Journalists working for a regional publisher are set to begin secondments in the USA as part of the group’s transatlantic expansion.

Reach plc revealed in December its UK regional journalists would get the chance to work in America as part of the launch of US operations for its national titles the Mirror and the Express, as well as the Irish Star.

It was later announced Belfast Live editor Ryan Smith will be taking the role of launch editor at the Irish Star, a New York-based website to be aimed at Irish-American readers.

Now Fionnuala Boyle, who works for Glasgow’s Daily Record, has confirmed she will be joining the Star for six months as its Pennsylvania correspondent, based in Philadelphia.

Ryan’s former Belfast Live colleague Jane Corscadden will also become the title’s New York correspondent.

Fionnuala, pictured, posted on Twitter on Monday: “Delighted to say that I’ll be moving to Philadelphia in February to take up the role of Pennsylvania correspondent for Reach’s new launch in the US, Irish Star.

“I’ll be on a six-month work secondment from the Daily Record. I can’t wait to get started.”

Speaking to HTFP, she added: “I’m so pleased to have landed the role and feel very lucky to be part of the US launch – it’s a really exciting time for everyone involved.

“I’ve always wanted to take my work abroad and my Irish roots means I’ve always had a real interest in Irish news, arts and politics so this seems like the perfect opportunity for me.

“I’m sure it’ll be a great experience and I’m looking forward to seeing the title grow and take shape.”

Fionnuala, who trained at the University of Strathclyde, began her career with Newsquest in 2020. She worked for titles including the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, Irvine Times, Ayr Advertiser and Cumnock Chronicle before joining Reach last year.

Jane, who joined Belfast Live in 2020, said: “Buzzing to become the first New York Reporter for Reach’s new launch, Irish Star. Absolute dream role, catering to the area’s Irish-American community.”

San Francisco-based journalist Martha Brennan, who has worked for organisations in both Ireland and the USA, has also been taken on as a reporter by the Star.