Editor of Sunday Times Ireland to step down

Nóirín Hegarty took up the role in October 2021

Nóirín Hegarty was appointed editor of 'The Sunday Times' in Ireland in October 2021. 

The Sunday Times Ireland edition has announced that its editor Nóirín Hegarty will stand down from her position after less than two years in the role.

News Ireland, which owns The Sunday Times, said that Ms Hegarty is leaving her role to pursue another opportunity overseas. She took up the role in October 2021 following the retirement of long-time editor Frank Fitzgibbon.

The latest departure comes following turmoil in the paper over the last few years which has seen numerous longstanding journalists leave the publication.

During the summer last year, 11 journalists left The Sunday Times and Times Ireland as the company began to severely cut costs. Among those who left included columnist Justine McCarthy, political editor Stephen O’Brien, deputy editor John Burns, and news editor Colin Coyle.

Exodus

The exodus of journalists from the paper came after News Ireland asked 15 of the 20 working journalists to reapply for 12 new roles. Reports at the time said these new jobs were paying between 10% and 30% less.

News Ireland is part of Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp UK and Ireland media empire which also publishes The Irish Sun.

In a statement, News Ireland said Ms Hegarty will “continue to serve in the role on an interim basis until she embarks on a new career opportunity overseas in the New Year”.

“News Ireland would like to wish Nóirín the best of luck in her new role and thank her for her time at the publication. The Sunday Times Ireland is looking forward to continuing its growth with the appointment of a new editor in due course.” 

Prior to joining The Sunday Times, Ms Hegarty was the vice president of digital content with global travel publisher Lonely Planet. She previously served as editor of the now-defunct Sunday Tribune from 2005 until it ceased publication in 2011.