New Year’s Eve · TheJournal.ie

NEED to catch up? TheJournal.ie gives you a summary of today’s news.

IRELAND

A deserted Temple Bar on New Years Eve 2020.

Source: Rollingnews.ie

• Health officials reported 1,620 more cases of Covid-19 and 12 more deaths in Ireland.
• Close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases will no longer be recommended to be tested for coronavirus due to current widespread infection levels.
• Health officials in North Ireland reported 1,929 more cases of Covid-19 and 11 deaths.
• Starting today, An Garda Síochána will carry out Checkpoints within local areas as the country re-enters Level 5 restrictions.
• The family of George Nkencho who was shot and killed by gardaí in Dublin yesterday asked people not to share images of the incident online. Protesters also gathered in Blanchardstown over the incident.
• A long awaited report on transgender health in Ireland it was published by HSE.

• A man in his 30s died after a car accident in Wexford this morning.

• Transport Minister Eamon Ryan signed an agreement to allow people who have a UK driving license but live in Ireland to still be able to exchange for an Irish license after tonight.
• The Taoiseach said the government will consider a additional holiday by 2021.

WORLD

Frost covering a grass bank in Bristol this morning.

Source: PA

# TRANSITION FINISHED: Brexit comes true tonight as Britain leaves the customs union and Europe’s single market.

#AGREEMENT: Gibralter’s border with Spain will remain open after the end of the Brexit transition period after the UK and the European Union agreed on a draft agreement.

START SHOT

Source: Áras an Uachraráin / YouTube

In a fitting inclusion in tonight’s Parting Shot, President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina asked traditional folk singer Dan McCabe to perform The Parting Glass at Áras an Uacharáin to mark the end of the year.

It is intended to be a gesture to all those who have died or anyone who has lost a loved one in 2020.

The president said: “As we come out of the Covid year it is appropriate that we remember all those who have left us during the year, and those who have left behind and who did not have a chance to cry for them along the way. that’s so traditional and so central to Irish life. “

You can see McCabe’s performance here. Happy New Year!