Abstract
Most work on the socio-political significance of sport in Northern Ireland has tended to focus on the ethno-sectarian divide. A football club such as Linfield, therefore, is customarily viewed in terms of its close relationship to Protestantism and Ulster Unionism. Without attempting to deny the importance of that link, this paper suggests that the relationship between sport and society in Northern Ireland is more complex than superficial readings would allow. The particular example used to underline this point is the role of Catholics at Linfield and, in particular, the close association between the club and its former player and coach, Gerry Morgan, who died in 1959. The article contrasts Linfield's undeniable involvement with Unionist politics with the privileged position in which Morgan found himself. To this end, it draws on unpublished material that has been previously unused, as well as interviews with members of Morgan's family.
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