Mary Connors is Traveller of the Year

Mary Connors

On December 1, 2011, Mary Connors from New Ross was presented with the overall Traveller Pride 2011 Award at a ceremony supported by ten national Traveller organisations.

She said, “I would hope that my grandchildren will not have to spend their lives fighting  for the things that are basic human needs and that many other people take for granted such as accommodation, education and common courtesy which has been in short supply for many a Traveller.”

Blue Drum – 10 Years

10 years of Blue Drum

Community arts organisation Blue Drum this year celebrates 10 years working with families and communities. Thousands of community workers have been trained in the arts and Blue Drum has developed a volunteer programme and an arts and health programme.

OBAMA, TRAVELLERS & 'CHANGING IRELAND'

US President Barack Obama started out as a community worker and he's here in Ireland today! His people hailed from Offaly.
Many see him as a true hero and an inspiration to members of minorities everywhere, others see him as a puppet of the military-industrial complex and Wall Street. The truth includes elements of both perspectives and some more.
However, it is due to his background as a community worker that we decided to feature him in Spring 2009 on our front cover after he was elected US President.

Obama is known to have an interest (to quote Jesse Jackson among others who know him well) in the issue of Traveller rights in Ireland and it was in connection with a Traveller story that we published his photo.
For the record, click here for a link to the full PDF edition of the Obama edition.

Man in court in Killarney over "actions likely to stir up hatred"

A 27-year-old man was before Killarney District Court today charged with "actions likely to stir up hatred."
Patrick Kissane from Knockasarnett, Killarney, Co. Kerry appeared before Judge James O'Connor.
Solicitor for the defendant, Pat F. O'Connor sought to have the case heard at a later date and Inspector Martin McCarthy, prosecuting, agreed saying, "This is a rather unusual charge and we'd like to get the DPP's views on the whole thing."
The case was adjourned  until July 19th, to be heard in front of the same court.
The defendant was charged in connection with offences dated  October 1st of last year.
The Irish Traveller Movement's assistant director Brigid Quilligan and Mary Boyne from Kerry Travellers Development Group attended the court today "to observe and to monitor proceedings."