The Greg Hughes Show

Today we take the show on the road as we broadcast live from Sweeney’s Hotel on Main Street in Dungloe for the 59th Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival! We soak up the festival electric atmosphere, bring you live musical performances, preview the weekend’s flagship events, and speak with judges, organizers, and contestants.

Inside Today’s Episode:

Reigning Royalty & Live Music: 2025 Mary From Dungloe winner Ellie Ward reflects on an unforgettable year representing the festival. She is joined by musician Zara Loughlin-Murray, who treats us to a fantastic live performance right from the hotel lobby.

Previewing the Festival Weekend: Festival Director Gavin Boyle drops into our studio setup at Sweeney’s Hotel to talk through the jam-packed schedule of events, live outdoor music, parades, and family entertainment lined up across Dungloe for the weekend.

Sweet Treats at Coco Millis: Cindy Adamek stops by to preview the irresistible Coco Millis Chocolate Workshop, sharing what sweet-toothed festivalgoers and young chocolatiers can expect.

Live Performance with Kevin Laughlin: Local artist Kevin Laughlin joins Greg for a chat about the festival buzz and performs live for our listeners.

Behind the Escort Experience: Owen Gallagher gives us an insider look at his vital role as a Mary From Dungloe Escort, sharing what goes into supporting the contestants throughout their festival journey.

Live Music with The Hopeful Kind: Cara Ward of The Hopeful Kind drops in to share their latest musical projects and perform a live set.

Celebrating International Culture Day: Artur Michalski and Patricia O’Donnell discuss the vibrant International Culture Day events taking place as part of the festival celebrations, highlighting the diversity and global connections of the Rosses community.

Live Performance from Aidan O’Donnell: Musician Aidan O’Donnell joins us on-site at Sweeney’s Hotel to deliver a live acoustic session.

Meet the Judges: Esteemed broadcasting legend Mary Kennedy and BBC presenter Barra Best join Greg to talk about their roles on the judging panel, outlining what key qualities they are looking for in crowning the 2026 Mary From Dungloe.

Live Music with Susan Doherty: To cap off a packed broadcast, singer Susan Doherty performs live in-studio as the festival festivities get fully underway.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 31/07/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, I’m joined by a living legend of Irish traditional music: fiddler, vocalist, and founding member of Altan,

Born and raised in the heart of the West Donegal Gaeltacht of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair), Mairéad was immersed in music from an early age under the guidance of her father, the famous fiddle teacher Francie Ní Mhaonaigh. Over a extraordinary career spanning four decades, she went from primary school teaching to co-founding Altan with her late husband Frankie Kennedy, taking Donegal’s unique fiddling tradition and the Irish language onto the global stage.

In this episode, we cover:

From Gweedore to the World: Growing up in a steeped musical heritage, forming Altan, and touring internationally from local halls to packed halls across North America, Europe, and Japan.

Life on the Road & Parenting: The realities of maintaining a relentless global touring schedule while balancing motherhood and family life.

Recognition & Legacy: Reflecting on major honors, including being named TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year (TG4 Gradam Ceoil Ceoltóir na Bliaina) , Donegal Person of the Year and her ongoing work with projects like String Sisters and Na Mooneys.

Live Studio Music: Unique, live acoustic performances recorded right alongside our conversation.

Whether you’ve followed Altan since the early days or simply love authentic conversations about music, culture, and life, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your platform of choice—it helps others find the podcast!

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 32 Strings Attached: Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh on Music, Family, and Memory appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address the ongoing campaign for truth following the Creeslough tragedy, contrasting economic realities across the country, local country music, and an incredible chance to win big in our cash giveaway.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our daily review of the front pages, exploring the stark divide between stories of families struggling with the rising cost of living alongside reports of record corporate profits.

Creeslough Families Meet the Taoiseach: Hugh Harper joins Greg to discuss yesterday’s high-stakes meeting between affected families and Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Government Buildings. Following their address to Oireachtas members, Hugh reflects on their delegation’s firm appeal for an independent, statutory public inquiry into the 2022 explosion to ensure complete transparency and accountability alongside ongoing legal investigations.

Charity Country Night in Dunlewey: Ciaran Roarty drops by to preview an incredible night of entertainment set for this coming Monday in Dunlewey. The major charity show will feature performances from legends of the Irish country music scene, including Daniel O’Donnell and Margo, all raising crucial funds for a great local cause.

Live Music from Boy M5: We are joined in-studio by local indie band Boy M5! The guys chat with Greg about their music journey and perform live ahead of their single launch gig at The Cottage Bar in Letterkenny this Sunday evening.

Business Matters & Highland’s Big Summer Cash Draw:

Local Business Focus: Chris Ashmore is in-studio with the latest local commercial news and a preview of this week’s Business Matters podcast.

€20,000 Up for Grabs: Highland Radio CEO Sean Quinn drops by to officially launch the Highland Radio Big Summer Cash Draw! Sean breaks down how listeners can get involved and stand a chance to win a life-changing €20,000.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 30/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address island emergency service concerns, proactive policing measures for coastal summer crowds, medical insights on weight loss treatments, and a remarkable piece of living agricultural history in-studio.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our daily look at the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Putting the Kettle On with Daniel & Majella: Following their special fundraising event yesterday in aid of Relay for Life Donegal, Donna-Marie Doherty joins Greg in-studio. Having spent the day at the home of Daniel and Majella O’Donnell for their Boil a Kettle drive, Donna-Marie presents a special radio feature capturing the warmth, community spirit, and incredible generosity on display.

Aranmore Fire Service Concerns: Fears remain over the future of fire safety provision on Aranmore Island. Recently retired retained (paid) firefighter John Boyle joins the program to strongly dispute official claims that the island’s fire service is not being downgraded or reduced, outlining the real-world operational challenges facing the local crew.

Wildfires & Air Quality Warnings: Air quality and environmental policy specialist Dr. Ciara Steele discusses the devastating summer wildfires burning across France and Portugal. She highlights how atmospheric smoke and fine particulate matter travel vast distances, serving as a stark reminder of the critical importance of clean indoor air and the hidden dangers of polluted air on human respiratory health.

Progress on Letterkenny Surgical Hub: Independent Councillor Declan Meehan reflects on positive movement and key planning milestones regarding the long-awaited surgical hub at Letterkenny University Hospital, discussing how the facility will help tackle waiting lists for patients across the county.

Preventing Downings Gridlock: Following the severe anti-social behavior and traffic chaos seen over the weekend of July 12th, Cllr Declan Meehan outlines the specific security, infrastructure, and policing measures being put in place by the Council and Gardaí this weekend to ensure Downings remains safe and accessible for residents and visitors.

Weight Loss Injections & Hair Loss: Dr. Arsalan Shahid, who recently opened the Éire Consultants and Family Clinic on Lower Main Street in Letterkenny, joins Greg to discuss metabolic health and weight management. Dr. Shahid breaks down clinical links connecting rapid weight loss from popular GLP-1 weight-loss injections to temporary hair thinning (telogen effluvium), offering medical advice on how patients can manage the side effect.

Gardening & The Return of the Famine Potato: Resident gardening expert Paul McLaughlin is in-studio taking calls and answering all your gardening queries. Plus, Paul brings in a truly extraordinary exhibit—a live specimen of the Irish Lumper potato. Once thought to be functionally extinct following the Great Famine of the 1840s, Paul explains how this historically significant heirloom spud has been preserved and cultivated.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 29/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we take a deep dive into defense investment, celebrate Mayo’s historic football victory, and dedicate our second hour to the glamorous and long-standing tradition of the Mary From Dungloe International Festival.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our daily look at the front pages, reviewing the leading national and regional headlines breaking across the newspapers today.

Soaking Up Mayo’s Historic Celebrations: Following Mayo’s thrilling All-Ireland Football Championship victory over Kerry, local Donegal man Joe tells Greg about his spur-of-the-moment decision yesterday to head down to Mayo and soak up the ecstatic, historic celebrations firsthand as the county reacts to bringing the Sam Maguire home.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne Doherty returns for her weekly update, bringing listeners up to speed on local community policing initiatives, crime prevention alerts, and road safety appeals across the county.

Minister Helen McEntee at Finner Camp: Ahead of her official visit to Finner Camp today, Minister for Justice and Defence Helen McEntee joins Greg down the line. They discuss key government investments in defense infrastructure, personnel retention, and the ongoing national debate surrounding Ireland’s traditional “Triple Lock” mechanism for overseas military deployments.

The 59th Mary From Dungloe International Festival: In our dedicated second hour, we turn our spotlight to West Donegal as excitement builds for the crowning of the 2026 Mary From Dungloe this coming Sunday:

Meet the 2026 Contestants: We chat with the inspirational young women competing for this year’s title, representing Irish communities from across Donegal, Ireland, and around the world.

Reigning Royalty: 2025 winner Ellie Ward reflects on her unforgettable year representing the festival, while Little Miss Mary Cora McHugh drops in to share her highlights from the festivities.

Live Broadcast Reminder: Don’t forget—Greg and the team will be broadcasting live from the heart of the festival at Sweeney’s Hotel in Dungloe this coming Friday!

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 28/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we take the show on the road, broadcasting live from the Cancer Care West Donegal centre in Letterkenny. We speak to the dedicated team running this invaluable community service, meet the patients and families who rely on it, and hear inspiring stories of resilience, support, and hope.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We start the show with a look at today’s national and regional headlines breaking across the front pages.

Mayo Break the 75-Year Drought: We cross live to County Mayo to soak in the incredible atmosphere following Mayo’s historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory over Kerry. We chat with Midwest Radio’s Gerry Glennon as the celebrations continue after the Sam Maguire finally returns to the West.

Inside Cancer Care West Donegal: We explore the comprehensive care offered right on Donegal’s doorstep:

Core Support Services: Dr. John Donaghy, Centre Lead and Psychologist, outlines the wide array of free psychological, emotional, and practical supports available to cancer patients and their families. We are also joined by Triona Stafford, who discusses the physical benefits of the free Pilates classes she runs at the center.

Young Men Facing Diagnosis: John O’Hara, William McCrabbe, and Andrew McMenamin—three young men who recently received cancer diagnoses—candidly share their journeys and discuss how the community and resources at Cancer Care West helped them navigate such a life-altering experience.

Galway Accommodation Support: Cormac Burke joins us down the phone line to share his personal experience. Having used the Letterkenny center, Cormac is currently staying at Cancer Care West’s dedicated residential facility in Galway while undergoing specialized radio/chemotherapy treatment.

Community & Fundraising: Noel Cunningham, Patron and Director of Cancer Care West Donegal, reflects on how the immense generosity of the public—through major fundraising events like the annual Donegal Camino—makes these vital services possible.

Emotional & Physical Wellbeing: Patients Lucia McCafferty and Sandra Friel share their breast cancer journeys, speaking warmly about the holistic, emotional, and physical support systems that helped them through their recovery.

A Decade of Impact: Dr. Karen Duffy, Consultant Oncologist at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), reflects on how patient outcomes, access to care, and overall support networks have transformed since the local center opened nearly ten years ago.

Live Music in Studio: Providing a beautiful backdrop to our broadcast, we are treated to special live performances throughout the morning from the Letterkenny Saxtet.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show from Cancer Care West Donegal| Monday | 27/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we tackle the issue of government over-regulation, local infrastructure debates, inspiring charity drives, and expert analysis ahead of the All-Ireland Football Final.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Michael White of the Green Party, Fianna Fáil’s Claudia Kennedy, and Donegal News journalist Naomi Hamilton O’Donnell join Greg in-studio to thrash out the week’s biggest stories:

The “Ban on Bans” Debate: In light of increasing public health and safety regulations, the panel debates whether the state has gone too far—asking if we should metaphorically “ban the government from banning things” to preserve personal risk and freedom.

Bail Law Reform: The guests weigh in on the findings of a recent report critiquing Ireland’s bail system and pre-trial detention practices.

Letterkenny Traffic Gridlock: Traffic in Letterkenny dominates local discussion once again following this week’s commute trials and town center debates.

Dining Out Decline: The panel analyzes a fresh economic report revealing a notable decline in people eating out, discussing the impact of rising costs on the local hospitality sector.

The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We share a preview clip of this week’s long-form podcast episode featuring former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan. She speaks candidly about her personal life, loss, her long career in Irish politics, and her history-making role in Donegal GAA.

Putting the Kettle On for Relay for Life: Country music legend Daniel O’Donnell joins Greg to look ahead to next Tuesday, where he and his wife Majella will be putting the kettle on to raise crucial funds and awareness for Relay for Life Donegal.

Golfing for Ronald McDonald House:  Sean Quinn and Victor Byrne preview a major fundraising golf day at Dunfanaghy Golf Club in aid of Ronald McDonald House. They are joined by Claire, who shares her deeply personal story of staying at the house while her son, Oscar, underwent life-saving medical treatment.

All-Ireland Final Prediction: GAA analyst Brendan Devenney stops by to break down the tactics, key match-ups, and make his final prediction for Sunday’s massive All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final between Kerry and Mayo.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 24/07/26 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this episode, we sit down with former Tánaiste, Cabinet Minister, and current Chairperson of the Donegal GAA County Board, Mary Coughlan.

We take a wide-ranging look back at her life and career—from entering national politics at just 21 as the youngest TD in the country, to managing high-stakes government portfolios during turbulent economic times, and her recent return to public life leading Gaelic games in her home county.

The Family Roots in Donegal Politics: Growing up in Inver/Frosses. How the tragic death of her uncle, TD Clem Coughlan, in a 1983 car crash brought her father Cathal into politics—and how his sudden death just three years later launched Mary’s own career on Donegal County Council at age 21.

Entering the Dáil at 21: Becoming the youngest TD in the 25th Dáil in 1987, learning the ropes as a young woman in Leinster House, and serving as a fluent Irish speaker championing Gaeltacht affairs.

The Cabinet & Tánaiste Years: Looking back on her rapid rise through major government roles—including Agriculture, Social Affairs, Enterprise, Education, and Health—and serving as Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil during the financial crisis.

Life Beyond Leinster House: Balancing high office with family life, the personal impact of her late husband David Charlton’s severe car accident and subsequent passing in 2012, and reflecting on losing her seat in 2011.

A New Chapter in Donegal: Returning to the public eye to advocate for women in farming and making history as the first female Chairperson of the Donegal GAA County Board.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 31 Mary Coughlan: Life, Politics and Donegal GAA appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we tackle the reality of Letterkenny’s commute times, severe mental health pressures on farm families, a dramatic rescue story from a decorated winch paramedic, and a celebration of local youth culture taking over the town park.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We start with our daily review of the front pages, tracking the leading regional and national headlines breaking this morning.

The Letterkenny Commute Reality Check: Following claims yesterday that Letterkenny traffic has hit gridlock and is driving people away from town, we put the rumors to the test. Presenters Donna-Marie Doherty and Shannen Wilkin take to the roads throughout the first hour to time real-world commutes around Letterkenny—and the actual findings might just surprise you!

Mental Health Pressures on Farm Families: Professor Siobhán O’Connor discusses a troubling new study examining the intense mental health burdens currently affecting Irish farm families. She outlines why a vast majority of those struggling are still not availing of the support services available to them, and what needs to change to break the rural stigma.

Proposals for New Municipal Councils: Local representative Nicholas Crossan reacts to new political proposals calling for the establishment of official Municipal Councils across the country, assessing what this restructuring could mean for local government, regional power, and community decision-making.

Brave Dingle Rescue Honored: Strabane native and winch paramedic James O’Neill joins the show to discuss receiving the prestigious 2026 Billy Deacon Search and Rescue Memorial Trophy. James recounts the high-stakes 2025 operation where he was winched down onto a stricken French fishing vessel driven onto rocks near Dingle in storm conditions to safely evacuate all 14 crew members.

Party in the Park 2026 Preview: We look forward to the annual Party in the Park returning this Saturday, July 25th, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Bernard McGlinchey Town Park in Letterkenny.

Behind the Festival: Event organizer Frankie McGreevy from Donegal Youth Service drops into the studio to share what is in store for this year’s drug- and alcohol-free family festival.

Live In-Studio Performance: Local performer Paula Janik joins us for a live acoustic performance ahead of her stage appearance at the park this weekend.

Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore stops by to preview this week’s Business Matters podcast, catching us up on all the essential commercial, enterprise, and economic news shaping the Donegal landscape.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 23/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we bring you a major healthcare victory for a Donegal family, practical medical advice for surviving peak summer hay fever, and an extensive, multi-sided debate on Letterkenny’s growing traffic crisis.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our daily review of the front pages, reviewing the top regional and national headlines breaking this morning.

Life-Changing News for Aaron Langan: Dermot Langan joins Greg to share joyous news following an intense, widely supported public campaign. Dermot’s son, Aaron, has officially been approved to receive the breakthrough drug Givinostat—a major milestone in his medical treatment and a moment of enormous relief for his family and supporters.

Beating Summer Hay Fever: Allergy specialist Colm Cosgrave drops by with expert guidance on managing seasonal allergies. He offers practical tips on preventing flare-ups, selecting the right treatments, and minimizing symptoms as pollen counts peak across the region.

The Letterkenny Traffic Gridlock Debate: We host an in-depth, multi-perspective debate on Letterkenny’s ongoing traffic woes, exploring why gridlock continues to paralyze the town and what needs to be done:

Avoiding the Town: Journalist Pat McArt argues that chronic delays and gridlock are actively driving shoppers and visitors away, with many choosing to avoid Letterkenny altogether due to unpredictable travel times.

The Business Perspective: Businessman and Letterkenny Chamber member Leonard Watson acknowledges the peak-time pressure points but offers a counter-perspective, asserting that outside of standard rush hours, the town remains vibrant, accessible, and open for business.

Political Clash on Active Travel & Ten-T: Cllrs Gerry McMonagle and Ciarán Brogan go head-to-head on the controversial traffic-calming measures, cycling infrastructure, and Active Travel schemes introduced across town. They clash over whether these measures are helping or hurting traffic flow—and assess the actual delivery timeline for the long-awaited Ten-T major road development.

Your Views: We read through a flood of texts and emails from listeners sharing their daily commuting nightmares, shortcut tips, and suggestions for solving Letterkenny’s gridlock.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 22/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.