Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with St. Johnston based Bert Galbraith of Galbraith Construction, and John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.

First up, Chris hears about the growth of Galbraith Construction over the past 20 years, the changes in the construction industry, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

We then find out more about the recently launched County Data Dashboards, including one for Donegal. It’s a mine of information, and will be updated at regular intervals, giving a great snapshot insight into the latest figures that reflect the economic and social status and trends within the county. 

You can listen to the full programme here:

The post Business Matters, Ep 292: Bert Galbraith reflects on over 20 years in the construction business – plus a look at the Donegal Data Dashboard appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Score…

Former Harps captain Keith Cowan joins us to look ahead to the big games of the weekend with Harps and Derry in League of Ireland action and the Ulster Junior Cup Final meeting of Kildrum Tigers and Carndonagh.

Limavady are on the verge of taking the Irish League Championship title – we hear from their manager Paul Owens.

The new cricket season starts this weekend – we speak with Letterkenny Cricket Club who will play at senior level for the first time this year but once again the club are making a call for their own facilities and ground. 

Plus, we hear of a new Boxing Tournament remembering the late Peter O’Donnell…

The post The Score – 16/04/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On today’s program, we start with our usual dive into the morning papers to see what’s grabbing the headlines across the country and here in Donegal.

In This Episode:

The ‘Manasphere’ & Modern Parenting: Journalist and author Kathy Donaghey joins Greg to discuss the unsettling new Netflix documentary Manasphere. She shares her concerns as a mother regarding the online world’s influence on young men and the challenges of navigating these digital subcultures.

The Fight for St. Eunan’s College: Following yesterday’s high-stakes meeting with Education Minister Hildegarde Naughton, Principal Damien McCrory provides an update on the campaign for emergency funding. With planning permission at risk of expiring, the pressure is on to bring the Letterkenny facility up to modern standards.

Defining Consent Across Borders: MEP Maria Walsh highlights a major legislative gap in the EU, discussing the lack of consistency in how rape is defined and her push for a common, consent-based standard across all member states.

Defending the Tricolour: Senator Eileen Flynn addresses the backlash to her recent comments regarding the national flag. She joins us to put her views into context following the recent fuel protests that brought the country to a standstill.

Health & Business: Ciara Mooney of Physio Éireann talks to us about the “silent disease,” Osteoporosis, and why early detection is vital for long-term mobility. Plus, Chris Ashmore drops in with the latest business news and a look ahead to this week’s Business Matters podcast.

The Greg Hughes Show – keeping you across the stories that matter in Donegal.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 16/04/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

A drama series set in a small town somewhere in the heart of Donegal, where we meet various people who live in Ballyglissane and learn about their lives, their problems, and their secrets.

This Season new people arrive in town.There’s a woman who says she’s going to invest big money in Ballyglissane,but is she telling the whole truth? There’s a former trouble maker who swears he’s turned over a new leaf, but is he telling the whole truth?And one of our regulars from last season gets an unwelcome visitor from his shady past….

Join us each week as we unfold the lives of the residents of Ballyglissane.

The post Ballyglissane Season 2 Episode 5 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On today’s program, we start with a look at the morning’s papers before diving into a growing concern for electric vehicle drivers. Stephen joins us to share how he was caught out by a “fast charger exploit”—discovering his car had been unplugged by another driver looking to jump the queue. We ask if charging etiquette has gone out the window or if there’s a deeper security flaw in the network.

Anna shares a heartbreaking account of the “Assessment of Needs” system. Her child has been waiting three years for an assessment—a staggering delay that stands in direct defiance of the Disability Act 2005, which legally mandates that these assessments be completed within six months. We look at why the system is failing our most vulnerable children.

In local politics, Cllr Jack Murray makes the case for a major traffic shake-up on the Slab Road. To address ongoing safety issues at notorious junctions, he’s calling for the road to be made one-way. Meanwhile, Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig says it’s time for the Government to step up for Glenveagh National Park, arguing that full staffing is essential to keep the castle doors open for tours seven days a week.

We celebrate the next generation of business talent as the Local Enterprise Office announces the Donegal finalists for the Student Enterprise Programme National Final. We’re joined in studio by Shay McDevitt (St. Columba’s College), Cullen Boyle (Rosses Community School), and Danni Doherty (Loreto Letterkenny) to talk about their journey to the final on May 7th.

Finally, listener John joins us to vent his frustrations with the state of Irish politics. With a growing number of TDs in the Dáil, John asks: why is it still so hard to find someone worth voting for?

The Greg Hughes Show—keeping you across the stories that matter in Donegal.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 15/04/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Remembering the First Lady of Celtic Music

Following our morning look at the newspapers, the show takes a poignant turn as we pay tribute to the incomparable Moya Brennan, who passed away this Monday. The voice of Clannad and a global ambassador for Donegal, Moya’s legacy is celebrated by those who knew her best:

Daniel O’Donnell shares his personal reflections on a lifelong friendship and Moya’s impact on Irish music.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan discusses Moya’s role as a trailblazer for the Donegal Gaeltacht and female artists worldwide.

Cllr. Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, joins us to speak on the profound sense of loss felt across the county.

Plus: We open the lines to you, our listeners, to share your favorite songs and memories of the woman who brought the “haunting sound of Gweedore” to the world stage.

Cost of Living: Manorcunningham Under Threat

The human cost of rising energy prices hits home as Carmel Doherty of the Manorcunningham Community Resource Centre joins Greg. Carmel explains the stark reality facing the facility: skyrocketing heating oil costs are threatening to shut the doors on a hub that serves hundreds of local residents every week.

Community, Sport & Media Freedom

Community Garda Information: Garda Grainne Doherty provides the latest local appeals and essential safety information for the Donegal community.

Donegal’s Newest Pro: Fresh off his latest victory, Buncrana kickboxer Liam Grant reflects on his meteoric rise and shares his excitement as he prepares to transition into the professional ranks.

Media Under Fire? Seamus Dooley of the NUJ expresses grave concerns regarding recent comments from Minister Patrick O’Donovan. We discuss the implications of a government minister calling into question the media’s coverage of ongoing fuel protests.

Listen Back: Missed any part of the show? Catch the full podcast on our app or website.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis — Rest in Peace, Moya.”

The post The Greg Hughes Show Tuesday 14/04/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney reviews the big games from the weekend with Tyrone legend Owen Mulligan and Gaelic Life’s Michael McMullan

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

The post The DL Debate – 13/04/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On today’s programme, we dive deep into the rising tide of public anger as fuel protests take hold across the country. We examine the Government’s recently announced support package and ask: is it enough to keep the lights on, or is it too little, too late?

The Political Divide

Following our morning look at the headlines, we engage in a heated debate over the State’s response to the cost-of-living crisis:

Senator Niall Blaney (Fianna Fáil): Defends the Government’s package as a balanced measure in volatile times.

Pearse Doherty (Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson): Offers a sharp rebuttal, arguing the measures fail to provide the immediate relief struggling households desperately need.

Voices from the Ground

As businesses across the region shut their doors in solidarity, we hear from those at the heart of the struggle:

The Business Impact: Local owners Deidre and Barry explain the difficult decision to close their businesses today, citing unsustainable overheads and soaring energy costs.

Protest Strategy: Donegal activist Mark Hegarty joins Greg to discuss the future of the movement, issuing a warning to organizers: stay focused and strategic to ensure the public remains on your side.

The Forgotten Sector: Representatives from the Inshore Fishing sector voice their frustration, claiming the Government’s package completely overlooks their industry’s unique needs.

Confidence in the Dáil

Despite the mounting pressure, political stability remains on a knife-edge. Marian Harkin TD and Deputy Pat “The Cope” Gallagher join the show. While both express deep sympathy for the public’s plight, they confirm they will be voting confidence in the Government this week.

A Musical Interlude

To close out the show on a high note, we’re joined in the studio by the incredibly talented Amy Meehan. Ahead of her highly anticipated UK tour, Amy shares a chat with Greg and performs some exclusive live music.

Listen back to the full show below:

The post The Greg Hughes Show Monday 13/04/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On today’s show, we navigate the sharp contrast between the pressing political issues of today and a poignant look back at a tragedy that shook the heart of Letterkenny forty years ago.

The Friday Panel: Fuel Hikes & Public Defiance

Spiralling fuel costs are no longer just a kitchen-table concern—they have moved to the streets. Greg is joined by Deputy Charles Ward, Paddy Rooney, and Rebecca McDaid to discuss the nationwide protests sparked by the latest price surges.

Is the government doing enough to cushion the blow for rural Ireland?

Can the protests force a policy U-turn?

The panel debates the economic fallout and the growing frustration among motorists and hauliers.

40 Years On: The O’Donnell Family Tragedy

We share a moving preview of this week’s ‘The Greg Hughes Podcast.’ In a deeply personal interview, Angela O’Donnell and her son Philip reflect on the 40th anniversary of the house fire at Ard O’Donnell that claimed the lives of four siblings—Sharon, Joanne, Adrian, and Kevin—and their brave babysitter, Noreen O’Donnell, who died while trying to rescue them. It is a story of unimaginable loss, but also of a family’s incredible resilience and the enduring support of the Letterkenny community.

Legal Matters & Social Trends

Legal Aid with Seamus Gunn: Solicitor Seamus Gunn of McCloughan Gunn & Co. joins us to provide his expert insight into your legal queries. From property disputes to consumer rights, Seamus tackles the issues affecting you.

Shannen’s Scroll Patrol: What’s catching the eye of the “Reply Guys” and what’s going viral in Donegal? Shannen Wilkin joins Greg to round up the best (and weirdest) trends from the social media world this week.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Friday 10/04/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In April 1986, a fire at the O’Donnell family home changed the course of five lives and left a community in shock. It has been forty years since that night, yet for Angela O’Donnell and her sons, the memory of those lost—Sharon, Joanne, Adrian, and baby Kevin—remains a constant presence.

This week, Angela and her son Philip join the podcast to talk about that night and the long road they have walked since.

They speak about the children who didn’t make it out, and the bravery of their babysitter, 25-year-old Noreen O’Donnell, who gave her life attempting to save them. Philip, who was just 13 at the time, reflects on escaping the blaze with his brothers Patrick and Joe, and how that moment shaped the men they became.

This is not just a look back at a tragedy; it is a conversation about the strength of a mother and how a family carries the weight of such a profound loss for forty years.

We are deeply grateful to Angela and Philip for their courage in sharing this story with us.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep14: 40 Years Since the O’Donnell Family Tragedy appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.