On Monday 18 June, at 3pm, the national Traveller organisations will see Traveller Pride Week launched by the Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin, Andrew Montague in a ceremony at Dublin’s Mansion House.
Today’s Press Release:
Event: Launch of Traveller Pride Week
Mansion House, Dawson Street Dublin 2
Monday 18 June 3.00pm
-Begins-
Traveller Pride Week 2012 will be launched today (Monday 18 June) at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.The Lord Mayor of the City of Dublin, Andrew Montague, will formally launch the week of celebration, culture and discussion, assisted by John Joe Nevin, the Traveller Olympian who will represent Ireland at London 2012.
Speaking ahead of the launch, the Lord Mayor said:
‘As this year is the European year for Active Ageing, and Intergenerational Solidarity, it is an honour for me to host the launch of Traveller Pride Week. In my term as Lord Mayor I’ve spoken of the increasing diversity in our city and valuing it. Travellers have been an integral part of Irish life and the life of this city and this week we can show our solidarity and respect for their culture and traditions. Intergenerational solidarity is part of pride and how the Traveller culture survives. This week is a week in which all Irish people should celebrate and value the rich contributions that Travellers have made to Irish life in this City and throughout the country.’
Martin Collins, co-director of Traveller Pride Week lead organiser Pavee Point, said:
‘This week will showcase the best of the Traveller community – all across the country, Travellers and Traveller organisations have allied with local interagency groups, other NGOs and one another to tell the world of the important and valuable work they’re doing. We’ll make it clear this week how proud we are of our community, how proud we are of our country and of the diversity of events Travellers have planned for the week.’
Travellers, representatives of Traveller organisations and their supporters from around the country will attend the event, to be joined by Traveller Olympian John Joe Nevin. A Traditional Traveller wagon will be in situ at the event.-Ends-
Notes to editors:
1. Traveller Pride Week is led this year by Pavee Point. The week is jointly organised by the Irish Traveller Movement, the National Traveller Women’s Forum. Minceirs Whiden, Involve, National Traveller Money Advice and Budgeting Service, Exchange House and the Parish of the Travelling People. It receives funding from the Department of Justice and Equality.
2. The week promises a packed schedule of seminars, celebrations, performance and drama across Ireland, with highlight events in the capital.
3. For more information on attending these events, please contact Ben Archibald at Pavee Point Travellers’ Centre.