The Greg Hughes Show

It’s Monday, and we’re straight into the thick of it. Today, we link to Jackson’s Hotel as the race for the Highland Radio Hospitality Awards hots up. We’ll be talking to the Council leadership about the importance of the event, but we’re also tackling the bigger headlines: from a proposed boycott of X by the local authority to a worrying drop-off in school attendance. We’ve got the papers, the weekend GAA wrap with Brendan Devenney, and the questions you want answered. This is the Greg Hughes Show Podcast!

Social Media Boycott: Cllr Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig joins us to explain his formal call for the local authority to boycott and de-register from X, citing concerns over the platform’s direction and impact.

Hospitality Awards voting Launch: We are live on-site at Jackson’s Hotel to kick off the Highland Radio Hospitality Awards voting  with guests John McLaughlin (CEO, Donegal County Council) Cathaoirleach Paul Canning  and Joan Crawford.

School Attendance: We speak with Professor Emer Smith of the ESRI. We break down the latest figures regarding student absenteeism and the discuss what may be the cause.

Emergency Preparedness: Cllr Joy Beard weighs in on the Government’s new informational booklet regarding emergency situations. She is looking for specific advice for those living in DCB homes and mobiles

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Welcome to your Friday morning briefing. Today, we’re looking at the growing friction between our digital privacy and national security, as new proposals could see Gardaí accessing your encrypted messages. We also examine the “energy lag”—why your wallet isn’t feeling the relief of falling wholesale prices—and we celebrate a massive 50-year milestone for one of Donegal’s most beloved community traditions.

Taylor Swift Ticket Justice: An Garda Síochána is launching a coordinated action against those behind large-scale ticket scams. If you were targeted during the Eras Tour sales, the message today is clear: step forward and join the official action to hold those responsible to account.

Golden Jubilee in Buncrana: We reflect on half a century of magic with the Buncrana Pantomime Society. As they celebrate 50 years, we look ahead to their upcoming production of Cinderella and the impact the society has had on generations of local performers.

Eating Disorder Care Gaps: Paula Crotty of CARED Ireland joins us to highlight the critical shortfalls in state support. We discuss why families are still struggling to access the life-saving care needed for those with eating disorders.

The Future of AI in Care: HIQA is opening the floor to you. They are inviting the public to have their say on the future use of Artificial Intelligence in Health and Social Care services—how much technology do we really want in our bedside manner?

Expert analysis and lively debate on the week’s big talking points.

The Panelists:

Kath Donaghey: Acclaimed journalist and author.

James Ward: News Editor with the Irish Daily Mail.

Cllr Niamh Kennedy: Donegal County Councillor.

On the Agenda:

Private Messages & The Law: The panel debates the controversial moves to allow Garda access to private communications.

Celebrity Culture: Unpacking the Beckhams’ public disagreement—is it a genuine rift or a media distraction?

Donegal’s EV Shift: With interest in electric vehicles surging across the Northwest, the panel discusses whether our local infrastructure is ready for the “green revolution.”

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In this episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast from Highland Radio, we step away from the fast-paced news cycle of the daily show to conduct long-form interviews with local figures.

Greg is joined in studio by Gerry McKeever. Known to many as a Letterkenny barber and local author, McKeever has more recently entered the political arena as an election candidate. This conversation explores the motivations behind his move into politics and his observations on the evolution of Ireland

Key areas of discussion include:

The Transition to Politics: What drives a local businessman to seek public office and his specific vision for the region’s future.

A Local Perspective: Insights from his years behind the barber chair and his perspective on the social and economic changes.

The Written Word: His work as an author and the aspirations he has written about.

The Campaign Trail: The challenges of running for election and if he’d do it again.

This episode provides an unfiltered look at the person behind the candidacy, offering listeners a chance to hear his viewpoints in detail.

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In today’s episode, we navigate a packed agenda covering everything from vital community updates to international trade disputes and the ongoing battle for road safety in Donegal. We kick things off with our signature review of the morning newspapers, dissecting the top stories hitting the stands across Donegal and the national press.

A Positive Outcome: We carry an appeal for a missing man in Donegal. Thanks to the incredible vigilance and response of our listeners, we can confirm that he has been located safely.

Life After Diagnosis: Returning to the workplace after a health crisis brings unique hurdles. We chat with representatives from the Canwork organization to discuss the physical and psychological challenges of heading back to work post-breast cancer and how employers can better support survivors.

The Mercosur Divide: Is the EU-Mercosur trade deal a win for Irish business or a blow to our farmers? We hear opposing views from Chambers Ireland, who champion the deal’s export potential, and a local MEP who warns of the devastating impact on the agricultural sector.

The RSA Under Fire: The Irish Road Haulage Association is taking a stand against the Road Safety Authority. We discuss their call for local councillors to move motions to scrap the RSA in its current form.

Keelogs National School: Safety concerns are mounting at Keelogs NS. Senator Manus Boyle joins us to highlight the urgent need for traffic calming measures to protect students and staff at this dangerous junction.

Transparency for Homeowners: As the DCB crisis continues, there are renewed calls for Donegal County Council’s Defective Concrete Block meetings to be live-streamed to ensure homeowners can stay fully informed.

Business Matters Preview: Finally, Chris Ashmore drops by to preview this week’s episode of the Business Matters podcast, featuring coaching psychologist Anna Marie Brosi on how to thrive in the modern workplace.

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We begin with The Paper Review, dissecting the morning’s headlines and then…

Healthcare Crisis: Cllr Declan Meehan joins us to discuss the “unacceptable” delays at Galway’s Rapid Access Prostate Clinic, where Donegal patients are facing life-altering waits for critical diagnostics.

A Growing Injustice: Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, highlights a worrying trend: the sharp rise in homelessness among older people and the “perfect storm” of high rents and a lack of social housing.

Business at Breaking Point: We preview an emergency meeting in Strabane where local business owners are gathering to voice their concerns over the 2026/27 rates pressures and the threat to the high street.

Rural Isolation: Caller Dani brings us a boots-on-the-ground perspective on how the chronic lack of rural taxis is effectively “locking people in,” stifling local social life and connectivity.

From the Courts: Eamon McDermott provides a somber report on a man’s conviction for preventing the lawful burial of his elderly father.

Mental Health & Resilience: In a powerful and candid conversation, Majella O’Donnell shares her experience of hospitalisation for depression in late 2024.

Charity Under Pressure: Rosa Glacken from St Vincent De Paul discusses the record-breaking demand for their services throughout 2025 and why more “working poor” families than ever are reaching out for help.

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In today’s episode, we navigate a wide-ranging mix of breaking local news, health disparities, and community-led activism.

The Morning Papers: Greg kicks off the show with a comprehensive dive into today’s national and local front pages, highlighting the stories trending across Donegal and beyond.

Vaping Crisis in schools: Following a recent critical incident at a Letterkenny school, we take an urgent look at the hidden dangers of vaping. We focus specifically on the rise of synthetic HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) and the health risks it poses to students.

The Breast Cancer ‘Postcode Lottery’: New data reveals a startling 14% variation in breast cancer survival rates across Ireland. We discuss the regional disparity that sees counties like Donegal lagging behind the national average and what must be done to ensure equal care for all.

Community Garda Information: Garda Grainne Doherty joins us for our regular slot, providing the latest crime appeals, safety advice, and community updates.

The ‘Carer Tax’ Warning: We explore why PAYE Carers could be facing unexpected tax bills from Revenue. We break down the recent changes in data sharing between the DSP and Revenue and what it means for your pocket.

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In today’s episode: We dive into the headlines shaping Donegal and beyond. From local environmental concerns and major town planning developments to high-profile sporting returns and international diplomatic updates, Greg Hughes brings you the stories that matter. Scroll down for audio

The Morning Papers: Greg runs through the front pages, analyzing the key stories breaking across the national and local press this morning.

Illegal Dumping : Cllr Gerry McMonagle joins the show to discuss the shocking levels of illegal dumping he personally observed over the weekend and calls for urgent community and council action.

A Vision for Donegal’s Towns: Cllr Paul Canning details the new draft Area Plans for six key hubs: An Clochán Liath (Dungloe), Ballyshannon, Bridgend, Carndonagh, Donegal Town, and Killybegs. This is a vital look at the proposed variation to the County Donegal Development Plan 2024-30.

The DL Debate Preview: GAA legend Brenden Devenney reflects on Donegal’s performance in the McKenna Cup and looks ahead to tonight’s episode of The DL Debate.

Advocating for Disability Employment: We hear powerful calls for Local Authorities to lead by example and do more to employ people with disabilities in the workforce.

James McClean’s Homecoming: Reaction to the massive news of James McClean rejoining Derry City. We discuss what his return means for the Candystripes and the League of Ireland.

International Affairs: Minister Neale Richmond joins us to discuss Donald Trump’s comments on Greenland, as well as the newly announced funding package to support the people of Ukraine.

Social History: We mark a major milestone in Irish society—30 years since the introduction of Divorce in Ireland.

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Front Page News: We kick off the show with a comprehensive look at the morning’s newspapers, breaking down the stories that matter most.

Heroism in Bundoran: We speak with Alan, the brave local who rescued a mother and child from the sea in Bundoran. We also hear from the RNLI on the current dangers of the coastline and the vital importance of water safety.

Clean Air in Classrooms: Dr. Ciara Steele joins us to discuss the impact of air quality on our children’s health and the ongoing campaign for better ventilation in Irish schools.

The LUH Crisis: A deep dive into the healthcare challenges in Donegal. Dermot Monaghan, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, addresses the critical overcrowding at Letterkenny University Hospital, the distressing cancellation of breast cancer surgeries, and the status of the proposed new Surgical Hub.

Our panel wraps up the week by tackling the big talking points:

The deepening crisis in the Donegal health service.

Concerns surrounding the Mercosur Trade Deal.

The latest guidance for transgender students in schools.

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On today’s show, Greg dives into the stories hitting the headlines across Donegal and beyond. From critical infrastructure failures to heated debates on road safety, here is what’s inside:

Ambulance Delays: Majella shares a harrowing personal account of the delays she faced when her daughter became seriously ill.

School Bus Safety: Listener Tanya calls out the ‘dangerous’ practice of school buses stopping in the middle of the road—but later, bus driver Margaret joins us to defend the drivers and explain the challenges they face on our roads.

Water Crisis: Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn slams Donegal’s “poor” water infrastructure and criticizes Uisce Éireann for a total lack of communication .

AI & Privacy: We chat with AI expert Dr. Eoin Furey about X (formerly Twitter) limiting Grok’s ability to create intimate images and what this means for digital safety.

Immigration Perceptions: We break down a new ESRI study revealing the gap between public perception and the actual numbers of immigrants in Ireland.

Pension Cuts: A concerned caller warns of a “hidden” issue where her father’s pension was cut during a hospital stay—a warning for other families to watch out for.

Business Matters: Chris Ashmore joins us to preview this week’s ‘Business Matters’ podcast.

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Road Safety in Kilmacrennan: Why local leaders are now calling for average speed cameras to protect the community.

Privacy Confrontation in Inishowen: A listener shares her story of demanding a stranger delete unauthorized footage of her child in a local shop.

The Great Crab Rescue: The incredible story of the emergency operation to save 15,000 crabs after a lorry overturned in Donegal.

The EU/Mercosur Deal: MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan joins us to explain why he believes it isn’t too late to block the controversial trade agreement.

Hot School Meals: Your chance to have your say on the future of the National Hot School Meals Programme.

Media in a United Ireland: We explore what the public service media landscape should look like in the event of Irish unification.

Overcoming Adversity: Donegal businesswoman Sarah Gillespie shares her moving story of surviving a life-threatening collision and turning trauma into a force for positive change.

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