An independent weekly which was shelved due to the coronavirus crisis after almost three decades in business has announced it will not resume publication.

The Examiner, which is based in County Armagh, has announced the move due to the pandemic.

The title had not appeared in print since March, but previously stated its intention to resume production once safe to do so.

The paid-for title, which covers the south Armagh area and is headquartered in the village of Crossmaglen, made the announcement on its Facebook page.

In a statement, it said: “Having suspended printing of The Examiner in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we wish to announce that we have reached the difficult decision not to resume publication.

“We take this opportunity to thank our loyal readership, advertisers and contributors for their steadfast support over the last 28 years, which enabled ‘the wee paper’ to form an integral part of community life across south Armagh.

“We offer our appreciation to the many individuals and groups from the business, statutory and voluntary sectors with whom we have been fortunate to work alongside.

“Above all, we thank our loyal staff for their dedicated and committed service to The Examiner and offer them our heartfelt best wishes for the future.”

HTFP has approached The Examiner for clarification on whether any jobs are affected and whether the title will continue to have a presence online.

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