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

IRELAND

Croke Park pictured this evening as it began to fill up. Muiris O'Cearbhaill / The Journal Muiris O'Cearbhaill / The Journal / The Journal

• It would be remiss of us not to begin with Oasis, who are taking to the Irish stage for the first time in 16 years. Fans flocked to the capital city in their tens of thousands to see the band, while previous concert attendees told us about their experiences before the hiatus. 
• In politics, there’s been no rest for a number of public figures eyeing up a nomination to contest the presidency.
• The operator of a number of private care homes for children with disabilities was given permission to open two new homes on the same day that a report detailed a number of breaches of standards at an existing site.
• In Dublin’s city centre, healthcare workers gathered holding placards and Palestinian flags to protest against Israel’s onslaught in the besieged Gaza Strip. 
• A man found dead in Downpatrick, Co Down has been remembered at his funeral as a “kind and thoughtful” person who helped others.
• A “bizarre” seating arrangement at some Dublin bus stops has been labelled “hostile” and not functional. Our reporter visited it, and yes, he did try it out.
• An increased presence of Irish dancing in the fashion world and pop culture has not translated into an elevated interest among young Irish people, a professional dancer has said.

INTERNATIONAL

Activists carry signs during a protest against President Donald Trump's federal takeover of policing of the District of Columbia. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#UKRAINE WAR: A flurry of news this morning following US President Donald Trump’s summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska: the two did not come to any agreement on ending the war in Ukraine; following the summit, Trump agreed to meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington on Monday.

#GAZA: An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a baby girl and her parents today, hospital officials and witnesses said, while families of hostages called for a “nationwide day of stoppage” in Israel to express growing frustration over 22 months of war.

#PAKISTAN: At least 220 people have died in Pakistan over the last day due to flash floods and landslides that have flattened homes and caused significant damage.

#STORM ERIN: A tropical storm has gained pace and become a hurricane as it picks up power over the Atlantic on its path towards the Caribbean.

PARTING SHOT

AN ELECTION NEEDS to be held within the next few months to vote for Ireland’s next president, and as candidates emerge, there have been discussions and debates about whether the head of state needs to be a Gaeilgeoir.

Our current President Michael D. Higgins is a fluent Irish speaker. 

What do you think? You can vote in our poll here.