The Greg Hughes Podcast | Ep 21: Mickey Joe Harte

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].

The Greg Hughes Show | Monday | 22/06/2026

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Greg-Hughes-Podcast-scaled.png] Today we reflect on a heartbreaking weekend for the county following a tragedy at the Donegal International Rally, alongside massive local developments for Finn Harps FC, a historic abuse sentencing, and international political shockwaves. Inside Today’s Episode: 🏎 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3ce.png] Tragedy at the Donegal International Rally: We reflect on a devastating weekend following the tragic death of 15-year-old spectator Tadhg Callaghan Carter at the rally. * Community Grief: St Eunan’s College Principal Damien McCroary speaks to us about the profound shock and loss felt across the school community. * The Response: We hear from Motor Club Ireland on the safety protocols and the impact on the motorsport community. * The Investigation: Sergeant Sean McDaid joins us to provide an update on the ongoing Garda investigation into the incident at Trentagh and issues an appeal for witnesses. ⚖ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2696.png] Justice After Decades of Silence: Gary Duffy of KRW Law reflects on the landmark case of 83-year-old Patrick Sharkey, who was sentenced to six years in prison after admitting to around 130 charges of historical childhood sexual abuse. He outlines how Sharkey abused 19 young boys over a 25-year period, with many of those horrific assaults occurring during trips to Donegal. ⚽ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/26bd.png] A Multi-Million Euro Future for Finn Harps: The Chair of Finn Harps, Ian Harkin, joins the show to share breaking details of a massive, potential multi-million euro takeover deal. He outlines what this means for the future of the club ahead of a crucial vote before shareholders next month. 🎻 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3bb.png] The Croke Park Ban: Donegal piper Christy Murray joins the studio to discuss the controversial decision surrounding his performance ban at Croke Park and what it means for traditional musicians. 🟢 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f7e2.png] Donegal’s Championship Exit: GAA pundit and Donegal legend Brendan Devenney stops by to reflect on a disappointing weekend on the pitch as Donegal exits this year’s Senior Football Championship. 🦭 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9ad.png] Seal Disturbance Concerns: Local listener Hannes calls in to recount a worrying encounter he witnessed over the weekend, where he engaged with four kayakers who he believes were actively harassing and distressing local seal populations. 🇬🇧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f1ec-1f1e7.png] Keir Starmer Resigns: Local analyst Richard Logue joins Greg to react to the breaking global news from London, as Keir Starmer officially announces he is stepping down as UK Prime Minister. 🎧 [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 | Monday | 22/06/2026 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/22/the-greg-hughes-show-monday-22-06-2026/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

The Greg Hughes Show | Friday | 19/06/26

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Greg-Hughes-2026.png] Today we dive into a packed Friday Panel tackling political reform, a striking legal system, and vital health awareness, alongside a historic policing landmark for Donegal and emotional community stories from across the county. Inside Today’s Episode: 💬 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4ac.png] The Friday Panel: Cllr Jimmy Brogan and Ben Harkin join the studio for a sharp, wide-ranging debate across the week’s biggest talking points: * The Dáil Abortion Vote: The panel breaks down the heated political and social debate surrounding this week’s Dáil vote on whether to abolish the mandatory three-day waiting period for an abortion. * The Legal Aid Crisis: Our guests look at the escalating crisis in the justice system, discussing the unprecedented strike action taken by criminal defense lawyers over stagnant fees and examining the structural cracks appearing in the legal aid system as a whole. * The “Clarkson Effect” & Cancer Awareness: Following the massive public reaction to TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson’s recent diagnosis, Jimmy and Ben discuss how Ireland can best capitalize on this sudden wave of public awareness to boost early detection, screening, and open conversations surrounding prostate cancer. ⚖ [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2696.png] A Historic Landmark for Irish Justice: Superintendent Siobhán Mollahan of the Donegal Garda Division joins us following the landmark sentencing of Georgijs Poniza and Armen Pogosyan. Convicted for human trafficking for labor exploitation, this marks the first ever successful conviction of its kind in the history of the state. 🎸 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3b8.png] Rory Gallagher Festival Faces Collapse: Listeners react with shock and disappointment to the news that the iconic Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival in Ballyshannon may not go ahead this year following the sudden collapse of ticket vendor tickets.ie. We hear from devastated music fans calling in from Ballyshannon, Cork, and as far away as Australia. 🏅 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3c5.png] Little Angels School Send-Off: Our own Donna-Marie Doherty presents a very special package live from the Little Angels School, capturing the immense joy, pride, and excitement as the inspiring students get a heartwarming send-off before heading to the Special Olympics. 🎧 [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 | Friday | 19/06/26 [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/19/the-greg-hughes-show-friday-19-06-26/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].

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

[https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/bapbapbap-scaled-e1781779656737-1024x660.jpeg]The engine notes will soon be echoing off the hills, the ditches will be lined with fans, and the biggest weekend in Irish motorsport is about to get underway! Welcome to a special, standalone edition of The Greg Hughes Podcast, dedicated entirely to the absolute crown jewel of the Irish rallying calendar—The Donegal International Rally. Whether you are a die-hard petrolhead heading out to the ditches, a driver fine-tuning your pace notes, or a local navigating the weekend, this will be your ultimate all-access preview guide. Inside This Special Episode: * 🔥 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f525.png] The Stages & The Shakedown: Our Sports Editor Oisín Kelly, Chairman of the Donegal Motor Club Brian Brogan, and Clerk of the Course Eamonn McGee will dive deep into the competitive side of the weekend. They will break down the grueling 2026 stages, analyze the mechanical setups required for Donegal’s unique tarmac, and offer their predictions on who will have the pace to claim the ultimate bragging rights on the ramp. * 🚧 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f6a7.png] Safety, Logistics & Letterkenny Business: We will shift focus from the stages to the massive operational effort required to keep the county safe and moving. Garda Inspector Paul McGee, Council Area Roads Engineer David McIlwaine, and Leonard Watson from the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce will outline the comprehensive policing strategy, safety zones, and traffic management systems. Crucially, they will share a vital message for the weekend: Letterkenny will be fully open for business, highly accessible, and ready for an incredible atmosphere. Turn the volume up, hit subscribe, and get the ultimate lowdown before the cars leave the start ramp! 🚗 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f697.png]💨 [https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4a8.png] The post The Greg Hughes Podcast |Bonus EP| The 2026 Donegal International Rally Special [https://highlandradio.com/2026/06/18/the-greg-hughes-podcast-bonus-ep-the-2026-donegal-international-rally-special/] appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport [https://highlandradio.com].