EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you all the news you need to know as you start the day.

1. BREXIT: The UK and the European Union are on the threshold of striking a post-Brexit trade deal.

2. #NO CLOSURE: Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has poured cold water over speculation that shops will close before St Stephens’ Day.

3. CORK: An 80-year-old man has died after his car was found crashed in a ditch in west Cork.

4. #WEATHER: Met Eireann were criticised by members of the public over their lack of Northern Irish coverage.

5. #POLITICS: Labour leader Alan Kelly says Sinn Féin ‘isn’t a left party’.

6. #COVID-19: The latest figures show that there has been an additional 938 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland.

7. #US POLITICS: US President Donalad Trump has issued pardons and sentence commutations for 29 people, including former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law.

8. #MENTAL HEALTH: It can be a tough time for people, particularly this year, so here’s how to care for your mental health during the festive period.

9. #SPORT: Former Wexford goalkeeping coach Noel Considine speaks to The42 about his horrific journey to conquering alcoholism.