The Greg Hughes Show

Today we address the long-standing battle for Buncrana’s missing swimming facilities, healthcare costs for the vulnerable, major planning changes on the horizon, and the annual summer parking crisis on our coastlines.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off with a thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national stories breaking this morning.

The Buncrana Leisure Centre Debate: Following a fiery debate at a recent Donegal County Council meeting, we hold an extensive discussion on the future of the Buncrana Leisure Centre, which has now been closed for 11 years.

The Funding Realities: Cllr Fionán Bradley explains why the project was ranked last for refurbishment in a recent Swim Ireland report, noting that the council currently lacks the required matching funds to move the project forward, even if government grants were cleared tomorrow.

The Call for Action: Cllr Jack Murray pushes back, arguing that the council has already prioritised the infrastructure and demands that the Minister for Sport step up with direct capital funding. He highlights the cross-party frustration surrounding the delays.

Inishowen Left Dry: We look at a new grassroots campaign launched by locals who are deeply frustrated that there are currently no public swimming facilities available across the entire Inishowen peninsula, forcing families to travel to Derry or pay for private hotels.

Blister Pack Charges Query: A local carer contacts the show with an emotionally charged query, questioning why a local pharmacy is issuing extra monthly charges for the blister packs of a vulnerable lady battling cancer whom he looks after.

Community Garda Information: Garda Feena McManamon joins Greg live in studio to issue the latest security notices, witness appeals, and road safety updates affecting the Donegal division this week.

A One-Off Housing Boom?: Martin Markey, CEO of the Irish Hardware Association, joins the show to discuss upcoming planning legislation overhauls. He outlines how these sweeping policy modifications could streamline the system and potentially unlock the construction of thousands of one-off rural houses across the country.

Inishowen Gridlock: We speak to a representative from Foyle Coaches, who outlines the severe disruption that forced the cancellation of several key bus routes yesterday. Irresponsible and illegal parking by summer beachgoers completely blocked coastal roads—a perennial warm-weather headache that transport operators say has reached a breaking point.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 26/05/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we dissect the dramatic fallout from the Education Minister’s visit to Donegal, alongside crucial updates on local school campaigns, sporting triumphs, and a celebration of women in agriculture.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the show with our regular glance at the front pages, tracking the stories that are dominating local and national headlines this morning.

The Burke Family Confrontation: We dive into the controversial events of last Friday when members of Enoch Burke’s family cornered and challenged the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton, during her school visits in Milford.

The Criticism: Deputy Charles Ward and Scoil Mhuire Parents’ Association member Donal Cullen voice their strong disapproval of the incident, criticising the family’s approach and highlighting the distress caused to the school communities.

The Defence: Enoch Burke’s mother, Martina Burke, joins Greg live on air to robustly defend her family’s actions, outlining why they felt it was necessary to confront the Minister directly over the handling of the ongoing case.

Donegal Triumphs Over Kerry: Our GAA analyst Brendan Kilcoyne is in studio to look back at a massive weekend of football action, reflecting on Donegal’s tactical victory over Kerry and previewing the hot topics lined up for tonight’s DL Debate podcast.

St. Eunan’s Campus Campaign: We get a direct update from St. Eunan’s College in Letterkenny following their intensive meeting with Minister Naughton on Friday. We hear how the Student Council brought the Minister face-to-face with their aging facilities as they continue their 30-year fight for a 37-classroom campus redevelopment.

A Field of Her Own: Shannon Porter of The Milk Bar, Carrigans, and IFA Chair Joe Sweeney are in studio to look ahead to a fantastic community initiative. They preview the “Field of Her Own” event taking place in Carrigans this Thursday, aimed at empowering and celebrating women across the agricultural sector.

Stream the full show and hear the exclusive interviews now:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Monday | 25/05/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

A morning dominated by an extensive overnight emergency in Donegal Town, balanced with sharp political analysis and the celebration of true local heroes.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We begin with our daily scan of the front pages as the national and local papers hit the shelves.

Devastating Blaze at Cherrymore Kitchens: We lead with major breaking news out of Donegal Town. An extensive, destructive fire ripped through the manufacturing facility of Cherrymore Kitchens on the Ballyshannon Road overnight. Garry Martin, Donegal County Council’s Director of Services, joins Greg to outline the massive, hours-long response by six fire service units and nearly 60 personnel to contain the inferno. We have the latest updates on the structural damage and ongoing R267 road closures.

The Friday Panel: Greg is joined by John McAteer, India Kennedy, and Nicholas Crosson to unpack a heavy week of local and national news:

Letterkenny Active Travel Works: Is it a necessary evolution or localized gridlock? The panel debates whether the sweeping infrastructure works around Letterkenny are causing unacceptable disruptions or if it’s simply “short-term pain for long-term gain.”

Dáil Sanctions & By-Elections: The team analyzes the political fallout from the recent Dáil vote on imposing sanctions against Israel, as well as a look at the critical by-election battles unfolding today in Dublin and Galway.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We get a sneak peek at this week’s full-length podcast drop, featuring an exclusive sit-down interview with guest Joe Decks.

Fight for Aaron: We look ahead to a massive community event taking place in Donegal Town this Sunday. The town is rallying in support of young Aaron Langon and his family as he continues his brave battle with illness.

Highland Radio Community Heroes 2026: In a heartwarming segment, Sean Quinn joins Greg live in studio to officially unveil and celebrate this year’s much-deserved winners of the Highland Radio Community Heroes awards.

Stream the full Friday broadcast and listen back here:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 22/05/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

What happens when the party stops, but the drinking doesn’t? This week, we sit down with well-known DJ and radio contributor Joe Decks for an incredibly raw, honest, and powerful conversation about his battle with alcohol addiction. From the early days of student life and the high-energy nightlife of the DJ booth, Joe details how a normal social habit quietly escalated into a dependency that threatened his relationships, his career, and his life.

Joe opens up about the reality of functioning alcoholism, the hidden warning signs, and the terrifying health crisis that saw him suffer four major seizures due to alcohol withdrawal. He shares the painful truth about recovery—admitting that his early stints in rehab were just to “shut people up”—and describes the exact moment he finally found true acceptance and the will to save himself.

Today, Joe is sober, focused on his music, and rebuilding his life with clarity and stability. Whether you are fighting your own battle, supporting a loved one, or just want to understand the reality of addiction, Joe’s story is a profound reminder that it is never too late for a new beginning.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode:

The Slippery Slope: How casual college drinking and full-time retail work funded a lifestyle of drinking until 4 AM.

The Illusion of Control: Balancing radio work at Highland while hiding the growing impact of alcohol and avoiding the warning signs.

The Ultimate Wake-Up Call: Dealing with severe panic attacks and surviving four life-threatening alcohol withdrawal seizures.

The Reality of Rehab: Moving through treatments in Galway and Whiteoaks, dealing with relapses, and the difference between going for others versus going for yourself.

The Power of Support: The vital role of AA meetings, the support of family, and the impactful advice of former addiction counsellor Hugh McBride.

Playing the Tape to the End: The daily toolkit, routines, and mental exercises Joe uses to maintain his sobriety and navigate social environments safely.

A New Track: Finding confidence without alcohol, returning to music production, and embracing a future built on stability and contentment.

Quotes from the Episode:

“The third time of treatment… I had acceptance. I knew I could try again or die.”

“I think of our motto: ‘Play the tape to the end.’ I think of the result of that one drink.”

“Now, my confidence is growing… I have stability and contentment. I’m happy.”

Support Resources:

If you or someone you know has been affected by the themes discussed in this episode, support is available:

AA Ireland (Alcoholics Anonymous): www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie

HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline: Freephone 1800 459 459 or email [email protected]

White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre: www.whiteoakscentre.com

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 20: Joe Decks – Vinyl, Vodka and Me appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address mounting anxieties over Letterkenny’s road layouts, an urgent double-crisis for residents in Elm Park, a mother’s moving tribute to her late son, and a celebration of local culture and media.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the morning with our signature digest of the national and local papers, reviewing the stories leading the day’s agenda.

Gridlock Fears for HGVs: Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly joins Greg to raise the serious concerns of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers regarding Letterkenny’s ongoing Active Travel infrastructure works. With roads narrowing and new layouts taking shape, drivers are increasingly worried about how large transport vehicles will safely navigate the town.

Sanctions & The Elm Park Double-Crisis: Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn is in studio to discuss the latest Dáil vote on implementing sanctions against Israel. He also turns his focus closer to home, slamming the unacceptable delays in relocating families in Elm Park. These residents are trapped in an unimaginable double-crisis: their homes are severely flood-hit and crumbling due to Defective Concrete Blocks.

Africa Day Sports Fiesta: Ugo and Teffara drop by the studio to share the excitement ahead of the upcoming Africa Day Commemoration Sports Fiesta in Letterkenny, celebrating unity, diversity, and community through sport.

A Gift of Life: In a deeply moving interview, Fionna Kerrigan shares the heartbreaking story of losing her 17-year-old son, Cormac. She discusses how a simple poster prompted a family conversation that ultimately led them to donate his organs, and she appeals to other families to have that vital discussion today.

100 Episodes of V&M: Vinny and Marty from the popular V and M Podcast join Greg to look back on their journey as they prepare for a massive live show at the Balor Arts Centre to celebrate reaching their 100-episode milestone.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore rounds out the morning with a look at the local economic headlines and a preview of what’s coming up on this week’s Business Matters podcast.

Stream the full episode and listen back here:

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 21/05/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

A packed program today as we cover an international crisis hitting close to home, major local infrastructure developments, and growing frustrations over summer tourism and rural support.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the morning by reviewing the front pages and discussing the leading stories making waves locally and nationally.

Forgotten Fuel Promises: Bus driver Karl Reed joins the show to vent his frustration. Following the high-profile fuel protests, he asks whatever happened to the government financial supports promised to transport operators who are still struggling with high overheads.

A New Leisure Centre for Strabane: We have all the details on the newly launched public consultation process for a state-of-the-art leisure facility in Strabane. Find out how you can have your say on the design and amenities of this major community project.

International Crisis In Gaza: Cllr Declan Brien joins Greg for a deeply sobering interview regarding the “abduction” of his wife, Dr. Margaret Connolly, by Israeli forces during a medical humanitarian mission. He details the terrifying situation and calls on the Irish government for urgent intervention.

Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer: True crime expert Cheish Merryweather drops in to discuss her spine-chilling stage show, “Murder Staged,” which comes to Letterkenny this week. She gives us a preview of what audiences can expect as she breaks down the psychology of the world’s most notorious killers.

Preparing for the Minister: Donal Cullen from the Parents’ Council of Scoil Mhuire, Milford, chats about the excitement and expectations ahead of the Minister for Education’s official visit to the school this Friday. What are the key funding and resource issues they hope to put directly to the Minister?

The Road Safety Crisis: Cllr Marie Casserly outlines her urgent calls to the government to completely overhaul its approach to road safety. Following a devastating period on Irish roads, she discusses what infrastructure and enforcement changes are desperately needed.

Downings Parking Woes: As the summer season kicks into gear, Amy from Downings highlights the severe parking and traffic congestion issues plaguing the beautiful seaside town. She discusses the impact on locals and what the council needs to do to manage the summer influx.

Stream the full episode and stay informed:

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 20/05/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we delve into serious safety concerns on our roads, a disheartening act of school vandalism, an urgent warning on internet safety, and a major split in local opinion over the President’s London visit.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open with a glance through the morning papers to see what’s dominating the local and national headlines today.

Miraculous Escape at Brinlack: Cllr John Sheamais Ó Fearraigh joins the show to call for urgent, immediate safety infrastructure at Brinlack. This follows a terrifying recent incident where a car lost control and left the road, entirely crushing a child’s trampoline just moments after it had been in use.

Vandalism at St. Patrick’s NS: A disheartening appeal from Mountcharles. Daire Diver, Principal of St. Patrick’s National School, speaks to Greg about the wanton vandalism that destroyed the school’s hard-earned gardens. He appeals directly to those responsible, or anyone with information, to come forward.

The Threat of Sextortion: East Derry MLA Cara Hunter joins the conversation to shed light on the terrifying rise of “sextortion” online. She shares the harrowing reality faced by one of her own constituents who became a victim and discusses the vital steps needed to protect people from digital blackmail.

Dressing the President: We celebrate local talent with Donegal designer Sarah Lorraine. She talks about the incredible honor of designing the stunning outfit worn by President Catherine Connolly during her historic official state visit to London and Buckingham Palace this week.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne is in studio with the weekly roundup of appeals, crime prevention advice, and road safety updates from across the Donegal division.

The Royal Invitation Controversy: Donegal Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig explains why his staunch support for President Catherine Connolly is being tested. Following her formal invitation to Britain’s King Charles III to make a State Visit to Ireland, the Independent councillor voices the frustration of republicans who feel the move is out of step with her mandate.

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 19/05/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

We wrap up the week with a deep dive into environmental accountability, a controversial political debate, and a masterclass in the science of sleep.

On Today’s Podcast:

The Friday Panel: Greg is joined by Leonard Watson, Eimear McGuinness, and Emma Govha for a wide-ranging discussion on the week’s biggest talking points:

The Battle Against Fouling: Following the Government’s announcement to hike on-the-spot fines for dog fouling and littering from €150 to €250, the panel questions the “psyche” of those who continue to ignore the rules. Is it a lack of enforcement, or a deeper lack of civic pride?

Bertie Ahern’s Immigration Remarks: The panel debates the fallout from former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s recent controversial comments regarding immigration. Was he tapping into the concerns of a “silent majority,” or was his rhetoric inflammatory and out of step with modern Ireland?

The Science of Sleep: Later in the show, we are joined by sleep specialist Dr. Olga Mikulich. She discusses why quality rest is the foundation of our physical and mental health, the impact of “blue light” on our circadian rhythms, and why so many of us are waking up feeling exhausted.

Listener Q&A: Dr. Mikulich stays with us to answer your questions—covering everything from insomnia and restless leg syndrome to the best routines for getting children to sleep through the night.

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 15/05/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this episode, we sit down with Mirenda Rosenberg, the voice behind the massive “Homestead Donegal” community and a tireless advocate for survivors of domestic abuse.

Mirenda’s story is one of incredible resilience. Raised in a restrictive religious environment outside Washington D.C., she eventually moved to Ireland over 20 years ago. What was intended by her abuser to be a move of isolation instead became the foundation for a new, independent life.

Mirenda opens up about the harrowing reality of leaving an abusive marriage while raising two special needs children and the legal “nightmare” of fighting for the right to remain in Ireland. We dive deep into:

The Reality of Domestic Abuse: Mirenda shares her personal journey of survival and her 13 years of professional experience working with survivors in Derry and Donegal.

Systemic Gaps: A candid look at the current shortcomings in support systems for victims and what needs to change.

The Power of “Homesteading”: How zero-waste living and sustainable practices became a tool for healing and self-reliance.

Growth & New Beginnings: From being a top-ranked TikTok educator to her recent elopement with her partner of 17 years, Declan.

Whether you know her from her viral sustainable cooking videos or her advocacy work, this conversation is a profound look at turning trauma into a platform for education and hope.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep19: The Art of Becoming: Survival, Song, and Sustainable Hope – Mirenda Rosenberg appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

From the “Wild Atlantic Way for the Arts” to the high seas and the hidden influence of big industry, we dive into the issues shaping our community today.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open with our daily look at the front pages, identifying the key stories making waves nationally and locally.

A Wild Atlantic Way for the Arts: Sean Doran of Arts Over Borders shares the vision for an ambitious new cultural trail. With work already well underway, he discusses how this initiative aims to do for the arts what the Wild Atlantic Way did for tourism.

The Modular Home Tax: Following recent confirmation from Revenue, Genevieve McGurk of IPAV discusses the new Local Property Tax (LPT) liabilities for modular homes. We look at the rules for building these units on your property and what homeowners need to know about the scheme.

Cracking Down on Dumping: Minister Alan Dillon joins Greg to discuss new legislation aimed at tackling illegal dumping and dog fouling. With on-the-spot fines set to rise from €150 to €250 and increased resources for local authorities, we ask: will it be enough to clean up our streets?

Profits Over People: Paula Leonard of Alcohol Forum Ireland discusses a powerful new film screening in Letterkenny tonight. The documentary highlights the aggressive influence of global corporations on government policy and how profit is often prioritized over public health and law.

Crisis at Sea: We chat with listener Eileen, who joins us live from a cruise ship currently docked in Bordeaux. She shares the tense atmosphere on board as the ship deals with suspected cases of Norovirus among the passengers.

Workplace Rights & Language: Seanan Ó Coistín discusses his ongoing struggle to secure a hearing with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) conducted in the Irish language, raising questions about the accessibility of state services for Gaeilgeoirí.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore joins us with the latest local business headlines and a preview of this week’s Business Matters podcast.

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 14/05/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.