Catch-up with what you've missed so far today with our lunchtime briefing

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime

Fri, 18 Dec, 2015 - 00:00

IRELAND

A new hospital is urgently needed in Cork, the head of an advisory board that drove a major health reform project has told an Oireachtas committee.

Gerry Adams is under pressure to distance himself from prominent republican Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy, who was convicted of tax evasion yesterday.

Tánaiste Joan Burton has accused Independent TD Mick Wallace of “putting Irish people at risk” by repeatedly linking Shannon airport to US-led wars during a heated Dáil exchange which saw her called “Ireland’s answer to Tony Blair”.

A photo of a knife protruding from the cheek of a Limerick man was described by a judge yesterday as “absolutely and utterly shocking”.

Three people appeared in court yesterday charged with obstructing Irish Water meter installers in a Cork town last year.

It appears in the last three minutes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, there’s not a word spoken but none are needed. Skellig Michael speaks for itself.

A white Christmas is not on the cards according to Met Éireann.

WORLD

Pope Francis has signed off on the miracle needed to make Mother Teresa a saint, giving the nun who cared for the poor one of the Catholic Church’s highest honours just two decades after her death.

Refugee and migrant arrivals by sea and land into Europe this year are expected to top the one million mark next week, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

SPORT

Ellie Day, wife of golfer Jason, ended up in hospital last night after a trip to watch Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Oklahoma City Thunder. Day needed the medical attention after being accidentally crushed by Cavaliers star LeBron James as he chased a stray ball.

Rory McIlroy has revealed how he proposed to his fiancée Erica Stoll in Paris, despite saying a wedding next year is unlikely due to his hectic schedule.

BUSINESS

The ambitious €50m redevelopment of the landmark Capitol cinema site in the heart of Cork city has been given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála.

The Government is on course to balance its budgets sooner than anticipated, the ESRI has forecast.

ANALYSIS

When Christians engage in violence it is not because of their faith but despite it, and in fact embracing religion can help overcome our natural instinct to fight, writes Margaret Hickey

LIFESTYLE

We all wish we had a perfect family — with no ‘issues’ or personality traits that drive us bonkers. But we all do, says Suzanne Harrington, who has compiled a guide on how to stop them ruining Christmas

VIDEO

If you're struggling feel Christmassy this year all you need do is take a look at this video. Ben Rogan sent it our way and we have to admit, Galway is looking great.

VIRAL

Robert Riley and his little daughter Sophie were doing some shopping in Walmart in Hurricane, West Virginia when Sophie happened to notice someone who looked very familiar. Red clothes? Check. White beard? Check. Jolly disposition and twinkle in his eye? Double check! Could it be him?

Roger decided to Skype his parents while he jumped 14,000 out of an aeroplane - as you do.

TECHNOW

GAMING: To celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and to take advantage of the rekindled love of Star Wars we're sure, Star Wars Battlefront is running a double XP weekend.

MOVIES: Star Wars: The Force Awakens is targeting box office records after posting impressive opening day tallies.

TECH: Twitter has a range of Star Wars-related emoji, including ones for Finn, Rey, Poe, and BB-8 of The Force Awakens. Now, J.J. Abrams has been honoured with an emoji of his own.