The Greg Hughes Show

We hit the ground running with our daily Morning Paper Review, dissecting the headlines making waves across the Northwest and beyond.

The local retail landscape has been dealt a massive blow with the news that Eurogiant is entering liquidation. With stores in Letterkenny and Donegal Town directly impacted, we get expert reaction on what this means for staff, the local economy, and the future of our high streets.

Could a centuries-old maritime mystery finally be solved? Journalist Anne Cadwallader joins Greg to discuss the possible discovery of the wreck of the HMS Saldanha in Ballymastocker Bay. We dive into the history and the significance of this potential find.

In a moving and powerful extended clip from The Greg Hughes Podcast, we hear from Biddy McLaughlin. She speaks candidly about the murder of her sister and the harrowing realities of domestic abuse.

The Travel Toll: Cancer patient Kathleen outlines the devastating impact a change in the Donegal to Derry PSO flights will have on those traveling for life-saving treatment.

Funding Withdrawn: Listeners Cathal and Geraldine share their shock after being informed by the HSE—separately—that funding for their back condition treatments is being pulled mid-way through their care plans.

Chris Ashmore drops by to give us a sneak peek at the latest episode of the Business Matters Podcast, highlighting the stories driving the Donegal business community this week.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Thursday 05/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today on the show, we dive into the pressing issues affecting Donegal and the national stage, from a high-stakes standoff at Bord Bia to a new roadmap for transparency in our schools.

The Morning Papers: Greg kicks off the morning with a comprehensive look at the front pages and the stories making the rounds across the county and beyond.

Council First Refusal & Housing Delays: Cllr Declan Meehan joins the conversation. He’s calling for Donegal County Council to be given “first choice” on vacant HSE properties to tackle the local housing crisis. We also discuss the growing frustration over delays in the Defective Concrete Block scheme for social housing tenants.

Transparency in Schools: Are “voluntary contributions” becoming a mandatory burden? We speak to the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) on Government plans to force more transparency on how these funds are requested and spent.

Showdown at Bord Bia: We go live to the offices of Bord Bia where the IFA’s Adrian Gallagher is part of a major protest. Farmers are escalating their campaign, calling for the immediate removal of the agency’s chair, Larry Murrin, following controversy surrounding the importation of Brazilian beef.

The Epstein Files – A Diplomatic Perspective: Former Diplomat Dr. Ray Bassett, who worked alongside George Mitchell and Peter Mandelson, joins us to discuss the international fallout and the implications of the latest Epstein document releases.

Crime Report – Ireland vs The World: We analyze a new report comparing Ireland’s crime rates and justice system to other countries.

Donegal Airport Updates: Following concerns that PSO flights would be significantly altered, Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher shares his optimism that a resolution is close and that vital flight links for the county will be protected.

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Today on the show, we dive into the pressing issues affecting Donegal, from a major threat to vital transport links to the latest figures on road safety.

The Morning Papers: Greg kicks off the morning with a comprehensive look at the front pages and the stories making the rounds across the county and beyond.

The Donegal-Dublin Flight Crisis: We take an in-depth look at the proposed changes to the PSO flight route. With the afternoon return flight facing the axe and the morning schedule becoming increasingly unreliable, what does this mean for the future of the service? More importantly, we discuss the devastating impact on cancer patients who rely on this link for life-saving treatment in Dublin.

A Tribute to Joe Mulholland: We take a moment to remember the late Joe Mulholland. The Ballybofey native and former RTÉ Managing Director left an indelible mark on Irish broadcasting and the MacGill Summer School. We reflect on his life, legacy, and his immense contribution to Donegal.

Road Safety & Policing: MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú joins the conversation to highlight a worrying trend. New data reveals a significant fall in Garda checkpoints across Donegal, even as detections for drink and drug driving continue to soar. We ask: is our road safety strategy keeping pace with the risks?

Community Garda Information: Garda Grainne Doherty joins Greg for our regular segment, providing essential updates on local crime prevention, community safety initiatives, and how you can help keep your neighborhood safe.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Tuesday 03/02/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In 2002, James White was a man at the peak of his powers. As the head of the White Hotel Group, he commanded a commercial titan that employed 1,500 people and operated with a marketing budget—exceeding £500,000—that was almost unheard of for the time. Yet, behind the commercial success lay a storied and often turbulent career in the corridors of Leinster House.

In this newly released archival recording, we step back over two decades to hear White in his own words: unfiltered, sharp, and remarkably candid about the friction that defined his life in both business and the Dáil.

The conversation begins with White’s roots in the Ballyshannon grocery trade, but the narrative quickly shifts from commerce to conflict. In a revealing moment, White admits that his entry into Fine Gael wasn’t born of deep-seated party ideology. Instead, it was a move of pure strategy—a way to spite a local politician and business rival. It was this instinct for competition that would characterize his entire public life.

Perhaps the most striking part of the interview is White’s reflection on his “political low.” He delves into the sting of being overlooked for a Ministry by Garret FitzGerald. He provides a rare, sobering look at the social climate of 20th-century Ireland, explaining how his broken marriage effectively barred him from the Cabinet table.

Rather than retreating, White describes how that rejection became the fuel for his fire, redirecting his energy away from the Dáil and into the hotel empire that would eventually dominate the Donegal landscape.

Listeners will also hear White’s firsthand accounts of the cut-throat nature of Donegal politics. From the documented “bad blood” with Independent TD Thomas Gildea to his observations on a “fresh-faced” Enda Kenny taking the reins of Fine Gael, this recording is a time capsule of a transitional era in Irish leadership.

This isn’t just a business interview; it’s a bridge between the old guard of Irish politics and the modern tourism sector we see today. It captures a powerhouse figure at a moment of total confidence, offering an honest look at the ambition required to build a legacy in Ireland.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast: From the Archives: James White (Recorded 2002) appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Welcome to a packed Friday edition of The Greg Hughes Show. Today, we bridge the gap between local Donegal advocacy and major national debates, from the safety of our skies to the digital wellbeing of our children.

The Morning Paper Review: We kick off by dissecting the lead stories in the local and national press, setting the agenda for the weekend ahead.

Air Rescue for Donegal: Senator Manus Boyle joins us to discuss his urgent call for a dedicated emergency aeromedical service to be based in the county. With Donegal’s unique geography, is a local rescue helicopter now a necessity rather than a luxury?

A Mother’s Quest for Truth: Donna Harper joins us ahead of her participation at a Derry event tomorrow marking the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Donna, who lost her daughter Leona in the Creeslough explosion, discusses why she is standing alongside the Derry families and why she is intensifying her calls for a full public inquiry into the 2022 tragedy.

The Friday Panel: We are joined in-studio by Senator Eileen Flynn, Donegal Aontú Chair Rebecca McDaid, and Community Campaigner Katy Tyrell McCafferty.

Social Media & Under 16s: With the government intensifying discussions around a total social media ban for those under 16, we ask our panel: Is this a vital move for mental health, or an unenforceable “blunt tool”?

The Housing Crisis: Yesterday’s CSO figures revealed that while 2025 saw a record 36,284 completions (a 20% jump from 2024), the state still fell nearly 5,000 homes short of its original 41,000 target

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In this episode, Clarice’s twin sister, Bernadette, joins us for a raw and courageous conversation. She pulls back the curtain on the devastating aftermath of a fatal road traffic collision, from the trauma of the 1:00 AM phone call to the pain of combating false headlines during her sister’s wake.

We discuss:

The Reality of the Crash: The physical impact of high-speed collisions and the importance of seatbelt safety.

The Ripple Effect of Grief: How Clarice’s death impacted her daughter, Saoirse, and the lifelong bond shared between twins.

Debunking the Rumors: Setting the record straight regarding the 2020 inquest and the role speed played in the accident.

A Mission for Change: Why Bernadette supports Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and stricter rules for learner drivers to prevent future tragedies.

This is more than just a story of loss; it is a vital plea for road safety. Bernadette shares her anger, her love, and her determination to ensure that her sister’s story saves lives.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast: Episode 4 – The High Cost of Speed – Clarice Rice’s Story appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In today’s episode, we navigate a packed agenda covering everything from major national policy shifts and local environmental concerns to heartwarming community milestones and sporting excellence.

The Morning Paper Review: We kick off the morning by dissecting the lead stories in the local and national press, setting the agenda for the day ahead.

The Social Media Ban: We dive into the government’s latest moves to push ahead with a complete ban on social media for Under 16s. With growing concerns over online safety and mental health, we ask: is a total ban the right solution, or a “blunt tool” that will be bypassed?

Coastal Erosion at Ballymastocker: Cllr Liam Blaney joins us to highlight the urgent need for action at one of Donegal’s most iconic beaches. He discusses the escalating threat of erosion and what needs to happen to protect this coastal gem.

Special Olympics Heroes: We celebrate local sporting talent with Northwest athletes Mark Peoples and Daniel O’Reilly. They share their journey as they prepare for a major upcoming tournament and discuss the exciting new sporting opportunities opening up for athletes in the region.

St Eunan’s College Funding Blow: Principal Damien McAuley provides his reaction to the news that St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, has been omitted from a significant government school funding programme. We explore what this means for the school’s future development and the student body.

A Milestone Celebration: We head to Aras Gweedore, where Sinead Black joins the incredible Mary McAuliffe as she celebrates her 105th birthday. A truly special moment for a legendary figure in the Dunfanaghy and Falcarragh communities.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore drops by to preview the latest Business Matters podcast, giving us a heads-up on the trends and stories affecting the local economy.

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

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In today’s episode, we dive into the pressing social issues and sporting highlights shaping Donegal this week. From housing policy debates to the glitz of the upcoming Sports Star Awards, we’ve got it covered.

The Morning Papers: A deep dive into the headlines hitting the stands today across the Northwest.

Homelessness Crisis: Councillor Gerry McMonagle joins us to discuss his call for an urgent review of Donegal’s homeless policy. He argues that current figures are under-reported and failing to reflect the true scale of the crisis.

The Marty Party & GAA: The legendary Marty Morrissey drops by to talk about the “Marty Party” heading to Spain this October. Plus, we get his expert take on Donegal’s chances in this year’s All-Ireland Championship.

Tipping & Transparency: We examine a new report on tipping attitudes in Ireland. Should there be more transparency on where your money goes? We break down the findings.

The ‘X’ Exit: Councillor Ali Farren questions Donegal County Council’s recent decision to exit the X (formerly Twitter) platform, weighing up the impact on public communication.

Gambling Exposure: A sobering look at new ESRI research showing that children exposed to gambling are significantly more likely to become problem gamblers in adulthood.

Sporting Excellence: We look forward to Friday night’s landmark 50th Donegal Sports Star Awards at the Mount Errigal Hotel, celebrating half a century of local sporting legends.

The post The Greg Hughes Show Wednesday 28/01/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this episode, we sit down with the newly installed Bishop of Raphoe, Niall Coll.

A Donegal native returning home, Bishop Niall shares his journey from St. Johnston to the priesthood and reflects on the diverse parishes he has served along the way.

We dive into the realities of his new role, discussing the weight of leadership in a changing Church. Bishop Niall speaks candidly about the difficult decisions ahead, the challenge of falling priest numbers, and his vision for the future of the diocese.

Key Topics:

The Call: How his path to the priesthood began.

The Journey: Reflections on his service across Donegal and beyond.

The Future: Addressing the priest shortage and restructuring parishes.

The Vision: His hopes for the people of the Raphoe Diocese.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast: Episode 3 – Bishop Niall Coll appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

We’re capturing the big shifts in Donegal this week, from a landmark change in how we access healthcare and the safety of our local shop workers to the historic installation of a new Bishop and the vibrant sounds of Trad Week.

Prescribing Powers: A major evolution for Irish healthcare as pharmacists are now authorized to prescribe for common ailments—we discuss the rollout with Tom Murray of the IPU.

Retail Safety Crisis: Mandate Trade Union speaks out on the alarming rise in abuse and physical threats faced by retail workers across the country.

Trad Week Live: Fiddle player Martin McGinley joins us in-studio for a live performance and a preview of the Travellers’ Tunes showcase.

Garda Information Update: Garda Sean Sweeney joins the show with the weekly Community Garda Information segment. We look at the latest appeals regarding local incidents, including recent burglaries and safety advice for the winter months.

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