1979
Brendan O'Regan founds Co-operation North
Concerned at weakening relationships between North and South as The Troubles raged, visionary businessman Dr Brendan O'Regan founded Co-operation North. Initially formed to support economic ties between both jurisdictions, the organisation's remit soon widened to promote practical peace building. This marked the beginning of decades of cross-border cooperation.
1981
Co-operation Ireland USA founded
A sister organisation was established in the United States to support fundraising and raise awareness of the charity's peace building mission. Co-operation Ireland USA helped build transatlantic connections and engage the Irish-American diaspora in reconciliation efforts.
Co-operation Ireland USA continues to provide invaluable support to the charity’s mission.
1984
The Maracycle begins
In July 1984, over 1,500 cyclists set off on a three-day peace ride between Belfast and Dublin. Known as the Maracycle, it became a powerful symbol of what could be achieved when people came together for the common good. In the decades since, more than 100,000 people have taken part in Co-operation Ireland's cycle events.
1985
Co-operation North begins cross-border economic research
Co-operation North launches research into economic links between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The initiative explored how businesses on both sides of the border could grow by sharing knowledge and building practical partnerships. This early focus on economic cooperation laid the groundwork for the charity's broader peacebuilding mission.
1986
Cross-border Youth and Schools Programmes introduced
Co-operation North launched structured educational programmes linking schools and youth groups across the border. These programmes became a cornerstone of the charity's work, bringing young people together to learn about each other's cultures and traditions. This approach to youth engagement continues to underpin Co-operation Ireland's mission today.
1995
Queen Elizabeth II and President Mary Robinson become Joint Patrons
In a landmark moment, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and President Mary Robinson became Joint Patrons of Co-operation North. This was the first time both Heads of State had jointly supported the charity, signalling high-level commitment to its peace building mission. The tradition of joint patronage continues to the present day.
1995
Manchester United turn out for Co-operation Ireland
Just a week after President Bill Clinton turned on the Christmas tree lights at Belfast City Hall, Sir Bobby Charlton brought a star-studded Manchester United team to Windsor Park for a charity match in aid of Co-operation North's peacebuilding work.
A capacity crowd watched Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes take on an International Select featuring Peter Shilton and Glenn Hoddle, raising £158,000 for the charity's programmes.
1998
Co-operation North becomes Co-operation Ireland
Following the signing of the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement, Co-operation North was renamed Co-operation Ireland to reflect the new era of partnership and reconciliation across the island. The rebrand marked a pivotal moment in the charity's evolution, aligning its identity with the hope and opportunity of the peace process.
2000
Concert for Peace in Ireland at the Royal Albert Hall
Co-operation Ireland brought together an all-Irish line-up for a special concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, celebrating shared culture and connections across the island. Performances from The Corrs, B*Witched, The Dubliners and the Saw Doctors created a memorable night. The event was hosted by Patrick Kielty and Shauna Lowry with comedy from Ardal O'Hanlon.
2003
All-Island Pride of Place Competition launched
Co-operation Ireland launched the All-Island Pride of Place Competition in partnership with local authorities across the island. The annual competition encourages communities to take pride in their local areas and work together on civic improvement. Categories range from small villages to cities, celebrating grassroots efforts to build better places to live.
2009
RTÉ All-Island School Choir Competition launches
Co-operation Ireland partnered with RTÉ to create the first All-Island School Choir Competition, celebrating the creativity of young people across the island. From over 80 expressions of interest, 20 school choirs were selected for regional heats on RTÉ One, culminating in a live final at Belfast's Ulster Hall. The series was hosted by the late Tommie Gorman.
2012
The Historic Handshake
Co-operation Ireland helped deliver one of the defining moments of the peace process — the historic first handshake between Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Held at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, the private meeting created a respectful space for this milestone gesture. The moment remains a powerful symbol of progress and reconciliation.
2016
Colin Davidson paints final Queen Elizabeth II portrait
Irish artist Colin Davidson presented a portrait to Queen Elizabeth II at a Co-operation Ireland event in Crosby Moran Hall, London. The event was attended by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. It marked another significant moment of cross-community leadership supported by the charity.
2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Amazing the Space
Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle attended Co-operation Ireland's Amazing the Space youth programme at the former Maze/Long Kesh site. The high-profile visit shone a spotlight on the charity's work with young people from different backgrounds.
2019
President Higgins welcomes Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland teams to Co-operation Ireland event
In November 2018, Co-operation Ireland served as official charity sponsor for the international friendly between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ahead of the match, President Michael D. Higgins — Joint Patron of the charity — addressed a gala dinner at the Mansion House attended by both team managers, Martin O'Neill and Michael O'Neill.
The event highlighted Co-operation Ireland's role in bringing people together through sport, with President Higgins praising the charity's peace building work as "more important than ever" as the organisation approached its 40th anniversary.
2019
Peace Tree unveiled at Ebrington Square
Co-operation Ireland's Amazing the Space programme brought young people together at Ebrington Square in Derry/Londonderry to unveil a Peace Tree adorned with pledges for a shared future that will stand as a permanent testament to reconciliation. Participants from different backgrounds wrote personal commitments to peace and reconciliation, creating a powerful symbol of hope. The event highlighted the role young people play in building a more peaceful society.
2020
Co-operation Ireland Future Leaders Programme is launched
Building on over four decades of peace building work, Co-operation Ireland launched its Future Leaders Programme to invest in the next generation of leaders and peacebuilders. The accredited all-island initiative empowers young people aged 14–27, equipping them with skills in leadership, communications and political lobbying while fostering meaningful cross-border relationships.
Since 2020, almost 700 young people have taken part — with a target of 1,000 by the end of 2026.
2024
Pat Jennings marks three decades as
Co-operation Ireland Ambassador
Northern Ireland, Spurs and Arsenal legend Pat Jennings has been a Co-operation Ireland ambassador for three decades, raising millions of pounds for vital peace building work. First introduced to the charity by fellow footballer Derek Dougan, Pat has supported countless events including the Maracycle, vintage car rallies and cross-border walks. His involvement stems from a commitment to reconciliation at home.
2025
King Charles III celebrates five years of Future Leaders
In March 2025, His Majesty King Charles III, as Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland, hosted a reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the fifth anniversary of the Future Leaders Programme. The King met with ten young participants who shared how the initiative had equipped them with the skills and confidence to make a positive contribution to their communities.
The visit underlined the continued Royal support for Co-operation Ireland's peace building mission and its investment in the next generation of leaders on the island of Ireland.