The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 21: Mickey Joe Harte

The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 26/06/26

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we address critical national policy rebellions, an unexpected summer lightning storm that shook the county, local musical ambitions, and a packed debate on our Friday Panel. Inside Today’s Episode: 💬 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4ac.png] The Friday Panel: Dr Joe Kelly, Former Councillor Nicholas Crossan, and Sinn Féin Councillor Dakota Nic Mheanman join Greg in-studio for an expansive debate on the biggest issues of the week: * Climate vs. The Weather: The panel kicks off with a lively, polarizing discussion on our shifting summer patterns, climate change, and differing views on what the future holds for Ireland’s environment. * The government Backbench Rebellion: Our guests look at the widening cracks within government unity, discussing the mounting backbench pushback against the leadership’s stance on abortion legislation revisions and proposals to scrap the constitutional Triple Lock neutrality protection. * The Decriminalisation Debate: The panel hashes out the newly published recommendations to decriminalize the personal possession of drugs, weighing a health-led approach against community safety concerns. 🎙 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f399.png] The Greg Hughes Podcast Preview: We catch a sneak peek of this week’s long-form podcast episode, featuring an exclusive, unfiltered archive clip with legendary former Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Dinny McGinley, reflecting on his 34 years at the coalface of Irish politics. ⚡ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/26a1.png] The Night the Sky Lit Up: Kenneth Conlan from the Donegal Weather Channel joins Greg to explain the science behind last night’s spectacular and unrelenting thunderstorm over Donegal. He breaks down exactly what atmospheric conditions triggered the intense, continuous spells of thunder and lightning that kept the county awake. 🎵 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3b5.png] Chasing a Dream with Lewis Capaldi: Talented local musician Amy O’Connor joins the show to share the incredible story behind her viral social media campaign. She talks about the massive groundswell of public support she’s receiving in her bid to secure the opening slot for superstar Lewis Capaldi later this year. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 26/06/26 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/26/the-greg-hughes-show-friday-26-06-26/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 26: From Bunbeg to the Dáil: The Dinny McGinley Interview

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/dinny-and-greg-e1782415396187.jpg]What does it take to survive 34 years at the coalface of Irish politics? In this episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast, we are joined by former Fine Gael TD and Minister of State, Dinny McGinley, for an unfiltered look back at a remarkable life and career. Born and raised in the West Donegal Gaeltacht, Dinny spent his early years as a teacher and principal at Scoil Chonaill in Bunbeg before making the leap from the classroom to Leinster House in 1982. He went on to win nine consecutive general elections, navigating the extreme highs and brutal lows of public life, culminating in his appointment as Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs. We dive into how the political landscape has fundamentally shifted since he first entered the Dáil—including the relentless pace of the modern 24/7 news cycle and the toxic edge of social media. Dinny also shares his perspective on Fine Gael’s current standing in Donegal, the realities of stepping away from power, and what life looks like after politics. An honest, insightful conversation with one of Donegal’s longest-serving public representatives. The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 26: From Bunbeg to the Dáil: The Dinny McGinley Interview [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/26/the-greg-hughes-podcast-ep-26-from-bunbeg-to-the-dail-the-dinny-mcginley-interview/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 25/06/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we address the newly opened accessible amenities in Letterkenny, pushback against a proposed hotel tourist tax, rural housing matching failures in Inishowen, and road safety concerns in Burtonport. Inside Today’s Episode: 🗞 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5de.png] The Morning Press: We kick off with our thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning. ♿ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/267f.png] Changing Places Facility Opens in Letterkenny: Aaron Daly from Changing Places Ireland joins the show to discuss the newly opened, highly anticipated fully accessible facility at the Letterkenny Retail Park. He explains the critical need for more of these advanced units nationwide, why a specialized access card is required for security, and breaks down the reasoning behind the associated administrative charge. 🏨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3e8.png] The Tourist Tax Debate: Conor McEniff of the Mount Errigal Hotel strongly voices his concerns regarding newly supported moves to introduce a visitor levy on hotel rooms. He argues that a local tourist tax has not been fully thought out, lacks long-term strategic vision, and could cause severe economic damage to Donegal’s competitive tourism sector. 🏗 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3d7.png] The Carndonagh Empty Homes Failure: Local listener Paul contacts the show to highlight a deeply frustrating vacant housing development in Carndonagh. A previous purchase agreement between Donegal County Council and a private developer completely collapsed, expressing outrage that perfectly good properties are sitting empty in the middle of a severe local housing crisis. 🚸 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6b8.png] Burtonport Road Safety Appeals: Local listener Gerard takes to the airwaves to shine a light on escalating traffic dangers in Burtonport. He reiterates urgent, long-standing community calls for a proper footpath to safely service the local schools, residents, and passing trade. 📚 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4da.png] From Glastonbury to Crime Fiction: Acclaimed author and music industry veteran Paul Charles drops into the studio to discuss his gripping new McCusker Mysteries crime novel, Hi Love, You Just Dropped Your Glove. He also treats listeners to fascinating stories from his storied career working alongside legendary musicians and booking the iconic Acoustic Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. 💼 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4bc.png] Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore stops by to preview the latest episode of the Business Matters podcast, bringing us a comprehensive wrap-up of the essential commercial and economic news shaping the Donegal business landscape this week. 🎧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3a7.png] Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news: The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 25/06/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/25/the-greg-hughes-show-thursday-25-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 24/06/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we address urgent road safety concerns outside a Donegal national school, a significant legislative milestone for grieving parents across the border, crucial regional healthcare updates, and a controversial parting reflection on the Defective Blocks Scheme. Inside Today’s Episode: 🗞 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5de.png] The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our comprehensive review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning. 🚸 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6b8.png] Road Safety in Lettermacaward:  National School Principal Ciarán McDevitt and Cllr Brian Carr join the show to spotlight critical traffic and safety hazards facing students in the village. They outline the immediate infrastructure changes needed to protect children during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. 👶 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f476.png] Baby Loss Certificates Launched: Melissa Crockett joins us to welcome the official introduction of the Baby Loss Certificate scheme in Northern Ireland. She discusses the profound emotional importance of this new legislation, which offers formal, official recognition to parents who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. 🏥 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3e5.png] Regional Health Forum Updates: Cllr Declan Meehan breaks down the latest progress reports from his recent attendance at the Regional Health Forum. He shares crucial timelines on the development of the new Surgical Hub at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) and details his efforts raising the critical state of dental screening programs in our national schools. 🏛 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3db.png] A Controversial Council Farewell: Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Paul Canning, reflects on his intensive year in office, the busy local government agenda, and the weight of the civic role. However, his parting comments spark immediate debate as he suggests that a shortfall in funding experienced by some homeowners in the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme may be driven by property upgrades rather than basic remediation costs. 🌱 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f331.png] In the Garden: We close the show with our resident gardening expert, Paul McLaughlin, who takes to the airwaves to answer listener questions, offering seasonal tips, plant care advice, and solutions for your summer blooms. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 24/06/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/24/the-greg-hughes-show-wednesday-24-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 23/06/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png]   Today we navigate a profoundly heavy and emotional show, listening to the immense courage of abuse survivors following two massive convictions, alongside essential summer safety guidance and positive local healthcare updates. Inside Today’s Episode: 🗞 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5de.png] The Morning Press: We kick off the program with our regular thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines making waves this morning. ☀ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2600.png] Donegal Council Warm Weather Advice: As a highly anticipated summer heatwave hits the region, Garry Martin, Director of Services with Donegal County Council, joins us with essential advice. He outlines how the public can stay safe, manage resources responsibly, and protect our coastal areas during this intense warm spell. ⚖ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2696.png] The Fall of Jeffrey Donaldson: Former editor of the Derry Journal, Pat McArt, joins Greg to provide comprehensive analysis and local reaction following the stunning conviction of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for child rape and historical sexual abuse offences. 🗣 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5e3.png] Patrick Sharkey’s Victims Speak Out: In the wake of the recent sentencing of 83-year-old serial abuser Patrick Sharkey in a Donegal court, we hear a powerful and moving interview with Michael Bacon, one of the 19 young boys Sharkey abused over a 25-year period under the guise of school and kayaking trips. 💔 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f494.png] A Survivor’s Fight for Justice: In an incredibly brave and harrowing interview, a local listener named Mary contacts the show to share her own story of being sexually abused as an eight-year-old child. She speaks out about the ongoing trauma of her past and her deep frustration that her abuser has fled the state to evade the Irish justice system. 🚨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6a8.png] Community Garda Information: Garda Padraig McFadden joins Greg live in the studio for this week’s slot, delivering vital local security notices, road safety reminders for the good weather, and the latest witness appeals from across the division. 🏥 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3e5.png] Breakthrough for Buncrana Community Hospital: Cllr Fionán Bradley brings us a very positive update following a high-stakes meeting between the HSE, local politicians, and community representatives. He shares the encouraging new developments regarding the long-awaited renovation and future proofing of the community hospital. 🎧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3a7.png] Listen to the full episode and stay ahead of the local news: The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 23/06/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/23/the-greg-hughes-show-tuesday-23-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].