Rathkeale schools join for inaugural Traveller Culture Day

TWO primary schools in Rathkeale have hosted their first-ever Traveller Culture Day in partnership with Foróige.

An exhibition of the student projects on Traveller culture is on display in Rathkeale Library until Friday, May 2.

St Joseph’s National School's Traveller Culture Day was attended by dozens of parents to see an impressive exhibition of Traveller culture-themed projects created by the pupils. Students from 2nd to 6th class each chose a different theme to explore, including Travellers in Sport, Traveller Traditions, the Traveller Language Known as ‘Cant’, traditional Traveller food, and more.

School principal Mrs Hilary Pratt shared her pride in the students’ efforts and the community’s engagement. “Traveller culture day in our school was a great success. We celebrated the rich history and traditions of the travelling community in Rathkeale. This event not only educated all our pupils but strengthened our community ties, leaving a lasting impression on all who took part,” said Mrs Pratt.

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St Anne’s Primary School also hosted a Traveller Culture Day. The creativity and effort shown by the pupils amazed the large crowd of parents who came to support them. As with the boys’ school, each class selected a unique theme including Inspirational Traveller Women and Traveller Traditions Past and Present.

Deputy principal Ms Sinéad O’Leary expressed her pride, saying: “We are proud to have a large Traveller population in our school community, and today was a special opportunity to celebrate their rich culture, heritage, and contributions.”

Guest speakers played an important role in both schools celebrations. Traveller parents visited classrooms to share their personal stories, offering pupils a first-hand look into Traveller life.

Representatives from the Primary Healthcare for Travellers team spoke about health and wellbeing, and former pupil and beauty influencer Katie Marie Cleary inspired the students with her reflections on school life. Another highlight was the visit from Sinéad Sherlock, a young Traveller woman finishing her degree in primary education.

These events were part of an initiative led by Foróige, The National Youth Development Organisation’s Education Support Officers through the Youth Education Support (YES) Project, a new Rathkeale-based project focused on improving school attendance and participation funded by Tusla Education Support Services (TESS).