North West Today

A Donegal tour guide insists the development of superpubs in Donegal Town is not the way the Town needs to go in terms of tourism and threatens to destroy its reputation as one of the 'coolest places on the planet'. Derek Vial of Tour Donegal has been reacting to a planning application by McCafferty's Bar to expand its premises in the townSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mystery still surrounds the discovery of the body of a man on the shore at Tullaghan in North Leitrim 40 years ago. The heavily tatttooed body was found on 1st May, 1986, and despite an exhumation, still remains unidentified. Former Garda diver, Jim Brennan, has had a long-time interest in the caseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke Coleman was the subject of a sexual assault in her home village of Gurteen two years ago -  the man responsible has been jailed for two years. She's given a detailed inteview on how traumatic the entire experience has been for her - while her mother, Jessica, speaks of the devastation of parents being told their daugher was sexually assaultedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lydia is preparing to send her son to school in Co Sligo but says she is shocked that there is only one non-denominational school in the county, whereas there are 62 Catholic schools and 5 Church of Ireland. She claims this is a form of discrimination and exclusion as she does not want to send her son to any school which has a religious ethosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Friday Panel discuss the arrival of more IPA residents in Sligo, possible retrictions on vape shops, banning social media for under 16s, the latest political opinion poll and Government peformance, the concept of kid's courts to crack down on speeding, and Ireland's Eurovision boycott. Guests are former Sligo Mayor Marcella McGarry and Fine Gael Cllr Fergal NealonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 year old Aaron Langan of Laghey in Donegal has the rare muscle-wasting condition of DMD - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His family are appealing to the HSE and authorities to facilitate access to a drug which would slow his condition. His father, Dermot, outlines moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A significant number of 160 IPAS residents who are being accommodated in Cahersiveen in Co Kerry are being moved to accommodation in Sligo. The IPAS residents were informed of the move by letter in the past few days, which has prompted a campaign in Cahersiveen to keep them where they areSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The parents of the three 13 year-old boys seriously assualted by a property developer at Collooney in 2024 have said the violence used in the attack was shocking and beyond comprehension, and now want time to be allowed heal. Cathal O'Connor was senteced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to the assaults, while Simon Cavanagh of Collooney was given a 2 and a half year suspended sentenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seamus Kilgannon has been co-opted onto Sligo County Council for the third time in his political career, defeating businessman Finbarr Filan at last night's Fianna Fail convention by 27 votes to 11. He says he would have supported a young candidiate, if one had stood for the vacancy, and insists he still has the passion to be an effective councillorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 year old Paul Maxwell was one of the 4 killed in the 1979 bombing in Mullaghmore when the IRA planted explosives on the boat of Lord Louis Mountbatten. Paul's mother, Mary Hornsey, reflects on an appalling tragedy, how it took years to accept and forget, her eventual return to Mullaghmore, how her son still communicates with her, and much, much, moreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former President of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, Martina Harkin-Kelly, has retired from nursing after 43 years. She reflects on her career as a nurse in Sligo Hospital and in London, on her union role, the state of our health services and whether she has a future in politicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote is a 216 seat theatre and cinema operated by the Hawkeswell Theatre.   This morning's North West Today Broadcast from the theatre included Gladys Hannon, the Baroness of Ballymote, who spoke about the facility's importance to the local community.  Niall was also joined by a number of those involved in the Ballymote Community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning's Friday Panel came from the Art Deco , Ballymote.  Former TD John Perry and Eamon Scanlon TD joined Niall to discuss the issues of the week including the Fuel Support Package, Government withdrawal of tourist /commercial accommodation for Ukrainians , the progression of Ballymote and May Day Traditions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction to the revelation that civil registration wedding ceremonies are now more popular than Catholic Church weddings - CSO figures show the change in attitude between 2014 and 2024. Enda Harte, Sligo-based weding celebrant and registered solemniser, offers his viewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sligo GP Dr Margaret Connolly speaks live from her vessel as the flotilla heading for Gaza is intercepted by the Isreali Defence Force. Dr Connolly says she has not yet been arrested and all crew on board are safe - 170 members of the flotilla, including 4 Irish, have been arrested, and she has a strong message for the Irish Government after what has happenedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Save Dough Mountain Group have outlined their opposition to the proposed development of a 14-turbine wind farm at Lissinagroagh in North Leitrim. The Chairman of the group, Darren Sweeney, has criticised the public consultation process associated with the project, which was by appointment onlySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We caught up with Sligo GP, Dr Margaret Connolly, who's currently on board a vessel en route to Gaza as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to the region, despite the Israeli blockade. Dr Connolly, who is a sister of President Catherine Connolly, has been outlining her motivation for making the tripSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Friday Panel discuss Leo Varakar's controversial comments on rural Ireland, the fuel protests, the Government no-confidence vote, the forthcoming by-elections, modular homes and this week's GAA Championship games. Guests are MEP Ciaran Mullooly and Donegal Sinn Fein TD Padraig MacLochlainnSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minsiter for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan, is in Sligo today where he is meeting with the principals of regional special schools to discuss developments and to ascertain what challenges the sector is facing. The Minister has also been reacting to the recent grassroots dissatisfaction with the FF party and the continued leadership of Micheál MartinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leitrim councillor James Gilmartin has clashed with Sligo councillor, Michael Clarke, over whether or not there is a problem in getting planning permission in Co Leitrim. The debate arose as the two councillors considered the merits, or not, of the Government's new modular homes schemeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Director of Services with Silgo County Council says he can't understand the negativity surrounding the development of Sligo's long-awaited Eastern Bridge. Tom Kilfeather was involved in progressing the project during his time with the Council - he says there was extensive consultation throughout the planning process and it will be hugely beneficial for SligoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents in the Glencar Valley has launched a petition calling for Devil's Chimney waterfall at Glencar to have its traditional Irish name restored - Sruth in Aghaidh an Airde. One of the residents Seosamh MacSuibhne, believes the name should not have been changed when a walking trail was developed in 2015See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been further calls for road safety authorities to act on the dangers of the N15 road in Co Sligo after the last accident there at the weekend. Regular road user Steven, who is a motorcyclist, says the road has to be made safer and the powers that be are not pulling their weightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A motorcylcist remains in a serious condition in hospital following a two-vehicle collision at Cashelgarren in North Sligo last evening. It's the latest in a series of bad accidents along the stretch of the N15 road in Co Sligo and the Cathaoirleach of Sligo Co Co, Donal Gilroy, has again called on the road to be prioritised for upgradingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has come under fire for his comments suggesting that there is a perception in rural Ireland that those living there are the real workers and the ones paying all the bills of the country. Leitrim Fianna Fail councillor, Paddy O'Rourke, says he's angered but not at all surprised by Mr Varadkar's comments, and references other comments allegedly made by him about Leitrim during his time as a Dublin councillorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fiery encounter on this week's Friday Panel, as our guests clash on the issues of the fuel protests, Fianna  Fail in Government, the resignation of Minister Michael Healy-Rae and the state of our health service locally. Guests are Sligo FF Cllr Edel McSharry and former General Election candidate Bernie O'Hara of DromahairSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents in Ballyshannon have been outlining their disappointment at the closure of the local St Vincent De Paul shop. Managerment have confirmed the shop has been closed for good due to health and safety issues. Local resident, Leo, whose family were involved in establishing the shop 45 years ago, says moves should been taken to retain itSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The move towards wider foot;paths and narrower roads in Sligo Town makes little or no sense, and the town's characted is being ruined as a result. That's according to local resident, Richard, who has been reacting the latest phase of public enhancement works in the TownSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoologists at the National Museum have been described the significance and excitement of the discovery of a Greenland shark, washed up at Finisklin in Sligo last weekend. The shark is believed to have been around 150 years old and it's the first recorded stranding of this species of shark on the Irish coastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ardara-based Senator Eileen Flynn says she was too terrified to attend last week's fuel protests because of the presence of so many tricoour flags at them. She claims members of far right organisations took over many of the protests to try and use them to their advantageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Margaret Gallagher operates five school buses in Co Donegal, but says she won't be able to do so for much longer because of the escalating price of fuel. It has already meant her having to raise the price per child for school travel - Margeret took part in last week's fuel convoy protestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Gurhy, a native of Riverstown in Co Sligo, now resident in Chicago, has campaigned for Donald Trump in his two Presidential campaigns of 2016 and 2024. He now says he disagrees with a lot of what Trump has done and said, inlcluding his war with Iran and his crtiicism of Pope Leo, but still supports him, as he is creating a stronger US economySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Junior Minister Independent TD Marian Harkin has defended her decision to vote confidence in the Government in yesterday's vote, during which Minister Michael Healy-Rae resigned . She says the Government is trying to do its best for the people. Fine Gael Junior Minister Frank Feighan believes the Government remains stable despite Healy-Rae's departureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rachael Scanlon was in her late 30s when she acquired sudden onset Functional Neurological Disorder, of FND. It began when she experienced sudden seizures, and the loss of the ability to walk. She describes what happened, and what has happened since, with the assistance of the FND Ireland charitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The founder of the famous Boys of Ballisodare Festival, Philip Flynn, has paid tribute to the late Moya Brennan of Clannad fame. Philip says Moya's and Clannad's Sligo musical connections date back to very early days in their careeer and they played at every one of the Ballisodare Festivals from 1977 to 1982See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One local woman's frustration at being forced to cancel an urgent hospital appointment in Dublin due to the fuel protests - she's been waiting 14 months for such an appointment. She says she still supports the cause for which people are protesting, but that the ordinary citiizen should not be affected in such a mannerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Junior Minister Marian Harkin says she is 'hugely disappointed' with the resumption of fuel price protests in Sligo this morning, despite the Government announcement of measures to address the crisis. Minister Harkin says she does not understand what the protesters are trying to achieve, and insists the Government measures represent the best package per head of population within the EUSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's Friday Panel discussion is dominated by the fuel price protests of the past week - our panellists offer their views, as well as Donald Trump threats of annihilation of Iran, modular home and the housing crisis, the Artemis moon mission and how the upgrading of the Sligo Rail was secured in the 90s - guests are Jim Lawlor and Kevin ComiskeySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Very little disruption' has been caused to people by the fuel protests of the past week and what's happening is a rebellion, not witnessed since the Easter Rising rebellion of 1916. That's according to Sligo Independent councillor, Michael Clarke, who has once again joined protesters in Sligo today - he maintains more organisations are set to join protests next weekSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nurse who works at the Nazareth House nursing home says it took her an hour longer than usual to get to work this morning because of the fuel price protests - she says it's not the way to go about protesting. While delivery driver Jarlath expresses his frustration after been stuck in traffic on the N15 road - he says the protests have become ridiculousSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaction continues to yesterday's fuel price protest which led to gridlock on roads across the region. Maelissa McGettigan of McGettigan Travel was one of those asked by organisers of the demonstration to arrange for participation of members in the transport industry in the region, which she did, and says it's unfortunate that people were inconveniencedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owner of the land along a walking route to the scenic Devil's Chimney waterfall at Glencar says he would not have any problem with its name being restored to its original 'Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird'. Mark Magennis says the matter should be decided by those residents who have expressed concern at the name changeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public have their say on this morning's fuel price convoy protests which have caused traffic chaos on roads across the region. Protesters outline why such a protest was necessary, while some motorists rage over being caught up in long traffic delays, particularly on the N15 and N4 roads into SligoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samaarha is the mother of a 15 year old boy with autism - she says his life has changed utterly from being bullied at school and having no-one to invite to birthday parties after availing of the autism support from the Sligo-Leitrim Home Youth Liaison Service. And there are more autism supports on the way for the ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of residents in the Glencar area have called on The Devil's Chimney waterfall to be restored to its original Irish name - Sruth in Aghaidh an Airde, 'Stream Against the Height'. The Devil's Chimney name was given after the opening of a wallking trail in 2015 but Seosamh, Carmel and many others want it changed backSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The President of the Sligo Solicitors Bar Association has congratulated local solicitor Tom MacSharry on his nomination to become a District Court judge. Caroline McLoughlin says it's an honour for him and his family and he has been a hard-working solicitor - MacSharry has resigned as a councillor because of the nominationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been an increasing number of complaintas in relation to the potholed state of the road leading to scenic Lissadell Beach in North Sligo - listeners have also complained at the potholes on Pearse Road and Cairns Road in Sligo. Meanwhile, in Co Kerry, one independent Cllr has, along with residents, decided to fill in their own local potholesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

35 year old Ben Hughes of Belleek remains in intensive care in hospital after a series of serious epileptic seizures. His wife, Ciara, has appealed for assistance in having surgery for him and is concerned that the expected delay for such surgery could endanger his lifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ireland's exit from The World Cup, the rise in fuel prices and Govt response, the future of coalition Governments, one-off housing, Donald Trump coming to Ireland and putting clocks foward - permanently - are discussed on this week's Friday Panel. Guests are former Minister and TD, John Perry, and Leitrim councillor Mary BohanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The father of a son and daughter who have both been refused planning permission to build houses on the family land in Easkey says the planning system must change - his daughter returned home with her family from Australia seeking to settle there but is now considering emigrating again due to the planning obstaclesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.