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

President Connolly pictured with Santa at the Áras. TONY MAXWELL TONY MAXWELL

IRELAND

• Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after a woman and young child died in a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly, yesterday evening.
• The CEO of the HSE apologised to a couple who terminated their pregnancy after they were wrongly told their baby had a fatal foetal abnormality.
• An infant boy is in critical condition after a crash in Dundalk, Co Louth yesterday evening.
• Gardaí have appealed to the public for any information concerning the disappearance of Trevor Deely on the 25th anniversary of the day he went missing after a work Christmas party in Dublin.
• A garda has been suspended from duty following an alleged hit-and-run incident in Galway on St Patrick’s Day.

INTERNATIONAL

Police patrols outside La Scala Opera House in Milan, northern Italy, during La Scala's gala season premiere, which features a Russian opera for the second time since Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. AP Photo / Antonio Calanni AP Photo / Antonio Calanni / Antonio Calanni

#GAZA: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today that he expected the second phase of the US-sponsored ceasefire plan for Gaza to begin soon, and said he would meet US President Donald Trump this month.

#GOA: A fire that ripped through an Indian nightclub in the popular tourist resort region of Goa killed 25 people, the state’s chief minister said.

#HEATHROW: Passengers arriving at Heathrow Terminal 3 today said they faced hours waiting for buses after a number of people were attacked with a “form of pepper spray”.

PARTING SHOT

Pictured at Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services’ annual Light Up A Life Remembrance Ceremony in Harold’s Cross was singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy meeting with Betty Finn. Keith Arkins Media Keith Arkins Media

THE 33RD ANNUAL Light Up A Life Remembrance Ceremony took place at Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services in Harold’s Cross this afternoon.

Some 4,000 people were in attendance. The event was hosted by Ian Dempsey while singer-songwriter Eleanor McEvoy was the guest of honour. 

“The crowd enjoyed performances from a host of musical acts, including the St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral Girls’ Choir and the Dublin Gospel Choir, among others,” a spokesperson said.

“After a heartfelt moment of quiet reflection came the highlight of the evening, as the huge Light Up A Life Christmas Tree was illuminated with thousands of sponsored lights in memory of loved ones.”