Inside Cork sold to Galway interest

INSIDE Cork, the weekly freesheet newspaper, has been taken over by the publishers of the Galway Independent. It is understood that the paper changed hands for a six-figure sum yesterday morning.

The paper was owned by Ulster Television, which became the owner of the title when it bought Cork’s County Media group some years ago. Ulster Television said the paper was not core to its business as it focussed on its radio, television and internet assets.

Inside Cork is published every Thursday and has a circulation of around 20,000.

The paper current employs 11 people and its editor Eddie Lyons said yesterday that he hoped to expand staffing levels under its new owners.

The paper will also be moving to new offices on the south-side of the city.

The Galway Independent, which is also a weekly freesheet, is owned by Jarlath Feeney and Declan Dooney.

The last set of accounts filed at the Companies Registration Office for the Galway Independent - for the 12 months ended December 2003 - show it had sales of €1.1 million and made a gross profit of €526,841.

The Galway Independent, which is published on Wednesdays, has an audited circulation of about €43,000.