WHICH NATION, WHICH FLAG? BOXING AND NATIONAL IDENTITIES IN IRELAND

Abstract

This article explores the many conflicting identities which are evident in Irish sport, with special reference to boxing. It is argued that some conventional wisdoms about the links between sport and nationalism are not applicable to the Irish context. It is concluded that while the ideal of a single, unified nation-state is still a contested idea in Ireland sport can only further expose, rather than eliminate, the different identities that exist there.