IrelandOwnership & classification
Founded: 1859
Ownership
The Irish Times was first published on 29 March 1859 by Lawrence E. Knox. Since 1974 it has been owned by The Irish Times Trust, a non-charitable trust with no beneficial shareholders that cannot pay dividends; profits must be reinvested in the newspaper. The Trust is governed by a body of Governors under its Memorandum and Articles of Association, insulating the paper from any individual or corporate proprietor.
Funding
Funded mainly by reader subscriptions and a digital paywall plus advertising; the company has stated its journalism is now substantially funded by subscribers rather than an external owner or the state.
Affiliation & stance
Held by an ownership-neutral trust with no controlling shareholder, party, church or state stake, and a centre to centre-left liberal editorial stance, the paper is structurally protected from proprietorial control. This makes it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1070
84/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
1584
Articles
1536
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
‘First lady of the Pentagon’: Meet Jennifer Hegseth, US defence secretary’s wife, producer and adviser
Jennifer Hegseth, the wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has become a prominent figure within the Pentagon due to her active involvement in his work. She has participated in military activities, such as training exercises and commemorations, and has taken on advisory roles, including chairing President Donald Trump's Military Spouse Commission. Her influence extends beyond social media, where she was involved in discussions about military operations. There have been reports of her being present during sensitive meetings with foreign officials, raising questions about her access to confidential information. While the Pentagon claims she does not participate in classified discussions, there are allegations that she has contributed to limiting media access to the Department of Defense.
Fundraiser to help pay for funeral costs of Brazilian woman murdered in Limerick
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with the repatriation and funeral costs of Jady Cristine Pereira Rosa, a 33-year-old Brazilian woman who was found murdered in Limerick, Ireland. Jady, who had lived and worked in Limerick for several years, was discovered dead in an apartment on Cecil Street. Authorities confirmed she died from a violent cause, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. While her employer will cover the transportation of her body to Brazil, additional funds are needed for local travel from São Paulo to her hometown and for funeral arrangements. The campaign has raised over €11,000 toward a €16,000 goal. Police have assigned a family liaison officer to support the victim's family and have established an incident room to oversee the ongoing murder investigation.
Manchester City agree deal worth up to €100m for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi
Manchester City has reached an agreement with Lille to sign Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi for €95 million, with additional €5 million in potential add-ons. This brings City's summer spending close to €234 million, following their previous £116 million ($135 million) acquisition of Elliot Anderson. Bouaddi, 18, was suspended from Lille's Ligue 1 match against Angers before undergoing a medical with City, with the transfer expected to finalize soon. The majority of Bouaddi's fee comes from the £65 million sale of Rodri to Barcelona. While Bouaddi primarily plays as a No 6, he may not immediately start under new manager Enzo Maresca, as Anderson is more likely to occupy that role. City continues to show interest in Chelsea's Enzo Fernández, though they reportedly undervalue the Argentine compared to Chelsea's asking price.
‘One step at a time’: Irishman who was told he may never walk again begins trek across US
Fergus Farrell, a 47-year-old man from County Galway, Ireland, has begun a coast-to-coast trek across the United States after suffering a severe spinal injury in 2018 that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Farrell, who was told he might never walk again, started his journey from the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City on Saturday, aiming to reach Santa Monica Pier in California by November 6th. His initiative, 'Fergus Walks,' seeks to raise funds and awareness for spinal injury organizations. Farrell's journey follows a series of physical challenges, including completing the Four Peaks Challenge and running ultra-marathons. He emphasizes taking one step at a time and hopes to inspire others facing adversity.
Gardaí appeal for information 30 years on from the disappearance and murder of Fiona Pender
This article reports on the ongoing investigation into the 1996 disappearance and suspected murder of Fiona Pender, a 25-year-old pregnant woman from Tullamore, County Offaly. She was last seen on August 23, 1996, and her body has never been recovered. Gardaí (Irish police) continue to seek information from the public, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details could be valuable. Five individuals were previously arrested but not charged, and recent searches in 2025 did not yield results due to operational sensitivity. Inspector Alan Kerin stated that the case remains active, and authorities encourage anyone with relevant information, whether new or previously shared, to come forward.
Wartime election would risk destroying Ukraine, Zelenskiy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned that holding elections during wartime could risk dividing the country, especially as Russia continues to escalate its military threat. In response to a call from former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently dismissed, Zelenskiy criticized the feasibility of elections amid ongoing conflict and Russia's potential mobilization of additional troops. He emphasized the need for safe conditions, including military involvement and protection from attacks, before any election could proceed. Zelenskiy accused Fedorov of overstepping into military responsibilities and noted that Fedorov rejected several government offers. Additionally, Zelenskiy highlighted Russia's growing missile arsenal and the urgent need for more defensive weapons like U.S.-made Patriot interceptors.
Dissolvable 3D-printed patch aims to improve skin cancer treatment
Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast have developed a dissolvable 3D-printed patch designed to treat localized skin cancer. The patch uses microneedles to deliver two anti-cancer drugs, curcumin and 5-fluorouracil, directly to the affected skin area. This method reduces the need for repeated topical treatments or invasive procedures like injections, potentially making skin cancer treatment less painful and more convenient for patients. The technology involves a one-step 3D-printing process that integrates the drugs into the microneedles during manufacturing, enhancing drug delivery efficiency and allowing for controlled release. The study, led by PhD student Rutuja N Meshram and Professor Dimitrios A Lamprou, highlights the potential of advanced manufacturing techniques in revolutionizing medicine delivery, with implications for personalized and patient-friendly healthcare solutions.
Rory McIlroy keeps BMW Championship hopes alive with strong third round 65
Professional golfer Rory McIlroy improved his performance at the BMW Championship with a five-under-par third round, bringing him to 12 under par and keeping him within striking distance of leader Wyndham Clark. After struggling with an eight-over finish at the previous event, St Jude Championship, McIlroy showed steadiness during the front nine before boosting his score with four consecutive birdies. Despite challenges such as hitting bunkers and playing from the rough, McIlroy managed to save par on the final hole. He acknowledged the need for patience and noted that his short game helped maintain momentum. McIlroy remains in a competitive position heading into the final round, with Patrick Cantlay also tied at 12 under.
'Give the people a chance to grieve': Bishop says wider conversation needed after M9 crash
Five teenagers, Alex McCarthy, Jack Kennedy, Joe Carthy, Jeremy O'Brien, and Kamil Pustowski, were killed in a tragic crash on the M9 motorway on Sunday. Two funerals for the deceased are taking place today in Carlow. Bishop Denis Nulty expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of allowing grieving families space to mourn before discussing the incident publicly. He called for a broader national conversation on road safety and highlighted the need for early intervention and support for young people. Former Garda inspector Tony Gallagher warned that the funerals could become sites of public unrest if not managed carefully, noting concerns about potential displays or demonstrations during the events. Three other individuals, including three women and a seven-year-old boy, remain hospitalized following the crash.
Councils entitled to enforce firefighter retirement ages – Labour Court
The Labour Court in Ireland ruled against a claim of age discrimination by Paul Curran, a 40-year veteran of Carlow County Council's fire service, who was forced to retire at 60 despite recent changes to the retirement age. The court determined that the requirement to retire at 60 was 'appropriate and necessary' and that Curran was not subjected to undue financial hardship because he held a separate full-time position with the council where he could continue working past 60. The ruling overturned a previous decision by the Workplace Relations Commission to award Curran €15,000 for age discrimination under the Equality Acts. Similarly, another case involving Paul O’Dwyer, a firefighter in Kildare County Council, was dismissed after he attempted to secure alternative employment due to mandatory retirement rules, resulting in a significant pay cut.
In the Ukrainian attack on Belgorod killed six people, among the wounded children
On August 17, 2026, an Ukrainian missile attack struck the Russian region of Belgorod, killing six people and injuring four, including a 14-year-old child. The attack reportedly hit the village of Koloskovo in the Valuysky district, damaging a building and a vehicle. In addition, a woman was killed in another Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region, which targeted industrial infrastructure. According to French news agency AFP, at least 19 people were killed in mutual attacks between Ukraine and Russia over the weekend. Russia’s defense ministry described the Ukrainian strikes, some involving hundreds of drones, as the largest since the start of the year. One of the targets was a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, which Kyiv claims supplies parts for drones to the Russian military. Meanwhile, in southern Odessa Oblast, a Russian night attack on Izmail caused fires that have been extinguished. A civilian ship flying the flag of Tuva was damaged during the attack, leaving four people injured. Ukraine’s state energy company Naftogaz reported that Russia conducted 13 attacks on its facilities across Ukraine in the past week, targeting production and能源
How do we explain joy that went beyond traditional supporters when Mayo won All-Ireland?
The article discusses the unexpected and widespread emotional reaction to Mayo's historic All-Ireland football victory in 2023. Despite decades of frustration and a perceived 'curse' preventing success, the win elicited profound joy not just among traditional supporters but across broader Irish society. The piece highlights the significance of the achievement for Mayo, emphasizing the long-standing struggle and the cathartic release of emotions. It references the role of family traditions, collective memory, and cultural identity in shaping the celebration. Philosophical reflections on hope and faith are used to contextualize the emotional impact of the win.
The Weeknd at Croke Park review: Faintly ridiculous – what’s with the Nespresso ad? – but still pure fun
The Weeknd performed at Croke Park in Dublin as part of his 'After Hours til Dawn' tour. Before the concert, a Nespresso advertisement was shown, which blended with the dystopian visual themes of the performance, including a futuristic cityscape and a large golden automaton reminiscent of Daft Punk. The concert featured elaborate visuals such as masked dancers, fireworks, and lasers. The setlist included tracks from his albums 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' 'After Hours,' and earlier works like 'Beauty Behind the Madness' and 'Starboy.' Collaborations with Playboi Carti were highlights of the show. Despite the dark themes in his music, The Weeknd came across as more approachable and humorous in person, acknowledging the absurdity of his superstar status.