The Greg Hughes Show

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:

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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:

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As Canon David Skuce officially steps into retirement following seven years as Rector of the Dunfanaghy Union of Parishes, we sat down with him just days before his final service to look back on a remarkable 38-year career in ordained ministry.

In this broad-ranging conversation, Canon Skuce reflects on his time serving Holy Trinity, Raymunterdoney, and Killult (Falcarragh), growing up in a Fermanagh rectory as the son of Archdeacon Leonard Skuce, and his life’s work within the Church of Ireland.

We discuss:

The “Ministry of Presence”: His recollections of standing alongside the community and Fr John Joe Duffy during the aftermath of the Creeslough tragedy in 2022, and why simply showing up for people is the most important role of a pastor.

Faith & Community: The presence of the Church of Ireland in Donegal today, how it differs from the Church of England, and the ongoing importance of cross-community and inter-church dialogue.

Global Perspective: His insights on the situation in Israel following years of leading diocesan pilgrimages to the Middle East, Rome, and beyond.

Life Outside the Pulpit: His passion for motorcycling—from touring on his V-Strom 650 across Scandinavia, Morocco, and the West Coast of America to his trip to New Zealand earlier this year.

Outdoor Adventures & Sabbaticals: Canoeing out to Tory Island and back as a senior sea kayaking instructor, serving as Northern Ireland Chaplain to the Scouts, and his three-month sabbatical in South Africa helping out in local parish kitchens.

Plus, Canon Skuce shares his famous golden rule for hosting: “Anything can be cooked at 180 degrees for an hour and a half!”

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 30 Beyond the Pulpit with Canon David Skuce appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address critical calls for reform across Ireland’s bail and prison systems, sweeping new government regulations for e-scooters, local road safety concerns in Donegal, and an inspiring milestone for organ donation.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the show with our daily review of the front pages, taking a look at the leading national and regional headlines breaking this morning.

Critical Faults in Ireland’s Bail System: Niamh McCormack from the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) joins the program to discuss their scathing new report on pre-trial detention. She highlights systemic flaws in Ireland’s bail practices that contribute to severe prison overcrowding, arguing that pre-trial remand should only ever be deployed as a true last resort.

Sweeping New E-Scooter Legislation: Transport Minister of State Seán Canney joins Greg to detail major upcoming changes to laws governing e-scooters. He outlines new government plans, including extending bans for under-18s, mandatory protective gear, and moving toward official registration and licensing requirements.

The Garda Perspective on Enforcement: Brendan O’Connor, Garda Representative Association (GRA) spokesperson for Donegal, reacts to the Minister’s e-scooter announcement. He focuses on the practical realities facing frontline officers, questioning how Gardaí can effectively enforce registration and age limits on local streets without added resources.

Donegal Residents Demand Road Action:

11 Collisions in 2 Months: Margaret in Convoy contacts the show following an alarming streak of crashes outside her home, making an urgent appeal to Donegal County Council to introduce immediate traffic-calming measures before there is a fatality.

Derrybeg Danger Zones: Bernie in Derrybeg also raises serious concerns over reckless driving and excessive speeds passing through her local community.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gerard McNamee delivers this week’s frontline brief, bringing listeners the latest local Garda appeals, active witness requests, and crime prevention advice across Donegal.

99% Opt-In for Life-Saving Organ Donation: Colin White from the Irish Kidney Association joins the show to promote organ donation awareness, noting that 99% of the population have supported the transition to the new soft opt-out system. We also hear a powerful personal testimony from organ recipient Seamy, who shares how receiving a kidney donor 24 years ago completely transformed his life.

Donegal Court Report: Court reporter Declan Brennan joins Greg to break down the legal proceedings and conviction of Mohamed Hallam, an Algerian national residing in Donegal since 2023. Brennan reviews the evidence presented in court following Hallam’s conviction for assaulting a woman after encountering her out socialising with friends in Letterkenny.

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

The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 21/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address long-term welfare dependencies and calls for job-activation reforms, an alarming roadside incident involving a local sporting legend and the latest report into eating disorders across Ireland.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our thorough daily review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning.

Addressing Long-Term Jobseeker’s Allowance: Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín joins the show to discuss data surrounding individuals who have been receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance for over a decade. Highlighting the immense long-term cost to the Exchequer, Tóibín calls for dedicated state measures, targeted retraining, and tailored incentives specifically designed to help long-term recipients transition back into meaningful employment.

“Ireland is No Longer Safe for Cyclists”: Renowned ultra-endurance and professional cyclist Joe Barr recounts a frightening incident while training on the main Lifford to Letterkenny road. After a passing vehicle intentionally threw a bucket of water over him at speed, Joe reflects on the shocking lack of respect for road users, expressing deep concern that Irish roads are becoming increasingly hazardous for cyclists.

57th Clonmany Agricultural Festival Preview: Blaine McCarron joins Greg to look forward to the return of the 57th Clonmany Agricultural Festival, taking place on August 4th and 5th. Blaine outlines the exciting lineup—promising a vibrant mix of traditional livestock competitions, family entertainment, live music, and local trade stalls with something for everyone.

Reflecting on the Bodywhys Annual Report: Bodywhys CEO Harriet Parsons and service user Elsa Jane join the program to analyze the findings of the eating disorder association’s latest annual report. Elsa Jane shares her personal journey, while Harriet discusses the surging demand for support services, the ongoing challenges surrounding early intervention, and what needs to change in national healthcare provision.

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

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Today we address a major debate on the future of micro-mobility, a stark look at our vulnerable water network, an exciting preview of local history, and a major transition of leadership for the Derry Diocese.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Friday Panel: Cllr Donal “Mandy” Kelly, Environmental Campaigner Patricia Sharkey, and James Ward (Editor of the Irish Daily Mail) join Greg in-studio to thrash out the week’s most debated topics:

The E-Scooter Ban Debate: As pressure mounts on safety grounds, the panel debates whether Ireland should move toward a total, outright ban on e-scooters, or if stricter licensing and enforcement are the better path forward.

Water Infrastructure Under Pressure: With any brief spell of dry weather immediately triggering local supply warnings and restrictions, we ask: why is Ireland’s water network still so fragile, and what is needed to make it fit for purpose?

The Rise of Digital Wallets: As digital identification and payment wallets become standard, the panel looks at the convenience versus the privacy and security concerns of a increasingly cashless society.

The Greg Hughes Podcast: Greg previews this week’s long-form episode (available to stream now) featuring a fascinating chat with local guest Patrick Gallagher. He shares his extraordinary life journey, charting his rise from Glenveagh castle to running in high-society circles alongside some of the world’s richest and most famous figures.

A New Era for the Derry Diocese: Following the announcement of the retirement of Bishop Donal McKeown, we are joined by the newly appointed Bishop of Derry, Bishop Michael Router. Bishop Router joins us ahead of officially taking up his new role this coming September to discuss his vision for the diocese, tackling modern secularization, and his hope for pastoral renewal.

Violence Marring Brandywell European Clash: We hear widespread condemnation and local reaction following the disturbing, violent scenes that broke out at the Brandywell during Derry City’s high-profile European fixture, looking at what this means for stadium security and the club’s reputation.

The Mary From Dungloe Festival Turns 59: Festival Directors Pat Connaghan and Gavin Boyle join Greg in-studio to preview the highly anticipated 59th hosting of the iconic Mary From Dungloe International Festival, sharing what attendees can expect from this year’s stellar lineup of music, culture, and community events.

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

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What does it take to become the trusted confidant to some of the world’s most powerful, wealthy, and famous icons?

In this episode, we step into the extraordinary world of Dunlewey’s own Patrick Gallagher. Patrick didn’t just watch twentieth-century history from the sidelines—he was the ultimate insider. From the majestic halls of Glenveagh Castle to the exclusive social circles of Philadelphia, Salzburg, and Hawaii, he held the keys to a golden age of global glamour.

We dive into a lifetime of jaw-dropping stories, including:

Keeping Greta Garbo’s secrets during an incognito ten-day stay in Donegal.

Hosting artistic and literary giants like Andy Warhol and Tennessee Williams.

Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty, from Henry Fonda to Alec Guinness.

Jet-setting on Concorde and spending winters in Hawaii with billionaire heiress Doris Duke.

Driving Lady Diana’s father, Earl Spencer, in an Opel Manta that Patrick still owns today.

And the unforgettable moment he accidentally knocked Bruce Springsteen off his bicycle.

This is a front-row seat to an era of unmatched elegance, told with classic Donegal wit and warmth.

Press play to step inside the legendary life of Patrick Gallagher.

The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 29: The Ultimate Insider: From Glenveagh to High Society with Patrick Gallagher appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address a major step forward for the families of the Creeslough tragedy, a history-making academic achievement for a Donegal native, the threat of AI to creative artists, and plans to bring cruise tourism to Rathmullan.

Inside Today’s Episode:

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

Creeslough Families to Meet Taoiseach: In a major milestone for the ongoing campaign, Hugh Harper joins Greg to react to the news that a formal meeting has been scheduled with the Taoiseach. The meeting aims to progress the families’ urgent campaign for a full, independent public inquiry into the devastating 2022 Creeslough tragedy.

A History-Making PhD Defense: We celebrate an incredible personal and cultural milestone as Dr. David Friel joins the show. David recently successfully defended his PhD, making history in the process as a trailblazing academic from the Irish Traveller community in Donegal. He shares his research journey and what this achievement means for representation.

AI Threatens the Music Industry: Prolific, award-winning songwriter Iain Archer (known for his work with Snow Patrol and James Bay) joins the studio to discuss the rapidly growing threat of generative AI to the livelihood of songwriters. He explains why he is backing a Sinn Féin motion in the Dáil aimed at protecting artists’ intellectual property and creative rights.

New Accessible Cycling Hub in Termon: Kevin O’Brien from the Variety Ireland charity reveals exciting details about a brand-new hub for the Northwest, set to officially open in Termon later this month. The initiative is designed to make cycling fully accessible to children and adults with mobility challenges.

Calls for Tighter Cycling Controls: As the national conversation around e-scooter safety continues to dominate, Dr. Peter O’Rourke joins the show to argue that the debate needs to expand. He calls for much tighter controls and regulations on leisure cyclists using public roads, highlighting safety concerns for both motorists and cyclists.

Rathmullan’s Cruise Ship Ambitions: John Gallagher of Rathmullan The Way Forward outlines an exciting tourism strategy for the seaside village. He discusses plans to tap into the lucrative boutique cruise ship market, bringing smaller luxury vessels—and high-spending international visitors—directly into the local economy.

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| 16/07/2026 appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Today we address the urgent need for long-term care contingency plans, escalating summer water shortages across Donegal, the medical debate surrounding a total e-scooter ban, and a major legislative step forward for women’s reproductive rights.

Inside Today’s Episode:

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

The Carer’s Contingency Crisis: We dive into a highly emotional and common dilemma facing families across Ireland. Listener Michelle joins the show to discuss her sister, Maura, for whom she provides full-time care. Michelle is seeking answers on what the HSE and the State actually provide to support independent living if a primary family carer suddenly becomes seriously ill or passes away, calling for robust, long-term state planning instead of emergency panic.

Donegal Water Levels & Restrictions: Anthony Skeffington, Regional Asset Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann, joins Greg to deliver a comprehensive overview of the public water supply. With hot weather putting immense strain on local infrastructure, he details active overnight restrictions and addresses the growing likelihood of a “hosepipe ban” in high-stress zones.

Lifford Water Woes: Local listener Viola contacts the show from Lifford to share her frustration. She reports that overnight water restrictions in her neighborhood are consistently missing the mark, with taps remaining completely dry long after the scheduled morning restoration times.

The Call for a Total E-Scooter Ban: Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr. Áine Keating joins the program to highlight a worrying surge in young people presenting to emergency departments with severe, life-altering injuries from e-scooter accidents. Backed by her medical colleagues, Dr. Keating calls for an outright ban on the vehicles unless far stricter safety measures and on-the-ground police enforcement are put in place.

Sun Care & Skin Health: Mary Ferry from Genesis joins us in-studio to share professional, practical advice on how we can best protect and nourish our skin during this intense summer heatwave.

Compassionate Leave for Pregnancy Loss: Mary Herlihy, Manager of the Donegal Women’s Centre, warmly welcomes historic new Cabinet-approved legislation providing paid, statutory leave for women who suffer an early miscarriage or choose to undergo a pregnancy termination. Mary discusses the profound significance of the State recognizing these traumatic experiences without distinction, helping to break down workplace stigma and support women when they are at their most vulnerable.

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

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Today we address a weekend of unprecedented anti-social behavior in Downings, vital community policing updates, and a critical look at the rising demand for sexual assault support services in Letterkenny.

Inside Today’s Episode:

The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning.

Downings “Weekend of Mayhem”: We look at an unprecedented and highly distressing weekend in the coastal village of Downings. Local business owners, residents, and councillors express their outrage after thousands of people descended on the area, resulting in widespread anti-social behavior, vandalism, on-street drinking, indecent exposure, and hundreds of youths sleeping in cars.

The Community Backlash: Local business owners and residents share their firsthand accounts of the disruption and the impact on the village’s reputation.

The Political Response: Cllrs Liam Blaney and Declan Meehan weigh in on the chaos, discussing the urgent need for a coordinated response, stricter enforcement, and better infrastructure management to prevent a repeat of these scenes.

Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne Doherty joins us for her weekly segment, bringing listeners up to date on active investigations, road safety alerts, and policing measures following the weekend’s events in the region.

Rising Demand at Letterkenny SATU: We discuss the newly published 2025 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) Annual Report. Professor Maeve Eogan, clinical lead for the national SATU services, joins the show to discuss the national trends and specifically address the Letterkenny Unit, which experienced an 11.5% increase in attendances over the course of the year. We look at what these figures mean for local support services and the ongoing efforts to provide timely, compassionate, and responsive care.

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

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