The Cross Examiner is the latest victim of the Covid-19 pandemic as the owners have decided to close their doors.
Running for 28 years, the Cross Examiner as a weekly paper was an institution in South Armagh and has a solid following.
In a statement posted in their Facebook page earlier today, 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. With best regards Gerry, Elizabeth, Joanne and Josephine”.
Commenting on today’s announcement by the Cross Examiner newspaper that it is to close, Newry Mourne and Down District Councillor in the Slieve Gullion DEA, Sinn Féin’s Aoife Finnegan , said: “As a local South Armagh Councillor and community activist, I want to say thank you to all involved with the Examiner newspaper for their cover over this past 28 years.
“This is a serious and precarious time for all sectors of the economy.
“Business closure announcements have a real human cost with job losses impact on employees and their families.
“I hope that all those effected will receive support and hopefully find employment”
And SDLP Cllr Pete Byrne on his Facebook page said that it is: “a sad day to see the Examiner go off our shelves.
“The paper meant a lot to many people across our community over the last three decades.
“I wish you and your family well for the future. Enjoy your well earned retirement.”
With uncertain times ahead, more business in South Down and beyond will likely close up due to Covid-19 across the many sectors.
