Thomas McCann became the first Irish Traveller man to earn a PhD in Maynooth University when he was conferred with a Doctor of Social Science degree at conferrings on Wednesday. His doctoral research focussed on community work and the Traveller struggle for human rights in Ireland.
Thomas, who is also the first Traveller to complete a doctorate in MU, was conferred along with five Traveller undergraduate students who received their Bachelor of Social Science (Community and Youth Work) degrees at MU’s conferring ceremony. The four-year degree integrates academic coursework with practical experience.
Wednesday was the second day of four days of conferring ceremonies celebrated at Maynooth University, with more 2,300 students receiving parchments.
First traveller to study at Maynooth University
In 1985, Thomas became the first Traveller student in the University, participating in the first Traveller education programme run by Dublin Travellers Education and Development Group, now Pavee Point. On completing this programme, he secured a place on the first MU undergraduate professional programme in Community Work and Youth Work.
“I was trying to find a coherent framework to support my political activism, and community development work offered this to me. That’s why I started out on this journey,” said Thomas, who went on to found and manage the national Traveller Counselling Service.
After earning a degree as a psychotherapist and studying for a Masters in Clinical Supervision in Trinity College Dublin, Thomas decided to return to MU to undertake a PhD.
“My aim was to stimulate something new in terms of thinking and to go beneath the surface and explore issues such as systemic racism against Travellers, intergenerational trauma and internalised oppression. These are values that are important to me,” he said. “I have strong values in terms of human rights and inclusion and the department in MU shared similar values.”
He plans to continue to build on his research and further develop the areas he has been working on.
“The success of these students challenges stereotypes and can inspire others to pursue higher education and professional development,” said Dr Ciara Bradley of the Department of Applied Social Studies. “It serves as a powerful example of how targeted, supportive educational programmes can empower marginalised communities, promote social inclusion and address systemic inequalities.”
Five undergraduate students part of initiative to support Traveller health workers
Five undergraduate students were conferred under an initiative between the Department of Applied Social Studies, Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre, the HSE’s Eastern Region Traveller Health Unit, supported by the Maynooth Access Office. They were:
· Geraldine McDonagh, a youth worker with the Southside Travellers Action Group
· Megan McDonnell, a worker with Traveller Women’s Awareness at Pavee Point
· Geraldine McDonnell, Traveller Community Development mental health worker
· Brigid Nevin, a primary health care coordinator
· Patrick Reilly of the Eastern Region Traveller Health Unit
The initiative aimed to support Traveller health workers gain professional education in community and youth work to enhance their educational and employment opportunities and capacity to contribute to community development initiatives in Traveller organisations and the HSE. It also aimed to break down barriers for Traveller students in higher education and support the ongoing development of inclusive education in Maynooth University.
Dr Bradley added: “It is a significant milestone in the Department of Applied Social Studies’ long-term commitment to excellence in inclusive education, engagement and building sustainable collaborations within and outside the university and the 40-plus years in supporting Traveller students and creating the conditions in which Travellers can thrive in Maynooth University.”
She commended the students for their resilience and dedication, especially given challenges thrown up by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic a few months into the programme.
“For the participants, this sudden shift posed significant challenges. Many faced limited access to digital devices and had no experience with online learning platforms. Additionally, their roles as health workers became even more demanding and they juggled increased work responsibilities, all while adapting to unprecedented changes in their daily lives.”
Acknowledging the significance of this milestone, Maynooth University President, Professor Eeva Leinonen, expressed pride in the achievements of the graduating Traveller students:
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our graduating Traveller students, including Thomas McCann. Thomas’s accomplishment, along with the success of his fellow graduates, shows their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to making a difference. Their achievements enrich our university community and inspire us all to continue working towards a more inclusive and fair society.”
