Here's What Happened Today: Thursday

30 Apr 2026, 19:56 by Mairead Maguire, https://www.thejournal.ie/author/mairead-maguire/ · TheJournal.ie

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

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee was at a centenary parade for the Army Equitation School at McKee Barracks today. RollingNews.ieRollingNews.ie

IRELAND

Three teenagers, a father-of-six and a Catholic priest were unarmed and posed no risk when they were shot by two British Army soldiers at two locations in Belfast almost 54 years ago, a coroner has ruled.
Dr Margaret Connolly, the sister of President Catherine Connolly, has said she and her fellow participants on the Global Sumud Flotilla did not sleep last night after some of the boats in the convoy were intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Greece.
The development board of the new children’s hospital has spent more than €5 million on legal fees over the last 12 years.
A 20-year-old man “casually” brandished a handgun at people outside a Dublin garda station before a young boy later found and fired it in the area, a court has heard.
The president of the Irish Prison Officers Association (POA) has said that overcrowding in prisons is a “national scandal” and that dire conditions are allowing gangs and “bullies” to “thrive”.
An investigation into the disappearance of a couple from Co Cork 35 years ago remains active and open and is being “fully reviewed,” according to gardaí.
The redevelopment of Phibsborough Shopping Centre could begin next year after its new owners lodged a full planning application..
Virgin Media Television has announced that it will no longer hold the broadcasting rights for the Champions League after the conclusion of the current cycle in May 2027.

INTERNATIONAL

Riots during a rally in protest in Barcelona of Israel's attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla AlamyAlamy

#KIMMEL: Donald Trump has again urged ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel, days after making the demand over a joke the comedian made on his late-night talk show.

#ROYAL VISIT: While Britain’s King Charles received a royal welcome in every sense of the word from Donald Trump, there was a frostier welcome awaiting Charles in New York yesterday.

#COLE ALLEN: The man accused of trying to storm the White House correspondents dinner with guns and knives and attempting to kill US president Donald Trump has agreed to remain jailed for now while he awaits trial.

PARTING SHOT

Receiving a Yellow Flag Award for 2026 were pupils from St Joseph’s National School Girls National School, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. (L to R) Manha Ruha and Peaches O’Keeffe Tommy ClancyTommy Clancy

Some 13 schools were today awarded for their work to build inclusivity and anti-racist school communities.

Since the Yellow Flag project launched in 2009, some 149 schools (both primary and secondary) nationwide have taken part., reaching 53,000 students and 5,500 teachers.

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