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 Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 404
86/100
Factual
81/100
Objective
728
Articles
728
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
U.S. and Iran agree to cease attacks and return to talks
World Cup round-up: Messi breaks scoring record, Algeria survive, but Jordan are eliminated
Morocco won the world's respect after eliminating the Netherlands
Seven reasons I fear for England against Mexico
UN: Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting children in Gaza
Elite Swedish strike force delivers Tunisian defence a reality check
Blitztor after a replay Belgium defends Remis against Egypt
Mexico's victory over South Korea has secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Belgium Shatter Senegal's World Cup Hopes on Controversial Penalty Kick
Recent coverage
An American gets the maximum amount of recovery time at Wimbledon.
The article discusses the scheduling of the first-round doubles match at Wimbledon involving American tennis player Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams against the Argentine-Colombian pair Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. The match was initially scheduled for Thursday and Friday but has been postponed due to Serena's injury during her singles match. Tournament organizer Andy Murray (likely a misstatement, as Andy Murray is a British player, and the correct name might be someone like Ashley Barker or another official) stated they are giving Serena as much time as possible to recover. They ruled out postponing the match to later dates unless necessary for safety or tournament flow. The match is expected to take place on a larger court to accommodate the large crowd attracted by Serena and Venus, who are major stars. Serena returned to professional tennis after four years, but she lost her first singles match and injured her knee. She did not attend a press conference afterward due to health reasons and expressed her commitment to participating in the doubles event. Serena and Venus have won six doubles titles together, including a title in 2016.
Pinergy's 82% increase in night rate electricity described as 'extraordinary' by Tánaiste
Tánaiste Simon Harris criticized Pinergy's 82% increase in its night-rate electricity prices, calling it 'extraordinary.' The price hike affects consumers who charge electric vehicles or use solar panels overnight. Harris emphasized the need for greater transparency in the energy sector and stated the government is exploring structural measures to reduce energy costs for households and businesses. He mentioned discussions with the Minister for Energy and noted that the National Energy Affordability Task Force is nearing completion. Social Democrat TD Jennifer Whitmore highlighted the impact of such increases, noting other providers are also raising annual costs for heating and powering homes.
Pico Lopes prepares for Messi as family scramble to return for World Cup history
Pico Lopes, a Cape Verde national and former Shamrock Rovers defender, is preparing to face Argentina's Lionel Messi in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 in Miami. His journey to representing Cape Verde began in 2018 after initially declining a call-up, and he has become a standout player for his country. Cape Verde's historic run in the tournament includes a draw with Spain and victories over Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. Lopes' family, including his wife Leah and young son Diego, has made significant efforts to travel from Dublin to Miami to support him. They have traveled across the U.S., with the help of friends and family, to ensure they can attend the match. Pico's parents and siblings are also working to secure travel arrangements to witness the game, highlighting the emotional significance of this moment for the Lopes family.
Debunked: There are no special tax-free arrangements for Islamic banking or 'halal mortgages'
An Irish anti-immigration activist named Anthony Casey claimed in a video that Muslims receive special tax benefits, including tax-free 'halal mortgages,' which he linked to the rise of kебab and vape shops. Revenue Ireland clarified that there are no special tax exemptions for Islamic financing or 'halal mortgages,' and that these financial products are subject to standard taxation, including stamp duty. The video, which has gained significant engagement on social media, also criticizes migrant drivers and local businesses. Casey, a former candidate for the Irish Freedom Party, has not responded to inquiries about his claims. Revenue confirmed that their website and associated manuals provide information on Islamic financing but make no mention of a €60,000 figure or tax exemption. The article explains that Islamic financing avoids interest-based lending through structures like Diminishing Musharaka, where ownership of the property is gradually transferred to the borrower.
20 gardaí sent home as part of dispute over rest days
At least 20 police officers (gardaí) in Ireland were sent home after arriving for work in the southeast region, as their services were deemed unnecessary for an EU Presidency-related event in Cork. The officers had been instructed to report to Cork at 7am but were informed by a Chief Superintendent that they were no longer needed. This incident is linked to an ongoing dispute over compensation for work performed on rest days. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) supported the officers' actions, calling it a 'brave stand,' and argued that the situation violated the Working Time Act. The GRA emphasized that rest days cannot be routinely canceled without providing premium pay. Garda Headquarters acknowledged the issue and stated it would resolve disputes through existing processes, while thanking most officers for their efforts during the EU Presidency.
Single speed camera responsible for over 30,000 fines 'is unusual', justice minister says
A speed camera installed on the N25 near Glenmore, Co Kilkenny, has issued over 30,000 fines in a single year, significantly more than any other static speed camera in Ireland. The camera's placement has been questioned, with concerns that the sudden transition from a 100 km/h to an 80 km/h speed limit causes confusion for drivers. In response, Transport Infrastructure Ireland approved new signage placed farther from the old sign to improve clarity. Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan acknowledged the discrepancy in fine numbers and ordered an investigation into whether certain cameras are disproportionately issuing fines. Labour TD George Lawlor highlighted the financial impact of the camera, noting it generated €4.9 million in 11 months and called for serious scrutiny, arguing that drivers who were complying with the speed limits should not face unfair penalties.
EU measures will focus on restricting access social media companies have to children and teens
The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, is preparing to receive recommendations from an expert panel on regulating children's access to social media. The panel, which includes medical professionals and parent representatives, aims to provide a comprehensive framework for delaying social media access based on age groups. Von der Leyen emphasized that the focus is on controlling when social media platforms can access children rather than outright banning their use. This comes amid growing concerns about online safety for minors, with similar measures being considered in the UK and Australia. Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed support for the initiative, while Communications Minister Patrick O'Donovan warned of potential embarrassment for Europe if Ireland acted unilaterally.
Lyra McKee’s family says justice system ‘completely failed’ as men found not guilty of murder
Three men from Derry were found not guilty of murdering journalist Lyra McKee in 2019. McKee, a 29-year-old from Belfast, was killed during riots in the Creggan area of Derry when she was struck by a bullet near police vehicles. The New IRA claimed responsibility for the attack. The trial, which took place in Belfast Crown Court in 2024, resulted in the acquittal of Jordan Devine, Paul McIntyre, and Peter Cavanagh. McKee's family expressed deep disappointment, stating that the justice system 'completely failed' their loved one and Northern Ireland. They criticized the lack of witnesses coming forward with evidence and called for an end to the 'culture of silence' in the region. The judge acknowledged the tragedy but noted that the evidence against the defendants was insufficient for a conviction.
Dallas police get into altercation with Egyptian soccer team staff
Members of the Egyptian national soccer team's support staff became involved in a physical altercation with Dallas police officers during a pre-match event in Dallas, Texas, ahead of their World Cup knockout game against Australia. The incident occurred as the team posed with fans at a hotel, and footage showed team director Ibrahim Hassan being pushed by a police officer. The situation escalated when members of the support staff engaged with the officers, leading to a brief confrontation. The Dallas Police Department confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that the situation was resolved on-site with representatives of the team. The match between Egypt and Australia is set to take place later that day.
Report urges new standalone job in housing to help tackle crisis
A report by the Chartered Institute of Housing Ireland (CIH Ireland) highlights the need for a newly defined and recognized 'housing professional' role to address Ireland's housing crisis. The report identifies gaps in training, sector-wide recognition, and career pathways within the housing sector, arguing that careers in housing should be elevated to the same level as those in architecture, planning, and engineering. The findings are based on a survey of 65 housing professionals across various sectors, revealing that over half believe there is no clear definition of professionalism in the field, while three-quarters support mandatory qualifications for senior roles. CIH Ireland proposes five strategic actions to improve professionalism and build a stable workforce focused on tenant well-being and quality service delivery.
Von der Leyen says EU member states hold power to act on Israel sanctions
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated during a press conference in Cork that EU member states hold the authority to decide on sanctions against Israeli Minister Ben Gvir under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. She emphasized that the EU provides significant aid to Palestinians and condemned continued settlement expansion and violent tactics in the West Bank. Von der Leyen noted that a proposal to suspend trade preferences under the agreement has been on the table for 10 months but requires a qualified majority vote by member states. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee expressed support for suspending the agreement and called for urgent action based on a UN report alleging Israeli forces are targeting children. She argued that such measures are not symbolic and stressed Ireland's advocacy for a strong response.
Scope of Jozef Puska's appeal to overturn murder conviction may change, lawyers tell court
Jozef Puska, a 35-year-old man serving a life sentence for the murder of 23-year-old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, is appealing his conviction. His legal team has informed the court that the scope of the appeal might change following recent developments. Originally scheduled for April 23, the appeal was postponed after Puska's barristers requested to withdraw, leading to a new hearing date of July 15. During a recent court session, Senior Counsel John Berry indicated that new instructions from Puska could significantly shorten the appeal process and potentially alter its focus. The court has adjourned the matter until July 10. Puska, who claims he stopped working in 2017 due to a back injury, is represented by legal aid, similar to his trial representation. The prosecution alleges that Puska stabbed Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashed her with a blade before abandoning her in a secluded area, where she later died.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reported to have wed
An article reports that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have married in private, according to the New York Post's Page Six, which cites multiple unnamed sources. The wedding is described as taking place in front of a small group of loved ones, though the exact location and date remain unspecified. The report notes that Swift's private jet was recently seen in Nashville, Tennessee, suggesting a possible connection to the ceremony. While Swift's publicist has not commented, preparations are underway for a large celebration at Madison Square Garden, with plans for a 100-person event on Thursday and a larger gathering on Friday. The couple's union has been dubbed 'America's royal wedding' and is considered one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the century. Their engagement was announced in August 2025 after a public courtship, during which Swift showed support for Kelce at his football games and accompanied him on global tours. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Emma Stone, and Gigi Hadid are expected to attend the festivities.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Bob Vylan is suing the BBC in Ireland a year on from Glastonbury row
Kelly Earley: As global militaries wage war and kill people, they are also killing the planet
Ken Early: Cristiano Ronaldo’s decline leaves Portugal paying the price against Colombia
Harry Kane double rescues England after DR Congo threaten huge World Cup shock
Bessborough vigil hears survivors will chain themselves to diggers to stop building work
Charities 'greatly disturbed' new housing bill is being 'rushed' through the Oireachtas
