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

Hoping for Snow: Snow Hope...Sean Mullins on Mangerton Mountain, Killarney National Park, one of the many mountaineers hoping for more alpine like conditions for climbing, as a mixed weather rolls into Ireland next week. Valerie O'Sullivan Valerie O'Sullivan

IRELAND

• A wind warning in place for seven counties has now expired, with four more counties to remain under a warning until midnight.
• Some 17 childcare providers may not be able to reopen tomorrow after the Christmas break due to missing the deadline to renew their registration.
• Staff and union officials at Enterprise Ireland have expressed “significant” concern after learning that the semi-state wants to have them back in the office for the majority of the work week.
• Three people have been arrested after gardaí seized over €165,000 worth of cannabis, €1,300 of LSD, a suspected firearm and a knife yesterday.
• The trial of a 47-year old mother charged with attempting to murder her then eight year old daughter at temporary accommodation in Co Clare is due to commence in Limerick tomorrow. 

INTERNATIONAL

People taking part in a protest in Whitehall, central London, to show solidarity with the protests in Iran. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#IRAN: Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has called on the Iranian government to restore the country’s communications and engage with anti-government protesters, saying she was “deeply concerned” by their treatment at the hands of authorities.

#CUBA: US President Donald Trump urged Cuba to “make a deal” or face unspecified consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to Havana would now stop.

#PETER MANDELSON: Former Uk ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson has declined to apologise to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for remaining friends with the paedophile financier after his conviction.

PARTING SHOT

Daragh Cronin said he wanted the children of Munster to be able to receive ‘best-in-class paediatric care’. Brian Lougheed / Mediaconsult Brian Lougheed / Mediaconsult / Mediaconsult

A YOUNG MAN riding a bike from Ireland to Mount Everest has said he is doing it to “give back” to the Cork community which has supported him in the past.

Daragh Cronin is hoping his mammoth journey will raise €30,000 for children’s wards at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

Cronin said the charity was close to his heart and that he wanted the children of Munster to be able to receive “best-in-class paediatric care”.