The Big 6 - Monday 26th July

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

Waterford publicans have expressed joy at the prospect of re-opening for indoor service today however chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), Padraig Cribben has said that there was “a lot of anxiety” among his members. Anna Jordan of Jordan’s American Bar on the Quay in Waterford says she’s excited to welcome back regulars after being open for just one week in the past 500 days.

Repligen Corporation – formerly known as ARTeSYN BioSolutions – is due to significantly expand its manufacturing operations in Waterford. The company, also intend to fit out a 33 thousand square foot LEED Silver building, at their premises at the Butlerstown Business Park.

There had been concerns with the Delta variant that the reopening of schools from the end of August may be under threat, given children aren’t being vaccinated. Minister Norma Foley says there are measures being put in place to keep students and staff safe:

A status yellow weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann, with rain and thunderstorms expected across the entire country The warning is in effect until 5am tomorrow morning. The warning follows early morning mist before temperatures dropped into the teens as a front from the west brought early morning showers.

The draws for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling quarter-finals have taken place, with Waterford to face Tipperary in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on July 31st at 1.30pm. The game will be aired on WLR with commentary team of Kieran O’Connor and Fergal Hartley with thanks to George Corbett Skoda.

Australian actor and star of Home and Away Dieter Brummer has died aged 45. The actor, who played Shane Parrish in the soap, was found dead at his Sydney home on Saturday. Police say the death is not suspicious. Actor Bruce Roberts, who played his character Shane's older brother Nick, tweeted his sorrow at Brummer's death.