Here's What Happened Today: Friday

Here’s your round-up of what made the headlines today.

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

IRELAND

AIB 455 Rural Independent TDs Danney Healy-Rae TD, Mattie McGrath TD and Michael Collins TD outside the AIB HQ today Sam Boal Sam Boal

AIB has reversed its decision to go cashless at 70 of its bank branches from September, citing “customer and public unease”.
Politicians have hailed the decision by the bank as a victory, after three Rural Independent TDs demanded a meeting with AIB CEO Colin Hunt earlier this morning.
Ex-Defence Forces member Lisa Smith, who was found guilty of being a member of the so-called Islamic State, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison.
Battle of Britain era fighters were in the skies above Dublin this afternoon as the Irish Air Corps welcomed their British counterparts in celebrating its centenary.
One man has been killed and a woman is in critical condition following a two-car crash in Co Louth this morning.
A levy on disposable cups is set to be implemented by the end of the year, after President Michael D Higgins signed the Circular Economy Act into law.
A working group tasked with assessing the scale of construction defects at Celtic Tiger era apartments and duplexes is expected to finalise its report today and will shortly present it to the Minister for Housing.

INTERNATIONAL

featureimage Steve Bannon Jose Luis Magana / AP Jose Luis Magana / AP / AP

#BANNON CONVICTED Former Donald Trump aide Steve Bannon has been convicted for defying a subpoena by Congress over the riots at the US Capitol on 6 January.

#GRAIN DEAL Russia and Ukraine have signed a landmark deal with the United Nations and Turkey on resuming grain shipments that could ease a global food crisis in which millions face hunger.

#EU-UK RELATIONS The EU has launched fresh legal action against the UK for failing to comply with the post-Brexit Northern Ireland Protocol.

#MONKEYPOX The EU’s medicines agency has recommended that smallpox vaccines be used against monkeypox, which has continued to spread around the world.

PARTING SHOT

If you live in and around the capital, you might have noticed some planes flying over the city centre this afternoon.

The flyover, part of the Irish Air Corps centenary celebrations, has lead to some fantastic photos being shared, including these from the Defence Forces.

It also included a VIP guest, Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, who fought with distinction in the Battle of Britain in World War II.

Image 1 - Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway with Hurricane fighter aircraft. Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway with Hurricane fighter aircraft. Defence Forces Defence Forces

Image 4 - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight being escorted over by the 'The Silver Swallows'. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight being escorted over Dublin by the 'The Silver Swallows'. Defence Forces Defence Forces

Image 5 - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight being escorted over Dublin by the 'The Silver Swallows'. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight being escorted over Dublin by the 'The Silver Swallows'. Defence Forces Defence Forces