WEALTH April 24, 2026 0 Comments

Why Webprint’s Bold Move to Acquire Kerry’s Eye Could Change the Media Game Forever

Ever wonder what happens when a printer decides to take the plunge and buy the newspaper it’s been cranking out for decades? Turns out, it’s not just about ink and paper anymore—it’s about preserving a legacy. After over 50 years under family stewardship, Kerry’s Eye, a staple in Irish regional news, is passing the baton to Webprint, its longtime print partner. Founded in a modest Tralee garage back in ’74, this weekly wonder grew from a scrappy single-sheet to a heavyweight in local journalism, boasting a solid 17,000 readers both print and digital. The Kennelly brothers, along with financial maestro Tom MacMahon, have handed over the reins to Donagh and Jennifer O’Doherty of Webprint, who currently print around 45 regional titles nationwide—a move that’s as strategic as it is heartfelt. What does this mean for local news in Ireland? It’s a bold statement that print isn’t just surviving—it’s reinventing itself with partners who truly get the game. Curious to see how this blend of tradition and enterprise will shape the future of regional media? LEARN MORE.

A long-standing relationship between a regional newspaper and its printer has culminated in an acquisition deal, with Webprint purchasing Kerry’s Eye after more than five decades of family ownership.

The weekly title, founded in 1974 in Tralee by the Kennelly family, has grown from a single-sheet publication into one of the most prominent regional newspapers in Ireland, with circulation estimated at around 17,000 across print and digital.

The business has now been sold by brothers Brendan, Padraig and Kerry Kennelly, alongside financial controller Tom MacMahon, to Webprint owners Donagh and Jennifer O’Doherty.

Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

The move represents a notable example of a supplier buying its customer within Ireland’s regional media sector, with a printing partner stepping in to secure the future of a long-term print partner.

Webprint currently prints approximately 45 regional titles nationwide, giving it significant visibility into the performance and challenges of the local newspaper market.

Ireland retains a relatively strong regional press compared to many European peers.

There are roughly 100 local and regional newspaper titles across the country, with weekly papers continuing to play a central role in community news consumption.

In Co Kerry alone, key titles include Kerry’s Eye and its long-time rival The Kerryman, highlighting the county’s historically competitive and engaged media landscape.

Despite wider industry decline, local newspapers in Ireland have shown resilience.

Readership surveys consistently indicate that print and e-paper formats remain widely used, particularly outside major urban centres, where audiences rely on local titles for coverage not available in national media.

Webprint — There are roughly 100 local and regional newspaper titles across the country, with weekly papers continuing to play a central role in community news consumption.

The new ownership is expected to maintain the existing editorial and operational structure at Kerry’s Eye, with its 25 staff retained and the founding family continuing in their roles for the immediate future.

The acquisition signals a commitment to sustaining regional journalism and reflects ongoing confidence among some operators in the long-term viability of print-led local media businesses in Ireland.