Margaret McDonagh tells Travellers’ Voice about her work with the National Traveller Mental Health Network and how the organisation is working together to provide a holistic range of services to help her community. December 10th last saw the United Nations’ Human Rights Day marked with an assembly outside Dáil Éireann, an occasion attended by Travellers…
A Respected Custodian of Traveller History and Culture! Sometimes in life we get to meet a one-of-a-kind individual, a person who can turn their heads, their hands and their hearts to doing just about anything, that person is often described as being the best-of-the-best. Mr Michael McDonagh, (RIP) was one such person. Husband, father, grandfather…
Men’s Development and Health Care Worker Hugh Friel was one of those protesting outside Leinster House last May to raise awareness of the mental health crisis facing the community. We caught up with Hugh, who’s part of the Men’s Development and Health Care team at Donegal Travellers Project to ask him to explain the impact…
By Kay McCabe, Involve Meath The European Commission Representation in Ireland has published a new collection of stories about the EU and equality and inclusion in Ireland. Inspired by the EU motto, ‘United in Diversity’, the Diversity Journal showcases the work that is happening in communities across Ireland which is connecting with, and supporting, key…
By Miriam Kerins There’s absolutely no doubt that we all benefit from having a network of well-connected peers, an inner circle of close contacts if you like; someone who can provide us with key supports in the face of adversity, stress or other issues. The Traveller Visibility Group, (TVG) is one such support network. Based…
Vox Pop Submitted by John Madden Challenging times call for creative solutions, and while we’re all aware that the schools are shut and are very limited in what they can do effectively, youth work across Ireland is also having to adapt. There’s a saying out there, “youth work works” and it does. It has made vast differences in so…
Two Travellers Run for Seat in Seanad Submitted by John Madden Two prominent members of the community put themselves forward for election for the Seanad; they are Eileen Flynn and TJ Hogan. Putting yourself under the microscope takes guts, however, the Seanad isn’t open to all to vote, and this fact alone has given rise…
Autism: Your child received a diagnosis…don’t despair! By Rosemarie Maughan When you finally get the diagnosis your child is autistic don’t despair; being autistic is not a tragedy, but a neurological difference which is to be understood and embraced. It’s going to be ok. The best thing you can do now for your child is…
Owen Ward, the first Traveller to be elected to NUI Galway’s Governing Body gives us all a lesson in unflinching determination! By Miriam Kerins Owen Ward is a proud Irish Traveller man who left school at the age of 16 without having the benefit of either a Junior or a Leaving Certificate. However, rather than…
By Rosaleen McDonagh Culture, gender, history, tradition; identity, sexism, ableism, homophobia and racism are all complex issues, and conversations need to be had around them; particularly when dealing with a world pandemic. Jurisdictions, the denigration and disregard for certain members of society in the context of public health care and access to health information…