The Greg Hughes Show

Today we address the sexualisation of women in sports media, legal developments surrounding the Noah Donohoe inquest, fallout in the global music industry, local recovery initiatives, and our third Irish Music Month finalist showcase.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

The Sydney Sweeney Sports Ad Backlash: Rugby player Grace Simati joins Greg to share her perspective on the international controversy surrounding actor Sydney Sweeney’s sports betting advertising campaign. Grace explains why she believes the sexualised imagery damages the perception of women in sport, arguing that it diminishes athletic achievement and undermines the hard work of female athletes fighting for equal recognition.

Noah Donohoe Inquest Findings & Next Steps: Solicitor Niall Murphy, representing Fiona Donohoe (mother of 14-year-old Belfast teenager Noah), joins Greg following the conclusion of the long-running inquest into Noah’s death. Niall reflects on the jury’s findings of severe police and departmental failings, outlining the ongoing legal fight for full accountability, justice, and answers for the Donohoe family.

Ed Sheeran Tour Fallout: Columnist Pat McArt weighs in on the escalating controversy surrounding Ed Sheeran’s current stadium tour after his opening act, rapper Macklemore, was dropped following on-stage comments supporting Palestine. Pat discusses the difficult position Sheeran finds himself in after all remaining support acts—including Irish singer Aaron Rowe and band Beoga—pulled out in solidarity, sparking wider debates on political expression in live music.

HSE Recovery In Action Event: Studio guests Raymond Guthries, Aggie Boylan, and Noreen McLaughlin drop in to discuss a special HSE Recovery In Action event taking place in Letterkenny this Thursday evening. They outline the community gathering, which highlights mental health recovery, peer support networks, and lived-experience initiatives across Donegal.

Irish Music Month: Local Hero Finalist Rian McCauley: We showcase our third finalist in the A New Local Hero talent search as part of Irish Music Month. Singer-songwriter Rian McCauley joins Greg in the studio for a chat, performing live acoustic tracks—including his official competition entry single.

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

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Today we address anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim graffiti in Donegal and Dublin, debate the sexualisation of women in sports media, and continue our Irish Music Month local talent showcase.

Inside Today’s Episode:

Condemning Hate Graffiti in Fanad & Dublin: We examine recent vandalism featuring anti-Irish and anti-Muslim sentiment in Fanad, along with anti-immigrant graffiti in Dublin:

Fanad Community Reaction: Local Councillor Declan Meehan firmly condemns the discriminatory graffiti in Fanad, emphasizing community solidarity. Local GP Dr Moazzam joins the show to discuss the personal and social impact of such hate messaging on local residents and health professionals.

Dungloe Vandalism Denounced: Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig joins the conversation, offering sharp criticism of anti-immigrant slogans appearing in his area and calling for a unified stance against racism across Ireland.

Controversy Over Sydney Sweeney’s Sports Ad: Journalist and author Kathy Donaghey chats with Greg about the international backlash surrounding actor Sydney Sweeney’s latest promotional campaign. Kathy analyzes criticisms raised by prominent female athletes who argue that the advert’s sexualized imagery diminishes female sports achievements and undermines progress in women’s athletics.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne Doherty delivers this week’s frontline brief, sharing the latest public safety appeals, crime prevention advice, and road safety alerts from Donegal Gardaí.

Irish Music Month: Local Hero Finalists ‘The Hopeful Kind’: We continue our A New Local Hero talent search as part of Irish Music Month. Indie-pop duo The Hopeful Kind drop into the studio as our second finalists for a chat with Greg, performing live in-studio and showcasing their official competition entry track.

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

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Today we cover a narrow escape following a bus hijacking in Strabane, national political analysis on Donald Trump’s visit, local infrastructure debates in Letterkenny, and the launch of our Irish Music Month finalist showcases.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the program with a scan of the local and national front pages, catching up on the leading regional and national news stories breaking today.

Miraculous Escape in Omagh Bus Hijacking: Councillor Brian Barney Harte joins Greg  following the hijacking of a bus that ended up in Strabane over the weekend. Cllr Harte describes the tense aftermath and outlines the fortunate, miraculous circumstances that prevented serious injuries to passengers, crew, or bystanders.

Political Fallout from Donald Trump’s Visit: Irish Examiner political correspondent Peter Kelly breaks down the political reaction and diplomatic fallout following US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to Ireland, analyzing international optics, policy impacts, and key takeaways for the government.

Senior Championship Action & The DL Debate: Brendan Devenney stops by to review the weekend’s high-stakes GAA club championship matches across Donegal. Brendan sets the stage for tonight’s edition of The DL Debate, previewing tactical setups and key match-ups as teams push deeper into the knockout stages.

Motion to Pause Letterkenny Active Travel Works: Councillor Ciarán Brogan explains his motion calling for an immediate pause on planned Active Travel infrastructure works across Letterkenny. Cllr Brogan discusses growing frustration from local traders, commuters, and residents over severe traffic gridlock, calling for a comprehensive review of roadworks and traffic management before further phases proceed.

Misuse of Deposit Return Machines: Listener Phyllis calls in to highlight her frustration at local Deposit Return Scheme machines. Phyllis calls for clearer guidelines or strict usage caps after witnessing individuals taking up multiple machines simultaneously, creating lengthy delays for other public users.

E-Scooter Enforcement in Letterkenny: Listener Eunan voices concerns over the apparent lack of compliance and enforcement surrounding new e-scooter legislation across Letterkenny, pointing to dangerous riding on footpaths, lack of protective gear, and disregard for basic rules of the road.

Donegal’s ‘Most Dangerous Junction’ Concerns: Listener Anne calls into the show to highlight urgent safety fears regarding the crossroads in Kilmacrennan, labelling it one of the most hazardous junctions in the county and demanding immediate engineering and safety interventions from local authorities.

Irish Music Month: Local Hero Finalist Cillian McCann McLaughlin: We launch our A New Local Hero finalist showcases as part of Irish Music Month. Newtowncunningham singer-songwriter Cillian McCann McLaughlin drops into the studio for a chat with Greg. Cillian performs two live acoustic tracks in-studio, including his official competition entry single, Peace of Mind.

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

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Today we kick off the weekend with The Friday Panel tackling international state visit costs, centralizing health spending, rising fuel prices, and artificial intelligence, alongside 9/11 anniversary reflections, Irish Music Month showcases, and local entertainment events.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Author and journalist Kathy Donaghey, Seamus McDaid (Head of Football Special), and Cian O’Hagan (Ógra Sinn Féin Donegal) join Greg for an extensive first-hour debate on the week’s biggest headlines:

State Visit Costs: The panel debates whether Irish taxpayers should bear the financial burden and security costs associated with an official visit from US President Donald Trump.

Centralized HSE Spending: Following announcements from Minister Jack Chambers, the guests weigh in on decision-making powers being centralized away from regional HSE boards and what it means for local healthcare services.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: The panel examines whether €2 per litre for petrol and diesel is becoming the permanent new baseline, discussing the economic ripple effects on commuters and hauliers across the North West.

The Rise of AI: The guests debate the societal and economic threats posed by artificial intelligence, from workforce disruption to digital safety and ethical regulation.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We preview the latest full episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast, out today, featuring acclaimed actor Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh. Niall drops in to talk about his life on stage and screen, from his Gaeltacht roots in Rann na Feirste to iconic roles across Irish drama.

Irish Music Month Local Hero Finalists: As part of Irish Music Month, Greg unveils the final four local artists shortlisted for the Highland Radio Local Hero competition, highlighting the exceptional talent across Donegal’s music scene and explaining how listeners can support them.

Reflections on 9/11: Former NYPD officer and Donegal native Paul McCormack joins the show to share personal memories and reflections. Paul looks back on his time in service during the September 11 attacks, discussing the lasting impact on first responders and how the tragedy is remembered today.

Big Highland Bingo Party Night Launch: Corrine drops into the studio to announce the official launch of the Big Highland Bingo Party Night, giving listeners all the details on what to expect for the upcoming event in November and how to secure tickets.

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

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From the Gaeltacht village of Rann na Feirste to the fictional shores of Ros na Rún, this week’s guest is a titan of Irish-language media whose career spans over three decades on stage, screen, and behind the camera.

Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh joins the podcast to reflect on a remarkable life in storytelling. Best known to millions as John Joe Daly—a role he inhabited for roughly 24 years on TG4’s flagship drama—Niall opens up about the tight-knit community of Donegal actors in An Spidéal and how a chance encounter watching a live stage play in his hometown at age 13 sparked a lifelong devotion to drama.

We trace his journey from starting out as a theatre prompter in Donegal in 1973 to multi-hyphenate creative work, including writing, directing, and producing the 1990s comedy series C.U. Burn through his company Lios na Si. Niall also discusses his recent screen work, including the 2024 crime series Crá, Aontas, and his dual-language voice acting debut as the Giant Deer in the 2025 animated Christmas short Nollaí.

An inspiring, funny, and deeply engaging conversation celebrating Gaeltacht culture and a legendary career in broadcasting.

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Today we address post-separation justice and survivor support in Donegal, regional health service spending controls, traffic safety measures, rural school transport shortages, and home-grown food production.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the program with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Surviving Abuse & Systemic Reform: Mary-Louise Lynch, Founding Director of SiSi (Survivors Informing Services and Institutions), joins Greg to share her personal journey through the legal system following an abusive relationship. Mary-Louise discusses the launch of SiSi initiatives in Donegal, aiming to empower survivor-led peer support, navigate post-separation abuse, and drive meaningful reform within family law and state institutions.

Frosses Speeding Controls & Road Safety: Following recent traffic survey findings in Frosses, driving instructor Diane Harvey adds her perspective to the debate on excessive speeds through the village. Diane outlines why mechanical traffic calming measures, physical engineering changes, and driver education are essential to curbing dangerous driving and protecting local residents.

Centralized Control for HSE West-North West: Councillor Gerry McMonagle, member of the Regional Health Forum, reacts to announcements from Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers that HSE West-North West will lose its day-to-day spending autonomy following regional budget overruns. Cllr McMonagle criticizes the decision, arguing that stripping local financial autonomy risks worsening healthcare delivery and decision-making for patients across the North West.

School Bus Place Shortages in Donegal: Aontú representative Rebecca McDaid highlights an upcoming community meeting tailored for families whose children have been left without school bus seats for the academic year. Rebecca discusses the ongoing stress facing parents and calls for urgent expanded route capacity from Bus Éireann.

Home-Grown Produce & Growing Your Own: Barrie Quinn of Portnoo Market Gardens stops by the studio to discuss his new book. Barrie shares his personal story, practical gardening wisdom, and insights into cultivating fresh, sustainable food at home while supporting local food security across Donegal.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore delivers today’s commercial update and previews the latest segment of local business news.

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

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Starting school is a milestone every parent marks with excitement — the tiny uniform, the brand-new shoes, the photo by the front door. But for Alicia McHugh, this week’s school run brings a painful reminder of the little boy who should have been standing in that photo.

In November 2021, Alicia’s son Andrew was stillborn at 36 weeks. Facing an unimaginable grief, she turned to a tiny patch of dirt in her back garden, finding solace in caring for growing plants when she couldn’t care for her son. That small plot eventually grew into Butterfly Bears Flower Farm in Killygordon — a living tribute where every bloom honors Andrew’s memory.

In this moving bonus episode, as Andrew would have taken his first steps into primary school alongside his siblings, Alicia shares her journey through grief, the deep symbolism behind the farm’s name, and how nurturing nature helped her find a way forward.

In This Episode:

A Milestone Marked in Silence: Navigating the emotion of the first day of primary school when a child is missing from the front door photo.

Finding Solace in the Soil: How tending to a small garden plot provided a tangible way to care for Andrew when he was gone.

Butterfly Bears Flower Farm: Building a flower farm in Killygordon as a lasting, living memorial.

The Story Behind the Name: The powerful meaning connecting the Ursa Minor (“Little Bear”) star named for Andrew and the symbolic butterfly wings.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast Bonus Ep :Butterfly Bears: Healing Grief Through Nature with Alicia McHugh appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we explore emotional resilience in young people, international cybersecurity investigations into child safety, legal fee deadlocks, major developments in Gaelic games integration, foreign aid policy, and local road safety enforcement.

Inside Today’s Episode:

Emotional Resilience & School Discipline: Child psychologist Dr David Coleman joins Greg ahead of kicking off his 2026 nationwide tour in Letterkenny next month. Dr Coleman shares his perspective on primary and secondary schools employing demerit point systems for discipline, while focusing on the central theme of his upcoming tour—building emotional resilience and self-regulation in young people navigating modern pressures.

Child Protection & Social Media Regulation: Cybersecurity expert Professor Kevin Curran reacts to newly launched Irish regulatory investigations into the X platform regarding child protection standards and data safety, discussing online safeguards, algorithmic accountability, and what stricter European oversight means for tech platforms.

Legal Fee Deadlock & Call for Mediation: Letterkenny solicitor Rory O’Brien addresses ongoing friction between legal practitioners and the Minister for Justice over legal aid fees. Pushing back against reports of a split among solicitors, Rory clarifies that the profession remains united and calls for the immediate appointment of an independent mediator to break the dispute’s current deadlock.

Fallout Over Gaelic Games Integration Delay: Donegal GAA Chairperson Mary Coughlan and LGFA Chief Executive Lynn Savage react to the shock news that Dr Mary McAleese has stepped down as chairperson of the Integration Committee. They discuss what her resignation means for the proposed amalgamation of the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association, addressing timelines, organizational hurdles, and equality within Gaelic games.

Community Fundraising for St Joseph’s: Bernie Thompson, spokesperson for the St Joseph’s Action Group, provides a local update on community fundraising efforts aimed at purchasing a dedicated new transport bus for patients and their families attending care services.

Ireland’s Overseas Aid Budget Under Scrutiny: Minister Neale Richmond defends the state’s increasing Overseas Aid budget, responding to growing political and public criticism that government funding should be prioritized for domestic crises in housing and healthcare before foreign assistance.

Excessive Speeding Concerns in Frosses: Councillor Jimmy Brogan discusses worrying findings from a recent traffic survey conducted in Frosses, revealing severe levels of speeding through the village and urging immediate traffic-calming measures and Garda enforcement to protect residents.

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

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Today we examine local economic initiatives keeping trade in Buncrana, major managerial news for Donegal GAA, big screen roles, debate over school discipline systems, and public health statistics.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the programme with our daily scan of the regional and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Boosting Local Trade in Buncrana: Paul Brogan joins Greg to discuss the ongoing success of the Buncrana Gift Card scheme. Paul outlines how the community-driven initiative has successfully locked spending into the local economy and shares advanced plans to expand and develop the system further in the future.

Jim McGuinness Extends Donegal Manager Tenure: Our GAA expert Brendan Devenney reacts to the major news that Jim McGuinness has signed a contract extension to remain as Donegal senior football manager. Brendan breaks down the significance of the decision, fan reaction, and what it means for the squad’s long-term setup.

From Screen to Cinema: Actor and musician Roseanna Brown joins Greg on the line as her latest feature film, Pressure, hits cinema screens. Roseanna reflects on her role in the WWII drama alongside Andrew Scott and Brendan Fraser and shares her experience working on major film sets.

Controversy Over School Demerit Point Systems: Listeners Andy and Tony spark a lively debate on secondary school discipline policies. They discuss schools utilizing point-deduction systems where students lose merit points for minor behavioral infractions, questioning whether such policies are overly punitive or necessary for classroom order.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gerard McNamee delivers this week’s frontline brief from Donegal Gardaí, bringing listeners the latest public safety appeals, road traffic warnings, and crime prevention alerts across the division.

Addressing Ireland’s Obesity Rates: Local gym owner Emmett Rushe reacts to new health statistics highlighting Ireland’s rising rate of obesity. Emmett discusses the underlying lifestyle factors, practical steps for sustainable fitness, and the importance of shifting public focus toward long-term health and mobility.

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

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Today we examine the harsh realities of Ireland’s housing trap, global climate policy disparities, mental health recovery, and the logistical challenges facing Letterkenny University Hospital.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We open the program with a scan of the local and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Trapped in the Housing Gap: Listener Diana calls in to share the frustrating property trap her daughter currently faces—earning too much to qualify for social housing or state support, yet not earning enough to secure a mortgage under current lending rules, leaving young workers stranded in the private rental market.

Global Polluters vs. Local Carbon Levies: Listener Eamon triggers a lively debate on climate policy and economic fairness. Eamon questions why small nations like Ireland impose heavy carbon levies on local households and small businesses while massive global industrial powers and heavy-polluting economies continue largely unchecked.

Senior Championship Knockout Phase & The DL Debate: Brendan Devenney stops by to review the weekend’s local GAA action as the Donegal Senior Football Championship moves into the high-stakes knockout stages. Brendan previews the key match-ups, team form, and tactical analysis lined up for tonight’s edition of The DL Debate.

A Historic Croke Park Farewell for Katie Taylor: Boxing administrator Sadie Duffy reflects on the emotional, historic scenes at Croke Park over the weekend as world champion Katie Taylor officially hung up her gloves following a triumphant final bout. Sadie pays tribute to Taylor’s incredible legacy and her massive impact on Irish sport.

Mental Health & Suicide Awareness in Letterkenny: We focus on local mental health support ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th:

Community Initiatives: James Devenney outlines the special Suicide Awareness Day events hosted by the local Community Development Project (CDP) in Letterkenny to provide support, resources, and training.

A Journey to Recovery: Local guest Brian opens up about his personal battle with severe mental health challenges and addiction. Now two years sober and in recovery, Brian shares his journey and emphasizes the life-saving power of reaching out and talking open and honestly.

LUH Roster Challenges: Dr Louise Moran, Consultant Anesthetist at Letterkenny University Hospital, discusses proposed shifts towards six-day hospital operational models. Dr Moran breaks down the severe staffing, operational, and scheduling challenges involved in moving consultants and acute services from a five-day to a six-day week.

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

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