A Study of National Identity in the Irish Men’s Football & Rugby Teams.

Abstract

This paper is a study of national identity in the Irish men’s football & rugby teams, as perceived by the media and the public. Among many Irish sports fans, there are different attitudes towards the Irish national rugby and football teams respectively. Many of these opinions are influenced by factors other than results on the pitch. This research study aims to address the idea of Irish national identity as embodied by Ireland’s two most popular national sports teams, and to understand how these perceived collective identities are (a) projected onto these teams by the media and (b) shaping public opinion towards both teams. I conducted a mixed methods research study that involved a content analysis of 757 articles produced by the Irish Times and the Irish Daily Star in relation to both teams on selected dates during the calendar year 2017. I also conducted an online multiple-choice survey whereby 229 respondents from the Irish public shared their perspectives on the Irish rugby and football teams, Irish national identity and their level of sports media consumption. This study sought to address six research questions as listed below, alongside some of the key findings. 1. What percentage of recent media coverage related to the Ireland rugby team and the Republic of Ireland football team features the theme of Irish national identity? 37% of the selected media coverage related to the Ireland rugby team and the Republic of Ireland football team features the theme of Irish national identity. However, there are some limitations in scope of certain elements of this study, so further extensive research would be welcomed in this regard. 2. Does that percentage of media coverage showcase each team in a negative or positive light? The study found that 93% of the coverage was positive and 7% was negative. 3. According to the Irish sports media, what are the main differences between how the Irish rugby and football teams respectively embody national identity? This research suggests both teams have similar work-ethics and embody similar levels of humility, but the main difference between both teams according to the Irish sports media with regard to national identity is that the Irish football team embody passion to a larger extent. 4. How does negative media coverage of each team impact public interest in Irish international rugby and football matches? Due to the limited scope of this research study, the findings do not offer a conclusive insight in relation to this research question. Further, more in-depth research in this regard would be welcomed. 5. According to Irish rugby and football supporters, what are the main differences between how the Irish rugby and football teams respectively embody national identity? These findings could be seen as an indication that in relation to national identity, with a majority sample of male Leinster-based supporters, rugby fans have a lower opinion of the Irish football team than that of the football fans towards the rugby team. However, further research would be required to accurately explore this in more detail involving a more diverse demographic of Irish supporters. 6. Do Irish rugby and soccer supporters factor their own perceptions of national identity into their opinions towards the national teams? The scope of this research study cannot sufficiently address this final research question and further investigation would be needed in order to posit an accurate response.