Northern Ireland publisher Alpha Newspaper Group has closed the Roscommon Champion, Longford News and Athlone Voice and acquired a Northern Ireland title.

The three weekly titles were circulated to the Republic of Ireland counties of Westmeath, Roscommon and Longford. Sister titles the Tullamore Tribune and Midland Tribune are unaffected.

Alpha Newspapers has also acquired the Newry Democrat, a weekly newspaper for the border town of Newry, from Thomas Crosbie Holdings (TCH). The changeover is subject to approval by the Competition Authority.

[lnk|http://www.featuresexec.com/publications/info_outlet.php?pubid=12052|_self|Roscommon Champion]
[lnk|http://www.featuresexec.com/publications/info_outlet.php?pubid=9012|_self|Longford News]
[lnk|http://www.featuresexec.com/publications/info_outlet.php?pubid=12118|_self|Athlone Voice]
[lnk|http://www.featuresexec.com/publications/info_outlet.php?pubid=8870|_self|Newry Democrat]