Travellers participate in 1916 Celebrations – April 24th 2016

(Photo. Back L to R – Dean Collins, John McDonnell, Michael Tyrell, Mikey Collins, Hughie Collins, Martin Collins. Front L to R – Mikey Quinn, Martin Collins, Joe Collins, Martin Collins, Daniel Kavanagh)

It was great to see Travellers represented at two main events celebrating the 1916 Rising Centenary.

A group of young Dublin Travellers did us proud in the Citizen’s Parade as part of the GAA Laochra celebrations in Croke Park.  Their participation made a statement for diversity and anti-racism in the GAA.  The after-match show was recorded for posterity and broadcast live on TG4.

Meanwhile another group representing Pavee Point and the Traveller community took part in the Reclaim 1916 parade from Merrion Square to the GPO on O’Connell Street.

This parade was organised by ordinary people to re-state the Proclamation’s call for equality for all.  Our Traveller paraders got great support from the crowd who cheered us all the way with our horse and wagon.