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

IRELAND

The illuminated Spire of Dublin on O'Connell Street, Dublin. The street will be lit for the duration of the St Patrick's Festival. Niall Carson / PA Niall Carson / PA / PA

• An Irish-born US Marine died in a helicopter crash.
• Lucinda Creighton unveiled her new party.
• Seven armed men were arrested after gardaí stopped their van.
• Organisers of the next Irish Water day of action said they could cater for a crowd of 100,000.
• Brian O’Donnell was told he could stay in Gorse Hill for another week.
• Garda figures showed a big spike in alcohol-related road accidents over the St Patrick’s Day period.
• Support for government parties is now at 35% according to a new opinion poll.
• Cycle in Dublin? The Royal Canal is getting a new cycle path
• Tributes continued for Tony Fenton. 
• And Amy Poehler wowed the crowds at Trinners.

WORLD

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

#RUSSIA: A spokesperson for Vladimir Putin has denied rumours that a baby has been born to the Russian leader. News outlets reported that former gymnast Alina Kabayeva (above) had given birth to Putin’s child.

#UK: Former TV weather presenter Fred Talbot has been sentenced to five years in prison for sexually abusing two boys while working as a teacher.

#WHO? A rogue owl who has been terrorising a Dutch city has been captured, after a year-long spate of attacks.

INNOVATION

• A new book about Steve Jobs reveals that Apple’s Tim Cook offered a piece of his liver to his dying boss, the BBC reports. 
• And… is ‘Spanish Laughing Guy‘ the new ‘Downfall’? [Guardian]

PARTING SHOT 

Sure, all sorts of things get ‘greened’ for St Patrick’s Day. But sausages? Ah here.