Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

Today we cover traffic management fixes in Letterkenny, healthcare delays, credit union lending scrutiny, mica redress hurdles for older residents, and local folklore alongside our regular sports breakdown.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily review of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Traffic Measures & Parking Fee Controversy in Letterkenny: Councillor Donal “Mandy” Kelly joins Greg to discuss new yellow box junction markings installed on two of Letterkenny’s busiest roundabouts to ease traffic congestion. Cllr Kelly also clarifies his position on town centre business issues, going on the record regarding whether he supports local traders in opposing proposed council parking charge increases.

Bowel Cancer Survival & Screening Delays: Bowel cancer survivor Patricia shares her personal health journey and recovery experience with Greg. Patricia speaks out against escalating waiting lists for diagnostic colonoscopies across the health service, warning that administrative delays in screening risk delaying life-saving early interventions.

GAA Championship Silverware & The DL Debate: Brendan Devenney reflects on the weekend’s high-stakes GAA finals across Donegal as championship silverware was awarded, setting the scene and previewing the tactical analysis lined up for tonight’s edition of The DL Debate.

Credit Union Loan Scrutiny & Online Raffles: Irish Independent journalist Seán Pollock joins the show to examine how credit unions are scrutinising loan applications. Seán discusses how underwriters are increasingly factoring personal spending on online competitions, prize draws, and digital raffles into affordability assessments for prospective borrowers.

Defective Blocks Scheme Impact on Older Residents: Inishowen residents Jackie and Mary, both directly affected by defective concrete blocks, discuss an upcoming public meeting in the region aimed at drafting a dedicated submission for government. They outline the unique, severe challenges faced by older homeowners navigating the redress scheme, including relocation stress, physical disruption, and financial shortfalls.

Donegal’s Lesser Known Tales – Slasher’s House: Historian Paul McLaughlin drops into the studio for his regular folklore segment, exploring the legend and history surrounding “Slasher’s House.” Paul discusses the recent resurgence of community interest in the site and uncovers the local tales and historical context behind the location.

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

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Today we kick off the weekend with The Friday Panel debating national spending priorities, RTÉ funding models, and public sector industrial action, alongside law events examining high-profile legal defenses, medical charity updates, and a preview of The Greg Hughes Podcast.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Ben Harkin, Paddy Rooney, and Senator Eileen Flynn join Greg in studio to debate the week’s headline stories:

Budget 2027 Reactions: The panel weighs up the government’s fiscal choices, discussing whether tax relief measures and cost-of-living supports adequately cushion vulnerable families and rural communities against ongoing inflation.

Public Sector Industrial Action: The panel reacts to escalating work-to-rule disputes across local authorities and education sectors, debating the balance between fair worker compensation and public service delivery.

Broadcasting & Sports Subsidies: A sharp exchange on state spending priorities, examining the future funding framework for RTÉ alongside continued government subsidies for horse and greyhound racing.

The Greg Hughes Podcast: We preview the latest edition of The Greg Hughes Podcast, featuring a wide-ranging, candid interview with Bishop Donal McKeown. Bishop McKeown reflects on shifting societal values, faith in modern Ireland, and community resilience across the North West.

ATU Law Event – The Lindsay Clancy Trial Debated: Atlantic Technological University law students Faizullah Memon and Abbas Mahmood drop into the studio to invite the public to an upcoming legal debate on Monday evening at ATU. They outline how the event will examine the complex legal, psychiatric, and defense arguments surrounding the high-profile US criminal trial of Lindsay Clancy—focusing on postpartum psychosis, diminished responsibility, and legal accountability.

Coffee Morning for the New Children’s Hospice: Yvonne Brolly, Manager of the Letterkenny branch of Bank of Ireland, joins Greg to announce a special upcoming coffee morning fundraiser. Yvonne discusses community efforts to raise vital funds and support for the development of a dedicated new Children’s Hospice designed to serve families across the West and North West of Ireland.

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

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In this episode, I sit down with retired Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, to reflect on a life shaped by faith, sport, education and service.

We explore his early years, his connections to Belfast and his childhood passion for sport, before following his journey through education and theological formation towards the priesthood.

We also discuss retirement, his plans for the future and what comes next after decades of ministry. A personal conversation about the experiences behind a public life, and the beginning of a new chapter.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep43 :Bishop Donal McKeown: The Man Behind the Ministry appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Score…

We hear from the Carndonagh, Naomh Padraig, Na Rossa and Urris clubs ahead of this weekend’s Donegal Intermediate and Junior Championship deciders.

Finn Harps Chairman Ian Harkin updates us on the latest development with the Academy receiving conditional approval under the Government’s Immigrant Investor Programme to the tune of €8.4m.

Plus, Rory Kennedy looks ahead to this weekend’s Donegal Harvest Stages Rally…

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Today we cover pool access restrictions for parents, small business resistance to parking fee hikes and vape taxes, a personal journey through sobriety, and previews of local commercial news.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Parental Restrictions at Local Swimming Pools: Listener Rachel calls in to express her frustration after being informed that she cannot personally teach or train her two young children to swim at her local pool without holding formal coaching qualifications. Rachel argues that the policy is overly restrictive and unreasonable for parents looking to build basic water confidence with their children.

Vape Duty Increases Threaten Local Retailers: Vape shop owner Eoin O’Boyle criticises the government’s newly announced tax increases on vaping products in Budget 2027. Eoin warns that pushing up prices will force small retailers out of business while driving ex-smokers back to traditional tobacco products or unverified black-market alternatives.

Opposition Mounting Against Letterkenny Parking Fee Hikes: Town center traders and chamber representatives speak out against proposed council parking charge increases:

Chamber Town Petition: Letterkenny Chamber member and business owner Leonard Watson encourages shoppers and residents to sign a petition currently circulating through local premises opposing higher parking rates, arguing that town center parking should incentivize footfall rather than penalise shoppers.

Impact on High Street Retail: Local retailer Brian McCormack echoes these concerns, urging Donegal County Council to introduce supportive measures—such as short-term free parking—rather than burdening local traders who are already struggling against rising operational costs and online competition.

Personal Recovery & The AA Donegal Convention: Studio guest Lawrence shares his inspiring personal journey through sobriety with Alcoholics Anonymous. Lawrence highlights the importance of peer support networks as he previews the annual Donegal AA Convention, which takes place this weekend at Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore delivers today’s commercial roundup and previews the key themes featured in this week’s edition of the Business Matters podcast.

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

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Today we dive deep into the Budget 2027 measures, reactions to the historic Belfast High Court A5 ruling, personal health options for post-surgery scar care, and real-life stories from older listeners.

Inside Today’s Episode:

Budget 2027 Reaction & Analysis: We unpack the government’s newly announced Budget 2027 package from political, economic, and human angles:

Fiscal Analysis: Cróna Clohisey from Chartered Accountants Ireland breaks down the tax changes, cost-of-living reliefs, and fiscal measures, evaluating how the budget impacts households and local businesses across Ireland.

Government Perspective: Minister of State Emer Higgins joins Greg to defend the budget measures, highlighting investments in public services, targeted family supports, and infrastructure commitments.

Opposition Viewpoint: Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty offers a sharp critique of the announcement, arguing that the measures fail to address core structural issues in housing, health, and rural transport.

The Pensioner Experience: 78-year-old caller Anna shares a poignant personal reaction, explaining how, despite a lifetime of hard work, continuous inflationary pressures leave her forced to scrutinise every cent she spends.

High Court Landmark Ruling on the A5 Upgrade: We gather immediate reaction following the Belfast High Court’s ruling paving the way forward for the A5 dual carriageway:

Grieving Mother’s Reaction: Campaigner Marie O’Brien, whose daughter Caoimhe tragically lost her life in a collision on the notorious road, shares her bittersweet relief at the court’s decision, hoping the project will save lives and spare other families similar heartache.

Call Against Further Appeals: Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn welcomes the judgment, describing it as a major breakthrough for regional safety, while strongly appealing to project opponents not to lodge further legal delays or appeals.

Post-Surgery Scar Management & Options: Studio guest Lorraine Boyce joins Greg for a discussion on post-surgery scar healing. Lorraine outlines modern treatment options, physical therapy techniques, and scar management advice to help patients boost recovery and regain mobility and confidence after major operations.

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

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Today we cover strategic infrastructure designations for the Ten T project, church reactions to serious court proceedings, road safety alerts, Gaeltacht housing advocacy, local medical excellence, and the global debate on public AI surveillance.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Ten T Project Critical Infrastructure Status: Councillor Ciarán Brogan reacts to the receipt of over 200 public submissions regarding the Ten T Priority Route Improvement Project. Councillor Brogan welcomes news that an application has been submitted to designate the Ten T as a Strategic Infrastructure / Critical Infrastructure project, accelerating planning pathways and securing national priority status for Donegal’s main transport corridors.

Diocesan Reaction to Edward Gallagher Convictions: Bishop Michael Router offers his reaction following the guilty plea entered in court this week by former priest Edward Gallagher to 109 child sex offences. Bishop Router addresses the profound harm caused to victims, offering an apology on behalf of the church and reaffirming commitments to safeguarding and cooperation with authorities.

Road Safety Alert: Securing Heavy Loads: Listener Carmen calls in to detail a dangerous near-miss encounter on local roads caused by loose debris falling from an  vehicle. Carmen issues a vital warning to all  farmers, drivers, and tradespeople across the county to properly secure, tarp, and check all loads before setting off.

TINTEÁN & Táille Tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht: John Prendergast, Bainisteoir Abhcóideachta le Conradh na Gaeilge, discusses an important TINTEÁN public meeting taking place in Na Dúnaibh (Downings) this evening:

Fócas ar Thodhchaí na Tithíochta: Pléann John an ghéarchéim tithíochta atá ag cur isteach ar phobail Ghaeltachta Dún na nGall. Beidh an cruinniú ag díriú ar threoir phleanála a fhorbairt do mhuintir na háite, cosaint a thabhairt don Ghaeilge mar theanga phobail, agus deiseanna a chruthú do dhaoine óga fanacht agus teach a thógáil ina gcantar féin.

Top GP Award Winner Dr Hannah McCauley Peoples: Newly qualified Donegal GP Dr Hannah McCauley Peoples drops into the studio for a chat with Greg. Dr McCauley Peoples reflects on completing her general practice training and receiving the prestigious Ellard Epple Award after achieving the highest examination marks across all GP trainees in Ireland.

Wearable AI & Public Privacy Bans: Technology expert Dr Eoghan Furey joins Greg to examine rapid advancements in wearable AI technology and smart glasses. Dr Furey breaks down privacy concerns, facial recognition risks, and data protection dilemmas as Norway moves to restrict and ban certain AI-enabled eyewear in public spaces.

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

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This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney reflects on all the club championship action with Maureen O’Donnell, Kevin Cassidy and John Gildea.

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

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Today we anticipate the Belfast High Court ruling on the long-awaited A5 road project, preview Budget 2027, address teacher work-to-rule action, discuss water outages in Inishowen, and chat with celebrity chef Neven Maguire.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

A5 Upgrade Awaits High Court Ruling: Niall McKenna of the A5 Enough is Enough campaign group joins Greg as communities along the route eagerly await the Belfast High Court judgment. Niall discusses what the ruling means for the progression of the dual carriageway project, emphasizing the vital necessity of the upgrade for road safety and cross-border connectivity.

Budget 2027 Preview: Political Correspondent Seán Defoe outlines what households, businesses, and rural communities can expect from the government’s Budget 2027 announcement tomorrow. Seán breaks down anticipated tax package adjustments, cost-of-living supports, energy relief measures, and infrastructure allocations.

Road Safety Warning After Near Miss: Listener Thomas calls in with a harrowing account of a near-miss encounter with an unlit runner on a dark rural road early this morning. Thomas issues an urgent plea to all pedestrians, runners, and cyclists to wear high-visibility clothing and use lights as the darker mornings and evenings set in.

GAA Club Championship Review & The DL Debate: Brendan Devenney catches us up on all the weekend’s high-stakes GAA club championship action across Donegal, setting the stage and previewing key match-ups for tonight’s edition of The DL Debate.

INTO Teacher Work-to-Rule Action: Áine McGinley of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) explains the practical implications of the primary teachers’ work-to-rule industrial action. Áine clarifies how the dispute over administrative burdens and staffing shortages will affect daily school operations, parent-teacher communications, and extra-curricular activities.

Dossier on South Inishowen Water Outages: Councillor Fionán Bradley joins Greg to discuss a comprehensive dossier of persistent water outages across South Inishowen that he is compiling ahead of an upcoming crisis meeting with Uisce Éireann. Cllr Bradley highlights local frustration over ongoing service disruptions and demands urgent infrastructure investment.

Swimmers’ Sleep-Out for Focus Ireland: West Donegal swimming club members Georgina and Teresa tell us why over 30 club members are spending the night sleeping outdoors to raise vital funds and awareness for Focus Ireland, spotlighting the homelessness crisis during cold autumn conditions.

One-Pan Cooking with Chef Neven Maguire: Renowned celebrity chef Neven Maguire drops into the studio for a chat with Greg about his new cookbook, One Pan Wins. Neven shares effortless one-pot, one-tray recipes designed to streamline family dinners, minimize cleanup, and bring fuss-free flavor to weeknight meals.

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

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Donal’s in the hot seat today as the Friday Panel looks at some of the issues of the day, we preview the latest episode of the Greg Hughes Podcast,  Seamus Gunne looks at the legal background to the latest Drumcree standoff, and Donal Gallagher talks to us about the book he’s written about his brother Rory.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: India Kennedy, Tanya Ward and Connie Duffy discuss a number of issues :

Emergency Planning Booklet: The panel reacts to the latest Emergency Planning booklet being distributed to every household, and asks is this scaremongering or a valuable resource?

€100 Culture Cards for 16 year olds : The panel discusses the proposal to give 16 year olds culture cards worth €100, and asks if the money could be more effectively spent.

Letterkenny’s City Aspirations: The panel looks at the claim this week from Cllr Gerry McMonagle that Letterkenny is approaching city status, and asks if this could be happening at the expense of other towns in Donegal.

The Greg Hughes Podcast: We preview the latest edition of The Greg Hughes Podcast, featuring TV personality and Harvey’s Point legend Noel Cunningham. Noel speaks openly about his issues with drink, his passion for life, and how the memory of his late sister has shaped him.

Seamus Gunne: Solicitor Seamus Gunne  answers some legal questions, and discusses the role of the courts in the current Drumcree standoff.

Donal Gallagher: Rory Gallagher’s brother and manager Donal speaks about “Edged in Blue”, the book he has written about his life with Rory.

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

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