As the sun approaches the stones on the longest day of the year, we forgive you for not following all that happened in Ireland today.
Temperatures reached as high as 20C in some parts of the country where bars and restaurants serve customers outdoors – although there has been little change in the rules surrounding this.
Here’s our summary of three of the biggest stories about the summer solstice.
Medical director ‘concerned’ about Delta Spike
Dr. Tony Holohan sounded the alarm after a variable delta rise in Ireland.
Although overall case numbers have stabilized and the number of people in hospital continues to fall, there is great concern from health officials about the variant that has originated in India.
The alternative has caused chaos across Europe, particularly in the UK, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning of more lockdowns as a result.
Dr. Holohan took to social media after posting today’s numbers with the grim statistics.
More here:
Welfare and PUP claims were checked when drivers were arrested
Officials are checking welfare benefits, including pandemic unemployment payments, at checkpoints across the country, it emerged.
The Department of Social Protection confirmed that it participates in multi-agency vehicle inspections (MAVCs) along with members of Gardai and Revenue.
(Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
Officials at these checkpoints are tasked with «exposing and preventing suspected fraud and abuse of the welfare system.»
The department said these checks have been conducted for «a number of years,» but now include checking eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Payments (PUP).
They added that the main target group in these operations are people in the transportation sector, such as those on the way to work in «commercial vehicles, transportation and taxis».
More here:
Fans worried about Conor McGregor as UFC star playing black-eye at wedding
A number of fans have expressed concern about Conor McGregor after the UFC star was photographed with a black eye at a wedding.
Dublin He attended the wedding of Chancellor Matthew Gilbert Hammerling and his wife Ronit in America over the weekend.
McGregor has moved his camp for his three-way fight with Dustin Poirier from Dubai to California in recent weeks and it looks like he’s got black eyes in training.
More here: