The Greg Hughes Podcast |Bonus EP| The 2026 Donegal International Rally Special

The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 07/07/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png]   Today we cover a powerful vow for justice following a shocking courtroom verdict, an inspirational academic milestone, emerging global regulations for farming, and the latest local safety 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 thorough review of the front pages, looking at everything from Donald Trump’s high-profile World Cup intervention to mounting calls for tighter e-scooter safety regulations. ⚖ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2696.png] No Stone Unturned for Lyra McKee: Following the shocking not-guilty verdicts handed down to three men accused of the 2019 murder of journalist Lyra McKee, her sister, Nichola McKee Corner, joins Greg. In a deeply moving interview, she reaffirms the family’s fierce determination, vowing that “no stone will be left unturned” in their unrelenting pursuit of justice and accountability. 🎓 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f393.png] Alternative Paths to Success: In an inspiring segment for students, Lucy Sheridan joins the studio to share her remarkable journey. Having left school at just 16 years old, she recently achieved a Master’s degree, delivering a powerful message that there are always alternative, non-traditional routes to reaching your career and educational goals. 🚽 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6bd.png] The Reality of ‘No Wait’ Access: Local listener Danny weighs in on the No Wait Cards initiative. He bravely shares his personal experiences navigating the daily challenges of incontinence, recalling a striking contrast from a trip to Rhodes back in the 1980s, where standardized, urgent public toilet access for those in medical need was already seamlessly ahead of its time. 🌦 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f326.png] Shades of Red on the Weather Map: Met Éireann meteorologist Joanna Donnelly joins Greg to look ahead to a highly anticipated warm spell arriving in the coming days. She also addresses the evolution of modern weather warnings, discussing the science and intent behind the deeper shades of red now being deployed on extreme meteorological maps. 🚨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6a8.png] Community Garda Information: Garda Shane Sweeney delivers this week’s essential frontline brief, catching us up on regional crime trends, road safety reminders ahead of the good weather, and active local witness appeals. 🔥 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f525.png] Killybegs Fire Fundraiser Update: We bring you an heartening update on the community fundraising campaign for the local family who tragically lost everything they owned in a devastating house fire in Killybegs last month, highlighting the incredible generosity of the Donegal public. 🚜 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f69c.png] Paid Leave for Farmers? Dennis Drennan, President of the ICMSA, joins the show to break down controversial new EU proposals that aim to mandate paid holidays and statutory sick leave for farmers, weighing the benefits of social protections against the immense practical challenges of managing independent agricultural holdings. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 07/07/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/07/07/the-greg-hughes-show-tuesday-07-07-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show | Monday | 06/07/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Greg-Hughes-Podcast-scaled.png] Today we address a profound tragedy on Inishowen’s roads, high-profile media justice reactions, navigating the medical cross-border system, and cultural upgrades in the county. 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 thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning. ⚖ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2696.png] NUJ Reacts to Journalist Murder Trial Verdict: Seamus Dooley of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) joins the show to share the union’s strong reaction following the not-guilty verdicts handed down in the trial of three men accused of a high-profile journalist’s murder, addressing what this outcome means for press freedom and justice. 💔 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f494.png] Tragic Inishowen Collision Appeal: Inspector Jonathan Sweeney makes an urgent, solemn appeal for information following the devastating weekend collision at Kinnego Cross, Ballymagan, which claimed the life of 21-year-old Aaron Friel from Buncrana and left three other young people injured. Gardaí are urging any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to step forward. 🌍 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30d.png] Beating the HSE Waiting Lists Abroad: Louise Flanagan from Letterkenny Babies joins Greg to share her firsthand experience of bypassing long HSE waiting lists by utilizing cross-border health schemes to receive essential medical treatment abroad, offering vital advice for local parents facing similar healthcare delays. 🚽 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6bd.png] The Reality of Hidden Urgency: Ahead of an important awareness day this Thursday, Maria Crowe from No Wait Cards Ireland speaks to us about the daily struggles faced by individuals living with hidden disabilities and medical conditions that require immediate, urgent access to toilet facilities. 🎒 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f392.png] Parent & Toddler Parking Abuse: Local listener Wendy takes to the airwaves to express her deep frustration over the blatant misuse of dedicated Parent and Toddler parking spaces by motorists without children. She calls for stricter supermarket and local authority enforcement to protect these essential bays. 🎭 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3ad.png] An Grianán Theatre Expands: Patricia McBride, Director of An Grianán Theatre, joins the studio to celebrate the official opening of a brand-new, revamped studio space at the Letterkenny facility, discussing how this modern creative hub will benefit local performing artists and youth theater. 🏆 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3c6.png] The DL Debate Preview: GAA pundit Brendan Devenney stops by to preview this evening’s DL Debate podcast, reflecting on a stellar and uplifting weekend win for the Donegal Ladies’ football team. 🎤 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3a4.png] The Big MSG Wedding: Our very own newsroom ‘Swiftie’, Katie Gillen, wraps up the show with all the glamorous, viral details surrounding the massive, star-studded wedding that has taken over New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Monday | 06/07/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/07/06/the-greg-hughes-show-monday-06-07-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 03/07/26

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we address the political importance of Ireland’s EU leadership role, a looming legislative showdown over blood sports, local concerns regarding vehicle theft spikes, and an alarming report detailing the harsh reality faced by women in public office. Inside Today’s Episode: 💬 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4ac.png] The Friday Panel: Midlands–North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly, Brendan Byrne (CEO of the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association), and John McAteer (Editor of the Turlough/Tír Chonaill Tribune) join Greg in-studio to tackle a packed agenda: * Ireland’s EU Presidency: With Ireland preparing to take the reins of the Council of the European Union, the panel debates whether holding the rotating presidency is a vital opportunity to shape continental policy or simply a costly bureaucratic distraction. * The Dáil Hare Coursing Vote: Ahead of an upcoming Dáil vote, our guests clash over whether it is finally time to implement a permanent ban on live hare coursing in Ireland. * The Fate of Pier Jumping: Following controversial safety restrictions along our coastlines, the panel weighs in on whether traditional pier jumping should be strictly regulated or preserved as a rite of passage for Donegal youth. 📸 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4f8.png] N13 Speed Camera Surge: Damien O’Dowd, Editor of Inish Live, joins the show to discuss eye-opening new data from the N13. He reveals a remarkably high rate of speeding detections captured by the route’s static safety cameras, raising questions about motorist behavior on the primary road. 🚨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6a8.png] Vehicle Theft Spike in Donegal: Donegal’s Garda Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Fergus McGroary, delivers a stark warning following a notable rise in thefts from cars and vans across the county. He outlines the specific tactics criminals are using and delivers essential security advice for vehicle owners. ✊ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/270a.png] Abuse Targeting Women in Politics: We delve into a disturbing new report exposing the toxic environment surrounding female politicians in Ireland. Representatives join the show to discuss the incredibly high levels of online harassment and in-person abuse directed at women in elected positions, discussing how it threatens democracy and deters future leaders. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 03/07/26 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/07/03/the-greg-hughes-show-friday-03-07-26/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 27: Fighting Arthritis: Dennis McGonagle on the Frontiers of Medicine

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design.jpg]This week, we are joined by a truly global heavy-hitter in the medical world who remains deeply rooted right here in Donegal. Professor Dennis McGonagle is a clinical academic and top NHS consultant at the University of Leeds. This year, he made history as the first person from the Republic of Ireland to be awarded the prestigious Heberden Medal by the British Society for Rheumatology. In this brilliant, wide-ranging, and at times deeply emotional conversation, we step outside the lab to look back at his early days growing up in Glengad and his self-admitted “smart-ass” school days at Carndonagh Community School. Dennis shares powerful insights from his 30-year career at the forefront of understanding autoimmune diseases, tracking the incredible evolution of modern treatments that save lives today. We also tackle the hype surrounding stem cell research, with Dennis issuing a sharp warning against the “cowboy businesses” exploiting vulnerable patients. This is a casual chat that covers an extraordinary amount of ground—delving into everything from the daily realities of gout to the unexpected effects of space travel on the human body. Plus, Dennis explains a fascinating scientific twist: how he is collaborating with companies using Donegal alpacas—tied to his brother’s venture, the Wild Alpaca Way—to develop advanced treatments for human arthritis. An inspiring, funny, and profoundly honest conversation with one of Ireland’s finest medical minds. The post The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 27: Fighting Arthritis: Dennis McGonagle on the Frontiers of Medicine [https://highlandradio.com/2026/07/03/the-greg-hughes-podcast-ep-27-fighting-arthritis-dennis-mcgonagle-on-the-frontiers-of-medicine/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 02/07/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we address a major EU regulatory clampdown on the health sector, rural bin collection withdrawals, data privacy complaints generated by AI, a centenary celebration for a landmark Buncrana business, and controversial bans on our coastlines. 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 thorough daily review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning. 🌿 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f33f.png] The Battle over Vitamin Regulation: We dive into a major regulatory row as the EU proposes strict new laws aimed at lowering the maximum permitted potency levels for everyday vitamins and supplements. Health shop owner Finn Murray joins the show to explain why this is a negative move for consumer choice, outlining a massive online petition fighting the changes. 🚛 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f69b.png] Rural Refuse Services Withdrawn: Cllr Martin Scanlon raises a burning issue for rural households after certain waste collection companies advised customers they are withdrawing services from some areas. While the operators blame poor road conditions, Cllr Scanlon firmly believes the decisions are driven strictly by commercial motives. 🤖 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f916.png] The AI Data Complaint Surge: Graham Doyle of the Data Protection Commission (DPC) reveals a staggering 45% increase in complaints received by the watchdog. Fascinatingly, he notes that a significant number of these submissions are now being entirely drafted using AI, resulting in complaints that are frequently muddled and entirely off-point. 🌊 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30a.png] The Portsalon Pier Jumping Ban: A controversial ban on pier jumping at Portsalon has sparked intense local debate. Cllr Ali Farren weighs in on the issue, demanding that Donegal County Council formally clarify whether this prohibition represents official local authority policy moving forward. 👞 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f45e.png] A Century of Grants Shoes: Siobhán Stapleton joins Greg to reflect on the incredible history of Buncrana’s iconic Grants Shoes. She marks a phenomenal milestone as the third-generation family business celebrates 100 years on Main Street with a special customer appreciation day this weekend. 🗑 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5d1.png] Tackling Illegal Dumping: Minister Alan Dillon joins the show to outline new, robust legislative measures introduced by the government to clamp down on fly-tipping. We also get localized feedback on the plan from Gerard McCormack of Letterkenny Tidy Towns. 💼 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4bc.png] Business Matters Preview: Chris Ashmore stops by to preview this week’s Business Matters podcast, catching us up on all the essential commercial and economic news shaping the Donegal landscape. The post The Greg Hughes Show |Thursday| 02/07/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/07/02/the-greg-hughes-show-thursday-02-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].