International Traveller & Roma Day 2022
International Traveller and Roma Day is celebrated every year on the 8th of April and marks the opening day of the first world Roma Congress in London in 1971. Across Europe the day celebrates Romani Culture and raise awareness of the situation of Traveller and Roma and human rights issues they face.
On Wednesday, 6th April 2022, Maynooth University Access Programme, Department of Applied Social Studies and College Connect will mark International Traveller and Roma Day 2022 honouring our connections with the Traveller and Roma community. This is a daylong celebration and reflection and one that pays tribute to Traveller and Roma culture. Paying particular tribute to the late Michael McDonagh (Meath Travellers Workshop) the day will share in his memory through living history activities, music, song, poetry and storytelling.
All the events are happening on the North Campus of Maynooth University. Forming the centre piece for the day, Meath Traveller Workshop will feature its interactive Traveller Living History Exhibition of which Michael McDonagh was a Stallworth and key figure. This exhibition recreates a real-life picture and atmosphere of Traveller life in the 1950s, including a restored traditional barrel top wagon a tent with a campfire with some tin-smiting and storytelling. Singer Sharyn Ward will treat you to some traveller songs alongside Traveller poet Elizabeth Connors. There will be an opportunity to learn about the Whidden Workshops – It’s Kushti to Rokker, (talk workshops) at the Whidden stand, and to browse through the Maynooth University collection of Traveller and Roma literature.
Maynooth University’s President, Professor Eeva Leinonen will open the afternoon proceedings in John and Pat Hume Lecture Room 3, which will acknowledge the absence of the late Michael McDonagh in a tribute by Dr. Marianne O’Shea, followed by a keynote address from Anastasia Crickley (Pavee Point & Former Senior Lecturer at MU). Two panel discussions will follow the keynote with leading Traveller students, academics, activists and allies that explore, in a variety of ways, the question ‘How open are universities to Travellers and Roma?’
The first panel will discuss the topic of ‘Supporting Traveller and Roma students to and through higher education’ with Megan Berry (MU), David Joyce (MU) and Venessa Paszkowsha (MU), chaired by Declan Markey, Maynooth Access Programme. The second will explore ‘Traveller and Roma participation, research and policy in higher education’ with Maria Joyce (NTWF), Dr Seamus Taylor (MU), Dr Sindy Joyce (UL), Thomas McCann (Traveller Counselling Service), Owen Ward (NUIG) and Professor Amanda Haynes (UL), chaired by Dr Sarah Sartori, College Connect. Dr. Rose Ryan will give closing remarks.
The event will close at 6PM
Programme of Events