Offaly Travellers highlight their under-representation in society

The event, which was part of Traveller Pride Week 2024, sought to address the under-representation of Traveller youth in Irish society and to explore the rich heritage of Traveller culture and identity today.

The event was organised through the collaborative efforts of Exchange House Ireland, Galway Traveller Movement (GTM), Involve Youth and Community Services, the Irish Traveller Movement (ITM), and Minceirs Whiden. The combined efforts of these organisations saw a diverse group of young people come together to discuss and celebrate their heritage.

The day began with a welcome address from Tullamore Traveller woman Maureen Ward (Minceirs Whiden), and was filled with a range of engaging activities. Discussions were held that covered a wide variety of critical topics such as representation, culture, and identity. These conversations provided a platform for young Travellers to voice their experiences; shedding light on the unique challenges they face in modern Irish society.

Participants also engaged in a number of interactive icebreaker activities, facilitated by Patrick McDonagh (Involve Youth and Community Services), Paddy Sweeney (GTM), and Sally Flynn (Exchange House Ireland). These activities helped to break down barriers, cultivating a positive atmosphere where everyone felt welcome to engage in and contribute to the various discussions.

The event culminated in a talent show, showcasing the remarkable abilities of young Traveller artists. Young musicians, poets, and performers got the opportunity to share their talents and stories with the audience. Participants in the talent show were each presented with a prize by Rose-Marie Maughan (ITM).

Tony McInerney from the Midlands (ITM youth member -  picture below), a young musician who sang an original piece of his music on the day, shared his thoughts on the event: “I really enjoyed the day because I got to perform a few songs, including my own original one, and it also meant a lot to me that I got to talk to other young people about what it’s like to be a young Traveller and we got to discuss the challenges we were facing, such as discrimination, and we supported each other on that. So I’m really thankful to have been a part of the day.”

Tony's sentiments echoed the broader purpose of the event: creating a supportive space for young Travellers to connect, express themselves, and find solidarity in shared experiences.

Martin Sweeney, (Minceirs Whiden youth member), who also attended, also said “I really enjoyed the day. The activities were very entertaining, and it was great to get a chance to meet other young people.”

By giving a voice to these young individuals, the 'Hidden Voices' event not only celebrated Traveller culture but also highlighted the urgent need for greater representation and understanding within the broader society.

Reflecting on the day, Britney Sweeney (GTM youth member), also shared her enthusiasm: “Today was amazing! The activities were brilliant, and it was fantastic to meet so many lovely people. I had a great time!”

The event was closed with a few words from Patrick McDonagh (Involve Youth and Community Services), who thanked all attendees for their participation and engagement throughout the day.