The Irish Independent was founded in 1905 by William Martin Murphy, an Irish businessman and newspaper proprietor. Murphy established the newspaper as a nationalist alternative to the pro-unionist press of the time, aiming to provide a voice for Irish independence and cultural identity. The idea for the Irish Independent came from Murphy's desire to create a newspaper that would reflect the growing nationalist sentiment in Ireland during the early 20th century. Today, the Irish Independent is owned by Mediahuis, a Belgian media company that acquired the newspaper's parent company, Independent News & Media, in 2019. Based in Dublin, Ireland, the Irish Independent covers a wide range of news topics including national and international politics, business, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. As one of Ireland's leading national newspapers, it provides comprehensive coverage of Irish current affairs, including government policies, economic developments, and social issues. The newspaper and its website also feature extensive sports coverage, particularly of Gaelic games, rugby, and soccer. The Irish Independent aims to be a one-stop source for news and information for readers across Ireland and Irish communities worldwide. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of the Irish Independent is its historical connection to the 1916 Easter Rising, a pivotal event in Irish history. During the Rising, the newspaper's offices were occupied by Irish rebels and used as a makeshift fortress. Despite the occupation and the chaos of the rebellion, the Irish Independent managed to continue publishing throughout the event, providing a unique firsthand account of this crucial moment in Ireland's struggle for independence. This episode underscores the newspaper's deep roots in Irish history and its role in chronicling the nation's journey to independence.