NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

Four-year-old Noah Conway, one of triplets, was less than impressed about his first day of school at Gardiner Street Convent School in Dublin. Mark Stedman / RollingNews.ie Mark Stedman / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

IRELAND

• A man died after returning home to discover intruders at his house. 
• Gardaí are searching for an on-the-run sex offender.
• The crisis over the current status of the Provisional IRA escalated.
• Gangs in Dublin are asking for ‘protection money‘ for residents’ cars.
• Tributes were paid to a 14-year-old boy who died in a farming accident.
• Nurses and midwives voted in favour of the Lansdowne Road Agreement. [RTÉ]
• New images emerged of a Japanese couple who went missing in Kilkee.
• Rosanna Davison said she was upset by “very aggressive” recent criticism.
• Renua spent nearly €30,000 trying to get this candidate elected.
• We may be in for an Indian summer.
• It was the very first day of school for lots of children across the country.

WORLD

Chris Hurst, boyfriend of reporter Alison Parker, hugs meteorologist Leo Hirsbrunner during the early morning newscast at WDBJ-TV7. AP AP

#VIRGINIA: The family of the Virginia shooter spoke of their shock and grief over the deaths of a reporter and cameraman yesterday.

#AUSTRIA: Up to 50 people were found suffocated in a truck.

#CHINA: 12 people have been arrested over the Tianjin blasts. [Reuters]

INNOVATION

• Facebook is testing a new service for a virtual assistant. 
• Instagram now supports both landscape and portrait modes. Get snapping! [Mashable]

PARTING SHOT

Reader Ronan Bree sent us this lovely video he recorded on a recent family holiday to Dingle. It’s so pretty we had to share it.

Ronan Bree / Vimeo