One of Ireland’s oldest newspapers, the Northern Standard, has announced it will close after almost two centuries in operation.
The news was confirmed on the front page of today’s edition (Thursday), with the paper revealing that next week’s publication will be its final one — bringing 186 years of continuous weekly printing to an end.
Founded on January 10, 1839, the Northern Standard is the longest-established newspaper circulating in County Monaghan and has chronicled the life, politics and people of the region for generations.
Published every Thursday, the paper covers counties Monaghan, Cavan, Louth, Armagh, Fermanagh and Tyrone, and has long been regarded as a cornerstone of local journalism in the border region.
Its last edition will appear on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
The statement from the newspaper read: “It is was with great sadness that the management of The Northern Standard Ltd announce that the final edition of the newspaper to be published in 2025, on December 18 next, will also be our last.
“A decision to close the newspaper has been taken and the appropriate procedures are now experiencing a steady decline in readership and advertising in recent years. As the consumption of news has increasingly shifted to online media, print newspapers have struggled to compete with digital platforms and social media outlets.
“The challenging circumstances created by this radically altered and irreversible commercial environment has seen The Northern Standard struggle to sustain its long-term viability. The point has been reached where the regrettable decision to cease publication has been taken.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to the publication over the years. We are deeply grateful to our businesses organisations who have supported us. We are deeply thankful to our readership who, each week, afforded us the cherished privilege of admitting us into their homes.
“We have always endeavoured to repay the support of our advertisers and readers with the highest possible quality of service and have been successful in that goal.”
