doctor, noticed a specific, rare physical symptom: hyperpigmentation. By looking at the “tanned” skin on Rosemary’s elbows, knees, and stomach, he recognized the signs of adrenal failure.

“Nobody takes you on board because it’s so unknown. I was being sent to a psychiatric unit when I actually needed hormones to keep my organs from failing.” — Rosemary McFadden

A Chance Encounter

Living with Addison’s can be isolating, especially in the Northwest where support groups are non-existent. However, during the lockdown, Rosemary applied for a job where she met her manager, Sharon Flannagan.

In a staggering twist of fate, Sharon revealed she also lived with Addison’s. This episode explores their unique bond and how they navigate a condition so severe that it requires lifelong steroid replacement therapy just to stay alive.

The Misdiagnosis Trap: Why Addison’s is frequently mistaken for mental health issues.

The JFK Secret: How President John F. Kennedy hid the same condition from the world.

The Daily Fight: Managing low blood pressure, kidney function, and the constant threat of adrenal crisis.

Working with Addison’s: How Rosemary manages a full-time career despite the debilitating nature of the disease.

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This week the Score with Mark Gallagher…

Former Finn Harps captain,  Declan Boyle joins us for our weekly league of Ireland chat.

We hear from the Finn Harps camp ahead of a double weekend of fixtures with a trip to Wexford on Friday and a home tie with Bray next Monday.

Bonagee Unitedd Manager Michael Funston previews his side’s FAI Junior Cup trip to Clonmel Celtic and we speak with Martin McDermott, chairman of Glengad United, ahead of their 50th celebrations this weekend…

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On today’s show, we balance the immediate concerns of public health and infrastructure with the local stories and events shaping the week in Donegal.

Schools & Faith: The Multi-Denominational Debate

As Educate Together calls for an increase in multi-denominational schools across the county, Alan Hynes, CEO of the Catholic Education Partnership, joins Greg to discuss the future of local education.

How would the divesting process actually work in Donegal?

We look at the results of a recent parental survey on religion in the classroom.

What does this mean for the traditional patronage of our local schools?

Donegal on Track: The Fight for Rail

Richard Logue from the Western Track Group joins the program to discuss the latest efforts to bring rail back to the Northwest. Following a series of high-level meetings, we look at what needs to happen to finally connect Donegal to the national rail network.

The Hidden Crisis: Energy Poverty

We dive into the findings of the ‘Energy Poverty and Affordability in Ireland’ report. One of the report’s authors joins Greg to discuss the struggle many households face in the current climate and the specific impact on rural affordability.

The National Children’s Hospital: A Father’s Concern

Aaron Daily, father of Sophia, shares his perspective on the ongoing delays and spiralling costs of the National Children’s Hospital. He questions whether the facility will truly be fit for purpose for children with complex medical needs by the time the doors finally open.

Health & Society

Addiction in Donegal: Stephen McLoughlin of the White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre in Muff discusses a worrying surge in cocaine addiction within the county and the pressure on local recovery services.

Engines for a Cause: Keith Gamble previews this year’s Bear Run 74, which brings a spectacular convoy of cars to Donegal this Friday and Saturday.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore joins Greg for a quick look at what’s coming up on this week’s Business Matters podcast.

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Today’s show navigates a complex range of local and national issues, from the ongoing battle for fair redress for Donegal homeowners to the future of community healthcare and the science of women’s health.

In This Episode:

The Newspaper Review: We kick off with a look at the front pages and the stories making waves across the country and the Northwest.

Support for Ukraine: Max, who moved to Ireland from Ukraine five years ago, joins Greg to discuss government proposals to reduce supports for refugees. He offers a unique perspective on why many displaced people have sought refuge in Ireland rather than moving to supposedly “safer” regions within Ukraine.

The Defective Concrete Block (DCB) Crisis: * Cllr Liam Blaney doubles down on his criticism of the 100% Redress Party, defending his claims that successful cases under the scheme are being overlooked and reiterating his stance on the political landscape surrounding the crisis.

Hugh’s Story: We hear the devastating reality behind the figures. Affected homeowner Hugh shares his personal struggle, revealing he is currently facing a shortfall of over €100,000 under the current redress scheme.

Buncrana Nursing Unit: John Joe McGowan, Integrated Services Lead for the HSE, joins the program to address growing concerns regarding the Buncrana Nursing Unit project. He answers tough questions on the project’s handling and provides an update on what the future holds for the facility.

Community Appeal: Listener Elaine makes an urgent appeal following the theft of a family quad bike from their property in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Menstrual Health & Physical Activity: We speak with a PhD researcher from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) about her groundbreaking study into how the menstrual cycle influences women’s physical activity and overall quality of life.

Gardening Q&A: Spring is in the air! Paul McLaughlin joins Greg in the studio for our very first Gardening Q&A of 2026, answering your questions on how to get your garden ready for the season ahead.

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The Greg Hughes Show: Headlines & Heart Health Tuesday, April 28, 2026

In today’s program, we dive into a complex legal battle facing therapists, react to local acts of vandalism, and look ahead to a major North-West fashion event.

The Ethics of Evidence

Bairbre Kelly of Therapists Against Harm joins Greg to discuss a growing crisis in the Irish legal system. She argues that current mandates requiring therapists to hand over private clinical notes as “evidence” to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in sexual assault cases are undermining the foundation of therapeutic trust. Kelly believes therapists are being forced into an impossible choice between their ethical duty to the client and their legal obligations.

Local Community News & Reaction

Vandalism in Strabane: Following the recent defacement of a war memorial in the town, Reverend Shaun McClafferty of the Royal British Legion (Strabane branch) shares his reaction and discusses the impact of such acts on the local community.

Buncrana Hospital Concerns: Cllr Fionán Bradley speaks out following news that planned refurbishment works at Buncrana Community Hospital may lead to a reduction in bed capacity, sparking fears over local healthcare access.

Community Garda Information: Garda Shaun Sweeney is in the studio for our weekly segment with the latest appeals and information from Donegal Gardai.

Health & Literature

Heart Failure Awareness: Letterkenny University Hospital’s Heart Failure Nurse joins the show to demystify the condition. We discuss the importance of recognizing early warning signs—such as shortness of breath and persistent fatigue—and the support available for patients in the county.

“Dirty Dancing” – Journalist Ellen Coyle has released a book about the Irish Dance scandal of ’22-’23. Ellen joins Greg to discuss Dirty Dancing: The Inside Story of the Irish Dancing Cheating Scandal

Style & Entertainment

Sandra Devenney of the iconic McElhinney’s of Ballybofey gives us a preview of this Thursday’s highly anticipated online world fashion show. Whether you’re looking for seasonal trends or occasion wear, Sandra tells us what to expect from this digital runway experience.

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This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney recaps Donegal’s defeat in the Ulster Championship with former Donegal players Niall O’Donnell and Frank McGlynn, and Niall Loughran of the Irish News.

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

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The Greg Hughes Show: Rural Medicine, Road Safety, and the Drive for Tourism

Welcome to the podcast catch-up for Monday, April 27th, 2026. Today’s episode is a deep dive into the heart of Donegal life—from the challenges of rural healthcare to the urgent need for safer roads and a vision for the future of our tourism industry.

Healthcare in the Heart of the Community

We begin with an insightful conversation on the state of rural medicine. Ramelton GP Dr. Ciarán Ó Fearraigh joins Greg to discuss the unique reality of being a country doctor. While he highlights the “many highs” of building deep-rooted community connections, he doesn’t shy away from the lows.

The Big Question: How do we attract the next generation of doctors to rural practice?

The Modern Perspective: Caller Aoife, coming from a family of GPs, weighs in with a vital perspective on the evolution of the profession, arguing that the shift toward a better work-life balance for modern GPs is a necessary and positive change.

A Tragic Weekend: Road Safety in Focus

It has been a devastating weekend on Ireland’s roads. Debbie Mullan, Chair of Road Victims Support Northern Ireland and Donegal, joins the show for a poignant reflection on the human cost of these tragedies.

Following this, Ciaran Cannon from Cycling Ireland discusses a recent EU-wide survey that paints a concerning picture of the dangers facing cyclists. We explore what needs to change—both in infrastructure and driver behavior—to keep everyone safe.

Sport: Donegal v Down & The DL Debate

The local rivalry was in full swing this weekend. Brendan Devenney is in studio to break down the action from Donegal v Down.

We hear listener reactions to the performance.

Get a sneak peek at what’s coming up on this evening’s DL Debate Podcast.

Tourism: Beyond the Summer Season

Can Donegal transition from a seasonal hotspot to a year-round destination? We speak with Carolyn Murray, the newly appointed Chair of the Donegal Irish Hotels Federation. We discuss the strategic moves needed to sustain our hospitality sector through the winter months and the unique charm Donegal offers outside of the traditional “peak” window.

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In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Martin McGowan, who recently became the new Chair of Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce. He hears about plans for future growth of membership and how the chamber can really help those in business in the Finn Valley.

He also finds out about the forthcoming Letterkenny Motor Show at the ATU Letterkenny campus, and speaks with Daniel Carlin, Area Sales and Portfolio manager with First Citizen Finance who are working in conjunction with the dealerships as finance partners for the show.

Finally, he pays a visit to Letterkenny Beauty Salon, Signature Nails and Beauty by Rina to find out about its success at the recent Irish Nails, Brows & Lashes Awards 2026 where it won a number of honours. Chris gets the details from South African native owner and founder, Rina du Plessis, who established the business seven years ago.

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