Catch-up with what you've missed so far today with our lunchtime briefing
IRELAND
It is being reported that Cork Gardaí are investigating a serious road traffic collision this morning. The accident is said to have happened on the R667 Fermoy to Ballyduff Road at around 11.20am.
The partner of a missing man has issued an emotional appeal for him to come home to their two young children for Christmas.
The Minister for Communications Alex White has officially started looking for a firm to supply 100% broadband cover by the year 2020.
A total of 37 fewer people have lost their lives on our roads, when compared with this time in 2014.
Almost €160m is being spent repairing and improving primary and secondary roads next year.
International clothes retailer Superdry has backed down and reinstated the famous sign over the former Moderne store it now occupies on Cork’s main shopping street.
WORLD
Images of two men taking presents from under a Christmas tree in England have been released by detectives. Gifts including jewellery, photographic equipment, a tablet and a laptop were stolen just days before Christmas, Scotland Yard said.
A far-right politician who was seen at a swimming pool with a tattoo of what appeared to be the Auschwitz death camp on his back has gone on trial in Germany, charged with incitement.
SPORT
Leinster prop Cian Healy will face an appeal hearing tomorrow as he bids to overturn a two-week suspension.
Mesut Ozil has become so synonymous with providing assists that Twitter followers suggested last night — after he provided two more in a potentially pivotal victory over Manchester City — that his surname should be included in the Oxford English Dictionary as a verb, as in: can I Ozil you in any way?
BUSINESS
New Central Statistics Office figures show the number of overseas visitors to Ireland is up by almost a fifth.
The National Treasury Management Agency says that it plans to issue €6-10bn of long-term bonds over the course of next year.
ANALYSIS
Victim of domestic child abuse, Shaneda Daly, says that no child should have to suffer at the hands of those who should protect them.
LIFESTYLE
This year there is a High Hopes choir in Cork too and it’s done wonders for the self-esteem and confidence of its participants, all of whom have been homeless, writes Olivia Kelleher
VIDEO
With another year at Examiner Towers almost over we will - over the next few weeks - be taking a look at irishexaminer.com's most read stories for 2015. We continue this series today with our lifestyle section.
VIRAL
If you’re living abroad the festive season can trigger some intense home-sickness and nostalgia for the homeland. Irish comedian Seán Burke is living in London at the moment and he has made this video detailing the struggles that he’s faced since moving to the UK.
Some people love wrapping Christmas presents - personalised labels, colour-coded ribbon and artfully-arranged candy canes and baubles. If you know anyone who hates wrapping, then this video from Rory Stories will speak to them.
TECHNOW
The Call of Duty franchise has claimed another Christmas number one with Black Ops III topping the charts this year.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens recorded a domestic opening weekend box office record, which was only recently claimed by Jurassic World.
Many smartphone manufacturers look set to take inspiration from Apple's 3D Touch display, according to component analysts IHS.
SHOWBIZ
MOST READ RIGHT NOW
Strictly Come Dancing professional Aliona Vilani will not be returning to show, despite winning this year’s competition with singer Jay McGuiness.
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