The Greg Hughes Show

The Greg Hughes Show continues to be the pulse of the Northwest, and today’s episode is no exception. From heated debates on the cost of living to deep dives into local infrastructure and modern culture, we’ve got a packed show for you. Here is what’s coming up on today’s podcast:

Headlines & Highlights

The Fuel Crisis: Listeners Strike Back

We kick things off with a look at the morning papers. The government’s latest intervention in rising fuel costs has sparked a massive reaction from our listeners. Is it enough to keep Donegal moving, or is it a case of too little, too late? We read through your texts and comments as the “pump anger” reaches a boiling point.

Buncrana Nursing Unit: “The Wait is Unacceptable”

The long-promised Buncrana Community Nursing Unit has hit further delays, and the local community has had enough. Following recent protests, we speak directly to members of the Buncrana Community who are being affected by the lack of local beds and the continued “slippage” in construction timelines.

IPAS Plans in Ramelton

Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn joins us to address the swirling concerns and speculation regarding a proposed International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre at The Blue Goat in Ramelton. We get the latest on what has—and hasn’t—been confirmed by the Department of Justice.

Community Spirit & Safety

A Century of Giving: We meet Frank Morning, a man who has now donated blood an incredible 102 times. Inspired by his father and starting at age 18, Frank shares why he’s still at it and issues a heartfelt plea for others to step up and save lives.

Community Garda Information: This week’s guest is Garda Sean Sweeney, providing essential updates on local safety and crime prevention in your area.

The “Dodgy Box” Danger: Are you leaving your home network exposed? Professor Kevin Curran discusses alarming reports that many “dodgy boxes” in Ireland are infected with malware, allowing hackers a backdoor into your private data.

Culture & Sport

We Need to Talk About Roy

Author Dave Hannigan joins Greg to discuss his brand-new book, We Need to Talk About Roy. It’s not just a sports biography; it’s a look at modern Ireland through the lens of our most polarizing icon, Roy Keane. From Saipan to the “Roy Kent” comparisons in Ted Lasso, we explore the “Keaneification” of the nation.

Don’t miss a minute of the conversation.

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Welcome to the podcast for today’s edition of the Greg Hughes Show with Donna-Marie Doherty. It is a packed Monday morning as we navigate the latest on the retention of the midday flight from Dublin to Donegal, ongoing pressures in the cost of living and one lucky listener wins €1,000.

Today’s Highlights

Healthcare Breakthrough: In a major development for local health services, Cllr Declan Meehan joins us to discuss the news that the Dermatology Consultant decision at Letterkenny University Hospital is overturned. This represents a significant win for patient advocacy and the restoration of specialist care in the Northwest.

Regional Connectivity: Manager of the Donegal Cancer Flights and Services Mary Coyle is on the line as Government asks for two more weeks to resolve issues in the new PSO.

Rural Road Crisis: Rachel highlights the ongoing struggle with severe potholes on the road outside her home, emphasising the damage being done to vehicles and the frustrations of those living in more isolated areas of the county.

Economic Pressures: Niall Speak, owner of the ECO Basket explains the difficult decision to cancel the Easter Market this year, citing the unsustainable rise in costs facing local organizers and vendors.

Government & Funding: Minister Dara Calleary discusses his visit to Donegal, focusing on the rollout of funding for the Gaeltacht and Ulster-Scots communities, and fuel supports for the region.

Paul Hume, Chair of the Letterkenny Credit Union, provides insights into the recent merger and what it means for members, while Alderman Niree joins us to reflect on the tragic death of Amy Doherty.

The Big Giveaway: John Breslin is in-studio as we gear up for today’s €1,000 cash draw.

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Today, Greg is live from the Plaza Youth Club & Café in Buncrana ahead of its official grand opening tonight at 7:00 PM. We dive into the heart of the community while tackling the hard-hitting headlines of the week.

The Friday News Panel

Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Dr. Peter O’Rourke, and Cllr Fionán Bradley join Greg to dissect the week’s biggest stories:

The Cost of Living: As fuel prices continue to squeeze households, the panel debates what immediate actions the Government must take to alleviate the burden on motorists and families.

International Relations: With the Tánaiste’s recent diplomatic missions, we discuss the tightrope of global conflict and Ireland’s influence on the world stage regarding the Middle East.

The Creeslough Tragedy: We discuss the ongoing campaign by the families for a public inquiry as they continue their search for answers three years on.

Philadelphia Calling & The Plaza Launch

In the second hour, we celebrate the launch of the Plaza Youth Club & Café.

Live from Philly: Greg catches up with Oisín Kelly and the team ahead of their massive live broadcast from Philadelphia tonight at 7:00 PM (Irish time).

A New Hub for Buncrana: We speak with Christopher Flanagan, Brian Flanagan, and Ursula McDaid about the vision for the new youth club and what it means for the local area.

Live Music: The atmosphere is electric with live performances in the café from The 2 Bucks.

Life on the Road: The Bread Run

We air an exclusive snippet from the Greg Hughes Podcast, which launched today. Greg sits down with Martin O’Donnell, the man who dedicated 65 years to the local bread run, sharing stories of a lifetime spent serving the community.

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At 90 years of age, most people have been retired for decades—but Martin O’Donnell only hung up the keys last October.

For 65 years, Martin was a constant presence on the roads of Milford, Carrigart, Ramelton, and Downings. From his early days driving for Pat Kelly to becoming a self-employed fixture of the community in the early 80s, he has witnessed the world change through his windscreen.

In this episode, Martin takes us back to:

The early days: Starting his career the same week as the Grand National and driving the iconic Bedford SIH 197.

A changing landscape: Watching Milford go from a bustling hub of local shops to just two remaining today.

Life on the road: Long 12-hour days, mishaps at the Log Cabin involving runaway wheels, and the days when “bread and spuds” were the staples of every household.

A life of faith: His 50+ years of service to the Chapel in Milford, earning him a Papal Honor, and why the nightly Rosary always took precedence over the television.

As Martin and his wife Angela prepare to celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary this June, we sit down to hear the story of a man who didn’t just deliver bread—he delivered a lifetime of service to North Donegal.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 11: Martin O’Donnell – 65 Years on the Road appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

The Greg Hughes Show: Headlines, Hard Decisions, and Community Spirit In today’s episode, we navigate a wide-reaching landscape, from the deeply personal stories of Donegal locals to the complex shifts in global geopolitics.

Health & Headlines

We kick things off with a deep dive into this morning’s front pages. In a sobering segment, listener Colm joins Greg to share his harrowing “close shave” with Meningitis. Against the backdrop of a recent outbreak in Britain, Colm’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the speed at which this illness moves and the lasting impact it can leave.

The Childcare Crisis Hits Home

The local community in Milford is facing a significant loss. Patrick McBride of Fairytale DayCare joins with Greg to explain the heart-wrenching decision he and his wife made to close their doors. It’s a candid look at the pressures facing childcare providers in Ireland today and the ripple effect this has on local parents.

Global Analysis & Sentimental Searches

The Middle East: Prof Donnacha Ó Beacháin provides his expert analysis on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, breaking down the latest developments and what they mean for international stability.

The Lost Tractor: Orla McDaid shares a unique family quest. Her family is on the hunt for a vintage tractor once owned by her grandfather.

Community Concerns & Global Giving

Killea’s Dog Fouling Issue: Nicola Mahon joins the show to discuss a disgusting trend in the Killea area. Following a shocking incident where dog waste was found on a children’s swing in the Killea Community Park, we ask: what will it take for owners to take responsibility?

Daffodil Day: We hear the rallying cry for the people of Donegal to “dig deep” for Daffodil Day tomorrow.

From Donegal to Tanzania: Finally, we speak with Donegal Town native and pediatric nurse Molly McGroary. Molly is preparing for a life-changing journey to volunteer at a hospital in Tanzania and shares how listeners can support her fundraising efforts for vital medical equipment.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 19/03/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Welcome back to the podcast. Today’s episode is a packed one, covering everything from the high-stakes diplomacy in Washington D.C. to the economic pressures hitting the heart of our local industries here in the Northwest.

Inside the Headlines & The Oval Office

We kick things off with a deep dive into this morning’s papers before crossing the Atlantic. Peter Kelly, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, joins Greg from Washington. Peter provides an inside look at  Micheál Martin’s high-profile meeting with President Donald Trump, discussing the diplomatic ripples and what this means for Irish-American relations in a changing political landscape.

The Fuel Crisis: Breaking Point for Transport & Fishing

The rising cost of fuel is no longer just a headline—it’s a threat to the viability of essential services.

Maelisa McGettigan (McGettigan Travel): Explains the grim reality facing private operators, where the cost of diesel is making school runs and Local Link services financially unviable.

Kevin Byrne (National Inshore Fisherman’s Association): Shares a sobering report from the coast, noting that fuel bills for small-scale fishers have effectively doubled, leaving the sector at a crossroads.

Resilience & Restoration at Doagh Famine Village

In an inspiring turn, Pat Doherty joins the show to discuss the journey of Doagh Famine Village. Following a devastating fire that threatened the future of this iconic site, Pat details the hard work and community spirit involved in building back and preserving our local heritage.

Home, Energy, and The Irish Mammy

Inishowen Co-Op Home Build Event: Evelyn McGlynn and Martin McCole join Greg to preview this Saturday’s big event. If you’re building, renovating, or trying to slash your energy bills, this Hub is the place to be.

The Irish Mammy’s Cookbook: Finally, we add a bit of flavor to the show as Orla Drumgoole introduces her new book. It’s a celebration of the recipes and the “mammy-isms” that define Irish kitchens.

Don’t miss a beat—listen to the full episode below.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 18/03/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Welcome to the podcast for today’s edition of the Greg Hughes Show with Donna-Marie Doherty. It was a packed Monday morning as we navigated a historic night for Ireland in Hollywood, alongside pressing community concerns regarding waste, rural crime, and road safety.

Oscar Glory for Ireland: We began with the incredible news from the Academy Awards. Highland Radio journalist Katie Gillen joined the show to reflect on Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win. We discussed the electric atmosphere following the ceremony and what this global recognition means for the star’s home county.

The School Meal Waste: A shocking new survey has revealed that three-quarters of hot school meals are currently being thrown away. Senator Linda Nelson-Murray joined Donna-Marie to parse through these findings, discussing the disconnect between the current program and the students it aims to serve, and why so much taxpayer-funded nutrition is ending up in the bin.

Rural Blight: Fly-Tipping in South Donegal: The conversation turned to the environmental damage being done to our local landscape. Senator Manus Boyle expressed his outrage over the levels of fly-tipping discovered along the Ardara-Ardahey road, calling for urgent action to tackle the persistent issue of illegal dumping in the area.

Sport: The DL Debate Brendan Devenney joined via zoom to wrap up a massive weekend of sporting action.

Weekend Review: A look back at the latest performances and results from across the county.

DL Debate Preview: Brendan gave us a taste of what to expect on tonight’s show as the Donegal men encountered their first league loss.

Community and Road Safety We focused on the essential work of our local frontline services with two key segments:

Garda Information: Gráinne Doherty from An Garda Síochána provided our weekly community update, highlighting this week’s information clinics and local safety initiatives.

Road Safety Warning: Former Sergeant Christy Galligan joined the show with a sobering statistic, revealing that one driver has been caught drink-driving every 45 minutes over the past 72 hours. We discussed the implications of these figures for road safety as we head into St. Patrick’s Day.

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The Friday Panel: Fuel Crisis, Global Conflict, and the Search for Truth Greg is joined by Minister Marian Harkin, Sinn Féin Ógra member Niamh McGuinness, and Professor Pat O’Connor to dissect the week’s biggest stories:

The Cost of Living: As fuel prices continue to squeeze households, the panel debates what immediate actions the Government must take to alleviate the burden on motorists and families.

International Relations: With Tánaiste Micheál Martin visiting the White House, we discuss the diplomatic tightrope of the war in Gaza and the Middle East, questioning the US role and Ireland’s influence on the world stage.

The Creeslough Tragedy: We discuss the ongoing campaign by the families for a public inquiry and a formal meeting with the Minister for Justice, as they continue their search for answers three years on.

The Grand a Day Giveaway:  Corinne Temple from our Digital Team joins Greg to officially launch the ‘Grand a Day’ giveaway. It’s all part of our massive €20,000 Home Makeover Draw—tune in to find out how you could be our next big winner.

Buncrana Hospital Protest We hear from the community in Buncrana where a protest has been called over “unacceptable” delays. Plans for the new community hospital have stalled again, and locals are demanding the HSE and Government stop the drift.

The Emigrant Experience: Listener Michelle Bonner shares the harrowing story of her daughter, who was forced to leave her job in Qatar over safety fears. Michelle claims the Irish Government is failing to provide a pathway or adequate support for emigrants who need to return home in times of crisis.

Local History: ‘Great’ – The Benny Gordon Story We are joined by Seamus and Margaret Gordon, who have produced a moving new documentary about their father, Benny. Titled ‘Great’, the film captures a century of life in the Twin Towns and will be screened at the Balor Theatre next week.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Friday 13/03/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week, we mark a profoundly significant and somber milestone. Friday, March 20th, 2026, marks the 10th anniversary of the Buncrana Pier tragedy.

On that evening in 2016, five members of one family—Sean McGrotty, Mark (12), Evan (8), Ruth Daniels (57), and Jodie-Lee Daniels (14)—lost their lives when their car slipped into Lough Swilly. The sole survivor was four-month-old Rioghnach-Ann, saved in a moment of extraordinary bravery as she was handed through a window to rescuer Davitt Walsh.

In this episode, we are joined by Louise James, who speaks with incredible courage about the decade that has passed since that life-altering Sunday.

What We Discuss:

The Day Everything Changed: Louise recounts being on a hen party in Liverpool, the “gut feeling” that something was wrong, and the devastating news she received after landing back home.

Signs of Comfort: The moving story of the “Elephant” sign—a promise from her mother that appeared on her daughter’s dummy in the hospital.

The Reality of Grief: The “guilt of living,” the challenges of years two and three, and the difficulty of watching the world move on while your heart remains at the pier.

Living for Rioghnach-Ann: How Louise and her daughter keep the memories of their dad, brothers, granny, and aunt alive every single day.

A Legacy in Writing: An update on Louise’s upcoming book, scheduled for publication in 2026, which documents her journey through loss and resilience.

Remembrance Mass

A special anniversary Mass will be held this Friday, March 20th, at 7:00 PM at the Holy Family Parish in Ballymagroarty, Derry. All are welcome to attend to remember, pray, and show support for the family.

“Some days, you laugh all day… you feel guilty for telling jokes, being involved, going to parties. But then that’s not fair on Rioghnach. I still have to live a life for her.” — Louise James

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast – Ep10 Louise James -10 Years On from the Buncrana Pier Tragedy: A Journey of Resilience, Grief, and Hope appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Welcome to the podcast. Today’s show covers a broad spectrum of local issues, from long-awaited infrastructure developments and festive preparations to a deeply moving look back at one of the region’s most significant tragedies.

Morning Headlines: A Look at the Papers

Greg begins the morning with a comprehensive review of the national and local papers, setting the stage for the day’s discussions on health, housing, and the economy in the North West.

Strabane’s Transformation: £7m Regeneration Update

We hear from Tony Monaghan, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Regeneration Officer. Work is set to commence this May on a major £7 million public realm scheme aimed at revitalizing Strabane town centre. Tony outlines how the project will transform the streetscape and confirms that upcoming information sessions at Strabane Library will give local businesses and residents a first-hand look at the plans.

Buncrana Community Hospital: Further Delays Spark Outrage

Sinn Féin Chief Whip Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD joins the show to discuss the latest setback for the Buncrana Community Hospital project. Initially expected to begin last year, construction has now been pushed back to the third quarter of 2026. Deputy Mac Lochlainn shares his frustration over the “kicking the can down the road” approach and highlights the urgent need for increased bed capacity in Inishowen.

St. Patrick’s Day in Letterkenny: A Call to Businesses

With March 17th fast approaching, Letterkenny Chamber CEO Toni Forrester provides an update on the town’s parade plans. Entertainment is set to begin at 1:00 PM with the main parade kicking off at 3:00 PM. Toni issues a final call for local businesses, schools, and community groups to enter a float and be part of one of the county’s largest celebrations.

Louise James: 10 Years Since the Buncrana Pier Tragedy

In a powerful and emotional interview, we speak with Louise James as we approach the 10th anniversary of the Buncrana Pier tragedy. Louise reflects on the decade since she lost five members of her family—her partner Sean, sons Mark and Evan, mother Ruth, and sister Jodie Lee. She discusses her journey of resilience, the support of the community, and how she continues to navigate life after such unimaginable loss.

Coming Up on Business Matters

Finally, Chris Ashmore joins Greg to preview this week’s Business Matters podcast.

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