The Role of Sport in Reconciliation

A Shared Homeplace Conversation - The Power of Sport and Reconciliation

On behalf of the John and Pat Hume Foundation and Orla Mallon, daughter of Seamus Mallon, we wish to invite you to A Shared Homeplace Conversation - The Power of Sport and Reconciliation at 630pm on Wednesday 24 June 2026 in the Canal Court Hotel Newry.

The Shared Home Place conversations recognise the work of Seamus Mallon, who sought the genuine reconciliation of conflicting traditions using only peaceful means. His desire was to build a warm, generous and inclusive shared homeplace on the island.

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, will be invited to give a short address and this will be followed by a panel conversation with Ciara Magean, Portaferry middle distance runner and European Athletics Championship gold medallist and young sports people from the Peace Players and the cross-community Limestone Utd Project, on how sport can be a way to foster a culture of peace and tolerance within communities.

Jarlath Burns is a former senior inter-county footballer for Armagh and a former principal of St Paul’s High School Bessbrook. He was elected as the 41st President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael) in February 2023.

Ciara Mageean has carved out a unique place in Irish sport as one of the country’s most decorated and relatable middle-distance runners. A European 1500m Champion, two-time Olympian, and multiple Irish record holder across the 800m, 1000m, 1500m, and Mile, Ciara has consistently raised the bar for Irish athletics on the world stage.

Peace Players mission is to unite and empower young people from all parts of the community through the shared experience of sport, and to promote understanding and respect.

Limestone United is across-community group providing sport across the interface in North Belfast.