Marking 200 Years of History: The Launch of The Impartial Reporter 1825-2025 Exhibition

A new exhibition “The Impartial Reporter 1825-2025: Reporting 200 Years of History from the Archives” has opened at Enniskillen Castle.

Launched on 19 May 2025 – taking place exactly 200 years to the day of the publication of the newspaper’s first-ever edition by its first editor and owner, William Trimble – the exhibition was formally opened by Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry with Joanna McVey, former Managing Director of The Impartial Reporter and direct descendent of William Trimble, delivering the guest speech.

The exhibition explores the unique history of The Impartial Reporter and its central role in chronicling local life and reporting on social and political change.

Celebrating two centuries of journalism, the exhibition includes a display of historic artefacts, documents, photographs, memorabilia and personal archives. It provides an insight into the history of the Trimble family, with six generations of the family being involved in the running of the newspaper since 1825 and also highlights some of the major transformations that have taken place in the processes behind the printing, publishing, reporting and distributing of news stories.

Speaking at the exhibition launch, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor McClaughry, said:

“As one of Ireland’s oldest papers, The Impartial Reporter has covered many significant news stories and events in its 200-year history.  From the Famine, Home Rule, World War I and II and the Easter Rising to the G8 Summit in 2013, Royal Visits and local community events.  The Impartial Reporter continues to be a significant part of community life in Fermanagh, and this is a credit to the Trimble family.”

Guest speaker, Joanna McVey, former Managing Director of the Impartial Reporter and direct descendent of the newspaper’s first editor and owner, William Trimble, spoke about her family’s contribution to the newspaper’s history since 1825. Joanna also recognised the invaluable contribution of past and present staff members in shaping and sustaining The Impartial Reporter throughout its history, with many former and current staff present at the launch or represented by family members on the evening.

Current Editor, Rodney Edwards, concluded the speeches part of the event by recognising the continuing importance of the newspaper’s history and legacy in looking forward to the future.

Bringing the past to the present, Victoria Johnston, from The Impartial Reporter, presented Councillor McClaughry with a framed image of his father, Councillor Caldwell McClaughry, then Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, who appeared in the first-ever colour photograph published by The Impartial Reporter in 1991.

“The Impartial Reporter 1825 – 2025: Reporting 200 Years of History Through the Archives” exhibition continues at Enniskillen Castle until 28 September 2025. Normal opening hours and admission rates apply.

To find out more please visit the Enniskillen Castle website at www.enniskillencastle.co.uk or telephone 028 6632 5000.