The Greg Hughes Podcast

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, Donegal boxing star Jason Quigley joins the show for an honest, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the ring.We dive deep into the full arc of his career—from the immense hype of his high-profile professional debut to the intensity and pressure of the big fight build-ups.

Jason opens up about his shot at a world title against Demetrius Andrade, detailing what really went down in the ring, including a broken jaw early in the fight and a controversial refereeing decision on a disputed knockdown call that completely shifted the contest. Outside the ring, Jason reflects candidly on:Family & Fundamentals: The rewarding yet complex dynamic of his relationship with his father, who coached and guided him through the formative stages of his career.

The Business of Boxing: The pivotal split triggered by a missed opportunity with manager Brian Peters, and the harsh realities of navigating high-stakes boxing politics.

The New Era: His work alongside trainer Andy Lee, coaching rising star Hamzah Sheeraz, and his ongoing ambition to bring world-class boxing events back to Donegal. Whether you are a die-hard fight fan or just love a compelling story of resilience, drive, and local pride, this episode is an unmissable listen.

In this episode of The Greg Hughes Podcast, Greg is joined in studio by Letterkenny Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle for an in-depth conversation reflecting on his life, personal history, and political career.

Gerry opens up about growing up in Derry during the height of the Troubles, his early activism, and the personal and political experiences that shaped his path—including his arrests and receiving an official "letter of comfort." He speaks candidly about making the move across the border to establish a new life in Letterkenny, making Donegal his home, and his deep-rooted passion for community politics.

The discussion also explores his long-standing work representing the local community, his view on the evolution of Sinn Féin over the decades, and his thoughts on the current party leadership.

Listen back to the full episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Greg is joined by Independent Councillor Declan Meehan (Letterkenny / Milford MD) and his husband, local GP Dr Padraig (Paudge) McGuinness, for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about public life, community service, and personal resilience.

In this episode:

How It All Started: The Tinder match between Dublin and Belfast that led to their 2019 wedding, and how they protect their private life despite being in the public eye.

Paths to Public Service: Declan on his background in politics, co-founding the LGBTQ+ equality charity ShoutOut, and his day job managing the Milford & District Resource Centre (MDRC).

Frontline Healthcare in Donegal: Paudge explains how he ended up as a GP in Fanad, the severe pressures facing Letterkenny University Hospital's ED, and the ongoing fight for better healthcare infrastructure in the North West.

The Human Cost of Public Life: A direct, personal look at what it’s like to face online hatred, homophobic abuse, and death threats while simply trying to help people and serve the community.

Life Outside work: Unwinding at the end of the day, their love for city breaks, and Declan's plans to walk the Camino this year.

Letterkenny Surgical Hub Update: Where the project currently stands as it moves to design stage, the impact of being aligned with Sligo's timeline, and what to expect come autumn.

This week on The Greg Hughes Podcast, I’m joined by a living legend of Irish traditional music: fiddler, vocalist, and founding member of Altan,

Born and raised in the heart of the West Donegal Gaeltacht of Gweedore (Gaoth Dobhair), Mairéad was immersed in music from an early age under the guidance of her father, the famous fiddle teacher Francie Ní Mhaonaigh. Over a extraordinary career spanning four decades, she went from primary school teaching to co-founding Altan with her late husband Frankie Kennedy, taking Donegal’s unique fiddling tradition and the Irish language onto the global stage.

In this episode, we cover:

From Gweedore to the World: Growing up in a steeped musical heritage, forming Altan, and touring internationally from local halls to packed halls across North America, Europe, and Japan.

Life on the Road & Parenting: The realities of maintaining a relentless global touring schedule while balancing motherhood and family life.

Recognition & Legacy: Reflecting on major honors, including being named TG4 Gradam Ceoil Musician of the Year (TG4 Gradam Ceoil Ceoltóir na Bliaina) , Donegal Person of the Year and her ongoing work with projects like String Sisters and Na Mooneys.

Live Studio Music: Unique, live acoustic performances recorded right alongside our conversation.

Whether you've followed Altan since the early days or simply love authentic conversations about music, culture, and life, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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In this episode, we sit down with former Tánaiste, Cabinet Minister, and current Chairperson of the Donegal GAA County Board, Mary Coughlan.

We take a wide-ranging look back at her life and career—from entering national politics at just 21 as the youngest TD in the country, to managing high-stakes government portfolios during turbulent economic times, and her recent return to public life leading Gaelic games in her home county.

What We Cover

The Family Roots in Donegal Politics: Growing up in Inver/Frosses. How the tragic death of her uncle, TD Clem Coughlan, in a 1983 car crash brought her father Cathal into politics—and how his sudden death just three years later launched Mary's own career on Donegal County Council at age 21.

Entering the Dáil at 21: Becoming the youngest TD in the 25th Dáil in 1987, learning the ropes as a young woman in Leinster House, and serving as a fluent Irish speaker championing Gaeltacht affairs.

The Cabinet & Tánaiste Years: Looking back on her rapid rise through major government roles—including Agriculture, Social Affairs, Enterprise, Education, and Health—and serving as Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil during the financial crisis.

Life Beyond Leinster House: Balancing high office with family life, the personal impact of her late husband David Charlton's severe car accident and subsequent passing in 2012, and reflecting on losing her seat in 2011.

A New Chapter in Donegal: Returning to the public eye to advocate for women in farming and making history as the first female Chairperson of the Donegal GAA County Board.