Clare Roma Inclusion Project Represents at National Traveller & Roma Men’s Health Day
The Clare Local Development Company’s Roma Inclusion Project was proudly represented at this year’s National Traveller and Roma Men’s Health Day in Dublin, organised by Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre. The annual event, held at the Phoenix Park, brought together hundreds of Traveller and Roma men from across Ireland for a day of sport, health awareness, and community connection.
A Day of Sport, Health, and Inclusion
The Roma Inclusion Project team, led by Project Worker Ruth Underwood, attended the event in collaboration with Conor Mahon of Clare Sports Partnership and the Traveller Primary Health Care Project (PHCP). Their diverse squad took part in the football tournament, competing alongside groups from health services and community organisations nationwide. Beyond the football pitch, the event offered participants free health checks including blood pressure and diabetes screenings, mental wellbeing support, and access to mainstream health services — all designed to address the significant health inequalities that continue to face Traveller and Roma men in Ireland.
Building Bridges Through Sport
The Clare team’s participation reflects the broader mission of the Roma Inclusion Project — to foster greater integration, build intercultural connections, and improve the health, wellbeing, and inclusion of Roma families living in Ennis and Kilrush. As Pavee Point’s Men’s Health Worker has noted, the day is about “creating the conditions where Traveller and Roma men are empowered and comfortable to participate in sport and take positive action in relation to health”.
Proud to Represent Clare
The Roma Inclusion Project has been working in County Clare since April 2018, supporting Roma families through cultural, educational, and health-focused activities, funded by DCEDIY, the HSE Traveller Health Unit, and SICAP. Ruth Underwood and the team’s participation in Men’s Health Day is a testament to the project’s commitment to championing health, sport, and inclusion as tools for lasting social change.