By Editor
When Michael Reilly walks into a room now, he carries the confidence of someone who has stood before decision-makers in Brussels, co-designed award-shortlisted sports programmes, and is helping to shape policy for Traveller and Roma participation in sport across Ireland. But his path to this point was anything but straightforward.
Michael, now the ESF+ Social Innovation Officer with Longford Sports Partnership, grew up in Longford with his parents, his twin brother, and younger sister. “I grew up in Longford with strong family bonds,” he recalls, “but also with some very tough realities like drugs, violence, and feuding.” Those early years gave him a close-knit family identity, but they also meant growing up aware of struggles that would later shape his sense of responsibility to others.
School was one of the most difficult parts of his early life. “School was rough. I hated it. I never felt like I belonged. I acted out a lot, not because I wanted to cause trouble, but because I needed someone to notice I wasn’t okay. But that never happened.” Teachers at the time weren’t trained to understand his experience, and from the first day in a new class, he often felt labelled. Instead of receiving the support he needed, he was frequently pushed to the back or placed in a remedial group. Looking back now, Michael recognises that teachers are human too. “They’ve got families, pressures, and their own biases; whether they know it or not. But those experiences shaped my understanding of what happens when young people are written off. And that drives a lot of what I do now.”
His path into higher education wasn’t a straight line, and it certainly wasn’t predictable. While many might assume his career in sport stems from an academic background in physical education, his university degree was something entirely different: Irish Archaeology at NUI Galway. “I’ve always been into history. It gave me a real connection to the land and our past.” This love of history reflects something deeper, a respect for heritage, identity, and the stories that connect communities.
Before taking on his current role, Michael was project manager at ReVamp 3R Store in Longford, a social enterprise combining furniture upcycling with community training. It was there that he developed his skills in bringing people together, managing projects, and creating spaces where individuals could learn, grow, and contribute. Those skills would prove invaluable when he stepped into the world of sport and community engagement.
Since joining Longford Sports Partnership, Michael has not only worked locally but also made his mark internationally. One of his proudest moments came when he was selected by Exchange House Ireland as an expert for the EU-funded Moving On Project, aimed at improving inclusion for Travellers, Roma, and Sinti through sport. This role took him to a roundtable in Amsterdam and later to Brussels for the project’s final event, where he helped shape a new European Code of Conduct for sport organisations. Standing before policymakers, he had the opportunity to speak directly about what needs to change to make sport more accessible. “It was a proud moment for me, not just representing myself, but my community.”
His work has been recognised in other ways too. He has co-designed sports programmes that have been shortlisted for national awards, and this November, he will speak at the Traveller Movement UK Conference in London. Yet for Michael, the real value lies not in the recognition itself, but in the opportunities it creates. “It’s what comes from these moments that matters most.”
Part of his role involves challenging the myths and misconceptions about Travellers in sport. One of the most persistent is the belief that Travellers aren’t interested or can’t commit to programmes. “That’s not true,” he says firmly. “What we see are issues around access, trust, and feeling welcome.” His approach is simple but effective: meet people where they are. “We go out to communities. We don’t sit around waiting for people to come to us. We build programmes with people, not for them. That builds trust.” Longford Sports Partnership is also leading pioneering research, funded by Sport Ireland, into what helps and hinders physical activity in Traveller and Roma communities. “It’s one of the first pieces of research like this in Ireland. It’s a big step forward.” For young Travellers who feel their options are limited, Michael’s advice is clear and empowering. “You don’t have to follow anyone else’s path. Make your own. Whatever you choose, do it for you. And don’t let anyone tell you you’re not smart enough or good enough. Education isn’t just books or exams. It’s about confidence, finding your voice, and realising you belong in places you maybe never thought you did.” His own journey, from a school environment where he felt unseen to a leadership role with international influence, proves that possibilities expand when you keep moving forward.
Michael is quick to acknowledge the people who have supported him along the way. “It’s definitely my fiancée, my family, close friends, and my colleagues. They’ve helped me believe in myself. Even when I doubted myself, they didn’t. That kind of support keeps you going when things get tough.” When it comes to making a difference in your community, Michael’s advice is to start small but think big. “Start local. Get involved in something where people are coming together. Volunteer, go to a group, take part in a programme. Don’t wait to be asked. And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, that’s where the real growth happens.” His own career, from local initiatives in Longford to speaking in European forums, shows how local action can ripple far beyond what you might expect.
Looking ahead, Michael dreams of an Ireland where Traveller identity is celebrated rather than questioned. “I’d love to see a time where being a Traveller isn’t something you have to explain or defend. I want to see real investment in Traveller-led projects, more Travellers in decision-making roles, and systems that actually support us instead of shutting us out. We need to stop being seen as a ‘problem to fix’ and start being recognised for our potential.”
For young Travellers struggling with discrimination or low confidence, his message is one of solidarity and hope. “You are not the problem, the system is. And I know it might feel heavy right now, but you’re not alone. You have something valuable to offer this world, whether you believe it or not.”
Michael Reilly’s story is not just about personal success. It’s about what happens when determination meets opportunity, when education, in its broadest sense, is used as a tool for empowerment, and when someone refuses to accept the limits others set for them. For young Travellers reading his story, the lesson is clear: your background is your foundation, not your ceiling. The path may not be straight, and it may not look like anyone else’s, but it is yours to make. And as Michael’s journey shows, it can lead to places you never imagined, even to the decision-making tables of Europe
