Clare Traveller CDP Delegation Meets President at Áras an Uachtaráin Ahead of Traveller Pride

Members of Clare Traveller Community Development Project (CDP) were honoured to attend a special afternoon tea reception hosted by President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin, in the lead-up to Traveller Pride celebrations.

Representing Clare were Bridgie Casey, CLDC Programme Coordinator with Clare Traveller CDP, Bridget Mongans of the Clare Traveller Primary Health Programme, and Martin McDonough, Men’s Development Worker. The event brought together members of the Traveller community and organisations from across Ireland in a meaningful celebration of culture, connection, and shared experience.

The group were delighted to meet President Connolly and her Clare-born husband Brian McEnery.

The reception recognised the strength, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of the Traveller community, while also highlighting the continued importance of equality, inclusion, and positive change.

Addressing those in attendance, President Connolly reflected on the significance of Irish Traveller Ethnicity Day in 2017, describing it as “an affirmation of the identity, history and culture of the Traveller community,” while acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by Travellers today.

The event was a warm and uplifting occasion, filled with music, conversation, and a shared commitment to celebrating Traveller culture and supporting the important work of Traveller organisations across the country. President Connolly also expressed her interest in visiting Traveller projects nationwide in the future.