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¡Feliz compleaños, Southern Cross! Oldest diaspora publication celebrates 135 years
By Noreen Bowden | January 15, 2010
The oldest newspaper of the Irish diaspora, Argentina’s “Southern Cross” celebrates its 135th anniversary this month.
The paper was founded in Buenos Aires on January 16, 1875 by Fr Patrick (Patricio) Dillon, an Irish missionary priest who later became active in politics.  At the time, the Irish community numbered only 9,000. Among its editors was the writer William Bulfin, author of ” Tales of the Pampas ” and “Rambles in Eirinnâ€?. More recently, Guillermo MacLoughlin Bréard became the 14th editor, the youngest ever to take the position.
The paper was published in English in 1964, when it switched to mostly Spanish, reflecting the changing language of the Irish population as it assimilated. Today the Argentinean-Irish community numbers around half a million.
The Southern Cross is still going strong, with several new contributors, some of them based overseas. A special edition of the newspaper is in preparation, focusing on the history and accomplishments of the community.
The achievement of 135 years is certainly to be celebrated! It’s a tribute to the community that it has supported the paper for so long. The oldest Irish paper in the US, New York’s Irish Echo, is a mere 81 years old.
Here is the editorial that was published in “The Southern Cross� this month.
135 YEARS
With legitÃmate pride we celebrate our 135 years of existence as the oldest Irish newspaper in the world published outside of Ireland. Not even our founder, Dean Patricio Dillon, way back on 16th January 1875, when The Southern Cross hit the streets, nor many of his successors, imagined we would surpass the XXI Century border to arrive at this celebration.
During a more than centennial lifetime, our newspaper has known good and bad times, but all along it has managed to maintain unchanged its essential mission as a communicator of all events related to the local Irish-Argentine community, as well as of major developments occurring in Ireland and in Argentina.
Moreover, The Southern Cross is the dean of catholic publications in this country as well as of community newspapers in Argentina. Â Both distinction are an honour and strengthens our commitment to continue the strenuous task of spreading Christian ideals as well as the most noble republican convictions and unconditional defense of freedom of expression.
Throughout the years we have learned to adapt to technical changes, incorporating modern composition and printing technologies, as a result of which our newspaper is widely recognized by its quality and contents, thanks to the hard work of a valuable team.
This significant anniversary finds us in the middle of a journalistic renewal process, with the inclusion of new contributors and additional subjects, though unfortunately facing financial difficulties that obstruct our daily task. However, with new ideas, with the support of loyal subscribers and generous advertisers, together with the performance of highly professional staff added to the eager dedication of all members of the board of Editorial Irlandesa S.A. we are confident in our ability to stay afloat and reach a safe harbour following the guidelines outlined in our editorial “New Directions� (May 2009).
This celebration belongs to all of us.  We renew our commitment with the entire community and pray to the Almighty and to Saint Patrick for their continued guidance in this noble task. Let it be!
Related sites:
- The Southern Cross
- Wikipedia.com: Irish in Argentina
- Irish settlement in Argentina – article by Edmundo Murray
- Embassy of Ireland in Argentina
Topics: Latest News | 5 Comments »
May 1st, 2010 at 10:10 am
A letter posted in January 2010, and addressed as follows; The Editor, Southern Cross Newspaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina, was returned marked insufficient address. Would you be so kind as to let me have the correct address or an email address to which I can send my query. Many thanks, Marion Walsh
May 7th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Hi Marion, I looked up on their website, and this looks to be their address:
Southern Cross Newspaper/La Cruz del Sur
Riobamba 451, 4to C
Buenos Aires
Argentina
Their website is at http://www.tsc.com.ar/ and you’ll see contact information there as well.
July 27th, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Many thanks for that. I am still trying to find some information on my uncle Frederick Dempsey b. Co Cavan, Ireland 1894, solicitor Dublin 1928, arrived Buenos Aires in March 1930. I’ll have another go.
Marion Walsh,
Dublin
July 27th, 2014 at 6:19 pm
Any idea why I cant access the website as above? What is this website?
MW
February 8th, 2015 at 5:14 pm
Look their facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/tsc.com.ar