Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last evening opened the offices of the Kilkenny Voice, Ireland's newest newspaper, at John's Gate, Kilkenny.
The 96-page newspaper will be available next Tuesday morning. It will focus on all aspects of the local community, with a mix of journalism and light reading.
Guests at the event included Kilkenny hurling star DJ Carey, who is a shareholder in the Voice. He will contribute a weekly GAA column, as will local hurling legend Eddie Keher.
John Sheils, former managing editor of the Sunday World, is behind the project. Other shareholders include Jim Rhatigan, editor of the Kilkenny Voice; Seán Hurley, former editor of the Kilkenny People; and David Haugh, who was a senior executive with WPP plc, one of the largest communications and marketing groups in the world.
Mr Rhatigan, a native of Kilkenny city, spent 38 years on the reporting staff of the rival Kilkenny People. In sports circles he is known for his involvement with the Eircom league club Kilkenny City.
Donie Butler, former commercial manager with the Football Association of Ireland and a former advertising executive with the Kilkenny People, will lead the sales and marketing team of the Voice.
Mr Rhatigan said the paper would be the voice of the local community.
"We are giving our columns over to local clubs, organisations and groups to get their weekly message across," he said.
He added that the paper would be bright and breezy, even controversial, with pages of fun and entertainment for young people.
There will also be a 24-page sports section.
The Kilkenny Voice will retail at €1.65.