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

IRELAND

Niall Carson Niall Carson

• Gardaí are now appealing for information on the second escaped vehicle used by gunmen at the shooting of Eddie Hutch last night.
• Meanwhile, armed gardaí in Dublin will become more common as the Justice Minister today pledged a new armed unit to specifically respond to gangland crime in the city.
• Enda Kenny met his first protesters of the election today and was told to, “Get the f*** out of Wicklow”. 
• Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has announced his retirement from all rugby.
• A man in Northern Ireland has died from swine flu, making it the second death from the virus on the island of Ireland in a week.
• A Luas strike is to go ahead this Thursday and Friday.
• Vodafone, Meteor, Three and UPC are all in trouble for breaking consumer laws.
• The number of properties to rent in Ireland has hit rock bottom.

INTERNATIONAL 

Matthias Schrader Matthias Schrader

#GERMANY: Two commuter trains crashed head-on this morning, killing 10 people and injuring 81.

#KENSINGTON PALACE: A man has died after being found on fire outside the London home of Prince William and his family.

#ISLAMIC STATE: The widow of an Isis leader has been charged with contributing to death of US aid worker.

INNOVATION 

• Twitter is creating an anti-abuse council to help it curb online bullying.
• Researchers are working on a cockroach-inspired robot that can be squished without breaking. [Geek.com]

PARTING SHOT 

Have you had your pancakes yet? Time for a second serving perhaps?

Check out these nine decadent ways to kick your Pancake Tuesday up a notch.