The Greg Hughes Show

For years, the public narrative around eating disorders has been framed almost exclusively as a female experience. But the reality is far more complex, and for Conor Nolan, that reality began in the most ordinary of places: a football pitch at the age of 11.

In this powerful bonus episode of the Greg Hughes Podcast, Conor joins us to share his decade-long journey with anorexia—a “silent passenger” that followed him from childhood into his twenties. We strip away the misconceptions and tackle the damaging gendered perceptions that often prevent men from seeking help or even recognizing their own struggle.

From the weight of perfectionism to the strength found in recovery, Conor discusses how he transitioned from a software engineer to a PhD researcher in the Psychology of Eating Disorders, dedicated to changing the clinical landscape for those who come after him.

The Early Seeds: How a drive for athletic excellence as a young boy in Ireland spiraled into a battle for control.

The Gender Stigma: Why the “female-only” stereotype of eating disorders is a dangerous barrier for men and boys.

The Concept of “Normal”: Inside the writing of his acclaimed book and why “normal” is a moving target in recovery.

From Powerlifting to Academia: How Conor rebuilt his relationship with his body and why he’s now pursuing a PhD to help others.

Finding a Voice: The importance of men speaking out to break the cycle of silence and shame.

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Today’s show is heavy with both community advocacy and essential health insights. From the heart of St. Johnston to the latest in cardiovascular research, we dive deep into the stories impacting Donegal and beyond.

In the wake of this week’s tragic fatal collision, the St. Johnston community is standing together to demand change. We speak with local campaigners who have spent years highlighting the dangers of local routes.

The Plea: Residents discuss the “near misses” and the specific infrastructure improvements required to prevent further loss of life.

The Goal: Moving from mourning to action to ensure safety for the next generation.

Elaine Rooney, Support Manager with Family Carers Ireland, joins us to shine a light on the often-invisible work of home carers.

What’s On: A rundown of upcoming events designed to provide respite, information, and community for carers.

The Message: You don’t have to do it alone. Elaine highlights the resources available for those balancing care duties with everyday life.

You might think a dental check-up is just about your teeth, but Dr. Gerard Roarty joins us to explain why your gums are a window into your heart.

The Science: We discuss the link between oral inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease.

Prevention: Simple steps in dental hygiene that can reduce long-term systemic health risks.

Chris Ashmore drops by to give us a sneak peek at this week’s Business Matters podcast.

On the Agenda: A look at local entrepreneurship, the shifting economic landscape in the Northwest, and the key interviews you won’t want to miss.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 26/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

From high-level ministerial meetings to deeply personal stories of survival and loss, today’s episode covers the issues that matter most to Donegal.

Donegal Cancer Flights Update: Following a period of uncertainty regarding the Donegal PSO (Public Service Obligation), Mary Coyle, Manager of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, joins us. She discusses her recent meeting with the Transport Minister and whether the proposed changes will protect vital access for patients.

The Power of Advocacy: Listener Tracey Kelly shares a harrowing account of her children’s recent hospitalization with RSV. Her story serves as a vital reminder to parents on the importance of “trusting your gut” and advocating for your children in a pressured healthcare system.

A Month on the Picket Line: We head to the Bord Bia offices where Donegal farmer Christine Friel marks one month of protest. We discuss the stamina required for such a stand and what she hopes to achieve for the farming community.

Circular Economy: Minister Alan Dillon outlines the government’s latest strategies to support a sustainable, circular economy and what these new plans mean for local businesses and consumers.

Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month Jamie Timoney joins Greg to share his personal journey with Oesophageal cancer. It’s a candid look at the symptoms, the diagnosis, and the critical importance of early detection during this awareness month.

Texas Ollie: Filmmaker Emmitt Harte dives into the fascinating life of the legendary “Texas Ollie.” He discusses his new documentary that captures the spirit of a true Donegal character.

Tragedy in St. Johnston: We reflect on the devastating news of a road traffic collision in St. Johnston that claimed the lives of two 19-year-old men. Cllr Paul Canning joins us to express the shock of the local community and discuss the ongoing impact of road safety issues in the county.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 25/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today’s program dives deep into the issues affecting Donegal this week, from high-level regional development and political shocks to concerning reports of public order offences in our coastal towns.

The Papers: We start with our daily look at the morning headlines.

The Arrest of Peter Mandelson: Former UK Labour activist Richard Logue joins us to discuss the breaking news surrounding the arrest of Peter Mandelson and what this means for the political landscape across the water.

The AIR Seminar: Over 200 local councillors have descended upon Inishowen today. Cllr Jack Murray tells us about the Association of Irish Regions’ annual training seminar and the significance of hosting such a large-scale event in the peninsula.

Launching the Arc Hub: A major milestone for regional innovation. Professor Gary Duffy joins Greg to discuss today’s launch of the Arc Hub, explaining how this facility will serve as a catalyst for local business and economic development.

Trouble in Dunfanaghy: Following recent incidents, Cllr Michael McClafferty expresses his concerns over public order offences in Dunfanaghy, arguing that the behavior must be “nipped in the bud” before it escalates further.

A Parent’s Terror: We hear a harrowing account from the parent of an 18-year-old boy who was forced to call his family in fear for his life after being targeted by a group in Dunfanaghy this past Saturday night.

The Reality of Road Safety: Listener Edel shares her experience of trying to look out for a fellow citizen. After politely advising a runner that his jacket wasn’t high-vis, she was met with a “torrent of abuse.”

Community Garda Information: Garda Sean Sweeney joins us for his regular slot to carrying the latest appeals and information from Donegal Gardai.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Tuesday 24/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On today’s episode, Greg takes a deep dive into local history, navigates the complexities of the healthcare system, and explores the changing landscape for students.

The Secrets of Ballymastoker Bay: Archaeologist John O’Raw joins the show to discuss a monumental find. New evidence suggests the wreck discovered at Ballymastoker is likely the HMS Saldanha, a Royal Navy frigate lost in 1811. We explore what this means for Donegal’s maritime history.

The Stand for Better Care: Listener Jason Quinn shares his harrowing story. Jason is currently refusing dialysis treatment as a protest against significant delays in seeing a consultant—a meeting necessary to change how his treatment is administered.

The Defective Concrete Block Scheme: As the fallout from the DCB crisis continues, Kathrina discusses her experience as one of the first to successfully appeal a downgrading on the scheme. We look at the legal and personal hurdles others might face when fighting for their homes.

Sport with Brendan Devenney: Our resident analyst Brendan Devenney wraps up a massive weekend of GAA action and gives us a sneak peek at what’s coming up on tonight’s DL Debate.

Granting Wishes: Kevin Clancy from Clare’s Wish Foundation joins Greg to put out a call to the people of Donegal. They are looking for new candidates whose dreams they can help turn into reality.

The Social Media Divide: Luke Saunders of Studyclix breaks down a surprising new survey. Despite being the “digital generation,” a majority of students in 4th, 5th, and 6th year are actually in favor of a social media ban for under-16s.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Monday 23/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

It’s the Friday Panel, and the sparks are already flying. This morning, Greg Hughes is joined by John McAteer (Tir Chonaill Tribune), Cllr Martin Harley, and Majella McFadden (Creeslough Community Association) to break down a week of heated headlines.

From the push for Uber in Donegal to the social media firestorm over local authority greetings, we aren’t holding back.

The “Uber” Debate: With taxi shortages reaching a breaking point, proposals for a ride-sharing revolution are on the table. Is it the answer to rural isolation, or a “race to the bottom” for local drivers?

The Ramadan Pushback: A look at why standard well-wishes from the local authority triggered a massive public outcry this week. Where is the line between inclusivity and public sentiment?

SNA Cuts Paused: Relief for parents and teachers as proposed cuts to Special Needs Assistants are put on ice. We ask: is this a victory, or just a stay of execution?

The Big Interview: A preview of this week’s Greg Hughes Podcast featuring an intimate and moving conversation with Maeve and Ian Gallagher.

Arts & Culture: Writer Antóin Beag Ó Colla joins us to discuss his groundbreaking new film centered on a trans teen’s journey within the Gaeltacht.

Shannen’s Scroll Patrol: Shannen Wilkins stops by to dissect the viral trends and social media storms you might have missed.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Friday 20/02/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this episode, Greg Hughes speaks with Maeve and Ian Gallagher following the inquest into the tragic death of their three-year-old son, Darragh.

Darragh passed away in March 2023 after a rapid onset of Invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) which led to bacterial sepsis. This episode provides a detailed look at the timeline leading up to Darragh’s passing, beginning with his initial symptoms on St. Patrick’s Day and a subsequent visit to an out-of-hours GP service where his condition was identified as a mild viral infection.

Key Discussion Points:

The Clinical Journey: The symptoms Darragh displayed, including abdominal pain and vomiting, and the challenges of diagnosing iGAS in its early stages.

The Inquest Findings: A breakdown of the narrative finding returned by Coroner Dr. McCauley and why the request for a finding of medical misadventure was not met.

A National Spike: Insight from the inquest regarding the 2022/2023 iGAS outbreak in Ireland, which resulted in 12 deaths and 200 pediatric intensive care admissions.

Coroner’s Recommendations: The vital importance of childhood vaccinations (including flu and chickenpox) and the need for non-alarmist public health campaigns to help parents recognize early signs of sepsis.

Moving Forward: How Maeve and Ian are coping with their loss while advocating for better support for GPs and clearer communication for parents through tools like the Aladdin App.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast – Episode 7: A Story of Loss, Resilience, and the Search for Answers appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

A packed show today as we dive into the papers and look at the stories affecting the North West.

The Papers We take a look at the local and national headlines, from the latest political moves to the stories hitting the front pages across Donegal.

Diabetes Care in Donegal Paul Gillespie, Chair of the Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland, joins Greg to discuss the positive advances in care at Letterkenny University Hospital. While the progress is welcome, Paul highlights the urgent work still required to meet patient needs.

SNA Review: The Fight Continues Local parent Fiona speaks out on the recent pause on SNA cuts. She tells Greg why this is not a victory for parents and previews a protest taking place in Buncrana next week to demand better for our children.

From Derry to Netflix We catch up with Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee! She tells us all about her brand-new Netflix project and the transition to a brand-new story.

Live Music & Business

David James is in studio for a live performance and a chat about his upcoming gigs.

Chris Ashmore drops by to preview what’s coming up on this week’s Business Matters Podcast.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 19/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today on the show, we dive deep into the stories impacting the North West—from a multi-million euro boost for our crumbling roads to a brave and disturbing account of the daily realities inside a local massage business.

The Morning Papers: A full run-through of the headlines making waves in Donegal and beyond.

€69 Million for Donegal Roads: Brian Cannon, Director of Roads with Donegal County Council, joins Greg to react to the massive funding announcement. He explains where the money is going, which projects are being prioritized, and how this will tackle the county’s infrastructure challenges.

National No Smoking Day: We mark the day with a focus on quitting for good. Fionna Boyle from the HSE’s I Quit programme discusses the supports available, while Mo Kelly shares her inspiring journey of being 100 days smoke-free.

The SNA U-Turn: After a week of intense pressure, the government has paused planned cuts to Special Needs Assistants. Parent Janice returns to react to the news, and SNA Aine provides a boots-on-the-ground perspective on why the system is still under immense pressure.

The Fight for Donegal Cancer Flights: With a crucial meeting set for February 24th with the Minister for Transport, Mary Coyle (Donegal Cancer Flights and Services) gives us an update. The community is demanding a reversal of changes to the PSO flight schedule, which many call a “medical lifeline.”

A Shocking Reality at Smile Thai Massage: In a candid and troubling interview, Nam, owner of Smile Thai Massage, speaks out about the regular abuse she and her staff face. From “additional service” requests to inappropriate language and physical touching, Nam explains why she is no longer staying silent.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 18/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In today’s episode, we navigate a heavy news agenda for the North West—from the parking chaos in Letterkenny and the rising costs of hospitality to a global study on deadly scorpions and a sensitive discussion on support services following recent court convictions.

The Morning Papers: Greg takes a look at the front pages and main stories making the headlines today, Tuesday, February 17th.

The Cost of Doing Business: Tommy McBride of Quaywest Restaurant in Derry joins us to discuss the “perfect storm” hitting the hospitality sector. Between energy costs and the burden of rates, he explains why simply keeping the doors open is becoming an uphill battle.

Deadliest Scorpions: We dive into a fascinating but frightening new study from the University of Galway. Researchers have identified global “hotspots” for the world’s most venomous scorpions; we chat with the team behind the findings about where the highest risks are and why soil type matters.

“Enough is Enough” in Ballymacool: Residents in Letterkenny are fuming after Sunday’s Donegal v Mayo clash. Despite Garda warnings, many fans abandoned their cars on footpaths and driveways. We speak to the Ballymacool Residents Association about the gridlock and why they say the current match-day arrangements are failing the community.

Highland Online: Oisin Kelly joins Greg to discuss the latest updates to Highland Radio’s online streaming services. Whether you’re at home or abroad, Oisin shares the best ways to ensure a crystal-clear connection to your favorite shows.

Community Garda Information: Garda Grainne Doherty is in the studio for her weekly slot, bringing us the latest appeals, crime prevention advice, and updates from the Donegal Gardai.

Support & Advice: Following the convictions of three Donegal men for sexual crimes yesterday, we speak with the Donegal Rape Crisis Centre. We discuss the impact of such cases on the community and provide vital information on the services available for those affected by sexual violence.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Tuesday 17/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.