NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round up of today’s news.

A street performer pictured on Dublin's Grafton Street today. Stephen Devine Stephen Devine

IRISH

• The Cobh couple killed in an apparent murder-suicide at their home on Sunday, Valerie and Michael Greaney, are to have separate funerals.
• Gardaí appealed for information as they search for two missing teenage girls – one from Dublin and one from Cork.
• Irish people repaid €335 million more than they borrowed last month, according to figures released by the Central Bank.
• Environment Minister Alex White said Ireland cannot rule out the prospect of nuclear power.
• At least 264 people will ring in the new year on hospital trolleys.
• It has emerged that there are 175 social worker vacancies across the country.
• There were an impressive 88,000 journeys on the Luas EVERY DAY in 2014.
• The Coast Guard was also very busy this year – saving 260 lives. 
• If you’re heading out tonight, here’s what you need to know about public transport in your area. 
• Speaking of the new year, Irish people are apparently optimistic that their lives will improve in 2015.

WORLD

A Chinese man celebrates the New Year countdown in front of the National Stadium in Beijing, China. AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

#WAR CRIMES Palestine has angered Israel by attempting to join the International Criminal Court.

#HOPE The Scottish nurse who tested positive for Ebola will be treated with an experimental drug. 

#TRAGEDY Seven bodies have been recovered  from the crash site of AirAsia Flight QZ8501.

#GUN CONTROL The family of a two-year old boy who accidentally shot and killed his mother in America are grappling with how to explain to him what happened. 

#WELCOME ABOARD Lithuania is set to join the Euro tomorrow.

#SANITATION Toilet inspectors in India are to check where people, eh, do their business.

#2015 Many countries around the world have already welcomed 2015 with a bang.

INNOVATION

• Airbnb is to use scanning technology to make photos on its site look better. [Mashable]
• The Economist has drawn up a list of its most popular stories on technological and scientific discoveries in 2014. 

PARTING SHOT

Not a fan of New Year’s? Watch John Oliver’s magnificent take down of a night not loved by everyone:

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