Updated at 8.54pm

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

Gardaí say five thousand people attended a protest in Dublin city centre. Organised by Conradh na Gaeilge, it called for increased support from government for the Irish language. (Image Credit: Seán Ó Mainnín)

IRELAND

• A man died while working to erect a telephone pole.
• Speaking at Labour conference, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore launched a strong defence of his party’s role in government.
• Gardaí appealed for information in finding 17-year-old Kathryn Holligan.
• Minister for Health James Reilly said that universal health insurance will come with “strong measures to control costs”, following reported concerns from the Department of Public Expenditure.
• Meanwhile, Brendan Howlin denied a rift between himself and the Health Minister.
• It was confirmed that the Finance Minister met face-to-face with top AIB officials, but said no to bonuses.
• 5,000 people attended a demonstration in Dublin city centre, protesting a ‘lack of support’ for the Irish language
• A post mortem is due to be carried out on the body of a 54-year-old man who died in a house fire in Kerry.
• The number of homes without power was halved.

INTERNATIONAL

Lawmakers brawl in Turkey’s parliament following a marathon session, which ended in the passing of a raft of judicial reforms. (Image: AP Photo)

#SYRIA: The UN-Arab League mediator in talks between the Syrian government and opposition parties called a halt to discussions, saying that each side needs to ‘reflect on their responsibility‘.

#TURKEY: Lawmakers came to blows in parliament as the government passed judicial reforms.

#PANAMA: A North Korean ship, detained near the Panama Canal in the middle of last year after it was found to be smuggling Soviet-era military equipment from Cuba, has been released after paying a fine and releasing its cargo.  [Reuters]

INNOVATION

• How’s your internet connection? The moon probably has a better one than you. Sorry. [Geek.com]
• This map shows each country’s favourite Olympic sport, by charting which created the most buzz on social media. [Mashable]

PARTING SHOT

NASA has discovered the origin of a mysterious jam-doughnut-like rock that appeared near the Mars rover last month. The discovery baffled scientists, who said it was unlike anything they had seen before. However, it was simply chipped off a larger rock by the rover’s wheels.

We were, needless to say, hoping it was an actual doughnut. [Business Insider]

(Image Credit: NASA)

Originally published 8pm

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