Playback Archives - Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about business energy upgrades and the grants and supports available to the business sector. He’s been speaking with Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

Last year, 161 Business in Donegal got funding from SEAI last year for energy efficiency grants.

Chris also takes a look at how Ireland’s connection to food and farming is changing. Our food and drink sector is expanding rapidly but a new survey has unearthed some interesting findings. People in Ireland remain overwhelmingly proud of our food and farming sector, however eight in ten are concerned that future generations are at risk of losing their connection with where their food comes from.

The full programme can he listened to here:

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Today we address post-separation justice and survivor support in Donegal, regional health service spending controls, traffic safety measures, rural school transport shortages, and home-grown food production.

Inside Today’s Episode:

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

Surviving Abuse & Systemic Reform: Mary-Louise Lynch, Founding Director of SiSi (Survivors Informing Services and Institutions), joins Greg to share her personal journey through the legal system following an abusive relationship. Mary-Louise discusses the launch of SiSi initiatives in Donegal, aiming to empower survivor-led peer support, navigate post-separation abuse, and drive meaningful reform within family law and state institutions.

Frosses Speeding Controls & Road Safety: Following recent traffic survey findings in Frosses, driving instructor Diane Harvey adds her perspective to the debate on excessive speeds through the village. Diane outlines why mechanical traffic calming measures, physical engineering changes, and driver education are essential to curbing dangerous driving and protecting local residents.

Centralized Control for HSE West-North West: Councillor Gerry McMonagle, member of the Regional Health Forum, reacts to announcements from Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers that HSE West-North West will lose its day-to-day spending autonomy following regional budget overruns. Cllr McMonagle criticizes the decision, arguing that stripping local financial autonomy risks worsening healthcare delivery and decision-making for patients across the North West.

School Bus Place Shortages in Donegal: Aontú representative Rebecca McDaid highlights an upcoming community meeting tailored for families whose children have been left without school bus seats for the academic year. Rebecca discusses the ongoing stress facing parents and calls for urgent expanded route capacity from Bus Éireann.

Home-Grown Produce & Growing Your Own: Barrie Quinn of Portnoo Market Gardens stops by the studio to discuss his new book. Barrie shares his personal story, practical gardening wisdom, and insights into cultivating fresh, sustainable food at home while supporting local food security across Donegal.

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:

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Starting school is a milestone every parent marks with excitement — the tiny uniform, the brand-new shoes, the photo by the front door. But for Alicia McHugh, this week’s school run brings a painful reminder of the little boy who should have been standing in that photo.

In November 2021, Alicia’s son Andrew was stillborn at 36 weeks. Facing an unimaginable grief, she turned to a tiny patch of dirt in her back garden, finding solace in caring for growing plants when she couldn’t care for her son. That small plot eventually grew into Butterfly Bears Flower Farm in Killygordon — a living tribute where every bloom honors Andrew’s memory.

In this moving bonus episode, as Andrew would have taken his first steps into primary school alongside his siblings, Alicia shares her journey through grief, the deep symbolism behind the farm’s name, and how nurturing nature helped her find a way forward.

In This Episode:

A Milestone Marked in Silence: Navigating the emotion of the first day of primary school when a child is missing from the front door photo.

Finding Solace in the Soil: How tending to a small garden plot provided a tangible way to care for Andrew when he was gone.

Butterfly Bears Flower Farm: Building a flower farm in Killygordon as a lasting, living memorial.

The Story Behind the Name: The powerful meaning connecting the Ursa Minor (“Little Bear”) star named for Andrew and the symbolic butterfly wings.

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Today we explore emotional resilience in young people, international cybersecurity investigations into child safety, legal fee deadlocks, major developments in Gaelic games integration, foreign aid policy, and local road safety enforcement.

Inside Today’s Episode:

Emotional Resilience & School Discipline: Child psychologist Dr David Coleman joins Greg ahead of kicking off his 2026 nationwide tour in Letterkenny next month. Dr Coleman shares his perspective on primary and secondary schools employing demerit point systems for discipline, while focusing on the central theme of his upcoming tour—building emotional resilience and self-regulation in young people navigating modern pressures.

Child Protection & Social Media Regulation: Cybersecurity expert Professor Kevin Curran reacts to newly launched Irish regulatory investigations into the X platform regarding child protection standards and data safety, discussing online safeguards, algorithmic accountability, and what stricter European oversight means for tech platforms.

Legal Fee Deadlock & Call for Mediation: Letterkenny solicitor Rory O’Brien addresses ongoing friction between legal practitioners and the Minister for Justice over legal aid fees. Pushing back against reports of a split among solicitors, Rory clarifies that the profession remains united and calls for the immediate appointment of an independent mediator to break the dispute’s current deadlock.

Fallout Over Gaelic Games Integration Delay: Donegal GAA Chairperson Mary Coughlan and LGFA Chief Executive Lynn Savage react to the shock news that Dr Mary McAleese has stepped down as chairperson of the Integration Committee. They discuss what her resignation means for the proposed amalgamation of the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association, addressing timelines, organizational hurdles, and equality within Gaelic games.

Community Fundraising for St Joseph’s: Bernie Thompson, spokesperson for the St Joseph’s Action Group, provides a local update on community fundraising efforts aimed at purchasing a dedicated new transport bus for patients and their families attending care services.

Ireland’s Overseas Aid Budget Under Scrutiny: Minister Neale Richmond defends the state’s increasing Overseas Aid budget, responding to growing political and public criticism that government funding should be prioritized for domestic crises in housing and healthcare before foreign assistance.

Excessive Speeding Concerns in Frosses: Councillor Jimmy Brogan discusses worrying findings from a recent traffic survey conducted in Frosses, revealing severe levels of speeding through the village and urging immediate traffic-calming measures and Garda enforcement to protect residents.

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

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Today we examine local economic initiatives keeping trade in Buncrana, major managerial news for Donegal GAA, big screen roles, debate over school discipline systems, and public health statistics.

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.

Boosting Local Trade in Buncrana: Paul Brogan joins Greg to discuss the ongoing success of the Buncrana Gift Card scheme. Paul outlines how the community-driven initiative has successfully locked spending into the local economy and shares advanced plans to expand and develop the system further in the future.

Jim McGuinness Extends Donegal Manager Tenure: Our GAA expert Brendan Devenney reacts to the major news that Jim McGuinness has signed a contract extension to remain as Donegal senior football manager. Brendan breaks down the significance of the decision, fan reaction, and what it means for the squad’s long-term setup.

From Screen to Cinema: Actor and musician Roseanna Brown joins Greg on the line as her latest feature film, Pressure, hits cinema screens. Roseanna reflects on her role in the WWII drama alongside Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser and shares her experience working on major film sets.

Controversy Over School Demerit Point Systems: Listeners Andy and Tony spark a lively debate on secondary school discipline policies. They discuss schools utilizing point-deduction systems where students lose merit points for minor behavioral infractions, questioning whether such policies are overly punitive or necessary for classroom order.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gerard McNamee delivers this week’s frontline brief from Donegal Gardaí, bringing listeners the latest public safety appeals, road traffic warnings, and crime prevention alerts across the division.

Addressing Ireland’s Obesity Rates: Local gym owner Emmett Rushe reacts to new health statistics highlighting Ireland’s rising rate of obesity. Emmett discusses the underlying lifestyle factors, practical steps for sustainable fitness, and the importance of shifting public focus toward long-term health and mobility.

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

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This week on the DL Debate, Brendan Devenney assesses the current club championship landscape with Brendan Kilcoyne, Kevin Cassidy and Maureen O’Donnell.

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

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Today we examine the harsh realities of Ireland’s housing trap, global climate policy disparities, mental health recovery, and the logistical challenges facing Letterkenny University Hospital.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the program with a scan of the local and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Trapped in the Housing Gap: Listener Diana calls in to share the frustrating property trap her daughter currently faces—earning too much to qualify for social housing or state support, yet not earning enough to secure a mortgage under current lending rules, leaving young workers stranded in the private rental market.

Global Polluters vs. Local Carbon Levies: Listener Eamon triggers a lively debate on climate policy and economic fairness. Eamon questions why small nations like Ireland impose heavy carbon levies on local households and small businesses while massive global industrial powers and heavy-polluting economies continue largely unchecked.

Senior Championship Knockout Phase & The DL Debate: Brendan Devenney stops by to review the weekend’s local GAA action as the Donegal Senior Football Championship moves into the high-stakes knockout stages. Brendan previews the key match-ups, team form, and tactical analysis lined up for tonight’s edition of The DL Debate.

A Historic Croke Park Farewell for Katie Taylor: Boxing administrator Sadie Duffy reflects on the emotional, historic scenes at Croke Park over the weekend as world champion Katie Taylor officially hung up her gloves following a triumphant final bout. Sadie pays tribute to Taylor’s incredible legacy and her massive impact on Irish sport.

Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in Letterkenny: We focus on local mental health support ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th:

Community Initiatives: James Devenney outlines the special Suicide Awareness Day events hosted by the local Community Development Project (CDP) in Letterkenny to provide support, resources, and training.

A Journey to Recovery: Local guest Brian opens up about his personal battle with severe mental health challenges and addiction. Now two years sober and in recovery, Brian shares his journey and emphasizes the life-saving power of reaching out and talking open and honestly.

LUH Roster Challenges: Dr Louise Moran, Consultant Anesthetist at Letterkenny University Hospital, discusses proposed shifts towards six-day hospital operational models. Dr Moran breaks down the severe staffing, operational, and scheduling challenges involved in moving consultants and acute services from a five-day to a six-day week.

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

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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the blue economy in Donegal, plus how a Letterkenny teenager is hoping his fintech start up could be a game changer.

First up, a look at the blue economy and the potential that exists here in Donegal. Broadly speaking, the blue economy is a term used to describe the economic activities associated with the oceans and seas.

Donegal has the longest mainland coastline of any Irish county and while the traditional fishing sector continues to have its challenges, the blue economy is seen as an area where Donegal can excel in in the years ahead.

Garry Martin is Deputy Chief Executive of Donegal Co. Council and Director of Human Resources, Economic Development and Emergency Services, and is keenly involved in promoting this sector.

He’s been speaking to Chris about the potential and indeed the discussion was timely given that on Wednesday, September 9th, the Council is hosting a “Build the Blue Economy – Aquatech and Engineering breakfast workshop, at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Letterkenny.

In part two, Chris hears about how a Letterkenny teenager is developing a business that he hopes will become a household name.

How do you pay for goods and services when you go into a local business? Is it by cash, debit card, using your phone? There are various options, and as technology evolves one of the driving factors is to speed up transaction times, making things simple, and reducing queues. Well one entrepreneurial Letterkenny teenager could be onto something which could become really big.

Anish Nayak (above), who completed the Leaving Certificate at St. Eunan’s College, in Letterkenny, in the summer, has been talking about his LookPay start-up business and how he plans to develop it.

You can listen to the full programme here:

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Welcome to this special bonus episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast.

On September 11, 2001, 19 al-Qaeda militants hijacked four commercial airliners in a coordinated terrorist attack against the United States, taking 2,977 civilian lives—including 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice at the World Trade Center.

Marking the upcoming 25th anniversary of that fateful day, a team of six Donegal firefighters is preparing to travel to the US East Coast for the 2026 Ride for Resilience—a five-day, 343-mile charity cycle from Boston to New York City. The trek will raise vital funds for three major organizations: Friends of Firefighters, Livestrong, and the Boston Fire Cancer Foundation.

Joining me on the podcast to discuss the journey, the deep transatlantic bond between Donegal and New York, and the lasting legacy of 9/11 is Conor McGuigan, Chairperson of the Donegal Firefighters Association, along with Nancy Carbone, Founder and Executive Director of Friends of Firefighters.

We are also privileged to be joined by two FDNY veterans who were on the ground on September 11th: Captain Liam Flaherty of Rescue Co. 2 and Deputy Chief John Corcoran. Together, they share their personal accounts from Ground Zero, reflect on how technical rescue has evolved over the last quarter-century, and discuss why community, remembrance, and standing together still matter so much today.

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Today we kick off the weekend with The Friday Panel tackling international political meetings, agricultural bans, and healthcare spending, along with comedy, legal insights, and a life-changing cash giveaway.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: MEP Ciarán Mullooly, Councillor Patrick McGowan, and Patricia Sharkey join Greg in-studio for an extensive first-hour discussion:

Proposed EU Brazilian Beef Ban: The panel evaluates proposed European Commission restrictions on Brazilian beef imports, discussing trade equity, environmental standards, and market impacts for Irish beef farmers.

Pets on Public Transport: The guests debate proposals to permit dogs and small pets on public buses, weighing animal welfare and commuter convenience against safety and health concerns.

President Connolly Meets President Trump: The panel analyzes political dynamics and diplomatic strategy following President Connolly’s high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump.

HSE Funding & Conference Controversy: The panel addresses public concerns regarding HSE grant allocations for external events, specifically examining a recent medical conference in Galway that featured a speaker who previously presented on male breastfeeding at fetish conventions.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We preview the latest episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast, featurin comedian Paddy McDonnell, who stops by for a chat about his mental health battles,  tour life and stand-up comedy.

Legal Advice & The Lindsay Clancy Case: Solicitor Seamus Gunn drops into the studio to answer listener legal queries and provides legal analysis on the high-profile Lindsay Clancy case in the US, breaking down the complexities surrounding mental health defenses, postpartum psychosis, and legal accountability.

Highland Radio Mega Cash Draw: We wrap up today’s program on a high note by crowning our grand prize winner and giving away €10,000 cash to one lucky listener live on air!

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

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