UL celebrates Traveller culture and educational ambition at inaugural Traveller Pride event

UL Traveller Pride – Pictured at University of Limerick’s inaugural Traveller Pride event are (l-r) Dr Sindy Joyce from UL’s Department of Sociology; Professor Shane Kilcommins, University of Limerick President; Margaret O’Brien, UL student; and TikTok star and podcaster, Shane McCarthy.

For UL Traveller Pride, the Traveller Ethnicity Flag was raised at the Limerick campus, making UL the first university in Ireland to fly the flag

University of Limerick has celebrated Mincéir/Traveller culture, identity and the lived experiences of Mincéirí/Travellers at the university’s inaugural UL Traveller Pride event.  

The event, held to honour and celebrate Traveller voices, brought together Travellers from across Limerick city and county to mark Traveller Pride at the university.

As part of the event, the Traveller Ethnicity Flag, a symbol of history, pride and belonging, was raised at the Limerick campus, making UL the first university in Ireland to fly the flag.

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Designed to showcase the work, creativity and achievements of the Traveller community, the UL Traveller Pride event focused on the future ambitions of a new generation of Travellers who are striving forward while continuing to honour their Traveller identity.

Featuring a rich mix of engaging and creative contributions, the event highlighted the lived experiences of Traveller students at UL who shared their stories of navigating education while maintaining cultural identity.

TikTok sensation and podcaster, Shane McCarthy, also shared his experiences of battling discrimination, his pride in being an Irish Traveller and his successful rise to becoming one of Ireland’s most popular content creators.

Mikey McCarthy, a student at UL who is also enjoying social media success, performed a moving rendition of the hit song ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman during which he was joined by Traveller children from primary schools in Limerick.

The event also saw the launch of the Limerick Travellers Together Community of Practice, aimed at strengthening collaboration and shared learning amongst Traveller-led organisations from across Limerick city and county.

Speaking at UL’s inaugural Traveller Pride celebration, University of Limerick President, Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “This gathering reflects a deep and growing partnership between University of Limerick and the Traveller community, one rooted in mutual respect, shared learning, and a recognition that higher education must evolve to truly serve all of society.

“At UL, we are committed not only to widening access, but to ensuring that Traveller students can shape, influence and thrive within our university community. Today is an affirmation that culture, identity and educational ambition are not separate paths, but can and must be realised together.”

The Mincéir/Traveller Programme at UL is led by the UL Access Office, which is committed to supporting the Traveller community through the dedicated role of a Mincéir/Traveller Coordinator.

Deirdre O’Connor from UL Access Office said: “Launched in June 2023, the Mincéir/Traveller Programme at UL is grounded in co-creation and delivers tailored pre- and post-entry supports in a culturally inclusive and accessible way.

“Although still in its early stages, the programme has already reached a significant milestone, with 24 Mincéir/Traveller students currently studying at UL at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, demonstrating the impact of targeted supports in empowering students to achieve their educational goals.

“Celebrating Traveller Pride on campus is a vital part of this work; it acknowledges the richness of Mincéir/Traveller culture and sends a clear message of inclusion and respect.”

Martin Casey, a second-year student studying English and Music at UL, first met Edel O’Donnell, UL’s Mincéir/Traveller Programme Coordinator, when he was in sixth year studying for his Leaving Certificate.

He said: “Since arriving to UL, Edel has supported me and is always consistent in following through with the best intentions of each student. Without Edel, I honestly think I would have struggled. UL really does outperform in terms of its support of Traveller students.”

This sentiment was echoed by Margaret O’Brien, a graduate of UL’s BA in Psychology who is now studying for her Master’s in Sociology.

“Edel and the team in the UL Access Office created a space where I felt seen, heard, encouraged and respected. That kind of support matters because it reminds you that you are not alone, and that your background is not a barrier – it is part of the strength you bring with you.”

Speaking at UL’s Traveller Pride event, Martin, whose mother graduated from UL in January, had this important message to share.

“To any Traveller who is struggling through education – do not give up. Continue when it’s hard and remember the reason you began this journey.

“Part of you wants to break down barriers so the younger generation can have it more comfortable. You’re the leader not the follower. You’re the one that will open doors for others and create opportunities that no other Traveller thought possible.”

Margaret, who left school at the age of 16 and returned to education at 38, encouraged other Travellers to follow in her footsteps and embrace education.

“College can feel intimidating from the outside, but you have just as much right to be there as anyone else. Your life experience, your resilience, your culture and your perspective are valuable.

“Education is not about leaving who you are behind; it is about carrying who you are into new places and opening doors that should always have been open. For me, it is a way of finding my voice, building confidence and showing that Traveller women belong in spaces where decisions are made and futures are shaped.

“When Traveller children and young people see Traveller women and men in education, in universities, in leadership and in professional spaces, it plants a seed. It tells them this is possible for me too.”

As she reflected on the importance of celebrating Traveller Pride, Margaret said: “Traveller Pride is about visibility, dignity and celebration. It’s about saying we are here, we have always been here, and we have so much to contribute.”