The story of grassroots activism in Northern Ireland told by Avila Kilmurray

Much has been written about the history of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, but one story remains untold: that of the grassroots activism that maintained local communities in the face of violence. Community Action in a Contested Society: The Story of Northern Ireland, by Avila Kilmurray published in 2017 available now from Peter Lang Publishers, speaks through the voices of the activists themselves, drawn from both sides of a divided society.

Northern Ireland – peace, resilience and community activism

By Avila Kilmurray A recent study of community activism in Northern Ireland highlights resilience as a key outcome of the contribution of community action during times of both violence and tentative peacebuilding. In situations of protracted conflict, where abnormality becomes the norm, community-based organisation can create the necessary space for activists to articulate concerns and…