The Big 6 - Monday 24th May

Every evening at 6 O Clock WLR brings you the 6 biggest stories of the day

The HSE has warned information, including patient records, may appear online following the passing of the ransom deadline set by the cyber gang, ‘Wizard Spider’, responsible for the recent attack on the health services’ IT systems. Meanwhile a Waterford based security expert says the cyber attack on the HSE is a warning to all businesses to ensure their IT systems are properly secure.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has described the forced landing in Belarus of a Ryanair flight on Sunday as “state-sponsored aviation piracy”. Raman Pratasevich, who ran a popular messaging app that played a key role in helping organise protests against Belarus’ authoritarian president Alexander Lukashenko, was on board the flight when it was diverted to the Belarusian capital, Minsk, while flying over that country.

Unemployment could increase beyond the highest rate recorded during the last recession according to a study by Social Justice Ireland. The advocacy group predicts over 390,000, or 16.1 per cent of workers could be unemployed following the pandemic, which would be the highest unemployment rate since 1986.

The Cabinet is due to decide on Friday if remaining sectors of the economy restricted due to Covid-19 can reopen in July. Aviation, live events, including concerts and sporting events, and indoor hospitality are on the agenda this week. Meanwhile planning for outdoor dining spaces in Waterford is underway. It's hoped an array of parasols will line the streets of the city and county.

Stephen Kenny has called up two Waterford players to his Republic of Ireland senior squad ahead of next month’s friendly matches. Cappoquin native and Preston North End player Jayson Molumby will travel to the Spanish Camp, along with Tranmere Rovers defender Lee O’Connor. Meanwhile Waterford FC host Finn Harps at the RSC this evening with a 7:45pm kick off. Hear all the action LIVE here on WLR with thanks to McConnells Toyota.

Like many people, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins is a fan of folk legend Bob Dylan. A photograph resurfaced a number of years ago of the president at the Bob Dylan gig at Slane Castle in 1984. As Dylan celebrates his 80th birthday the office of the president released a copy of the letter sent from the Pres to Dylan, 80 year old to 80 year old!