Birth of the Border: The Impact of Partition in Ireland

by Cormac Moore

The 1921 partition of Ireland had huge ramifications for almost all aspects of Irish life and was directly responsible for hundreds of deaths and injuries, with thousands displaced from their homes and many more forced from their jobs. Two new justice systems were created; the effects on the major religions were profound, with both jurisdictions adopting wholly different approaches; and major disruptions were caused in crossing the border, with invasive checks and stops becoming the norm.

And yet, many bodies remained administered on an all-Ireland basis. The major religions remained all-Ireland bodies. Most trade unions maintained a 32-county presence, as did most sports, trade bodies, charities and other voluntary groups. Politically, however, the new jurisdictions moved further and further apart, while socially and culturally there were differences as well as links between north and south that remain to this day.

Very little has been written on the actual effects of partition, the-day-to-day implications, and the complex ways that society, north and south, was truly and meaningfully affected. Birth of the Border: The Impact of Partition in Ireland is the most comprehensive account to date on the far-reaching effects of the partitioning of Ireland and its impact.

300 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2019

Reviews

[RogeMaHodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is unquestionable that Birth of the Border is meticulously researched, but it is also very evident that it is the product of PhD study. It recounts the circumstances and decisions in a number of areas of governance and culture in the years surrounding the partition of Ireland.

In doing so, it provides a fantastic resource for academic study, but for the general reader, I found it emphasised the recounting of fact at the expense of critical thought and analysis.

I'd strongly recommend this to people who are looking for a study resource. For me, as a general reader, however, it lacked the analytical angle - or any real sense of the author's personality - that I could really engage with.

[Domhnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chronological recounting of Partition and its effects on the people who had to live through it. Highly detailed and impeccably researched work that showcased just how much work there is in state creation. Was interesting to hear where the 2 governments worked together (Erne Hydroelectric, Lough Foyle fishery rights)

[Ted Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Packed with information about the Irish border, some of it very interesting. Heavy going in places, highly detailed, reads like a doctoral thesis, which it is, I suspect, or from which it is derived.

[Crowley]

The book is less of a general history of the effect of the border on irish people, but on the effect of various organisations on the island, having to deal with two separate administrative jurisdiction.

Not a very interesting read, in that after a while you get the point. The more sectarian the organisation the easier it found partition. Interesting to know, but not very captivating. Not really a book to read all at once, but maybe just on particular sections you might find interesting.