Kerry's Eye newspaper acquired by printing firm Webprint

Kennelly family will remain involved in the future running of the newspaper

“Kerry’s Eye has always stood for independent and rigorous local journalism, a watchdog holding authority to account on behalf of our readers and the entire county of Kerry," Padraig Kennelly said.

One of Ireland’s leading regional newspapers, Kerry's Eye, has been acquired by printing firm Webprint.

Confirming the announcement today, the newspaper, founded by the late Padraig Kennelly Senior and his late wife Joan in 1974, said the decision to sell was guided by a single goal of securing the long-term future of Kerry’s Eye. 

"The family determined that a thoughtful succession plan was the right path forward — one that protects the newspaper, its staff, and the legacy built over 52 years," the newspaper said in a statement.

Cork-founded Webprint, owned by Donagh and Jennifer O’Doherty, is a privately owned and operated printing company. In 2021, the company acquired the Independent News & Media (INM) plant in Citywest in Dublin, from where it prints.

The new owners said they are committed to preserving the paper’s legacy of high-quality local journalism.

Donagh O’Doherty previously held senior media positions, including Managing Director of The Kerryman and of Independent News & Media’s regional titles. His company, Webprint, has printed Kerry’s Eye since 2017.

Up until this purchase, Kerry's Eye had been owned by the founders’ sons, Padraig Kennelly, Brendan Kennelly and Kerry Kennelly, as well as Financial Controller Tom MacMahon.

Padraig and Brendan Kennelly will remain actively involved, while Kerry Kennelly will continue in his role as Picture Editor.

“Kerry’s Eye has always stood for independent and rigorous local journalism, a watchdog holding authority to account on behalf of our readers and the entire county of Kerry," Padraig Kennelly said.

“Our priority has been to find owners who would honour that tradition and protect what so many people have worked exceptionally hard to build.” 

Donagh O’Doherty added: “Kerry’s Eye is a title with real heritage and a proud record of serving its community and the people of Kerry. We are honoured to take on the responsibility of carrying that forward and look forward to working with the talented team at Kerry’s Eye to build on its success.” 

The Kennelly family expressed their sincere gratitude to the people of Kerry, and to the newspaper’s readers and advertisers - and to the current staff and those who have worked at the newspaper over the past 52 years - whose loyal support for independent local journalism remains the lifeblood of Kerry’s Eye.