Sunday Independent editor Alan English and Southern Star editor Siobhán Cronin to step down
Alan English is stepping down from his role as 'Sunday Independent' editor. Picture: Collins Courts
The editors of two of the country's best-known newspapers — the biggest-selling Sunday paper and one of Ireland's last privately owned regional papers — are stepping down.
Alan English is to leave his role at the after five years at the helm.
And in West Cork, one of the few remaining independently-owned provincial newspapers in Ireland, is also looking for a new editor following confirmation that Siobhán Cronin is stepping down within a few months.
Ms Cronin, who joined the 1889-founded Skibbereen-based paper almost 11 years ago as news editor, became its first female editor on International Women’s Day in 2021.
Mr English was appointed editor of the Sunday Independent around the same time. But it was announced on Tuesday that he is stepping down from the job in April. In a post on social media, he said there was “no drama” linked to the decision.
“I just feel five years has been a good stint in the job. I've enjoyed it hugely, thanks to our fantastic team. No idea what's next for me, apart from some time out,” he said.
A native of Limerick, Mr English was editor of the from 2007 to 2016, deputy sports editor of in London and the paper's sports editor in Ireland, and was editorial director with Iconic Media before in March 2020, he joined Mediahuis Ireland, owners of the Sunday Independent.
He told staff on Tuesday that he was stepping down from the role for personal reasons and will remain in place until the April 26 edition but he has offered to stay on, if necessary, until the end of May to facilitate a recruitment process.
“I’m stepping down for personal reasons — from the beginning I felt that five years would be a good stint and that time has passed incredibly quickly,” he said.
“The challenges facing the news industry have been well documented, but Sunday Independent journalism retains a large and very loyal readership, both in print and online, and I’m confident it will continue to prosper for many years to come.”
Mediahuis Ireland’s editor-in-chief, Cormac Bourke, paid tribute to him.
“He has held a key role through an unprecedented period of change and challenge in Irish journalism and has been central to the ongoing success of Mediahuis Ireland. We are sorry to see him step away and we wish Alan every success in the future,” he said.
Sean Mahon, managing director of , paid tribute to Ms Cronin and thanked her for her contribution to the paper over the last 11 years or so.
“In that time, she has done a great job strengthening the news output of as well as improving the lifestyle, features and local notes section, and building subscriptions," he said.
“She is going on to explore new opportunities and challenges and we wish her every success in the future. We are sorry to see her go.
“We are now in the process of looking for a dynamic, experienced new editor who can pick up the baton and take forward to the next level, in terms of publishing and digital output.”
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