Directors of the Herald Printing and Publishing Company, David Burke and Mary Burke, with CEO of Celtic Media Group, Frank Mulrennan (left) after the formal change of ownership that brings The Tuam Herald into the Celtic Media Group stable. Photo: Ray Ryan

Tuam Herald becomes part of Celtic Media Group stable

Published: Wed 18 Mar 2026, 10:18 AM

Last updated: Wed 18 Mar 2026, 10:24 AM

The Tuam Herald, one of the country’s most respected local newspapers, has become the seventh title to be acquired by Celtic Media Group.

Publisher of the Westmeath Examiner, Celtic Media Group also owns the Westmeath Independent, Offaly Independent, Meath Chronicle, Anglo-Celt and Connaught Telegraph.

The Tuam Herald was first published in 1837, and many renowned journalists have worked there including former RTÉ sports commentator, Jim Carney, former RTÉ western correspondent, Jim Fahy and the former editors of the Irish Times (Kevin O’Sullivan) and Irish Independent (Gerry O’Regan).

The current editor, Siobhán Holliman, and her colleagues join a Celtic Media Group which now employs 85 journalists and sales executives at eight centres, including a graphic design and digital hub in Mullingar, providing publishing services to its own titles and a range of peer local titles, including the Tuam Herald.

David Burke, MD of the Herald Printing and Publishing Company said: “We are delighted that Celtic Media Group is the new owner and custodian of the Tuam Herald brand, using its digital expertise, its established brands and over 400,000 social media followers, to secure and grow the title. The time has come to hand over to a company which can best position the title for the challenges and opportunities to come.”

Frank Mulrennan, CEO of Celtic Media Group, said: “We have been business partners of The Tuam Herald for many years and know and respect the quality of the brand and its readership loyalty in Galway.”

Celtic Media Group was formed in 2012 from a management buy-out, led by CEO, Frank Mulrennan. It acquired the Connaught Telegraph in Castlebar in 2014 and developed it to being among the best digital publishing newspapers in the country.

The announcement to sell The Tuam Herald to Celtic Media Group was made to staff and clients in late November, subject to approval from the Competition & Consumer Protection Commission and the Department of Media. Approval was secured a fortnight ago and the formal ownership transfer was signed in the last week in Tuam.