By Rachel Kellaghan
The Women’s Group from Clare Traveller Community Development Group launched their Cookery Book, Traditional & Modern Traveller Recipes on October 29th at the College of Further Education and Training (FET) in Ennis. The launch of their cookery book celebrates the tradition and heritage that the Women’s Group has worked hard to document, in hopes of passing a bit of their culture to the next generation through recipes, flavours, and memories.
A Taste of Tradition and Togetherness
The project was funded by the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). Clare Local Development Company supported the project throughout the entire process. This collaboration represents a powerful partnership between education, community, and cultural heritage.
The group, made up of Ann Marie McDonagh, Rose Ann Keenan, Charlene Keenan, Tracey McDonagh, Diane Joyce, Natasha Molloy, Maja Snycerz, and Bridget Casey, gathered recipes from family and friends. The participants spent six weeks learning from cooking tutor, Mairead O’Brien. Mairead taught the group how to bring their recipes to life. The chosen recipes are significant within the community and would have been staples for the group and the wider community throughout their childhood. Memories were shared of relatives cooking these dishes, family meals, and much more.
Each recipe tells a story of family and shared identity. The women recreated traditional bread recipes, nettle soup, coddle, and much more. Classic dessert recipes were included, such as crumble toppings and meringues. Modern desserts such as cookies and jam drops were added. Combined, the old and new recipes create a perfect balance of traditional and modern treats.
Stories Behind the Recipes
This Cookery Book goes beyond food. It is the tradition and memories associated with the chosen recipes that make this project so special. Each woman involved contributed stories of growing up around the table, learning recipes from mothers and grandmothers, and the importance of food in Traveller family life. The Cookery Book ensures the authenticity of traditional meals is upheld while also educating younger generations of Travellers on their heritage. The book focuses on sharing memories and information as much as cooking techniques.
Alongside a white soda bread recipe, Charlene Keenan shared, “Years ago, Travellers had a great relationship with the farmers, they would pull into the farmers’ yard and do work on the farm. Their contribution and work ethic would be valued deeply by the farmers, and they would often be gifted with food as an exchange for their hard work.”
Natasha Molloy shared her childhood memory of coddle, “A fond memory I have of coddle being served in my childhood was when we all lived on the site in the mobile, when the food was served, we all had to run in and save our spot as there was not much room. I used to always sit on the countertop, there was no such thing as ‘later’, if you did not come when you were called, you’d be getting no dinner.”
Quotes are included throughout the book, adding warmth and authenticity to the pages. Every dish has a memory attached. Memories of relatives cooking and family meals have been dug up for many
participants of the project. The women’s group has made sure these memories won’t be lost. They have created a nostalgic collection that preserves culture and celebrates the food that can bring a community together.
A Legacy for the Future
Traditions and recipes have changed over time as the Traveller community adapts to modern times. This project recognises the recipes that connect the community to its’ roots as well as new recipes used. “Cookery Book, Traditional & Modern Traveller Recipes” celebrates culinary heritage while recognising modern recipes rising in popularity. The Cookery Book highlights how taste and lifestyle have changed over the years for the Traveller community to honour the past and embrace the future. The final product of the Cookery Book is nothing short of amazing as it showcases memory, creativity, and identity.
This project has allowed the community to reconnect with the recipes that will always be a part of their heritage and inspire future generations to uphold knowledge of traditions.
