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

IRELAND

Culture Minister Josepha Madigan announced actress Ruth Negga as one of five new cultural ambassadors. Donall Farmer Donall Farmer

• Gardaí launched an investigation after skeletal remains were discovered in Wexford this morning.
• A hotel bar manager who was allegedly asked by her manager whether she had eaten too much Supermac’s while she was seven months pregnant has been awarded €14,000.
• Health Minister Simon Harris has urged the public to get the flu jab.
• Protestors demonstrated outside Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda today.
• Tributes have been paid to a student who died after falling from the Cliffs of Moher.
• People Before Profit councillor John Lyons resigned from the party.
• Fermoy in Cork was declared Ireland’s cleanest town.

INTERNATIONAL 

A mural by street artist Banksy showing a star being chiselled from the European flag in Dover, south east England. Matt Dunham Matt Dunham

#USA: Kevin Spacey has appeared in court over a 2016 sex assault allegation.

#AUSTRALIA: Thousands of people were stung in Australia after an apparent invasion of bluebottle jellyfish.

#THAILAND:A Saudi woman who made a plea for asylum after landing at Bangkok airport has been placed “under the care” of the United Nations refugee agency.

PARTING SHOT

It’s January. We’re all broke and feeling a bit tender after the Christmas season. 

But there’s that old saying: You can’t feel sad watching a dog have the craic. I don’t think that’s a phrase but it should be one in my opinion. 

Anyway – here’s a video of dogs having an absolutely fantastic time. 

Enjoy. (If it doesn’t work – then please click here)