Horan resigns as editor of Athlone Voice

THE editor of Athlone Voice has resigned in a move that has taken the newspaper industry by surprise.

Liam Horan, launch editor of the Athlone-based tabloid, last night confirmed his resignation.

Mr Horan said he will remain at the helm for the next three months to ensure a smooth transition for his replacement.

Mr Horan said he will have been with the fledgling newspaper for more that a year when he leaves.

Launched in September of last year the Athlone Voice has, according to Mr Horan, met its circulation and advertising revenue targets.

It is understood the newspaper is selling just over 5,000 copies a week.

Mr Horan, a former GAA correspondent at the Irish Independent and sports editor at the Evening Echo, said he is looking forward to new challenges in the Athlone area.

The Athlone Voice company is chaired by Barbara Nugent, the former chief executive of The Sunday Business Post.

The newspaper is funded by a private investment consortium advised by Athlone-based accountancy firm Russell, Brennan, Keane; local investors; BOI Venture Capital, and others associated with the Media Group, a specialist media company.

The paper targets the 46,000 strong population of the greater Athlone area and its immediate environment and provides an alternative to the 158-year-old Westmeath Independent.

Mr Horan’s resignation means that the editorships of four regional newspapers are currently vacant.

The other newspapers currently advertising for candidates to fill editor posts are the Dundalk Democrat, the Meath Weekender and The Argus in Dundalk.