InspiringTravellerWOMEN

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ENThe idea for this booklet stemmedfrom a discussion about celebratingthe role that Traveller Women play intheir communities and wider societyand how to celebrate theircontribution they make on a dailybasis as part of International Women’sDay 2013. It was decided that the bestadvocates for the work that Travellerwomen do was the women themselvesand that all we needed to do wascreate a platform for their stories to beheard and inspire others.

The Irish Traveller Movement, andspecifically Geraldine Mc Donnell,who was on placement from the Parishof the Travelling People as part of theDegree in Community and Youthwork in NUI Maynooth, made contactwith Traveller women from across thecountry and asked them to puttogether a short story about their lifein order that we could post them onthe ITM Facebook page onInternational Women’s Day (8th

March 2013).

The response we received from ourFacebook fans was so positive andprovoked such fantastic discussionand we were repeatedly asked to putthe stories together as some sort ofresource for community groups,schools, public libraries and women’sorganisations. ITM approached theNational Traveller Women’s Forum towork in partnership to expand thebooklet and jointly launch it as part ofTraveller Pride Week 2013. We areproud to work together in order tocreate this resource that presents thestories of Traveller Women andTraveller Women’s groups on theissues they face, what matters in theirlives, what roles they play and whohas inspired them to do what they doto bring about positive change inIreland for Travellers.

We hope that everyone who reads thiswill be as inspired by the words onthese pages as we have.

Foreword

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We would like to thank theDepartment of Justice and Equalitywho made funding available as part ofTraveller Pride Week 2013 to printthis booklet.

We would also like to recognise thehard work, energy, passion andexpertise of Geraldine Mc Donnell inmaking this project a reality. From theinitial idea, to getting women involved,happy to share their life stories, topromoting it on Facebook and gettingthis booklet together, Geraldine’scommitment to this project turned itfrom an idea to celebrate TravellerWomen as part of InternationalWomen’s Day 2013 into the booklet youare holding in your hands today. Thankyou Geraldine for all your efforts inmaking this project work.

Finally we would like to thank thewomen themselves for putting the timeinto having their stories heard. TravellerWomen from across the country gavetheir time and shared their personallives in an honest, inspiring way.Without their involvement andopeneness we naturally would not havethe booklet to share with all of you.

We hope that the readers of thisbooklet will be inspired by thesefantastic women, and bring some of theenergy and passion in these pages intotheir hearts.

Brigid Quilligan, Director,Irish Traveller Movement

Maria Joyce, Director, NationalTraveller Women’s Forum

May 16th 2013

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ENI work in adult education because Ibelieve that formal education isfundamental to individuals and theTraveller community as a whole. Forthe individual it opens doors ofopportunity in work, and life thatwould otherwise stayed closed. TheTraveller community as a whole needsformal education if we are to fully takeour rightful place in society. We as apeople need to have the same skills assettled people, if we are to have ourinput understood and heard in theforming society and our futures.

Education is a key that opens doors andprovides people with skills. It facilitatespeople to express their voice in mattersthat is of importance to them.Education & qualifications will providepeople with skills that could lead toemployment in skilled jobs, leadershiproles etc.

There have been lots of influence in mylife but if I have to choose two it wouldbe my mum and Martin Luther KingMy parents were a great influence tome. My mother was a woman of greatlove, wisdom and understanding. Shewould always tell us never to judge abook by its cover and to be open to bothsides of a story. She was a good andkind woman who worked hard all herlife. She had a great work ethic whichshe passed on to us. She thought goodof people and she brought us up torespect ourselves and others especiallythe sick, elderly and children. My

values and beliefs were formed by myfamily, my faith and my experiences inlife. I follow a code in life whichbelieves in hurting no one and believingin the good in all people and in myself.I know we can make a difference in thisworld.

I have always been interested inequality, civil rights and justice. Froman early age Travellers have to questionwhy they experience racism, prejudiceand discrimination. It leads a person toquestion and seek understanding andanswers. On my own journey ofdiscovery I came across the life ofMartin Luther King and his work andwritings. He was an Americanclergyman, activist, and leader in theAfrican-American Civil RightsMovement and I could relate to hisexperiences and his dream.

I too have a dream like his where allpeople would be able to live in a society

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where they are valued and respected.The following are some of his quoteswhich express something to me. “In theend, we will remember not the words ofour enemies, but the silence of ourfriends.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justiceeverywhere.”

This I too believe that it is when peoplestay silent injustice abounds. And sadlyin relation to the Traveller communitythe silence is deafening.

It is his dream that is filled with hopefor a better future for everyone equally.To live in a society where it would notmatter if you were Traveller or Settled,where the colour or your skin orethnicity would not be an issue. Thatwas the dream of Martin Luther Kingand my dream.

“I have a dream that my four littlechildren will one day live in a nationwhere they will not be judged by thecolour of their skin but by the contentof their character…. “Martin LutherKing, Jr.

The future can be better for the young.They should not have to suffer theindifferences that we do. We have towork to make it different for them. Theydeserve a future and a country wherethey can live in peace and respect. Wecannot do it alone. If we are to take ourrightful place in this county we needothers to work with us and theGovernment to take us seriously and seeus as people with value.

I believe things can change and will.That is why I believe in the power ofeducation. It provides people with skillsthat enable them to have a choice. Thissituation of Travellers experience ofrejection and pain can and will bechanged. It is a burden we as peoplehave carried too long. This is not the sumof our existence and if we want tochange this situation we need educationand the opportunity and access it canprovide. It is not the only solution but weare at a great disadvantage without it.

“Education is the most powerfulweapon which you can use to changethe world.”

Nelson Mandela

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ENMy Name is Bridget Connors I live inTallaght Dublin. I came from a familyof sixteen, Five brothers and ten sisters.I had eight children and I lost twochildren through a genetic diseasewhich devastated my life for years, andonly that I went back to education Iwould not have been able for my life. Igot my inspiration from Jesus, Mary,and the saints. My children are growingup now and I have fifteengrandchildren. My father died when hewas only fifty two and left us all brokinghearted he was my world. My mother isseventy five God bless her and doingvery well.

My inspirations come from faith, alsobooks and education as I have learnedso many things reading books andlearning how to spell. Education wasthe only way I could defeat depressionand praying to the saints and our Lord.I learned how to pray the right way andread the Holy Bible and that I couldread it properly was very important tome if not where would I be today. Ithink I would be in asylum orsomething like that. What else had I inlife to keep me going only prayer? Ibecame a very proud woman to be ableto read and write I have taught mychildren the importance of their faithand education. My Mother god blessher never had any education and shehas missed out on so much in her life,she can say prayers but can’t read newones and when she is alone it would be

a great gift if she could read as shewould not be so lonesome. I would readstories to my grandchildren and theylove it I can’t keep up with them andtheir questions as I am still teachingmyself I get so much inspiration frommy grandchildren.

I also got inspiration from my fatherand my grandfather and grandmotherthey taught me so much in my lifealways to be proud of who I am I whereI came from and to be a good andhonest person and that’s how I try tolive my life, not to do any harm on anyperson and to be honest and always tellthe truth no matter what. It is hard forme to express and put in writing howfaith and my family has inspired me inmy life I am one happy and proudwomen to have faith and to be borninto a family like I have.

Bridget Connors

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Margaret Quilligan, mother of 11,grandmother of 13, great grandmotherto 1 from Killarney. Margaret didn’treceive a formal education herself, butwas raised in a home where women’srights were instilled by her parents,Mikey and Molly O’Brien. Margaret ispassionate about education and whenher children started primary school, sheremoved them from the TravellerSpecific Special classes that were thenorm in the 80’s. She was criticisedheavily by fellow Travellers andteachers at the time for doing so, butshe never waivered in her belief thatTraveller children were just as capableas other children if the conditions wereequal in school. She worked hard as amarket trader to finance her childrenthrough primary, secondary and thirdlevel education.

She taught all her children to walk talland to be proud of their culture andethnicity. She holds dear the traditionalTraveller values and continuing that on,she has encouraged all her daughters tobe self sufficient, independent womenand believes no woman should beoppressed. Margaret is very religiousand loves going on pilgrimages toLourdes, Medjugorje and Knock. Herfavourite place is Millstreet Well andher favourite person is her husbandJohn, followed by her oldest sisterNora. Margaret’s inspiration is her

niece Mary Mongan, who despite greatheartbreak and illness always managesto smile and give love and kindness toothers. Margaret’s favourite song isLoretta Lynns “Coat of many colours”because it reminds her of how goodTraveller women are to their children.Margaret hopes that the IrishGovernment will stop denying TravellerEthnicity and support Travellers topreserve our culture. Margaret is aninspiration to all young women becauseshe is not afraid to be a trailblazer. Sheis strong, independent and a lovingmother, grandmother, wife, aunt, sisterand friend.

Margaret Quilligan

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ENMy name is Margaret Anne O’Brien. Iam involved in fundraising. This year Iwill participate in the Flora Women’sMini Marathon for the 10th year in arow. I am not really sure how I gotstarted, I just knew I wanted to dosomething to help people who were inneed. Somebody I know suggested Imight raise some money for theVincentian Lay Missionary (VLM)projects in Ethiopia. In my first year Iraised almost €4,000, I couldn’t believehow generous and willing people wereto contribute to good causes.

The money raised was used to build threehouses for some very poor women inMekele. I heard later that the womenwho got the homes were able to get jobs,send their children to school and liveindependent lives. Before that they wereliving on the streets and survived bybegging. I was shocked that so littlecould make such a big difference to somepeople. From that moment I feltsomething inside me say, you have tokeep going, you have to keep helping tomake a difference. Since that time I haveraised almost €50,000 for differentprojects and causes.

While a good deal of my fundraising isfocused on Ethiopia, I never forget thatthere are people in need here in my owncountry or among the Travellercommunity. I have a special place in myheart for the homeless, for people livingon the streets. I often think about themwhen the weather is freezing and wonder

how they cope. I have raised money forFocus Ireland, especially a project thatreaches out to young homeless Travellerboys and girls. Every year I raise funds forSt. James Cancer Research Foundation,the people in the hospital were very kindand caring to my Father during his lastyears. I can never forget that and raisingfunds is a small way of expressing mythanks. I also raised funds for CrumlinChildren’s Hospital, they cared for a nieceof mine who was very seriously ill. ThankGod she made a full recovery.

Other groups I have benefited from thefundraising include: Tir Na Nogpreschool for Travellers in Basin Lane,Barnardos preschool for TravellersBallyfermot, The Traveller CounsellingService, Bothar, St. Francis HospiceBlanchardstown, Anne Sullivan DeafBlind, The Elderly Deaf ClubDrumcondra. I raised enough money tosend an elderly person from the parish ofBallyfermot to Lourdes. Recently ourlocal school in Bluebell was struggling to

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pay its bills and give the children theeducation they deserve, so I got involvedin helping to organize a raffle to raisefunds to pay for essential schoolmaterials. All my nieces go to this schooland it’s a very good school.

As I said most of my fundraising goes toEthiopia. Among the projects that I havesupported is a kindergarten (Pre-School)in a town called Ambo. Before the schoolwas built the children, (who mostly comefrom the Leprosy Village), were taughtunder a big tree in the compound. Theycould only come to school three days aweek and never during the rainy season.Through the generosity of people whoresponded to my fundraising we wereable to put a proper floor and a ceiling inthe hall and connect the hall to the electricsupply system. We also built a smallkitchen and storeroom so the childrencould get a meal every day. Now thechildren from the village receiveeducation five days a week all year round.

Last year I raised enough funds to build20 basic homes for a tribe of people whoare known as the ‘Outcast’ people. Theylived in small reed huts which are oftendestroyed during the rainy season. Thenew homes offer better protection and alittle more security. They are far fromideal, but hopefully the local governmentwill give the tribe permission to buildmore permanent homes on the land theyoccupy. The new structures we builtmean the children and the old people arebetter protected from the weather and

that the children can go to school.

I also sponsored two young women fromthe tribe Ms. Takela Mishie and MsHelen Eirku to go to Wolita and train asKindergarten teachers. This is the firsttime anyone from the tribe has gone tosuch a college, they will return withknowledge and skills which they will usefor the benefit of the children. They willbe role models for the children many ofwhom are the first in their family to everreceive any formal education.

I was blessed to be able to travel toEthiopia with VLM back in 2010. Thisvisit opened my eyes to the real needsthat exist among people in DevelopingCountries. I felt a great desire to commitmyself even more to the work offundraising in order to better respond tothe needs of the people I met. All of themoney I raise goes supporting projectsfor education, income generating orhousing. When I travelled to Ambo, Isaw the school I helped to build, I couldsee the happiness on the faces of thechildren and it was obvious that theyloved coming to school. I also met somewomen in a Leprosy village in a placecalled Jimma, we supported them intheir income generating project, makingbags and baskets which means they don’thave to go begging. We also gave somefunds to a group of young girls to supportthem to stay in Education. They used themoney to set up a small café to sell teaand coffee to people coming to the localmill to grind their grain. This meant they

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ENdon’t have to go to the local townanymore to sell bits and pieces wherethey were often at risk of being assaultedor abused.

Each year I discuss funding for projectsin Ethiopia with Fr. Stephen. He has aclose association with the people overthere and so we are sure that all themoney raised goes directly to the peopleit is intended to benefit.

This year I am committed to raisingfunds to help support a Deaf school inAmbo which Fr. Stephen has helped toestablish. It is the first time the Deafchildren have been able to receive aneducation through sign language. Youcan see a video of the opening of theschool on You Tube.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zqq5LnFLqg

I am looking forward to my 10th

anniversary of the Mini Marathon. Inmy fundraising I have met a great manypeople and have only receivedencouragement and support for what Iam doing. There is still a great deal ofgenerosity among people in Ireland andthey are happy to give to causes andprojects which are helping to make areal difference in peoples lives. As Isaid, I don’t really know how I gotinvolved in fundraising, I just know thatwhen I started, I had a great sense ofsatisfaction from knowing that the littlebit of effort I was making was making avery big difference in the lives of somany other people.

People ask me, how do you do it, how doyou raise so much. I can’t explain, its allabout how you approach people. I go inand out of pubs, hotels, shops, localbusinesses, I tell people what I am doing,I tell them all about the projects I aminvolved with. Most people are veryinterested and they are generally willingto give something. I have built up a goodrelationship with a lot of people in thepubs, they tell me when is a good time tocome, when there will be a big crowd inand they encourage me to go aboutcollecting. That’s how I train for themarathon, by going out walking, visitingplaces raising funds. I do churchcollections as well and I always get theproject announced in the mass and putup posters and information about thework so people can see where the moneyis going and who they are helping. PleaseGod, I will have the strength and theenergy to keep going. I hope to go backto Ethiopia, maybe to do the GreatEthiopian Run, a 10km run in AddisAbaba. That’s my goal now.

If you would like to support myfundraising work you can make adonation to the Deaf school through MyCharity.ie. please follow the link below.

http://www.mycharity.ie/event/stephen_monaghans_ethiopian_deaf_project/

Or why not join me in this year’s minimarathon. Email address:margaretanneobrien@gmail.comLinks: www.vlm.ie

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Traveller woman Marie Cash fromBallyfermot was so committed to tellingthe story of the people and communitiesshe met during a trip to Ethiopia thatshe decided to keep a journal to sharethe experiences with people at home.

Marie’s story of her experiencesreceived wide acclaim from bothPresident Michael D. Higgins andMinister for Education Ruairi Quinnwho launched the publication in theRoyal Irish Academy.

The Minister for Educationcommended Marie Cash’s courage inwriting the story and said it was anexcellent publication. Marie Cash’sbook received fulsome praise on allaspects from the Minister for Educationand Skills, Ruairi Quinn. The Ministerpraised the author Marie Cash for hercourage in taking the action ofrecording her experiences in Ethiopia,writing the story and seeing it throughto publication.

Marie is targeting Irish schools with herpublication believing that her story hasthe potential to impact on theperceptions of Travellers prevailing inour school system. It presents thereader with a positive image of modernand progressive Travellers engaging in

actions to make the world a betterplace. Marie’s story can also be usedas a resource in schools for children toengage in critical thinking and dialogueon local and global justice issues.

Marie was also invited to Áras anUachtaráin to present her book to thePresident, Michael D. Higgins. Thepresident said what he liked about thebook was how it put together the storiesof Travellers and people in Ethiopia.He said he liked the idea of respect forpeople’s stories and that stories put sideby side is how we live.

Marie Cash

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ENMary Connors is a Human Rightsactivist from Wexford. Born inEngland, she returned to Ireland whenshe was nine. She is a mother of fivechildren and a grandmother of thirteen.She received only 18months of formaleducation when she was a child, but itwas enough for her to learn how to readand write. Mary returned to educationat the age of 46 when she started a threeyear diploma course in NUIM in Youthand Community Development work.

Mary worked in Waterford TravellerDevelopment Project for six years andis a representative on many local andnational structures. She is a boardmember of the Irish TravellerMovement, The National TravellerWomen’s Forum and of MinceirWhidden. Mary devotes the majority ofher time to Traveller rights, particularlyin the areas of accommodation,education, women’s rights and conflict.She won the overall Traveller PrideCommunity Award in 2012 – this is anaward voted for by her peers and anindication of how much respect andadmiration that other Travellers havefor Mary. Mary likes Travelling and spending

time with her family and her favouritemusician is Elvis. Asked why shedevotes her life to human rights work,Marys says “It is because Travellers arenot treated equally; why would we bewhen we are not even recognised as anethnic group”

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My name is Brigid Carmody and I amCo-ordinator of the Cork TravellerWomen’s Network. We are communitydevelopment organisation working togive Traveller women a voice increating a better and fairer society. Iam in the job about a year, before this

I was a volunteer for the project for 10years because I enjoyed doing itbecause I wanted to make a difference.The network is run by Traveller women– it is a place where Traveller womenfrom Cork can come and talk about theissues affecting them, to get training, tobuild their confidence and makechanges. One of the biggest thinks Ihope we can make an impact on isbetter living conditions for Travellers.

I am very proud of the Traveller cultureexhibit we have created in Cork PublicMuseum – which involved us making atraditional barrel top wagon. This gaveus an opportunity to showcase who weare and the skills Travellers have and toshowcase them in a public place foreveryone to see I am proud of myhistory, my culture and my family andwho I am. I want my children to beproud of who they are and to make abetter life for Travellers in Cork. Being

a Traveller and doing this work is partof who I am I have 7 children includinga set of triplets now aged 6. Mychildren, especially the triplets have allgrown up, hearing us talking aboutbuilding a wagon, about local Travellergroup and hearing strong Travellerwomen working and trying to makemaking a difference. I want my childrento be able go to school and be proud tosay I am a Traveller.

Brigid Carmody

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ENMy Name is Katie O Donoghue fromCork. I am a Traveller woman and I aminvolved in Cork Traveller Women’sNetwork. When I was younger I wasalways looking to improve things formyself, my family and community but Icould never see a way until I gotinvolved in a group. Through groups, Ihave been involved in building women’sconfidence, looking at ways to tacklediscrimination, and improve oureducation and accommodation. I was aresearcher as well for the TravellerHealth Study and that was a veryimportant piece of research forTravellers. I have seen many changesover the years – Travellers are gettingmore involved in education and now somany young women are coming out andbecoming involved in Travellers rights.25 years ago you wouldn’t have seen this.Now women have more confidence.

What keeps me going is to think that Ican make changes, even a smalldifference, that will improve things formy daughters and grandchildren. I alsohave always had great faith. I have 8children and some of them are involved

in Travellers rights as well. I hope forall Traveller children that they willremember where came from and beproud. I hope we can make thingsbetter for Travellers, to get our rightsand still keep our identity.

Katie O Donoghue

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My name is Mags O’Sullivan. I workas a community development workerfor the Cork Traveller Women’sNetwork I have been in this job for 2years and I was a volunteer for theproject for the previous 2 yrs. What Ilove about this work is supportingother Traveller women to up skill, gainconfidence and to find their ownstrength within the community.

I am also a Traveller culturalawareness trainer – I work with ateam of Traveller women and we goout to groups and agencies givingtraining and information on Travellerculture. I think this training is veryimportant as it is part of breakingdown barriers between communitiesand also challenging discrimination.

I have 2 children – 2 girls who I amvery proud of but I have also learnedthat life is about more that gettingmarried and having a family. I wantTraveller women to have confidenceand a voice. Seeing other women findtheir voice and entering the workforceinspired me – especially my aunt Marywho was strong Traveller woman –who encouraged me, put me on thespot in every conversation andencouraged me to ask questions andspeak out. I am proud of who I am andto be a Traveller woman.

Mags O Sullivan

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ENMy name is Margaret Collins; I work asthe administrator for National TravellerMABS for the past nine years. I like myjob as it gives me time to keepupgrading my skills and also I get tomeet people from all walks of life. Iwork part time, this suits me as I havetwo children at home. Both my childrengo to primary school so my work fitsaround that. Sometimes it’s not alwayseasy to juggle both work and home lifetogether but I like having theresponsibility of both. As a Traveller Ithink it’s important to get in to themainstream workforce and discover thedifferent options available to eachindividual. What inspired me to finishout school was my family as some of mysisters and brothers had already goneonto third level education they pushedme and encouraged me to get myeducation so that someday I would geta proper job. I admire young Travellerpeople who go on to third leveleducation from secondary school andpush themselves further up the ladderno matter what stands in their way suchas their beliefs or culture. I thinkanything is impossible if you really putyour mind to it no matter where youcome from.

Margaret Collins

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My name is Margaret McCarthy fromCork – I have been involved in the CorkTraveller Women’s Network as avolunteer since 1996. I love beinginvolved and mixing with the otherwomen, speaking out for ourselves andgoing to meetings, to get information andtry and improve things for our selves, ourchildren and our grandchildren I lost 2children to suicide, my son and mydaughter – it took me a long time to cometo terms with it, to talk about and it getback to myself after that. Going tomeetings and to the network supportedme and helped me very much after this.Travellers find it hard to talk aboutsuicide or depression – especially men,but I want to help to change this. Becausetalking definitely helps. I want to helpothers to talk about it and to look forhelp. I am also a leader in our localTraveller women’s group from Spring

Lane. We are going to launch a children’sbook about our culture – in the old days,in the time of barrel top wagons. Wewant to share it with settled and Travellerchildren so they can learn about ourculture. We hope schools might use it. Ienjoy doing this work because I amproud of who I am. Years ago I neverthought I would be able to do this type ofwork but I have learned to speak out andI am not afraid to speak out.

Margaret Mc Carthy

My name is Tessa Collins I am from theTraveller community I live in Dublin Iam married with 3 children and 1grandchild. I work in Pavee Point on theviolence against women programme.

Women who inspire me are from my owncommunity who talk about domesticviolence and don’t see domestic violenceas a taboo or a hidden issue, but as anissue that should be talked about andchallenged and not seen as woman’s fault.

Women are strong and are even strongerwhen they stand together.

Happy international women’s day.

Tessa Collins

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ENMy name is Nancy Power I’m thejoint Co-ordinator of NationalTraveller MABS. I worked previouslyas a Money Advisor up until I took onthe role of co-ordinator in 2006.I graduated in NUI Maynooth whereI qualified with a Diploma in Youthand Community Studies. I also have aprofessional Certificate inmanagement from NCI and haverecently completed a certificate incounselling. I juggle my work andhome life where I have five children.

I sit on the board of Exchange HouseNational Traveller Services, anorganisation which offers support toTravellers in the area of familysupport, education, youth work andaddiction. As a Traveller, I am acutelyaware of the issues facing mycommunity in the area of financialexclusion and have campaigned forthe past 13 years to bring aboutchange in this area.

The people who inspire me areTraveller women who have gone againagainst the grain who worked outsidethe home with great difficulties witheither little or no support andcontinued to upgrade their skills andhave achieved great success in thearea of their possession.

Nancy Power

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My Name is Noreen ward I live inDublin, over 20 years ago I worked forSr. Patricia in St Josephs trainingcentre in Finglas. During my trainingSr.Patricia asked me to go back tocollege and study businessadministration. The following year Iwent to London and applied for acollege course. After two years ofstudying I did my work experience inLondon women’s centre, and was askedto stay on workings for them.

When I left the London women’scentre, I started to work for a doctor inLondon, Which lasted for five years.

When I moved home to Ireland Istarted working in an office doingaccounts and secretarial work for aboutthree years.

I got an opportunity to work for theHSE. I trained with a nutritionist todeliver healthy food made easy. I havebeen teaching this course over sevenyears to schools, community groups andother groups. This has been the biggestachievement yet.

I have encouraged younger Travellergirls I’ve taken as a group, To go on tohigher education and achieve theirgoals, that maybe in the future they canteach courses like I have done.

Noreen Ward

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ENMy name is Selina O’Leary. I’m 21 yearsold; I live in Tullow Co. Carlow. I amproud to say I am a member of theTravelling community. I come from afamily of 12- 9 sisters and 2 brothers.Music has always been a big part of mylife. My grandfather and all my uncleswere very good accordion players and allmy aunts could sing. I started to sing at avery young age. I was brought uplistening to people like Aretha Franklin,Dean Martin and Dolly Parton. I wasn’tinterested in Modern music as such.

The very first time I ever sang in front ofa large crowd was at my sister’s weddingand that was the beginning of it all whichled me to Carnegie Hall, New York andParis. I have been involved with theMargaret Wouters at the Music Projectin St. Catherines Community ServicesCentre in Carlow for the last few years,and had all the help and support I need toget me where I am today. I am inspiredby lots of people, family, friends,musicians, and singers but the personwho inspires me the most in life is mymother. She has always encouraged meto push forward with my music. She hasalways believed in me and my talent. Shenever gave up on me and she has alwaysbeen a great support for me and withouther I would not be where I am today.

I am very proud of what I have achieved.I have brought out a CD entitled“Thousands are Sailing” which has beenvery successful, I was on the MiriamO Callaghan show promoting that

album. I have achieved a lot more than alot of other Travelling girls. I have hadthe privilege of travelling to America toperform in one of the biggest musicvenues in the world, Carnegie Hall withmy aunt Elizabeth. I also had theopportunity to sing with the GypsyKings, Eugene Gogol, and StephanEicher with Goren Bregovic in Paris inJanuary of this year. I sing the lead songin Goren’s album “Champagne forGipsies” and a second song “On aLeash”. The album is on sale in the UKand Ireland now and I will be on tourwith him over the next year. I know thisis just the beginning for me, and I havegreat support from all over the world. Ihope to inspire other Traveller girls tofollow their dreams. One of my favouritequotes is “Never let the fear of strikingout keep you from playing the game”.

Selina O’Leary

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Missy Collins is a founder member ofthe first Primary Health Care forTravellers project at Pavee Point in 1994which established a model of Travellerparticipation in providing communitybased health services to Travellers.

In the fifteen years, Missy has been anactive participant of this project andhealth worker. She has campaignedrelentlessly for the Right to HealthServices that address the needs ofTravellers and highlighted theinequalities that exist in Traveller health.

Missy has played a key role at local andnational levels in securing approval andfunding for the skills development andemployment of Traveller HealthWorkers and building up of both aRegional and National Health Networkwhich today includes more than 40projects throughout Ireland. It was thisNetwork that made the Our Geels AllIreland Traveller Health Study possible.

For almost 20 years she has neverfaltered in her determination to ensureTravellers are represented by attendingmeetings and conferences, lobbyinglocal politicians and governmentministers to include consultation andrecommendations from Travellerswithin policy making and actions thataffect the Traveller Community.

Throughout the Our Geels AITHSMissy has been involved at every levelas an advocate of the need for aTraveller Health study at the

Department of Health, to working withthe research team at UCD, then beingout there on the sites as a peerresearcher during the census andfacilitator of focus groups. Now she islooking forward to knowing what thefindings are and taking this informationback out into the Community.

All this while still representing PaveePoint on the National Traveller HealthAdvisory Committee, visiting local PHCprojects around the country, poppinginto the Oireachtas Committee whenshe can and doing her weeklygroundwork as a Community HealthWorker. This mother of eight has beenan inspiration to so many for the work,spirit and drive she has maintained andcontinues to deliver for theimprovement of Traveller Health.

Missy Collins

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St Margaret’s Traveller Women’sLocal Training Initiative– An Inspirational Group!!

A group of 15 Traveller women cametogether last September to improvetheir education, learn new skills andmeet new people. Just 7 months laterthe group have grown stronger andstronger, strangers have become friendsand the group have completed manyFETAC modules and some aim toachieve a Major Award inEmployability Skills, the equivalent tothe Junior Cert over the next year ortwo. Additionally, there are 3 womenthat are completing their full Leaving

Certificate this coming June and arehoping to go to third level college thiscoming September. Even with all thiswork going on, each woman supportsthe next and if help is needed they haveno hesitation in giving it to each other.The group work hard each day to getthrough their work and to progresstheir goals in life, even though allmembers in the group have childrenand family responsibilities. They are aninspiration to their families and theircommunity and we at St. Margaret’s arevery proud of our inspirational group!!

St Margaret’s Traveller Women’sLocal Training Initiative

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Age 23

Lives in Finglas in Dublin, Ann-Marieis a young Traveller woman, she worksfulltime in Blanchardstown TravellerDevelopment group as an assistant co-ordinator, she is fulltime mom to Kellywho is almost 2yrs old. Annmarie is apart time student pursuing a degree inCommunity and Youth in NUIMaynooth.

‘As a young Traveller woman I felt itnecessary to further my own educationby pursuing a 3rd level qualificationwhich I hope on completion willprovide bright career opportunities formy future’

‘My hopes for Travellers in the future isthat our ethnic identity will berecognized by the state in order forTravellers unique culture and identityto be respected and valued.

Travellers do not receive equalopportunities within Ireland andconstantly have to tackle discriminationand exclusion.’

‘I am inspired by Travellers who havecompleted 3rd level education and thosewho are spokes persons for theTraveller Community but also held onto their Traveller culture and Traditionswhich may include marrying young andhaving a family, I feel that it isimportant for young Traveller womento know that you don’t have to chosebetween an education a career and theirTraveller culture, it is possible toachieve them all with some hard workand determination’.

Ann-Marie McDonnell

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Lives in Finglas Dublin, Leanne gotmarried last December.

Leanne is a Traveller girl whom hascompleted level 3 and level 5 inhairdressing and is now a traineehairdresser. Leanne also did a course inGel nails so she would like to pursue acareer in hair and beauty.

‘As a Traveller girl my goal for thefuture is to continue with hairdressingby going to the next level and to becomea fully qualified hairdresser’

‘My hopes for the future are forTravellers to be recognised as an ethnicgroup and our culture to be respected.Also that we don’t have to hide who weare when applying for a job etc as weface a lot of discrimination andexclusion in society’

‘I am inspired by Traveller women whocontinue with their education andwork, as well as getting married andhaving a family. They inspire mebecause they still hold onto their cultureand traditions while doing this. I seethis as the way forward for Travellerwomen in the future they are powerfulrole models to the next generation’

Leanne McDonnell

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My name is Kathleen McDonnell.

I live in Dublin. I’m a mother of 6 and Ihave 3 grandchildren with another onthe way. I work as an education supportworker in Pavee Point Travellers andRoma Centre. Pavee Point is an NGOwhich works for human rights for IrishTravellers and Roma at a local, nationaland international level.

I enjoy my work very much as I get tomeet a lot of people both settled andTravellers. What inspires me to do mywork is my family, because education ispart of their life and everybody isentitled to it

I feel that I am a good role model to mydaughters and granddaughter and Iwould encourage them to take upopportunities because there is more tolife than staying at home cooking andcleaning. There are new opportunitiesout there, so good on you girls get outand explore them.

Kathleen McDonnell

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ENMary Joyce is a full time Motherand Grandmother

Mary works partime as a TravellerCommunity healthworker in MeathPrimary Health Care Project followinga 2 year training programme; This is aprogramme that delivers healthinformation to the Travellercommunity and looks at bridging thegap between Health Services and theTravelling community.

Mary has also completed studies forSpecial Needs Assistant, Youth andCommunity Development and afoundation course in Counselling.

Mary delivers Traveller CulturalAwareness training as part of a team andon individual basis within the healthservices and for other organizations.

Mary puts her family as her numberone priority and is always available tosupport her family. Mary’s role asmother and grandmother is veryimportant to her and makes her theperson she is.

Mary loves to cook and makes cakesfor all occasions, she has made a fewwedding cakes for family and friendsshe also likes to read and travel.

As to what or who inspires Mary“Mary says her faith and her Travellerculture inspires her.

Mary Joyce

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My name is Pauline McDonnell. I livein Dublin and I have three childrenone is married and she is also a traineehairdresser. I work part time in theParish of the Travelling people and Iam also a member of the pastoralcouncil. I really enjoy my job as I getto meet Travellers that I wouldn’t havemet before.

I also am part of a team which workson a Parish newsletter. I did a level 7in community development which Ienjoyed very much; I also did a level 7in Office Admin which came in veryhandy for the job I’m in now. I aminspired by Traveller women becauseas well as getting married and havinga family, young and old are out thereworking and enjoying it while stillholding onto their culture andtraditions. I am also inspired by ourstrong faith.

My hopes for the young Travellers arefor them to hold onto their culture andfor them to continue onto third leveleducation. It would be great if therewere more job opportunities and equalrights for Travellers and also forTravellers to be recognised as anethnic minority.

Pauline Mc Donnell

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ENMy name is Nuala Reilly I livein Clondalkin,

I have 5 children and 9 Grandchildren.My grandchildren keep me going and Ilove having them around.

I work in Clondalkin Travellers and I amon a Primary Health Care programme.

I love my work as I get to meet a lot ofpeople both settled and Travellers.

As well as Travellers health I also docultural awareness sessions withschools, I like talking about my culturebecause I am very proud of it.

I volunteer with the Divine Mercy andam involved very much in my localparish, I was very afraid of flying butwhen an opportunity arose to go toFatima I put my fears aside and it was agreat experience for me to go to Fatima.My faith is one of the most importantthings to me and as well as my family itkeeps me going through good and badtimes. I get great inspiration from otherwoman, and I love going into work andmixing the woman.

Nuala Reilly

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ENMy name is Nelly Joyce. I am sixty eightyears old. I was born and reared on theroadside around Co. Westmeath, one of alarge family of thirteen. I got married youngand had a family of eight children, nowthank God I have 32 grandchild and 20great grand children and I am hoping forand looking forward to many more pleaseGod. At present I find myself with myfamily reared, and at a bit of a loose end.

I was lucky enough a few years agothrough the Navan Travellers trainingcentre to come into contact with theSummerhill active retirement group runby Mary McNally, myself and five or sixother Traveller women would meet upwith the settled women on a regular basis,and we would have a good timereminiscing about the times and the peoplenow passed on. We found although ourcommunities had lived quite differentlythe hard times weren’t restricted to theTraveller community alone, as women wefound we have a lot in common.

Similar fears and concerns and the issuesthat arise each day for ourselves and ourfamilies are not so far apart as they mayseem to be. We find there are noboundaries to worry for our family and thefuture it affects us all the same wayregardless. The group is going very welland we meet every week. We go out toother groups in the area. We have beenon holidays to Cork, and Wexford, toconcerts of Susan McCann and SonnyKnowles and we take part in coffeemornings to raise funds. I also take part in

school cultural days by bringing in itemsfrom the old days. I t always goes downwell with the children. We exchangestories and sing songs. We recorded a CDof old songs and stories to raise money. Itwas through the Summerhill group thatmy name was put forward for the 2009Granny of the year award.

Having gone through successfully thedifferent stages I came in third place in theoverall final. I t was a lovely time formyself and all the family and I wasdelighted to be able to share this time withmy grandchildren, who were very excitedand supportive. We made many happymemories for the children which is whatit is all about. The inspiration for my lifewas the memory of my own mother whodied a young woman. My children haveno memory of both grandmothers. Bothmyself and my children felt their loss manytimes. This loss encouraged me to makethe most of my own life and to be the bestI could be in the role of mother andgrandmother, if nothing else I think I haveachieved this and I look forward to manyyears ahead please God.

Nelly Joyce

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ENMy name is Nancy Collins I live inDublin and I have seven grown updaughters. I have nineteengrandchildren. I’m a member of aTraveller pastoral council and as aresult of being on the PPC I got anopportunity to g to Rome in 2011 to bepart of an audience with the Pope. Itwas very uninspected when I was askedto personally greet the Pope, it was aonce in a lifetime opportunity and one Iwill never forget.

2012 was a very traumatic time for mebecause my daughter Caitriona wasdiagnosed with the early stages ofbreast cancer and had to have herbreast removed. Caitriona was veryvigilant and went to the doctor at thefirst signs and is doing very well nowthank God. I hope this encouragesother young women who may beconcerned or worried about breastcancer to seek help sooner rather thanlater. My faith got me through this verytraumatic time and I thank God everyday that Caitriona was caught in time.

My own mother Kathleen died of breastcancer at the age of 59. Sadly she left ittoo late to seek help. She was a veryinspiring woman she had great faith inGod and our Blessed Lady. She wasvery family orientated and worriedabout everyone, family is the mostimportant thing to me also.

I would like to encourage all mothersout there to look after your healthbecause you will be missed when you’regone because even after 17yrs I stillmiss my mother Kathleen every day.

Nancy Collins

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ENMy name is Winnie McDonnell I livein Dublin. I have 6 children and 7 grandchildren. I’m on a woman’straining programme in Exchangehouse Travellers centre. I would love to work full time in a Traveller organisation.

I’m a big supporter of the Dublinfootball team and have met a lot of theplayers and got lots of photos takenwith them.

I get my inspiration from my motherSheila, she is 74 years old she becamea young widow at the age of 32 whenmy father Jamsy died. She had 6children and was having her 7 th. Shereared us all on her own and was botha mother and a father to us. She hasgreat faith and family is the mostimportant thing to her which it is tome also.

She has a great talent for makingpaper flowers. She made paperflowers for the 5oth Internationalcongress which was held in Dublin in2012. The paper flowers were a bighighlight of the congress and alsofeatured in the media.

Winnie Mc Donnell

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ENMy Mother Anne Hand was a lovelywoman, everyone loved her, and shehad a heart of gold. My Mommy lovedto sit down with a cup of tea and tellbeautiful stories of long ago, of her lifeback then, and how she missed it somuch... that them years were the daysthat she didn’t and wouldn’t forget,believe me she would let us know and itwas beautiful to hear the stories fromthis woman that we thought the Worldof. My Mother was there and cared forus all. She always had a smile on herface for all, her beautiful smile we willnot forget, and her laugh. She’d alwaysask you ‘do you want a cuppa tae’. Shewould light up to see her own comingin and wouldn’t want them to go.

But as we all know, my mommy wasalso broken hearted for in her lifetimeshe couldn’t continue Travelling andshe never go over the loss of mybrother Matsie who was murdered 13years ago. We were there for eachother, we had our secrets and willalways treasure the times we sharedtogether. Sometimes we laughed andsometimes we cried but no matter whatshe will always be in my heart. Brookymy nephew adored her and many more

of us miss her with all our hearts.There’s so much more I could say but Icannot say it all here so I’ll end withwhat everyone knows... We will Loveyou always Mommy and whoever Imeet in my path I will tell the storiesyou told us, stories that were told byAnne Hand.

Anne Hand

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ENMy Name is Geraldine McDonnell, Ilive in Dublin. I have 3 Children, andone grandchild called Kelly who isalmost 2yrs old.

I work in the Parish of the TravellingPeople.

I am also a part time student perusing aDegree in Community and Youth inNUI Maynooth, going back toeducation was a big step for me as I leftschool very young and didn’t havesecond level education let alone 3rd

level, I suppose I was a bit worried thatit might not be for me, or that Iwouldn’t be able to keep up with thework that would be involved in 3rd leveleducation. But here I am almostfinished my 2nd year and I’m enjoying itvery much, not to say that’s it not toughat times, getting assignments in on timeis not my strong point so needless to saythey was a few hectic moments. Mydaughter Annmarie is also in collegewith me, I find having another Travellerin the group is a great support, the restof the group are all mature students soit’s a good atmosphere.

My hopes and dreams for the futurewould be that our Traveller culture willbe recognized and respected, and thatus Travellers won’t have to feel like wehave to hide our identity to be treatedequal. It’s a great inspiration to seestrong Traveller woman who representour community, and who are inleadership roles in our community andare doing a great job.

When I was younger I travelled arounda lot, and can just about rememberliving in tents on the side of the road,when I bring my mother Maggie to visitfamily members she will talk aboutplaces and roads where her family usedto travel, she says they were the goodold days, even though they didn’t havevery much there was a great sense ofcommunity back then, everyone lookedout for one another and you sharedwhat you had with others on the road

Id like to share a story that has inspiredme, a couple of weeks ago I wasbringing my father Tom to anappointment, when we passed by afurniture building he said to me do youknow that used to be an old picture hallyears ago, he started to tell me a storywhich happened over 45 years agowhen he was young. The story wasabout his father old Paddy McDonnell,Paddy was sent to mount joy prison for3 months, and as his family were

Geraldine Mc Donnell

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ENtravelling around at the time it wasdifficult for them to visit him, so myfather went into the local post office tosend him up some cigarettes, the ownerof the post office said he would deliverthem as he was going to Dublin thatday, the man went into Mountjoy, paid10 pounds of his own money to getPaddy out of prison, paid for him to goin to the pictures and then picked himup and brought him back home , wherethey spent hours driving around tryingto locate Paddy’s family as they hadmoved from the camp when he waswith them last, when they found thecamp my grandfather thanked the man,and that was the last he seen or heardfrom him.

I thought how many more stories likethis one are out there that haven’t beentold, the relationship between mostTravellers and settled people years agowas one of respect.

There are loads of stories from the oldergeneration of Travellers that are greatto listen to, and it would be great to getthem documented for the youngergeneration to learn from.

Maureen Ward I am Maureen Ward, I am a humanrights activist and I am the youth workcoordinator with Tullamore YouthProject, employed by MidlandsRegional Youth service. I am also thechairperson of the Irish TravellerMovement and chair of Offaly TravellerMovement. My role model is mymother and “live and let live” my motto.

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ENI am Margaret (Star) Stokes, I am 25and from Waterford City. I am amember of the Traveller Communityand I work with Waterford TravellerCommunity Development Project asOutreach and Development Worker(WTCDP).

I started out with WTCDP as amember of management, I had a greatinterest in how the project offeredopportunities to Travellers for trainingand community education, so when thejob opportunity came and it involvedsupporting the participants andorganising activities, I was delighted toget it. Being a young Traveller womanwho married at 16, and having a sonwith a physical disability, I find I canrelate to a large range of people withinmy community, and my ownexperiences have really influenced theway I work with people.

I am also in Waterford Institute ofTechnology, studying for a Level 6certificate in Community Developmentand Education and hope to go on to doa Degree after that.

I have a great passion for anti-discrimination, anti-racism and equalitywork with my community, and believethat Travellers should be recognised asan Ethnic Minority in Ireland. I havefound from my own experience thatTravellers working for their own rightsis the most effective way forward, as itis part of our own empowerment.

I am married to Kris, and have fivechildren, Paddy, 7, Tom, 5, Christopher,4, James, 2, and Tony 8 months, so I ambusy all the time, but I have a verysupportive husband too.

Margaret Stokes

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ENI a 23 year Traveller women living inBallyfermot (I was born and reared inBallyfermot) I went to school in there andthis was a very good experience for me. Ihave lived on a Halting site all my life; Ithink it’s a lovely place to live in and we area close community, I completed all myschooling which was a very positiveexperience for me, after I finished myleaving cert in 2008 I went on to do a PLCcourse in youth and community work, Ireally enjoyed my time in college in 2010and when I completed the course I thenwent on to work for St Dominic’s secondaryschool in Ballyfermot for one year.

In 2006 I started to volunteer for Ballyfermot youth serviceundertaking leadership courses, andworking at the youth drop- ins, I have beenon a number off exchanges both home andaboard, travelling to a range of countriesincluding Brazil, Italy, Carbine, France,Belgium, Ireland all of which werevaluable learning for me and a verypositive experience.

I see myself as being very involved inmy community as a whole; in 2009 mytwin sister and I were the first twoTravellers in the country to receive theTraveller Pride Award for Education. I amalso very involved on the board ofmanagement for Ballyfermot TravellersProject and working as a youth workassistant doing group work which involvessupporting the young womenempowerment group, leadership groupDrop-ins, Saturday night soccer. I have akeen interest in youth and community

work my goal in life is to become aprofessional youth worker so I can put myeducational experience into practice.

People who inspired me were the principleof St Dominic’s secondary school - and thestrong school complete team she had withher. Also the manager of the BallyfermotYouth service who gave me greatopportunities and guidance, one of mymost memorable experience of this timewas the opportunity to travel to Brazil withthe above school and youth service.

Now today as a young Traveller women, Ihope to inspire young Travellers and giveback what people gave to me. If you whatto do something strongly enough, you canand it is important that young Travellershave high expectations for themselves. AsBarrack Obama Stated when he came toIreland Is Féidir Linn (yes we can).

Breaking down stereotyping andperceptions of Travellers is very importantto me and programmes and films that re-enforce these prejudges making life moredifficult for young Traveller growing up intoday’s society really angers me. SomeYoung Traveller women have to overcomechallenges that breaks the norms, I amglad and proud that I broke the cycle inrelation to education, this was not an easytask and it did come with challenges.

Sally Flynn

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ENI am Bridget Kelly a Traveller womanfrom Co Galway, I got married in 1996and I have five children. I work withthe Galway Traveller Movement(GTM) as an Enterprise worker withtheir Empowering Traveller WomenEntrepreneurs Programme (ETWE).One of the key pieces of work carriedout by the ETWE over the past year orso has been the development of anEquality Mainstreaming Toolkit whichsets out the key issues for Travellerwomen and enterprise.

The main reasons I got involved incommunity development is because Iknow the direct experience of racism,discrimination and barriers thatTravellers and Traveller womenexperience. I felt I had no choice butget involved In the Traveller rightsmovement and its struggle for equality.Also I feel it is very important thatthere are strong Traveller women outthere as role models. I have alwaysbeen involved in business since I wasa child. I would have been selling fromknee high, selling Balloons, Christmastrees, Market Trading and door todoor trading etc..Myself and myhusband set up our own business in2004 (Fantastic Fireplaces) a fireplaceshop in Co Galway. Since joiningETWE it has helped me Develop myTalent and knowledge around businessand enterprise.

Bridget Kelly

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EN(This course is a FETAC accreditedprogramme undertaken by Traveller Womenover the course of 2012-2013. Key modules ofthe Family Support Skills Programme areadult and child development, understandingthe legal system in relation to family support,understanding the health service system andthe support structures and facilities forfamilies and the range of community andvoluntary supports which can be accessed)

We are a group of 8 Traveller womenwho have just completed the aboveFETAC level 5 course. Different thingsmotivated us to get involved in thecourse for some of us we knew it wasgoing to be a challenge but we liked theidea of that challenge. For some of uswe were very interested in the legalaspect of the course and understandinghow better to protect women. Trainingand education does make you moreinformed and this course has been a realeye opener, it is about not telling womenwhat to do it is about giving themchoices. Getting information outknowing what are the supports neededand awareness of Violence AgainstWomen issues.

Who inspires us? Traveller women whoovercome the challenges that they have to put with around pooraccommodation; Traveller women whoare working at being a mother, being awife and holding down a job; Travellerwomen who are out there in theTraveller Movement pushing the rightsbased agenda for Travellers and for

other women; Women who seeeducation as their future and the futurefor their children.

This type of course is aboutempowering women and it is great to get to the end of a course and havethe sense of achievement that it gives tous both personally and what it canbring to us in our work.

Margaret (Mooie) Doyle, KittyConnors, Annemarie Connors, AllyConnors, Sally Flynn, MarianneMaughan, Bridget Zeqo, Mary O Brien

Family Support Skills ProgrammeParticipants

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