We look back at the famous provincial newspaper The Skibbereen Eagle and its successor The Southern Star. Founded in 1857, in the town of Skibbereen in West Cork The Skibbereen Eagle was initially a monthly publication and then became weekly.

Often recalled for becoming embroiled in international relations with Russia in 1898 when the editorial claimed, "It [The Eagle] will still keep its eye on the Emperor of Russia and all such despotic enemies whether at home or abroad of human progression and man’s natural rights which undoubtedly include a nation’s right to self-government.

The first copy of The Skibbereen Eagle was issued on May 6th 1857, by the Welsh-born Frederick Peel Eldon Potter and his two sons, so Skibbereen has a tradition of newspaper publishing dating back 154 years. The Southern Star was founded three years later in 1889 by two Skibbereen brothers, John and Florence O’Sullivan. One of the main reasons for establishing The Southern Star was to combat The Skibbereen Eagle as an organ of British imperialism and also as a paper very inimical to the Catholic Church.

The two newspapers co-existed for 33 years. In 1922, having been in decline for some time, The Skibbereen Eagle ceased publication. It was launched again in 1926 by a local consortium but lasted less than two years and appeared only irregularly. In 1929 the Eagle was finally bought out by The Southern Star company.

After having helped to make history for well over half a century, the once proud Eagle was incorporated into its great rival, The Southern Star. In 1978, Producer Padraic O'Neill, delved into the history of these two publications with Editor Joseph O'Regan, Managing Director and Editor Liam O'Regan. Court Reporter Les MacMahon. Press Room Officer Paddy O'Regan. Print Setter Michael Gillen. Camera Room Technician Gerard O'Brien. Proof Reader P.J Collins.Jack Power of the Photographic Department. Sean Scully of the Sports Department and Printer John Daly.

First broadcast RTÉ Radio 1, 22 March 1978

Produced and Presented by Padraic O'Neill

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