The overlooked rugged communitarians of Ireland

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a general review of religious entrepreneurs in Ireland from the late nineteenth to early twenty‐first century.

Design/methodology/approach

The achievements of numerous male and female religious entrepreneurs' activities and achievements are described and discussed. Examples are given from Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian and Quaker religions in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Findings

Up to the middle of the twentieth century religious life was often a path to higher education and the achievements of one's full potential. Up to that stage most of the enterprises established by religious entrepreneurs were schools and hospitals, housing associations, and textile and leather manufacturing. The enterprises were primarily aimed addressing the needs of the poorer sections of society. From the second‐half of the twentieth century to date, social services, tourism services and cross community organisations predominate. Many of the foundations of the so‐called Celtic Tiger lie in the pioneering work of religious entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

In linking entrepreneurship with religion, this paper highlights the valuable role many religious entrepreneurs have played in social innovation. Many references to web sites are provided, to allow readers to easily learn more about organisations of particular interest.

Citation

Ní Bhrádaigh, E. (2007), "The overlooked rugged communitarians of Ireland", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 155-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/17506200710752575