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

Taoiseach Michel Martin meets Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in Government Buildings. Government Information Service. via Rollingnews.ie Government Information Service. via Rollingnews.ie

IRELAND

• The failure of two senior gardaí to conduct a proper investigation into the activities of paedophile Bill Kenneally was described as “a clear and serious dereliction of duty” even by the standards of the late 1980s. 
• A man in his 30s has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an article with blade or point in a public place and threats to kill after an incident in Belfast last night.
• Police in Northern Ireland appealed for calm following a brutal knife attack in Belfast last night that led to widespread calls on social media for people to protest against immigration.
• Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is facing some disquiet among some within her own party regarding the approach taken with the Rotunda Maternity Hospital and private care. 
• Activists visited Leinster House today to rally support for a boycott of the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel, ahead of a Sinn Féin motion on the issue.
• Former Irish rugby international Brendan Mullin was charged with stealing perfume from Brown Thomas on Dublin’s Grafton Street.

INTERNATIONAL

#IRAN: Donald Trump said Iran shot down an American military helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz and that the US must “of necessity” respond, leaving the shaky ceasefire between the two countries in jeopardy.

#ULM 5: The Irish State intervened with German authorities over the use of a glass enclosure in the trial of an Irish man and four other activists known collectively as the ‘Ulm 5′, defence lawyers claimed.

#KAJA KALLAS: The European Union foreign affairs chief has said that a new series of sanctions will include metals and alloys exports, but Aughinish Alumina is not included as the Irish government must complete an investigation first.

PARTING SHOT

Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO

THIS COULD BE a huge night for the Republic of Ireland women’s football team as Carla Ward’s side look to secure direct qualification to the 2027 World Cup.

The Stade des Alpes in Grenoble could be the setting for a historic night if Ireland can get a win against France. It’s a huge ask but after what they achieved last Friday in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, nothing is impossible for this team.

The 42 will be taking you through all the action this evening.