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

IRELAND

Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

• Over 1,000 children contacted Childline yesterday
• A Christmas performance took place in Apollo House after a busking session was shut down on Grafton St
• Babies were born on Christmas Day 
• Labour TD Alan Kelly described the current Dáil as an “absolute joke”
• Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that Mohammed Ali’s death hit him hard this year
• A bystander saved a jogger’s life after they collapsed due to a heart attack
• A man in his 50s died in a car crash in Donegal
• A man was in a serious condition after being found unconscious in a house in Waterford
• People gathered in their droves for the St Stephen’s Day sales 
• A man ran all through Christmas night to raise money for Pieta House

INTERNATIONAL

Kirsty Wigglesworth Kirsty Wigglesworth

#GEORGE MICHAEL Tributes poured in from across the world for the late singer George Michael, who died on Christmas Day. Stories of his generosity were also widely shared.

#USA Donald Trump’s pick for director of communications turned down the role, citing family reasons. 

#PAKISTAN A fake news story led Pakistan to issue a nuclear warning to Israel, but the situation was swiftly clarified.

#VAPING A new study has found that e-cigarettes could do as much damage to gums as regular cigarettes.

#COLOMBIA The plane carrying the Chapecoense team was low on fuel when it crashed, according to a preliminary report.

#BERLIN The Berlin attack suspect was seen on surveillance footage on a train in Lyon, France.

PARTING SHOT

This video of the late George Michael has been doing the rounds – because it shows that even while rehearsing, he was able to belt out the songs like no one else. Keep a close eye for David Bowie watching on. (Can’t see the video? Click here)