ABSTRACT
Geographic and symbolic construction of community boundaries are perhaps the two strongest factors in formation of identity at all levels, and interplay of these forces drove the development of Irish identity around the turn of the 20th century. Graham contends that “the relationship between the island’s geography and culture are fundamental to understanding the confusions and contestations of identity that fracture its peoples” (1997, p. 2). Graham also explains that “identity is about discourses of inclusion and exclusion” (1997, p. 5) and that defining a strong boundary for Irish identity was a key feature of emergent Ireland in the early 20th century. This closely parallels Cohen’s definition of community and incorporates Hayward’s and Anderson’s notions that nationhood embodies many of the same principles as community (see Chapter 1).
