ABSTRACT

This chapter presents two case studies based within the previously fractured communities of Northern Ireland. For 30 years Northern Ireland was headline news throughout the world as a result of civil unrest manifesting in street violence and sectarian murder. A peace agreement was signed by all sections within the community including the British and Irish Governments in 1998 and since then community leaders and local politicians have been striving to repair the years of civil strife and disturbance. This chapter describes two case examples focused upon bringing communities together through sport and promoting good corporate social responsibility (CSR). The case studies are live examples of applying principles of corporate social responsibility, community development and recognition of appropriate business acumen within the context of small business. Case one presents sport as a strategic tool for social inclusion and case two demonstrates cross-community collaboration through sport, eventually leading to a shared stadium and sports complex.