IrelandOwnership & classification
Founded: 2010
Ownership
TheJournal.ie is published by Journal Media, founded in 2010 by brothers Eamonn and Brian Fallon. Ultimate control rests with the Fallon brothers via DML Capital Unlimited Company, in which each holds a 50% stake; sister titles include The42.ie and the investigative project Noteworthy. In 2024 Mediahuis (publisher of the Irish Independent) held talks to buy Journal Media, but the owners decided not to proceed, so it remains independently owned by the Fallons.
Funding
Financed by digital advertising, reader contributions/membership, and crowd-funded investigative projects (Noteworthy), as a free-to-read online news site.
Affiliation & stance
It is a privately owned, founder-controlled digital news company with no party, church or state ownership and a centrist-to-centre-left editorial profile, having declined a takeover that would have folded it into a larger group. This independent private ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's classification.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 627
81/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
855
Articles
855
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
Niamh O'Brien, dancer and wife of Michael Flatley, dies
Niamh O'Brien, a prominent Irish dancer and the wife of renowned Riverdance performer Michael Flatley, has died at the age of 52 after battling an illness. The couple, who were married in 2006, had one son together, Michael St James, born in 2007. Michael Flatley expressed his grief on social media, calling her his 'beautiful wife' and 'best friend.' O'Brien was known for her role as the lead performer in the Lord of the Dance productions. She had a long history in dance, having competed in World Championships from a young age. Her passing has deeply affected both the Flatley and O'Brien families, who requested privacy while expressing gratitude to hospital staff for their care.
Judgment reserved in legal challenge to Orange Order parade on Garvaghy Road
A legal challenge to the Orange Order's planned parade on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown has reached the Court of Appeal, where judgment has been reserved. The Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition and the Parades Commission are involved in the case, which challenges a previous High Court decision denying leave for a judicial review. The residents argue that the Parades Commission did not adequately consider police assessments regarding potential disorder, while the Parades Commission's representative claims the body was fully informed and the challenge lacks merit. The case highlights ongoing tensions between residents and the Orange Order, with both sides present in court. Public figures, including DUP MP Carla Lockhart and loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, attended the hearing, reflecting the high stakes of the dispute.
Former politician and novelist Jeffrey Archer dies aged 86
Former British politician and novelist Jeffrey Archer has died at the age of 86, according to his publisher, HarperCollins. He served as a Conservative MP and later held leadership roles within the party before retiring from politics in 2024. His political career was interrupted in 2001 when he was imprisoned for four years for perjury and perverting the course of justice, related to a libel case against The Star newspaper. After his release in 2003, he continued his parliamentary duties until his retirement. Archer is known for his bestselling novels, including 'Kane and Abel,' and remained active in literary events until his death. Tributes from colleagues and friends highlighted his storytelling ability, humor, and dedication to his work.
Hear Me Out: Are UAPs (UFOs) real?
The article features a 'Hear Me Out' series exploring whether Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAPs), commonly referred to as UFOs, are real. It begins by referencing a mysterious sighting in Donegal, which sparked speculation about extraterrestrial activity. The piece includes contributions from various Journal Media staff members, with some expressing belief in the existence of intelligent alien life, while others remain skeptical. One contributor, who wished to remain unnamed, argues that the vast number of planets in the universe suggests intelligent life is likely, though it remains unclear how rare such life might be. Another contributor humorously suggests that aliens might prefer to avoid contact with humans, citing the lack of interest in human technology like trains. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives but does not present a definitive conclusion.
Here's What Happened Today: Monday
The article provides a roundup of various news stories from Ireland and internationally. In Ireland, primary school teachers affiliated with the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation started a work-to-rule strike over public sector pay disputes. Parents with children in full-time childcare will save at least €1,000 annually starting Tuesday due to budget changes. A group of academics urged the Taoiseach to intervene regarding visa denials for Gazan students facing a High Court case. Temperatures are expected to cool on Tuesday after mild conditions today. Tánaiste Simon Harris stated the proposed €100 'culture card' for 16-year-olds remains viable. Internationally, Brazil's right-wing senator Flavio Bolsonaro won the first round of elections, leading to a runoff. Irish diplomats remain in Kyiv despite Russian threats. Former Prince Andrew is challenging search warrants related to his arrest. In the U.S., Zach Bryan wore a 'Free Palestine' T-shirt at a stadium owned by Robert Kraft, who has expressed concerns about such sentiments affecting the Jewish community. This follows Kraft's request for Ed Sheeran to remove Macklemore from a tour after the rapper made similar remarks.
Help to Buy set to increase to €35k and everything else we know about what is in Budget 2027
The Irish government has finalized key elements of Budget 2027, including a €5,000 increase to the Help to Buy tax rebate for first-time homebuyers, raising the limit to €35,000. The State pension and other core social welfare payments will receive a €10 weekly increase, while the entry point to the higher rate of income tax will rise from €44,000 to €46,500. There will be no increase to the Children’s Allowance, but an additional €6 per week for child support payments and a permanent disability payment of €500 have been introduced. The rent-a-room tax-free allowance will increase to €16,000 annually, and the Rent Tax Credit for renters will rise. Proposed changes to stamp duty for first-time buyers were abandoned. The government aims to improve upon last year’s budget, which left households worse off, by focusing on worker benefits.
Ten psychiatrists unavailable to assess man charged with murder, court hears
Reece Keogh, a 29-year-old man charged with the murder of Daniel O’Sullivan in Youghal, County Cork, has faced significant delays in receiving a psychiatric assessment due to a shortage of available psychiatrists. The court heard that 10 psychiatrists declined to conduct the evaluation, citing busyness or concerns over payment under the new legal aid scheme. Keogh was initially described as a 'vulnerable person' during his initial charge in April 2025. His defense team expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing a psychiatrist, leading to an adjournment until October 23. O’Sullivan, 31, died from stab wounds and hemorrhage after being taken to Cork University Hospital, with his family expressing gratitude to emergency responders and hospital staff.
The FAI’s communications misstep: Where was Uefa while the Irish squad took the heat?
The article discusses the controversy surrounding the Republic of Ireland's football federation (FAI) decision to play against Israel in a UEFA Nations League match, which sparked public outrage. It argues that while the FAI faced criticism, Uefa's failure to address the FAI's concerns about the Israeli Football Association (IFA) violating Uefa statutes, specifically allowing settlement clubs to compete in occupied territories without Palestinian Football Association approval, deserved greater scrutiny. The FAI submitted a formal motion to Uefa in November 2025, but over 12 months later, Uefa did not take action, citing the need to consider the views of 54 member nations. The article criticizes the FAI for not adequately communicating its efforts to Uefa and for becoming the focal point of public frustration. It suggests that proactive transparency could have mitigated the backlash.
Man (43) to be sentenced for manslaughter of mother of two in Mallow stabbing incident
A 43-year-old man named Joseph Butler has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after stabbing his girlfriend, Paula Canty, who was a mother of two. The incident occurred in Mallow, County Cork, on January 3rd, 2025, during a domestic dispute involving Butler, his brother Michael John Butler, and their partner Paula Canty. All three were involved in heavy drinking and returned to their shared apartment at different times. A confrontation escalated, resulting in Butler stabbing Canty in the chest. She was found unresponsive by emergency services and pronounced dead at the scene. A postmortem revealed she died from a severe stab wound. Butler admitted to the act, claiming it was accidental and described the situation as a struggle. Garda investigations confirmed his involvement through CCTV footage and his confession.
'Appalling injustice' - academics call on Taoiseach to intervene over visas for Gazan students
Four Gazan students whose visa applications to study in Ireland have been denied are taking legal action, with a group of academics and the Ireland-Palestine Alliance Sadaka urging the Taoiseach to intervene. The students, who have university placements and scholarship funding, face potential exclusion from an upcoming international evacuation from Gaza if their visas are not approved by 15 October. The group claims that visa refusals have increased dramatically, from 13% to 83%, since the Ministry of Justice took over decision-making, despite the Department of Foreign Affairs handling correspondence. They criticize the Irish government for failing to uphold its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention and contrast this with past evacuations that were praised as a source of national pride. The students remain in Gaza or have been evacuated to Spain, with one student currently in Spain after Spanish intervention.
'What car will I ferry my two teenagers and two babies around in?'
This article features a Q&A column titled 'The Car Clinic' where Paddy Comyn, an automotive expert, provides advice on selecting a suitable vehicle for a large family. The reader asks for recommendations on a seven-seater car under €40,000, considering their current Octavia and upcoming needs for a growing family. Comyn suggests the Skoda Kodiaq as a viable option, noting its popularity and practicality. He also mentions the future Skoda Peaq, an electric version, which will be available in early 2024 but exceeds the budget. The article highlights considerations such as fuel type, annual mileage, and financing options, while advising potential buyers to act quickly if interested in the Peaq.
Accusations of trash talk and hypocrisy: How Israeli media covered Sunday's match
A football match between Ireland and Israel took place in Serbia amid controversy surrounding the timing of the event, coinciding with the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attack. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, improving on Israel's previous loss to Hungary. Incidents included allegations of an Israeli player spitting at Ireland's fitness coach and tensions over symbolic gestures such as wearing black armbands to honor victims of the conflict. Israeli media reacted strongly, with some outlets accusing Ireland of hypocrisy and antisemitism, while others highlighted Israeli players' dismissive attitude toward the Irish team.
Primary school teachers begin work-to-rule today amid public sector pay row
Primary school teachers in Ireland have started a work-to-rule action as part of a broader dispute over public sector pay. This form of industrial action involves employees adhering strictly to their contractual obligations while refusing to perform any additional duties beyond those specified in their contracts. As a result, teachers will no longer provide extra supervision before and after school, which could impact students' routines and school operations. The action comes amid ongoing negotiations between educators and the government regarding salary increases and working conditions. Such disputes often highlight tensions between public sector workers and policymakers over compensation and resource allocation.