Sport, Community Relations and Community Conflict in Northern Ireland

Abstract

For 25 years Northern Ireland has endured civil disobedience, terrorism, counter-terrorism and sectarian violence. Throughout this period, while politicians have sought in vain to discover ways through which a political settlement might be achieved, others, working at street level, have attempted to develop channels of communication between the province’s divided communities. In recognition of the role which they will play in the future of Northern Ireland, much of the focus of community relations work has been directed towards the young. Based largely on its supposed popularity among the young, a belief in its fraternal and democratic qualities and its reputation in the international arena as a neutral medium for the promotion of peace and understanding, sport is one of the most popular choices for community relations work with young people in Northern Ireland. However, these assumptions are open to question and before sport can be effectively harnessed in the service of community relations it is important to distinguish between the ‘ideal’ and the ‘real’ world of sport.