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

IRELAND

The funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley took place in Dublin this afternoon. © RollingNews.ie © RollingNews.ie

• The funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley heard he was ‘a great garda and family man’ with a focus on community
• Government dropped its plan for international protection accommodation at former Crown Paints site in Coolock, Dublin
• Fragments of human remains were located at ‘Disappeared’ Joe Lynskey search site
• Former football manager Andrew Noonan was jailed for 13.5 years over €2.7 million heroin seizure
• Irish lung transplant recipients urged the public to stay opted in as donors
• Northern Ireland’s M1 motorway was partially reopened after a lorry containing cattle overturned
• Taoiseach and six other European leaders called for no further Israeli military operations in Gaza
• New claims emerged that Louis Mountbatten sexually abused children from notorious Belfast boys’ home
• Free HRT will be available from 1 June as health minister and pharmacists broke their impasse
• Sinn Féin were banned from trans Pride march following last-minute meeting with Mary Lou McDonald
• There’s plenty of sun on the way this weekend, with warm weather ahead

INTERNATIONAL

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan chaired a meeting between delegations from Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. Alamy Alamy

#ISTANBUL: Ukraine and Russia agreed to exchange 1,000 POWs and indicated that future direct talks are on the cards

#UNITED STATES: Cassie took the stand again in the sex trafficking trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

#NETHERLANDS: International Criminal Court prosecutor stood down as a sexual misconduct probe is carried out

#STANDFORD: US students entered their fifth day of a ‘complete fast’ in protest over university ties to Israel

#ALBANIA: European leaders met to discuss Ukraine and economic security today

PARTING SHOT

Portmarnock Beach in Dublin is one of four beaches in the capital that have been awarded. Alamy Alamy

A record number of Blue Flags have been handed out to beaches and marinas around Ireland this year, with a total of 99 awarded around Ireland.

The Blue Flag awards and recognises excellent water quality and for maintaining other standards, including safety standards.

See if your local swimming spot made the list this year, here.