Every evening at 6 O Clock WLR brings you the 6 biggest stories of the day
1. Ireland has passed worst of Covid-19 pandemic
The country’s deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said he was hopeful that the nation would not have to go through what happened in January again, when the country’s third surge of infection saw more cases confirmed than in all of 2020. Meanwhile mandatory Covid vaccines for frontline health care staff could be considered, according to the Justice Minister.
2. Second Cath Lab ‘will have interventional capabilities’
It’s been confirmed that the new second permanent Cath Lab to be constructed at University Hospital Waterford will provide interventional services, according to Waterford Senator John Cummins.
3. 82% of 8 to 12-year-olds now signed up to social media
Another 92 per cent own a smart device while 28 per cent of children can go online whenever they want and 15 per cent say they are not subject to rules by parents and guardians. The data also shows that 28 per cent of children have friends or followers that are strangers.
4. Traffic volumes down over 55% but higher than first lockdown
Car traffic volumes are down by over 55 per cent but remain higher than those seen during the country’s first Covid-19 lockdown. Meanwhile motorists are being warned to take care as a Severe Weather Coordination group met today to review preparations ahead of the cold snap in the coming days.
5. Fr Ted actress passes away
Rynagh O Grady, the actress who played Mary O Leary in the Fr Ted series, has died suddenly. She trained in the Abbey School of Acting and throughout her career which spanned over 50 years, appeared in numerous productions at the famed Dublin theatre. She has also featured in films directed by Warren Beatty and Ron Howard.
RIP to the wonderful Rynagh O'Grady, who played the feisty Mary O'Leary in Father Ted. So many hilarious scenes. pic.twitter.com/4zP3n39vub
— Father Ted Quote of the Day (@FrTedQOTD) February 9, 2021
6. Julian Walton celebrates 80th Birthday
Former WLR presenter and the voice of "On This Day" Julian Walton is today an octogenarian. Julian is a hugely respected historian, and in recent years has given many talks and lectures from his base at the Dunhill Multi-Education Centre. He spoke to Mary and Ollie on The Big Breakfast Blaa about his love of history. Listen back here.
