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

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].

The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 01/07/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we address illegal dumping impacting local business in Letterkenny, escalating scooter safety concerns, a vital water infrastructure upgrade for Letterbrick, and the exciting launch of an upcoming listener getaway to sunny Spain. 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 a thorough review of the front pages, tracking the leading local and national headlines breaking this morning. 🗑 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5d1.png] Port Road Dumping Frustrations: Letterkenny businessman James Molloy, who runs the popular Brosef Coffee dock on the Port Road, joins the show. He voices his growing frustration over persistent illegal dumping right on his business’s doorstep and slams the local authority for a perceived lack of enforcement action. 🛴 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6f4.png] The Scooter Safety Push: Cllr Mícheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig joins Greg to discuss escalating e-scooter safety concerns. He highlights severe anxieties raised by local residents regarding reckless riding and calls for stricter regulations to protect pedestrians on our footpaths. 🚰 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6b0.png] Major Water Investment for Letterbrick: Deputy Pat “the Cope” Gallagher takes to the airwaves to warmly welcome a substantial new infrastructure investment. The funding is secured to significantly upgrade and future-proof the local water supply for residents across the Letterbrick area. 🌍 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30d.png] Venezuelan Earthquake Crisis: We speak to Donegal-based Venezuelan native Antonio Rodriguez following the devastating earthquakes that have struck his home country. Antonio shares firsthand accounts of the impact on families and makes a heartfelt appeal to the people of the Northwest to back international rescue and relief efforts. 🧠 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9e0.png] Jigsaw Youth Mental Health Report: Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO of the youth mental health charity Jigsaw, alongside former service user Rachel, joins the studio to break down the key findings of their 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the surging demand for youth counseling services across Donegal. 🪧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1faa7.png] Misspelled Irish Road Signs: Local listener Dara O’Neill contacts the show to highlight a series of glaring spelling errors on official Irish-language road signs across the county. He calls on Donegal County Council to urgently audit and rectify the signage to protect the integrity of the language. ☀ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2600.png] Highland in the Sun Launch! Country music star and presenter David James joins Greg in-studio for the highly anticipated launch of the ‘Highland in the Sun’ trip heading to Torremolinos next May. He breaks down the incredible travel deals, artist lineup, and booking details exclusively available to our listeners. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Wednesday | 01/07/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/07/01/the-greg-hughes-show-wednesday-01-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 30/06/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png]   Today we address high intervention rates in Donegal’s maternity care, a critical pre-budget appeal for local dementia services, ongoing legal stalemates in the justice system, and a celebration of live music hitting the streets of Letterkenny. 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/17.0.2/72x72/1f3e5.png] LUH Maternity Intervention Rates Spark Concern: Krysia Lynch of Aims Éire joins the show to discuss alarming new trends at Letterkenny University Hospital. We analyze the high rates of Caesarean sections and medical inducements at the hospital, discussing what these figures mean for maternal health trends and long-term outcomes for mothers and babies in the Northwest. 🧠 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9e0.png] Dementia Services Funding Fight: Carol Molloy, Northwest Operations Manager at Alzheimer’s Ireland, joins Greg to outline the organization’s crucial pre-budget proposals. She makes the case for a significant injection of state funding to support vulnerable families dealing with dementia across Donegal. ⚖ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2696.png] The Legal Aid Impasse: Donegal solicitor Frank Dorian stops by to discuss the escalating tension between regional solicitors and the Minister for Justice. He breaks down the current stalemate over a proposed new payment model and warns how the stand-off could severely disrupt local court schedules. 🏠 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3e0.png] Sweeping Changes to Rural Planning: Cllr Paul Canning joins the show to preview highly anticipated modifications to rural planning regulations heading before Cabinet. He outlines what these shifting rules will mean for families hoping to build one-off homes in rural Donegal. 🚨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6a8.png] Community Garda Information: Garda Gráinne Doherty delivers this week’s essential community update, sharing the latest road safety alerts, home security notices, and active witness appeals from across the Donegal division. 🎸 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3b8.png] Letterkenny Blues and Roots Festival Preview: We close out the show with an exciting preview of the Letterkenny Blues and Roots Festival. Festival Director Mark Black fills us in on the massive five-day lineup, and we are treated to a brilliant live performance in-studio by Jack McHale of Delta Fuse. The post The Greg Hughes Show | Tuesday | 30/06/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/30/the-greg-hughes-show-tuesday-30-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].