Traveller Pride event in Mullingar a big success

A demonstration of tinsmithing, musical performances and games for kids were among the many different activities on the bill at this year's Traveller Pride event in Grange Youth Centre, which took place on Friday afternoon.

A large crowd attend this year's celebration of Traveller culture, which is organised by the Westmeath Traveller Project.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, one of the organisers of the event, Christine Joyce, co-ordinator of the primary healthcare project for Travellers in Westmeath, said that the presence of a traditional wagon, tent and a tinsmith gives younger members of the Traveller community a valuable insight into how previous generations lived. Also in attendance at the event were representatives from agencies that provide a range of supports and services to the Traveller community.

“We have lots of different activities, including raffles and games for kids while Joe Reilly, a Traveller musician from Longford, performed,” she said.

Christine also thanked the different people and groups whose contributions ensured that the day was such a success. These included Fagan's Toymaster, who donated toys for the raffle, Catherine McEntee, Caroline Nevin, Teresa Nevin, Bridget Nevin and Mary Myers.

See this week's Westmeath Examiner for full coverage.