By Michael Tracey TRAVELLERS showcased their proud traditions as part of a national promotion of its unique culture and heritage. Traveller Pride day was celebrated in Athy and Newbridge recently. There was a photo exhibition funded by Brigid 1,500 about Traveller culture and St Brigid’s well, which is an important heritage site for the Traveller community.
There was also a Living History workshop, where visitors could see the traditional, nomadic ways of Travellers with a traditional wagon and skills like tinsmithing. Local schools attended the event and heard stories about the traditions of Traveller culture. Students from St Michaels NS dropped in to hear the stories and traveller culture Jimmy Carthy, Tom Mooney, Brian Kenny and Patrick Donovan Louise and Bridget O Brien Cian Ó Lonargáin (HSE), Brian Kenny, Aoife Breslin, Patricia Berry and Petra Daily Amanda Clarke, Triona Mulligan and Danny Mulligan Clark Bridget Cawley and Louise O Brien Cllr Chris Pender, James Stokes and Breda Fay Members of Kildare Traveller Action at the Traveller Pride Day Mary Carthy, Tom Mooney and Jimmy Carthy Donna O Donnell, Ruth Guy and Bridgie Power The event was organised by the Kildare Traveller Action Group.
The group’s co-ordinator Petra Daly said: “An awful lot of what we’re hearing about the Traveller culture is negative and you don’t hear about the positive aspects of Traveller culture and how enriching it is in terms of music and storytelling. We want to promote that a.
