Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

This week, author, regular television personality and Ambassador for Harvey’s Point hotel, Noel Cunningham, joins us for an honest conversation about growing up gay in rural Donegal, the loneliness of feeling different, and his journey through alcohol addiction to sobriety.

Known to many through his appearances on Ireland AM, Noel reflects on the experiences behind his familiar public presence. We discuss his difficult early years, the impact of his drinking, the regrets he carries, and the turning point that led him to stop.

He also shares how life opened up in recovery, finding greater self-acceptance and seeing his career flourish. It’s a personal conversation about living with the past, rebuilding a life and finding hope in a new beginning.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep42 : Noel Cunningham: On Life, Change and Finding Happiness appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Score…

Former Harps Captain Declan Boyle joins us to look ahead to the Ireland Austria game and gives us his thoughts on Finn Harps fixture at home to Kerry on Friday.

Also in our soccer segment we’ll focus in on the Donegal Junior League which has been up and running for a number of weeks now. We hear from St Catherine’s Manager and former Limerick player Shaun Kelly.

It’s championship finals weekend for the Donegal LGFA, Maureen O’Donnell speaks with the St Eunans and Termon camps ahead of the senior decider…

The post The Score – 01/10/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore reflects on a great awards night for Donegal business, looks at a new business in Raphoe specialising in non-surgical face lifts, plus he finds out about the great range of Donegal College further education and training courses.

First up, the 2026 Highland Radio Customer Service awards were held  in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny. Highland’s CEO, Sean Quinn, joined Chris in studio to reflect on a great night and felt it was a great showcase for Donegal businesses with a great deal of positivity.

Chris then talks with a  former nurse who recently set up a new business in Raphoe. Tasha McCar is the woman behind Forever Young which specialises in non-surgical face lifts, or what those in this sector sometimes say is the gym for your face. He paid a visit to her to find out more about her own journey in setting up the business, the procedures involved and the very positive feed back to date already.

Meanwhile, in the final part of the programme, Chris has been speaking with Adele McElhinney, marketing office for Donegal College, the new identity for Further Education and Training (FET) in County Donegal, managed by Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB).

Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, return to education, or take the next step in your career, it offers a wide variety of full-time and part-time courses across multiple sectors. There are a couple of open days coming up and many of the courses are free.

The full programme can be heard here:

The post Business Matters, Eps 315 – Customer Services Awards, Raphoe’s new ‘Forever Young’ business, plus Donegal College courses appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we examine public backlash over rural transport cuts, non-EU online shopping fees, Famine relief history in Donegal, social media detachment, traffic gridlock in Letterkenny, and regional policing concerns.

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.

Public Anger Over Glen Area Bus Service Withdrawal: Councillor Declan Meehan highlights community outrage following the withdrawal of the local bus service from the Glen area. Councillor Meehan criticises the National Transport Authority (NTA) for claiming funding is unavailable to operate the route, leaving rural residents and commuters without essential public transport links.

New Import Charges for Non-EU Online Shoppers: TheJournal.ie journalist Andrew Walsh joins Greg to discuss new customs fees and regulatory charges impacting consumers purchasing goods online from outside the EU. Andrew breaks down what shoppers can expect at checkout, delivery delays, and the financial impact on cross-border e-commerce.

Honouring Great Famine Humanitarian Paul Edmund Strzelecki: Historian Dr Joe Kelly reflects on the extraordinary legacy of Polish humanitarian Sir Paul Edmund Strzelecki ahead of an official plaque unveiling in Glenties. Dr Kelly details Strzelecki’s life-saving work during the Great Famine, where his feeding programmes saved thousands of starving children across Donegal and the West of Ireland.

Losing the ‘Social’ in Social Media: Writer and blogger PJ Leddy joins Greg to question whether modern social media platforms have abandoned their core community purpose. PJ discusses algorithmic manipulation, online polarization, and how digital interaction has replaced genuine social connection.

Traffic Gridlock & Garda Operational Models: Former Garda Sergeant Christie Galligan raises serious concerns over the current policing model following severe traffic gridlock in Letterkenny caused by delays in clearing a minor material damage collision. Christie questions whether centralized dispatching and staffing models are hindering rapid local responses to routine road incidents.

Measuring Letterkenny’s Traffic Experience: Toni Forrester, CEO of Letterkenny Chamber, discusses a newly launched survey designed to gather real-life traffic and commuting experiences from local workers, business owners, and shoppers across Letterkenny. Toni outlines how the data will be used to lobby local authorities and transport agencies for urgent traffic management solutions.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore delivers today’s commercial update and previews the latest segment of local business news.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 01/10/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address public sector industrial action, local council measures to safeguard rural pubs, bureaucratic traps in housing, family health campaigns, retrofitting grants, and seasonal gardening advice.

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.

Public Sector Work-to-Rule Action: SIPTU representative Cathal Gallagher joins Greg to discuss the work-to-rule industrial action initiated across local authorities and state agency sectors. Cathal outlines worker frustrations over ongoing delays in ratifying a new public service pay agreement, explaining how the action will impact local council services.

Targeted Support for Rural Pubs: Councillor Martin Harley, representing the Donegal Vintners’ Association, discusses a unified submission forwarded by Donegal County Council to the government ahead of the upcoming Budget. Cllr Harley details specific policy proposals aimed at lowering excise duties, reducing operational costs, and protecting traditional rural pubs as vital community hubs across the county.

Trapped in Housing Bureaucracy: Listener Catriona calls in to share her family’s frustrating experience navigating planning permissions and state supports. Catriona explains how years spent struggling to obtain planning permission for a self-build home were further complicated when receiving temporary income support unexpectedly disqualified them from the social housing waiting list.

National Breastfeeding Awareness Week: Daniele Begley and Mary McFeeley join Greg to mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Week. They highlight community support networks, peer-led groups, and upcoming local events designed to normalize breastfeeding and offer practical advice to new mothers across Donegal.

Budget Expectations for Energy Retrofitting: Jonathan Doherty of Efficient Renewables previews expected government measures in the upcoming Budget concerning home energy upgrades. Jonathan discusses potential changes to SEAI grant structures, heat pump incentives, and retrofitting subsidies aimed at helping homeowners manage rising energy bills.

End-of-Season Gardening Tips: Gardening expert Paul McLaughlin drops into the garden for his final segment of the season. Paul shares essential autumn maintenance tips, soil preparation advice, and guidance on winterizing plants to set gardens up for success ahead of the colder months.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Wednesday| 30/09/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we cover local land and road corridor disputes surrounding the Ten T project, accessibility campaigns for street navigation, local policing fears in Mountcharles, youth club reboots, and heartfelt medical fundraising.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national front pages, tracking the top news, economic updates, and political stories breaking today.

Landowner Concerns Over the Ten T Project: Local landowners Derek and Robin join Greg to voice serious concerns regarding the planned Letterkenny to Lifford section of the Ten T road infrastructure project. They argue that the current road alignment encroaches unfairly on private land and property, while predicting that the proposed route design will add unnecessary travel time and disruption for local residents.

Vision Ireland’s ‘Clear Our Paths’ Campaign: Madeleine McNamara from Vision Ireland joins the show to discuss their annual Clear Our Paths national awareness initiative. Madeleine outlines how temporary street hazards—such as cars parked on footpaths, wheelie bins, overhanging hedges, and street furniture—create dangerous obstacles for blind and vision-impaired pedestrians, calling on the public to keep footpaths clear.

Burglary Spate Fears in Mountcharles: Councillor Jimmy Brogan discusses growing anxiety among residents in the Mountcharles area following a recent spate of domestic and commercial burglaries. Cllr Brogan highlights local frustration over Mountcharles Garda Station remaining unmanned, arguing that the lack of a visible, physical policing presence leaves rural communities vulnerable.

Rebooting the Foróige Youth Club in Glenties: Susan Cleary from Foróige drops in to highlight an upcoming community meeting in Glenties aimed at re-establishing and rebooting the local youth club. Susan emphasizes the crucial role youth groups play in providing safe spaces, activities, and mentorship for young people in rural Donegal, appealing for adult volunteers to step forward.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne Doherty delivers this week’s frontline brief, bringing listeners the latest public safety appeals, crime prevention advice, and road traffic safety alerts across the division.

Giving Back to Croí Heart & Stroke Charity: Studio guest Kelly O’Dowd joins Greg to detail a upcoming fundraising run/walk organized in aid of the Croí Heart and Stroke Charity. Kelly shares her family’s personal story following her father’s critical treatment in Galway, expressing gratitude for the dedicated family apartment facilities provided by Croí during his recovery and explaining how the event aims to support other families in crisis.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Tuesday| 29/09/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney reflects on all the club championship action with Rory Kavanagh, Gary McDaid and Oweney McGarvey

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

The post The DL Debate – 28/09/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we examine conflicting political views on the Drumcree parade developments, systemic crises facing special education in Ireland, cultural vandalism in Castlefin, and historical insights into constitutional politics.

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.

Drumcree Parade Legal & Political Fallout: We react to weekend developments surrounding the Drumcree parade following a High Court ruling allowing the march to proceed:

Historical Reporting: Journalist Mary Harte reflects on her career covering the Drumcree standoff during the height of the Troubles, comparing past volatility with current political dynamics.

Nationalist Opposition: Sinn Féin Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, who attended yesterday’s protest, strongly opposes the court’s decision, arguing that forced parades undermine community relations and local resident consent. Senator Niall Blaney adds his voice, calling for dialogue over legal battles.

Unionist Support: DUP MP Gregory Campbell welcomes the ruling, stating that the decisions of the Parades Commission and the courts must be respected consistently by all parties, rather than challenged only when rulings prove unfavorable.

‘Crisis in the Classroom’ – Special Education in Ireland: Media personality and former SNA Eric Roberts joins Greg to discuss his new investigative documentary, Crisis in the Classroom, airing tonight on Virgin Media. Eric outlines the severe resource shortages, lack of school places, and administrative hurdles facing families of children with special educational needs across the country.

Vandalism Condemned at Castlefin Secret Garden: Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council strongly condemns severe fire damage caused by vandals at the Secret Garden in Castlefin. Local authorities warn that the blaze posed a grave threat to nearby residential properties and appeal to anyone with information to contact Gardaí.

Triumphalism vs. Unity in Northern Politics: Historian Dr Joe Kelly provides historical context on the Drumcree controversy. Dr Kelly suggests that long-term political stability requires moving away from triumphalist parades and entrenched division, focusing instead on building a collaborative foundation for a future united Ireland.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Monday| 28/09/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we kick off the weekend with The Friday Panel debating defective block housing schemes, international sporting boycotts, and driving test reform, alongside family court advocacy, rights for adults with Down syndrome, and international music success.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Mary Harte, Nicholas Crossan, and Councillor Liam Blaney join Greg  for a lively panel debate on the week’s headline stories:

Social Housing Defective Block Scheme: The panel reacts to government details regarding defective concrete block redress for social housing, discussing local authority delays, tenant concerns, and long-term rebuilding targets across Donegal.

Ireland vs. Israel Match Controversy: The panel engages in a sharp debate over whether Ireland’s national teams should play against Israel on Sunday amidst ongoing international conflict, weighing political boycotts against sporting neutrality.

Motorway Driving Test Proposals: The panel examines RSA suggestions to include motorway driving as a mandatory part of the Irish driving test, debating how such a requirement could ever be implemented in counties like Donegal, which lack motorway infrastructure entirely.

The Greg Hughes Podcast: We preview the latest edition of The Greg Hughes Podcast, featuring international techno DJ and producer Rebūke. Rebūke charts his incredible career journey, from honing his craft behind the decks at The Orchard in Letterkenny to headlining massive global dance music festivals.

Walk In Our Shoes Demonstration: Campaigner Anna Kavanagh joins Greg to discuss the upcoming Walk In Our Shoes demonstration taking place in Letterkenny this Sunday, leading into a national day of action in Dublin on Wednesday. Anna outlines the movement’s drive for family court reform, transparency, and trauma-informed support for vulnerable parents and children.

‘Before We Die’ Campaign & The Capacity Act: Liam Mulligan, parent of an adult son with Down syndrome, discusses the Before We Die campaign. Liam highlights fundamental flaws and legal hurdles within the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, expressing deep concerns over how current legislation treats decision-making rights and long-term care plans for adults with intellectual disabilities as their parents age.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Friday| 25/09/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

From the Irish underground to Coachella and the Las Vegas Sphere, DJ and producer Rebūke has taken his sound around the world. His 2018 breakthrough, “Along Came Polly”, topped the Beatport chart, while collaborations with Anyma on “Syren” and deadmau5 on “Endless” have added to an impressive career.

This week, Greg sits down with Rebūke, aka Reuben Keeney, to talk about where it all began: his early love of music, finding his own sound, and the breakthrough that helped him make his name on the international scene.

He also shares a fascinating story about one of his biggest early influences later asking him to produce a track. It sounds like the opportunity any young producer would dream of—but creative differences led him to respectfully decline. We discuss what it means to trust your own judgement, even when the person on the other side of the conversation helped inspire you in the first place.

And despite everything he’s achieved, Rebūke is already planning to take a step back. We explore his thinking, how his priorities are changing, and what he wants from the next chapter.

A candid conversation about making your name, staying true to your music, and deciding what success means to you.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Ep41 : Rebūke: Success on His Own Terms appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.