A Co.Limerick publican who opened his pub in defiance of public health guidelines says that he’s ‘gutted’ that Gardai forced him to close yesterday.

Whelan’s Pub in Newcastle West opened yesterday morning, but Gardaí visited the premises and advised the owner that he was operating in contravention of the public health act and it would be safer for him to close.

Our reporter Barry Whyte was in the pub yesterday and he has been speaking to customers and the bar owner, Gearoid Whelan....