Issue 77 - December 2010

Voice of the Traveller

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Traveller
voice of the
December 2010 Issue 77 €3

Meet our Makeover Winners!
from fear Seeking a life freeagainst women ce
Action opposing violen

The long traditio
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i a e y Tal e s! ionn!oMisliTtravrllers in the Services Attent f Ir h
10/12/2010 15:28:50

Season’s Greetings!
Dear readers,

VOTT

Feb 09 Final.in

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SUBSCRIBE?
5 issues a year costs only @30 Call us on 090 6498016 or visit us on www.natc.ie
Contact the Voice of the Traveller team Olga (Editor): olga.curley@natc.ie Julieanne (Chief Correspondent): julieanne.doorley@natc.ie David (Reporter): david.lynch@natc.ie Laura (Manager, Community Services Programme): laura.greene@natc.ie Michael (Sales and Marketing, CSP): michael.power@natc.ie Tracey (Administrator, CSP) Reporters Our regional reporters can be contacted at head office on 090 6498016 Voice of the Traveller, NATC, Unit 1, Monksland Business Park, Athlone, Co. Roscommon Email: voiceofthetraveller@natc.ie
All photos must be emails as jpegs or posted directly to us at the address above. Voice of the Traveller assumes that the full permission of anyone featured in a photograph has been secured prior to being submitted. Views expressed in Voice of the Traveller do not necessarily reflect policies of the editor or the National Association of Travellers’ Centres. Some photos submitted to the magazine may be used on our website.

the consumption , family feuds and Financial pressure ss on lots of an usual puts stre of more alcohol th ue we’ve tackled in mind, in this iss families. WIth that r over the yuletide, issues that occu e Women’s some of the bigger ce, highlighting th h as domestic violen suc ael Quinn n against fear. Mich id current campaig A ug abuse within es the nature of dr McDonagh examin doing to Traveller d the damage it is the community an nerations of h researches the ge culture. David Lync med forces over ve served in the ar ding this Travellers who ha m will not be spen years. Many of who the name of duty. families, all in the istmas with their Chr so it’s not all doom as is a celebration That said, Christm behind the scenes page 18 for some r and gloom. Turn to Daughter Makeove other and frolics with our M them fun and Catch up with y and Ellen Ward. e and winners Rosemar Xpose programm ed for TV3’s tin ‘Beanz’ they are interview as rls! Mar e Traveller Covergi in the become Voice of th look at Christmas -hearted Warde takes a light uise Delaney, Lo can. We celebrate w posts recession as only he Brian Crossan’s ne and Kathleen McGinley e and to round it economic climat ition with despite the current the pages of this ed f we’ve jam packed all of u enjoy it! Finally, os, so we hope yo our fabulous phot y aveller team wish the Voice of the Tr everyone here on . We look forward ry happy Christmas you and yours a ve in 2011! to doing it all again

Submissions for inclusion in the next edition of Voice of the Traveller must be with us on or before Friday January 28 2011.

Please note print outs of photographs are no longer accepted.

Voice of the Traveller is funded and supported by the following:

Olga

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of the Traveller al edition of Voice ng this Welcome to the fin s been! Here’s hopi hat a quick year it’ ard to for 2010. W hy and looking forw ds you happy, healt a wonderful article fin ason. Christmas is coming festive se the up cially for families time of year, espe ren. Santa has and of course child r younger asked me to let ou that the elves readers know ng the are currently putti e g touches to all th finishin are er toys and the reinde the dy to go! They love rea they will snow and ice so delivering have no problem year. However, to Ireland this among us, for the grown ups n be a testing Christmas can ofte time of year.

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On the Cover

In this issue…
15

Behind the scenes at Xpose with our competition winners!

Features
12 15 16 18
ust be

Irish Travellers in the Miltary: A long and varied history explored Ballinasloe Fair Photo Roundup Domestic Violence : We get the facts Behind the scenes of our Mother and Daughter Makeover

ation Voice of the Tr up stall at the Ba aveller set llinasloe October Fair and had grea meeting and gree t fun ting all our reader s! See if we captur your photo on pa ed ge 15 t... all strung ouonagh cD

the next gener

Michael Quinn M espread examines the wid ong society use of drugs, am e Traveller in general and th rticular, community in pa difficult and poses some questions.

4 5 6 10 19 23 26 27 28 29 30 32

Regulars
Photo of the Month Beanz on Xmas in the Recession News Round-Up Memory Lane National Traveller MABS Animal Tips & Tricks Ellen Remembrances Dear Annie Letters Wedding Profile Out and About

rightly Louise Delane y’s star is on the rise as she compl etes a three mon th work placemen with Galway City t Council in the ho pe of securing a permanent job. Re ad all about it on page 24

shining b

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10/12/2010 15:29:35

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This months photo: Paddy O’ Gorman from ‘Gorman’s People’ visits the Voice of the Traveller stand at Ballinasloe Fair with his famous sidekick.

Photo of the month

10/12/2010 15:29:48

Ballinalsoe, October Fair 03.010.2010, Galway.

Email your photos to voiceofthetraveller@natc.ie or post to Voice of the Traveller , NATC, Unit 1, Monksland Retail Park, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Beanz onMartin tmas in the ‘Chris Recession’ good ole
HERE wE GO folks, another year nearing its end. The old recession is not helping the situation within homes this year at all, not with the demand of a Playstation 3, an XBox 360 (thats the degree a parents head turns when its mentioned) or a Nintendo wii at an all time high. I know by the time this article has been printed and is laid softly in the hands of the ever eager reader, most of you will have had enough with the christian money spinner. well unfortuanately folks, it is a day which is inevitable, and with such days comes the inevitable financial backlash. I remember when I was a young lad, if I asked for a skateboard or something of that nature, I would have been as happy as an accordion player outside a post office on dole day. Now if I were to ask for anything over that price range , I wouldnt be long getting a wrap across the shoulders. But seriously, how gammy has the country gone? Billions to bail out the banks, and billions taken off the average joe on the street, and poor auld Mary Harney getting a slap of dulex in the face. Sure tiz gone mad entirely, mind you if she only went and got the whole body done in red, she could pretend to be Santa. The kind of Santa that asks you, “what would you like for christmas?” only to reply to you after, “would you not like a slice of cheese instead?” what good is cheese ministers, when most people either hate the stuff, have heart problems, are lactose intolerant, overweight, or don’t have the price of a loaf of bread to put it in?! On the flip side, the person who happened to be artisticly motivated enough that day to paint a live portrait of Mary Harney must be barking mad! Sure what would you waste money on paint for when your whole aim is to highlight the lack of funds in the HSE? No painting for me I’m afraid, no matter how bad the country gets! The only thing I’ll get close to in an artistic nature is drawing the dole. Anyway, this article is not about the state the government is in, tiz about merry old Christmas. I’m sure most people will duck for cover like a postman in Afghanistan, once

“I won’t say anything bad about the Playstation 3 because it’s like the 13th Apostle in our house”
the music starts... once we hear a bit of the Pogues, Band Aid, George Michael, or even Aunty Mary’s version of ‘white Christmas’ as she downs a third gallon of whiskey that she takes for medicinal purposes only. It helps her bones in the cold don’t you know (EVEN IN THE SUMMER!!!) well I for one won’t be caught up in the hype of Christmas, no way. I’m getting everyone in my family a good old voucher for the

Euro shop in Galway. I don’t want to be spending loads of money on things that will be forgotten or unused by March. I mean seriously, the country barely has enough money to vote for Mary Byrne on X Factor, never mind buying an X Box (I wont say anything bad about the Playstation 3 because its like the 13th apostle in our house, and I don’t fancy having my tires flattened on my next visit home...again.) Be safe on the roads this Christmas my Traveller brethren, and extra careful on the stairs, the last step always gets me. Happy Christmas to all and have a wonderful New Year,

Beanz
PS. To the kids out there, I was only joking about the Wii and the X Box, they are deadly...and finally to the ‘average joe on the street’, start learning the accordion lad, you will have a playstation within a month.

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News «
as part of open for business in Tipperary Town, to all involved! ‘An Siopa’ oject. Best of luck Rural Travellers’ Pr Tipperary

mas u drop this Christ Shop til yo nd selling second ha

The shop two enterprise ac, books, dvds lAST MONTH saw clothes, bric a br rkers in Tip wo ors on 4th and employment etc. opened its do ellers’ Project garet Casey, perary Rural Trav October 2010. Mar TP says that their latest excit(TRTP) unveil co-ordinator of TR ch d ‘An Siopa’, 5 Chur to a good start an shop is off ing project. ng for opened its the Town e followi Street, Tipperary wishes to thank th is shop ry r the first time. Th ort: Clonmel Rota doors fo their supp Club and centre where g ons is run as a trainin Club, Tipperary li e Traveller hir and the en women from th ncent de Paul, Ca sev St. Vi s involved. e on work expericommunity ar statutory agencie iving on the job ence and are rece ed clothes and retail training. To donate unwant , please telegoods to the shop range of soa Anne Marie (062 TRTP has devised phone Adelita or ategies to tackle is open from cial enterprise str 31138). An Siopa and provide day to Friday. unemployment 10am to 5pm Mon of s for the inclusion opportunitie bour market. Travellers in the la

sicia Intercultural mu

aying , Carrowbrowne pl wIllIE DElANEY elling tercultural Storyt accordian at an In ie played City Museum. will Festival in Galway d of apgot a great roun several tunes and l success l was a wonderfu plause. The festiva s from several by student and was attended ols in the city. post-primary scho primary and

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rl in Town ht in the Under 12’s The New Karate Gi ughrea. Julie foug ! Julie Ward from Lo 1st place. Congrats! Congratulations to nament and won ampionships Tour National Karate Ch d Brother Paddy.. ine, Dad Charlie an from Mum Gerald Love

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ion. to return to educat land has been available CHRISTINABo Christina will be Traveller l appointed the new to offer confidentia t to er to Tralee liasion offic advice and suppor logy. A in the Institute of Techno Traveller students rney, Christina also native of Killa Institute. She will ’s Training unity attended St. Anne work in the comm currently ellers Centre and is to encourage Trav udies one ee. She studying Media St to apply to IT Tral email in Tralee IT. night a week can be contacted by staff. n face in the A well know christina.boland@ a’s door Kerry area, Christin ittralee.ie Travellers, is always open to ing young and old seek

els PROPRIATE mod CUlTURAllY AP rvices selling se of providing coun r for developed to cate should be ling comavel members of the Tr higher-thanity to help reduce mun suicide, a seminar average levels of d recently. on the issue hear a psychotherapist Thomas McCann, th the Traveller and counsellor wi ice said mainCounselling Serv g services were stream counselin a sed on the idea of traditionally ba e service ity wher sedentary commun re’s to the service cent users came r nomadic thei but Travellers with from a nce would benefit experie appropriate lly different, cultura roach. app

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pl Pride Awards took sTHE TRAVEllER cus week on Thur eller Fo the launch of Trav ate br r. The awards cele day 2nd Decembe and cognise the work re the achievements, that exist for the obstacles highlight some of timate aim sh society. The ul Travellers in Iri expectations of in, increase is to instill pride ive contribution e Travellers posit rard Dollard and celebrat ent Officer), Ge e & Employm or) (Traveller Enterpris to Irish life.. th Care Co-ordinat and were Michael Flanagan Cox (Primary Heal seven categories C) and Sandra The Awards are in r of Service CC (Directo n. e Clare Traveller Pla won by: at the launch of th ell, Kildare d / Anne O’Donn · Education Awar ghue, ard / Katie O’Dono · Arts & Culture Aw Cork onagh d / Rosaleen McD ion · Community Awar e better co-ordinat s Traveller ev r Award / laoi plan aims to achi · Enterprise & labo th the overall view second Traveller public services wi Centre ARE launched its CO. Cl city of tends of Men’s Enterprise in the cultural capa mber 2010. This ex artin Collins, Dubl of strengthening plan on 2nd Dece ran from r self-govern· Music Award / M veloping thei st plan which n, Galway hn Monga Travellers, de the work of the fir service · Sport Award / Jo d ensuring better onnell, Navan ance capacity an ard / Denise McD 2005- 2009. · Youth Aw ing the first from mak delivery. A lot was learned ellers particiat there was was won portant that Trav . Many believe th Pride Award 2010 They plan work the It is very im Overall Traveller is time around e plan successful. tulations Roit. Th onagh. Congra pate in making th too many parts to by Rosaleen McD of very defined of Voice d about what they s a small amount ave been consulte iss the next edition plan ha com- h e interested saleen! Don’t m verage of the ellers want to see e plan. . If you ar indepth co wanted in th ease actions which Trav of the Traveller for a success then pl in making the plan eted by 2013. ide Awards of pl Traveller Pr ing with your area ed because of the join a group deal for The plan was agre Travellers in 6846428 and ask 5 nced by interest. Phone 06 difficulties experie .itmtrav.ie modation, of Health, Accom la Cullinan. Weblinks >> www the areas t. The Nico ork & Employmen Education and w

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text ofthetraveller.ie or contact info@voice item for us If you have a news u! 431 and we’ll call yo ‘News’ to 087 2384

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e results are in! ‘T Factor’..th

singing. d EllER magazine the evening include Special guests on OICE OF THE TRAV V in O’leary who a ght Dublin h Doran and Selin went along to Talla coming Elizabet ess in the eck out the up and yed overnight succ has both enjo November to ch lent tt Irish boxing cie Barre e T-Factor Ta music circuit. Fran stars profiled in th night s also there on the mpion wa competition. aveller talent cha e talent of up ide in th year, this Tr and spoke of his pr Now in its second sivea avelling members of the Tr yed not only a mas and coming show has enjo ences since with audi community. popularity increase from nchild of Melissa 09 it has also gone The idea is the brai its first run in 20 cipants as r of the Traveller h with parti Connors a membe strength to strengt ds r a chance ght and all procee e judges fo Community in Talla they try to wow th n’s Hospital, e sense of l Childre of €200. Th went to the Nationa to win a top prize es as on the y overtook the nerv e overall winners Tallaght. TError: Illegal entry in bfchar block in ToUnicode CMap
h excitement wa nt of a Kilkenny and rry from e stage in fro night were Anne Be each act took to th rry. se their s her son Andy Be dience too showca runner-up wa packed out au dancing to d hip-hop talent from Irish an

ping busy th ladies keenagers and young chilLou th tee
ary Heal THE lOUTH Prim ect is still going Care proj of strong. with a team ra s, Katie Reilly, No ladie Joyce and McDonagh, Alice oject Ann Stokes, the pr education beings health families and promotion to . Over the in the louth area rammes summer two prog ace for of ‘Cook it’ took pl

e project dren. Currently th st screenis providing brea screening ing and cervical promoeducation. Health gs for teenagers tion evenin pression on the topic of de roughare taking place th r further out December. Fo l susan. information emai kent@hse.ie

er ‘Cook it’ Programm Participants in the ING UP A STORM: Stokes, Catherine COOK agh, Ann Reilly, Nora McDon es, Lisa Reilly, in Louth were Katie uire, Catherine Stok , Maggie Mag illy Reilly, Shannon Re Myles Trudy

n McDonagh ngratulates Rosalee Mary McAleese co President e Award 2010. erall Traveller Prid on receiving the ov

tition ‘Can’t Lose Cant’ Compe

se Cant Competition. ” in this months Can’t Loo m “Kids Own Publishing 7 books Fro and address to 086 173541 n €50 and a selection of er along with your name Be In with a chance to wi al’ mean? Text your answ prizes! erful what does ‘seipe Services for these wond This months question is any and Kildare library s Own Publishing Comp Special thanks to Kid

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Quilting with Pride
Support Group based in THE COUNTY waterford Traveller made quilt made by its Dungarvan are exhibiting a hand as part of Traveller Pride members, in the local arts centre week 2010. sfield a local quilt Since March of this year Kass Man en on developing a maker/tutor worked with the wom culture of the Traveller patchwork quilt which reflects the p has an individual community. Each member of the grou eloped themselves. patch which they chose and dev The Old Market House The quilt will be exhibited firstly in garvan as part of Arts Centre, lower Main Street Dun lligan, Asst DirecTraveller Pride week 2010. Brigid Qui is the guest speaker. tor of the Irish Traveller Movement ibit in other venues The hope is that the quilt will exh public to come along around the south east. we urge the er 2010 to Christmas week to view from Tues 30th Novemb ibition at the Arts the quilt as part of the Christmas Exh Centre. port Group co-ordiThe County waterford Traveller Sup can be contacted at the Co. nator is Dee Jacques, and she Shopping Centre, on waterford VEC, Unit 13, Dungarvan fordtsg@gmail.com. 058-51438/086-1647361, countywater

aveller Community t Project and the Tr n ellers Developmen to Mr Ted Moyniha Kerry Trav cheque for €1680 orkers presented a Unit, Tralee. The Health W Pallitive Care Foundation at the e year. Well of the Kerry Hospice d walk earlier in th a sponsore as raised through money w d. done to all involve

A fond farewell to Bishop Walsh
To mark the retirement of Bishop willie walsh and acknowledge his support to the Travelling Community of County Clare over the years, local man Brian McDonagh invited friends and former teachers to the Bishop’s House to make a presentation to him. Pictured here are the group. From left to right are; Mary Sherlock, Patrick McDonagh, liam Jones, Anne walsh, Tim O’Neill, Helen O’Sullivan, Patricia Clancy, June Barrett, Sister Margaret McFadden, Bishop willie walsh, Brigid O’Mahony, Anna Ryan, Eileen Jones, Brian McDonagh, Greg Duff, willie Sherlock, Pat Galvin, Fr. Joe Hourigan, Nicky Brennan, Mary Sherlock, Nora Flynn and Pat McDonagh. Photo by Tom McDonagh.

aveller unty Waterford Tr ilt completed by Co ts Centre, The finished qu exhibition at the Ar p which will be on Support Grou . e Christmas season Waterford over th

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>> heritage

This week Memory Lane features some photos from the Joyce family archives

Memory Lane

Our own luxey joyce with her mothe r mary and brothers alan and anthony

joyce

luxey joyce striking a pose for the
camera!
10

mary harper rip holding dessie mc

donagh

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martin mcdonagh and martin berry Dundalk

martin & mary joyce with sons ala anthony n&

sean & ricky mcdonagh

annie mcdonag philis ward (allh, mary ellen, nora joyce, ka ti martin joyce, phrip) davy ward, totsie lovelle e boswell, il joyce. Also in the and his sister Legion of Mary, photograph
unknown,. Photo was taken in Dund are members of th e alk in the 1940’s.
11

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ne of fire In the li
the long traditio ers and milita n of irish travell ry service

reat War, to Iraq during the G g heat of ish Travellers From the blisterin t of the Troubles, Ir e heigh border duty at th service. Tales istory of military dh ng the wider have a long, prou families but amo within have passed down adition. David own about this tr is kn ry life has community little out the role milita vellers ab Lynch talks to Tra vers some munity and unco ir com played within the agedy. s of heroism and tr gripping tale
12

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IT’S 1979 and a young Irish Defence Forces solider travels south from the disputed lebanese-Israeli border to visit Nazareth. walking around the religious sites, as any good Irish Catholic at the time would do, Michael McDonagh bumps into a member of the local Bedouin nomadic community. “I only spoke a few words of Arabic, but I could communicate with this man,” says Michael. “I was able to describe to him my life as a Traveller back in Ireland and he described his nomadic life as a Bedouin. I was very far away from home, but there was a connection there. we could understand one another.” That scene under the blazing Middle Eastern sun is one of the most vivid in Michael’s memories of his tour of duty. “I enjoyed my time generally in the army. I was proud to serve, and also it was an adventure.” Stationed in the dangerous, but beautiful southern region of lebanon, Michael’s presence there was no accident. You could say it was in the genes.“My family is steeped in military service. It goes back generations.Growing up I would have heard stories from my father and others about the army life.” Michael is the fourth generation in his family to wear military uniform. Irish Travellers have served in the Irish Defence Forces at home and abroad. Previously members of the community served in the Irish Free State and fought in the war of Independence. Travellers fought in the Second world war-one of whom was awarded the much prized Distinguished Conduct Medal by the British state. During the First world war, young Traveller men fought and died in the trenches of the western Front and in the Middle East. “There are so many great stories that I grew up with about life in the army. I wanted to join the FCA, and I did so when I was very young.” The ‘Troubles’ had just begun in the North and border duty was the order of the day. It was inevitable Michael would follow his father into the full army. At one stage Michael, three of his brothers and his father were all stationed in Dun-

dalk barracks. His grandfather had also served in the Irish army and his great grandfather with the British army. Family lore has it that he was on duty in India for a period. william McDonagh from Exchange House has researched Irish Traveller soldiers during the First world war, and has begun to piece together some remarkable stories of bravery and heartache. His great grandfather Michael ward from Tuam Co Galway, left his family to join the Connaught Rangers. “Travellers joined the army for different reasons,” says william. “For some, especially the young it was adventure, others knew no different. But for others it was the need for work and money. Michael left a wife and family so for him it must have been economic reasons”. One of Michael’s son’s James also enlisted. Both men were to die far away from their west of Ireland homes and families. Serving in the Royal Irish Regiment, Michael was killed in action on 29 October 1915 in Mesopotamia, which is now modern Iraq. less than five months later, his son James was also killed in Iraq. Their bodies laid to rest in the war Memorial Cemetery in Alexandria Egypt. “I think about it sometimes what it must have been like for those men serving that far away from home,” says william. “Of course it was difficult for everyone-but particularly for Traveller men, when family is so important, to be that far away from Ireland. They must have thought some nights, ‘what am I doing here?’. There are other infamous stories from the Great war- including the Furey brothers from loughrea. Ten brothers enlisted in the army to fight on the western front- six of them lost their lives. william Henry makes a special reference to Travellers who served in his book ‘Forgotten Heroes: Galway Soldiers of the Great war 1914-1918’. “Many Travellers did enlist for service in the Great war, and several of them were killed,” writes Henry. “It is no surprise that the contribution and sacrifice made by these men was forgotten.”

Photo on opposite page: Christopher ‘Jackdaw’ Joyce on the left (winner of the DCM medal) with two of his fellow soldiers and right Michael McDonagh on duty in the Lebanon in the late 1970’s

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Passing out parade Dundalk 1976. Brothers Jimmy and Michael McDonagh and their father Patrick ‘Soldier Paddy’ McDonagh.

Young Travellers pictured visiting the site of the battle of the Somme Memorial in France in 2008 with William McDonagh from Exchange House. They placed a wreath in memory of the Travellers who had died in the First World War.

Uncovering a hidden history

Courage under fire
One day in the life of Christopher (Christy) “Jackdaw” Joyce always lived strong in his memory. The westmeath Traveller served in the British Army fighting the Nazis during the Second world war. He survived to tell the tale- but it was the gripping events of one day in Italy in September 1943 that stood out more than the others. Displaying extreme “gallantry in the field” during the dangerous landing on the Italian beaches- Joyce was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) by the military top brass. It sounds like a scene from a Hollywood blockbuster movie. It began at 3am on 9, September 1943 and under intense German fire as he sprang ashore the Salerno beaches in Italy with the rest of 79 Company. German resistance was stiff- firing their guns upon the members of the Royal Pioneer Corps- who suffered many casualties. However Private Joyce reached the beachfront safely, as one of the decisive battles in the Allied Invasion of Italy raged around him. There is a breathless description of Private Joyce’s actions, by his commanding officer, in the original copy of the official DCM recommendation. Joyce “spotted a machine gun post” and “without waiting for instructions he dashed forward, entered the post. “And at the point of the bayonet captured the gun and its crew of four gunners. Throughout the rest of the day engaged in the extremely important on Amber beach under continuous mortar fire. This soldier continuously set a fine example of energy and courage which was of immense value to the others engaged in this work.” Private Joyce became the only known Irish Traveller to be awarded the distinguished medal- something that he and his family remained very proud of for the rest of his life.

“It is about tracing names, which isn’t easy when there are the same surnames popping up,” says William McDonagh about his research work. “It’s about going to the families and checking their stories and the documentation-there is a lot of oral history work involved. “People don’t understand that certain families in the Travelling community have a long tradition of service in the military. “Irish Travellers have served in the British army, the Irish army, and some fought in the War of Independence as well.” In 2008 William led a group of young men with Exchange House on a trip to the Somme battlefield. They laid a wreath for all the Travellers who fought in the war, some of whom were relatives of the boys and youth workers. “It is important to know your history. It is important to know where you and your people came from. That’s why we should not forget those who fought and died.”

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All the fun of the fair!
Some photographic memories of a fabulous weekend at Ballinasloe October Fair 2010

dancing for a few bob

David Pricthard, Fundraising for cancer

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it’s a long way to tipp!
Eddy Sullivan, Billy O’Leary and Edmond Sullivan from Cahir.

ture predicting the fuFrances d
Psychic Madame Lee an McGuire

sisterly fun

Sullivan Elaine and Bernadette Thurles

, from

chocolate lover!
Enjoying a sweet treat.

ial Soc the ge 32 a f n to Tur ry on p otos o h a om Di ore p rs fr e m for r read e Fair u lo o all llinas Ba

family day out

having a break

Eddy, Mary and Jack Sweeney

Madame Laurel, Psychic enjoying her favourite magazine

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For a life free from fear...
10/12/2010 15:32:44

This ChRisTMas Many wOMEn aRE sEaRChing

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ACCORDING TO women’s Aid 1 in 5 Irish women have suffered domestic abuse from a former or current spouse or partner. Experts believe this reported figure could actually be higher. This Christmas the ‘16 Days Campaign’ was launched by women’s Aid and other organisations to highlight the issue of domestic violence in Ireland. The campaign runs from the 25th November until the 10th December with a nationwide series of events, Voice of the Traveller investigates. Christmas is a time for family, fun and festive cheer for many of us. People gather together to share presents and to spend time with loved ones. However for some women it can be a particularly tough time of the year. Financial pressure, family tensions and often too much alcohol can lead to explosive situations. The ‘16 Days Campaign’ launched at the end of November by a number of women’s organisations highlights the issue of domestic violence that impacts on the lives of many women in Ireland. The dates were chosen to symbolise the link between violence against women and human rights abuses- the 25th November (UN Day Opposing Violence against women) until the 10th December (Human Rights Day). This is an issue that affects the Travelling community as well. Voice of the Traveller spoke to laura Sheehan from woman’s Aid.

“In 2009, 310 callers to the women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline were identified as minority callers,” she said. “Of that figure 5% were from Traveller women, however, this figure is only based on women identifying themselves as being from the Traveller community in the natural course of the telephone support call, so the actual figure may be higher”. A report released by woman’s Aid entitled “Safety Change” found that there were some slight changes in the support needs between Traveller women and

“In 2009, 310 callers to the Women’s Aid helpline were identified as being minority callers ”
those from the wider community. Housing issues as well as staying safe and gaining protection from a partner or ex-partner was particularly for those in the Travelling community. In 2007 a young Traveller woman called Maureen (not her real name) contacted the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) and told her story. Maureen was married one year and pregnant with her first child. She told the Domestic Vio-

lence Advocacy Service (DVAS) that her husband had never assaulted her before but since she became pregnant he had on a couple of occasions. He always had a “short fuse” as she called it and could get very angry with her especially when she spent any time with her mum and sisters who lived not far away. On this occasion she reported that her husband had come home and she was outside the caravan talking to his sister and sister in law who all lived beside them. She followed him into the caravan where he started shouting at her as she went to leave he struck out and hit her. She ran out of the caravan and went to her mother. Her family did not want to interfere so she rang DVAS to see if they could get her somewhere safe to stay, The only option available to her at the time was a free space in a refuge in Galway. As she was about 7 months pregnant at the time she did not want to travel that far so she stayed with her family for two nights but her husband and her family told her she had to return to him, which she did. It is now 3 and a half years later and Maureen has 2 children. She still accesses DVAS and on a couple of occasions DVAS has had no other option but to place Maureen in a local B&B. She has also gone to the refuge in Galway and Mayo if needed. DVAS feel if Maureen had the option of refuge in Sligo the first time she left it may have made things easier for her to leave.

Signs your relationship is in trouble. If you tick even one of the below, you could be in an abusive relationship. Does your partner....
• Humiliate you with verbal abuse and put downs? • Control what you do? • Stop you from talking to friends or family? • Make you account for money you spend? • Prevent you from getting a job? • Abuse you in front of your children? • Act like the abuse is no big deal, blame you or deny doing it? • Destroy your property or threaten your pets? • Intimidate you with guns, knives or other weapons? • Shove, slap or hit you or your children? • Insist you have sex when you don’t want to, or insist you do things you are not comfortable with? • Unfairly accuse you of being unfaithful? • Threaten to commit suicide or threaten to kill you if you leave?

Where to get help
Domestic Violence Advocacy Service DVAS provides services in Sligo, Leitrim, and West Cavan. Sligo Centre 071 91 41515 Carrick-on-Shannon Centre 071 96 16844 Drublin Rape Crisis Centre www.drcc.ie www.garda.ie www.domesticviolence.ie Women’s Aid National Helpline Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900

Weblinks

id.ie >> www.womensa
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Drug addiction is a problem in many areas of the country and sections of the community. In recent years concerns that the use of illegal drugs is on the rise in the Traveller community have been voiced by many. Here, Michael Quinn Mc Donagh, who has over two decades of experience working with homeless and people with addiction issues, confronts this, and other important and controversial subjects.
TRAVEllERS wHO are strung out on drugs are looked down on by other Travellers. Yet the people who sell them the drugs are looked up to and many young people aspire to be like them. In light of this, I would like to ask a question-Has drug dealing become part of Traveller culture? Traveller culture, in my opinion has changed a lot over the years, in some ways for the better and in other ways for the worse. For something to be part of a people’s culture it must be widely accepted by the majority of the community. This seems to be so with drug dealing among Travellers. I remember when I was growing up, drug dealers were looked down on and shunned by Travellers. 18 I remember when even people smoking hash were being talked bad about. But now, Travellers are selling drugs and it is looked at as a normal occupation the same as landscaping, tarmaccing, markets etc. In my opinion, it’s all down to greed for money. The people selling drugs don¹t care about the devastating misery they’re causing to people, families, and the community. All they care about is fancy cars, houses, trailers and being able to flash their wealth. They think that having loads of money gives them status in the community and don’t care that their lavish lifestyle is funded by suffering. Even someone that accepts a present or money from someone that is selling drugs is as bad as the dealers. They should stop

Webli

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and think about the harm that drugs are doing to people and realise that no amount of money or flashy cars is more important than someone’s life. Drug dealing and drug money is bad luck and eventually will bring nothing but bad luck to all those involved in it. So I ask the question, ‘Has Drug Dealing Become Part of Our Culture?’ I hope it hasn’t but I’m not sure. I have been working with homeless people and people with addiction issues for over twenty years. In that time, I have worked in many places and seen many different approaches to addiction. In my opinion, the best way to address the problem is by using an individual and personalized program for each person. It is much easier to have one program for all. That’s where I see a lot of addiction centre’s going wrong, I firmly believe that an individually tailored program will achieve the best results for those with a addiction and mental health issues. we at the Communities Against Drugs Second Chance Holistic Addiction Services in Dundalk Co louth. Have forged very close links with Save Our sons And Daughters (SOSAD). SOSAD is a charity whose mission is to work to reduce the number of suicides in Ireland through. Suicide is the leading cause of death for males under thirty-four years of age with an extremely high percentage of these being men from the Travelling Community. This is an area of grave concern that needs to be addressed with all the resources we can find. One way of addressing it is, by linking up with and receiving training from organisations like SOSAD, AwARE, etc. we then in turn can use this invaluable information in our work and in our every day lives. * Michael Quinn Mc Donagh is Director of the Communities Against Drugs Second Chance Holistic Addiction Services in Dundalk Co Louth.
o ke t d li oul n this w o ok ou If y ment not lo k! m co e why eboo ac cl arti p on F us u

The financial burden of funerals
MOnEy aDviCE & BuDgETing sERviCE (MaBs)

Funerals can place huge financial pressure on grieving families and none more so than in the Traveller community. MABS explores this sensitive topic

NATIONAL Traveller MABS acknowledges the financial pressure funerals can place on many low income families. For some within the Traveller Community, such pressures are worsened by the circumstances of the bereavement, a lack of money and by an inability to access appropriate financial services. This can result in people incurring considerable debt .For the past six months, Dr Stuart Stamp (Research Associate at NUI Maynooth) have been carrying out research on behalf of National Traveller MABS into the financial burden of funerals within the Traveller community. The research aims, among other things, to; 1 Explore the importance of the funeral within the Traveller Community . 2 Explore the costs that can be incurred as a result of a bereavement. 3 Identify how funeral costs are currently met within the Traveller Community . 4 Identify any barriers to meeting such costs. 5 Examine how barriers identified can be overcome. 6 Recommend possible alternatives to the present situation.. Interviews have been carried out nationally with several key individuals within the Traveller community as well as individual Travellers who have experienced debt following the burial of a loved one. Currently a number of Traveller-specific focus groups are being undertaken to further explore the various issues that have become apparent. Feedback from these focus groups will be contained in the final report. It is envisaged that recommendations laid out in the published report will support possible ways to address the issue and the financial exclusion of many within the Traveller community. National Traveller MABS would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have participated in the research to date. We look forward to circulating the final report in the spring of 2011 and wish all our readers a very happy and debt-free Christmas.

Weblinks

nd.ie >> www.sosadirela

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Hey Mam: You’re the best!

Dear Editor,

ot competition ter the photosho I am writing to en e is Rose Mary y mother. My nam for myself and m y mother, father Loughrea with m win this Ward and I live in for my mother to mily. I would love and fa it. e really deserves prize as I think sh . I found out 11 other in the world She is the best m s which mean d kidney problem years ago that I ha ctor’s visits. pointments and do e a lot of hospital ap pporter and cam r one su always my numbe t3 She was dialysis abou all. I had to start ys a with me to them worse. It was 3 da ition got rs ago as my cond me with yea her ca and again my mot l. The week, every week me cope with it al d helped me each time an pecially hard as es is in particular w e is no way I first year of dialys r by my side ther out my mothe and with rough it all. would have got th kidney for a ting list for a new had been on a wai I t the call that before I finally go number of years ion which was a e. I had the operat making one was availabl acks I have been Despite some setb , almost success. back to work now recovery and am me and a good ways believed in r later. My Mam al a yea tough few ort. It has been a e me all her supp gav e coming out the us but I feel we ar years for both of for her to have l now. I would love other side of it al and it would be rves a makeover this day. She dese day together. have this special fantastic for us to Thank you, Rose Mary.
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Behind the scenes: Rose Mary gets her make-up applied. Centre, Alice Ann poses for a pic with her new models. Far right, a cameraman from TV3 hard at work for Xpose

IN THE last issue of VOTM, the team were very excited to offer readers the chance to win a Mother/Daughter Makeover with a personal stylist, fantastic new outfits from Alice Anne Bridal in Carrick-onShannon, a portrait photoshoot and a chance to be featured on TV3’s entertainment and fashion programme Xpose Our independent panel of judges were locked away in a secret location trawling through the hundreds of letters we received for the competition and unanimously decided on the winner –Rose Mary ward from loughrea. Rose Mary has had some health problems in the past years and wrote about how her mother, Ellen, was her rock of support throughout it all. Mary Rose wanted the treat for her mam to show her thanks for everything she has done for her in the past few years. First was a trip to Alice Anne Bridal Carrick-on-Shannon for consultations with Alice Anne and Jenny – another mother/ daughter combination – (how appropriate!) to choose the outfits. Their shop is filled with wonderful outfits of every colour and style with sizes to fit all. Alice Anne and Jenny have had years of experience in the fashion industry and specialise in providing bridal, bridesmaids and

guest of the wedding outfits, graduation dresses and outfits for all occasions for the Traveller community nationwide. So, outfits selected, it was off to Dublin to the Ashling Hotel, where the management and staff pulled out all the stops to ensure that the ladies had a wonderful time. Karen Koster from Xpose spent the morning chatting with the ladies as the cameras rolled. Before long our already beautiful mother and daughter were styled and preened into what can only be described as Ireland’s Next Top Models! Ellen, who has never, yes never, worn makeup, looked stunning in a beautiful pink skirt and jacket by Victoria Rynn, available in various colours at a cost of €450. For Rose Mary, a beautiful full length gown was chosen with a very youthful fur shawl, great for winter weather. She wore a prom dress by Ruby Prom. (It comes in sizes 06-24 at a cost of €299. Both looks are currently in store but with limited stock available.) Again, the personal touch from Alice Anne and her team was plain to see as the fit and style of the dress was perfect for Rose Mary’s petite figure. Her hair was styled by staff from Ob-1 Hair salon in Maynooth to frame her face and her makeup was the ultimate finishing touch. She looked

exquisite and I’m sure she will get plenty of wear from this wonderful outfit. To finish the day, the girls were treated to lunch in the Aisling hotel followed by a fantastic photo session by photographer David Mclean from Mirror Image Makeovers where they were presented with framed portraits as a reminder of the day. without David’s commitment and help, the day would not have been possible. David’s professional expertise produced fantastic cover girls! The makeover was featured on TV3’s Expose on December 15th. Our team here at Voice of the Traveller really enjoyed the experience, almost as much as our winners! Keep an eye out for upcoming competitions in future issues of Voice of the Traveller. Next time... it could be you! Contact Alice Ann Bridal, Carrick-on-Shannon. Tel: 071 9650784 Mirror Image Makeovers, Nationwide www.mirrorimagemakeovers.com OB-1 Hair, Maynooth (01)6293900 21 21

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Showing them how it’s done!

DOnEgaL in fOCus...

tion. “when I get up in the morning, I be glad to come to work. Everybody that’s here, they’re all very friendly. It makes the job a lot easier when you know there’s people to help out if you do get under pressure. I enjoy when things get busy, when you’re kept going, and seeing the finished product.” R&CC Development Officer Catherine Anne Kelly, who works closely with Kathleen, expressed appreciation for Kathleen’s contributionsto the project. “Kathleen has been an integral part of the Respecting and Connecting Communities team since she joined the Council in February of this year,” Catherine Anne said. “Myself and Kathleen work really well together, and through the various projects and initiatives we are running we hope to make a real difference.”

IT’S ONlY months since letterkenny resident Kathleen McGinley became one of the first Travellers ever to hold a position on the administrative staff of Donegal County Council. Already, however, Kathleen is being praised for her exceptional contribution to the Respecting and Connecting Communities (R&CC) Project that the Council is leading out on as part of the Donegal Peace III Action Plan. “Kathleen has brought a whole new perspective to this work, and is a key part of the team in terms of delivering this project,” said Donegal County Council Social Inclusion Officer Anne Marie Conlon. “Her enthusiasm and dedication rubs off on everyone working with her, and she is a valued member of our staff. Kathleen is one of the first Travellers to be employed in this type of role within Donegal County Council, and demonstrates in a positive way how taking affirmative action can facilitate a more inclusive approach to employment in any organisation.” Kathleen, who is ECDl-certified on the computer and has previous experience in administration, was hired to fill the Traveller Support worker position of the R&CC Project. The 18-month project aims to improve the relationship between the Traveller and settled communities through a number of initiatives, including organising a range of events that the two communities can participate in together and developing an inter-agency framework for coping with conflict between the communities when it occurs. “I am definitely enjoying it,” Kathleen said of her R&CC posi22

Kathleen’s work on the R&CC Project has also been greeted by the DTP, which was involved in developing the Traveller-related portion of the Donegal Peace III Action Plan. “we’d felt very strongly that you couldn’t have settled people alone working on this project, and aredelighted to see a Traveller fill this position as part of it,” said DTP Manager Siobhan Mclaughlin. “we are also very glad to see Kathleen in one of the first Council administrative positions ever held by a Traveller.”

“ It didn’t matter how long it was going to take, I knew I was going to get there some day ”
Kathleen, who is 26, worked in childcare for a number of years before deciding to explore career options that included work on the computer. with the assistance of Maeve McIvor, the DTP’s Traveller Employment Co-ordinator, she secured a clerical assistant work placement at the Ballybofey medical card centre in 2008. The responsibilities of that position were such a good fit with Kathleen’s interests that she went on to complete a threemonth ECDl training and to hold a receptionist position at the DTP under the Community Employment Scheme in 2009. “I knew it would take time,” Kathleen said of acquiring the computer training and administrative experience that ended up qualifying her for employment in the R&CC position. “But it’s what I wanted to do, so it didn’t matter how long it was going to take. I knew I was going to get there some day.”

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Taking over the reigns
Settling into his new role as Director of St. Joseph’s Education Centre, Ennis, Brian Crossan has an exciting new challenge ahead of him. Voice of the Traveller catches up with him for a short chat.

Animal Tips & Tricks
With Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Here are some tips from Margaret O’Sullivan on treating two very common problems with dogs.
Two little pests that can cause terrible suffering to dogs are fleas and mange. Unless these little pests are treated immediately the end result can be a slow painful death for the dog Mange Mange is skin disease caused by mites. Sarcoptic mange in its human form is called scabies. The most common one found in dogs is Demodetic mange but you can also get Sarcoptic in severe cases. The mange usually starts around the muzzle and works backwards. It is vital you get the dog to the vet immediately for treatment. The treatment usually involves a wash and some medicated cream. The quicker a vet sees the dog the quicker it is to cure. Sadly a lot of owners do not take their dogs for treatment which is a shame as the treatments are not expensive. As a matter of interest Sarcoptic mange can also be found in horses. Signs to look out for include, the hair becoming thin and broken with visible cuts. Again a trip to the vets is a must. Fleas Fleas are a skurge to get rid of as they just get everywhere . You have two kinds of fleas that can attack a dog, the human one and the dog flea. People sometimes think fleas are no problem but if left untreated they will kill a dog. Puppies are especially at risk and can die if left untreated in a few days. All fleas cause severe irritation in the young and unwell dog. It also cause anemia and sometimes the dogs reaction to fleas can cause eczema. A trip to the vets is vital so the dog or puppy can get the proper treatment. In regard to Mange and Fleas a lot of ‘old cures’ are sometimes practiced , these do NOT work and can cause more suffering and pain and death to the dog. The answer is always to take the animal to the vet. The Galway Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have been in Galway for roughly twenty years. From humble beginnings, we have progressed to now having a shelter in Heathlawn Killimor, Co. Galway and a shop offices and cattery in Galway City. We daily strive to improve the welfare of all animals. We are always in need of donations, please visit our website at www.galway-spca.com or contact us at the number below.

VOT: Congratulations on your new role. Tell us a little bit about St. Joseph’s St Joseph’s Education Centre is situated in the Gort Road Business Park. It was the first Traveller Training Centre to open in Ireland in 1973. There are currently 37 full time learners attending with 2 leaving Cert Applied groups and 3 Fetac Programmes. VOT: what do you see for the future of the Senior Traveller Training Centres? The changes are pretty easy to see as the department is talking about phasing out centres and they want Travellers to integrate into other services. Yet our Training Centres are not allowed integrate from other centres as the integration is one way only. In the Traveller training centre you are only allowed to take in ten percent non-Travellers and that’s only if Travellers are not taking up those places and while I don’t want to be controversial, it’s hard to implement integration when there are so many restrictions. we are a segregated provision basically and the Department are saying that we can no longer operate that way. we didn’t create this segregation as it was the way it was set up from the start and what I would really like to see for the future is re-integration to be supported because if you phase out centres without putting structures in place and providing programmes it is going to be a long time before Travellers really take up those extra places and really step up and get the education they deserve. VOT: Do you think if this centre closed down the participants would attend an integrated service? If it closed down in the morning then the programmes like VTOS, VTI, FETAC, all of those programmes locally are fully utilised and there is waiting lists for participants to enter. I think 2000 people applied for less than 1000 places in VTI alone, so it’s one thing to get candidates to apply for these course but another then to get them off the waiting list and onto a course. So really if you cutback courses for Traveller education then you need to account for that need elsewhere. So basically the plan is to phase out Traveller centres and let the Travellers take their chances on the waiting lists that are already under pressure.

Weblinks

>> www.stjotc.ie

for Contact Galway Society of Cruelty the Prevention or to Animals at 091-563631 .net email gspca@eircom

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Are we an ethnic group?
The debate over whether Travellers are a separate ethnic group has raged for years. Here Owen Ward from Tuam, argues Travellers should have a say on the issue- by voting on it.
THIS CONTENTIOUS question is currently being pushed forward by national organisations that feel they have a mandate from the people for whom they are requesting this ethnic status. There is the available opinion that because we tick most of the boxes of definition, that all we have to do now is ask for it and it shall be granted. Maybe so, but it is the manner in which this issue has been handled that causes the scepticism. we, at western Traveller & Intercultural Development were privileged to receive a visitor from a national organisation recently who promoted the concept of becoming recognised as part of an ethnic minority group. we are told that we are already an ethnic minority group, but that we haven’t yet been recognised as such. Therein lies the question, why? will our lives become more protected by acquiring the ethnic status? Is this ethnic status just a fancy word? why strive for another category of human selection if we are free people? Finally, what are the social and political implications of being recognised as an ethnic minority group? Despite my personal opinion on the matter, I feel that the entire issue has been shoved forward by national organisations because they believe that it will provide a status of protection for the Irish Travelling community that previous Irish government’s have found themselves unable to comply with. Nevertheless the issue of ethnic status has not received the respect that it deserves. I believe that it would be seen to be democratically received by the majority if the entire decision to become recognised as having an ethnic status was voted upon. That would be the usual format for such major decisions. The perception that it is being done for the right reasons 2 244 are arguably contentious when the community of people that have one status today can have another tomorrow, and without majority consent. Europe has a seriously poor record in relation to the humane treatment of ethnic minority groups as I write. France is busy deporting Romany and Gypsy’s as an effort to improve their economic status. On a personal note I think that we should examine the realities of where exactly do we want to be in the world’s manner of categorising ourselves. Some are of the opinion that having ethnic status will improve the living world of Travellers, while others feaError: Illegal entry in bfchar block in ToUnicode CMap
r losing their Irishness by further segregation, and all because we tick the appropriate box of definition while ignoring the person in front of us. we can all too often fall into the mindset that we have to be categorised all the time. First we are Tinkers, then Travellers, now we are told that we can be something else and that it is good for us to be in a category and the reward for fitting into that box is that Europe has financial assistance left aside for such groups. I am wary of the mindset that chooses something for the majority without consent. Some believe that having an ethnic status will eventually improve living standards among Travellers, that our culture and heritage will be protected and respected, that we will have a better value for life. It is not difficult to question the rational of the concept of achieving ethnic status, but we do need to ask do we have to acquire something that has never been seen positive by anyone other than those wanting it? I look forward to the discussion and vote. Join the debate...contact Voice of the Traveller at NATC, Unit 1, Monksland Business Park, Athlone.

Blazing a trail in Galway City Council
lOUISE DElANEY from Salthill, Co Galway has set her sights on being a career woman and is well on her way to achieving her goal. Age just 21, louise has already completed her leaving Cert in the Domician College, Galway from where she proceeded to complete a course in computer skills with FAS. She also undertook a four week course in Personal Skills at Galway People’s Resource Centre, all of which helped her enormously in gaining her current position with Galway City Council. However, while possessing the necessary qualifications can’t hurt, it’s louise’s ‘can do’ attitude that is her biggest asset. A bubbly 21 years old with tons of enthusiasm, louise takes her daily tasks in her stride. She told Voice of the Traveller “working in the City Council is amazing. I love coming into work everyday and the people in here have been so lovely. During my day I can be doing anything from filing to typing letters to answering the phones. I meet the girls from the HR Department every day for lunch.” She’s currently using her hard earned wages to pay for her braces and some Christmas presents for her family. “My family have been so supportive. I want to get out there are do stuff and they have always encouraged me. It’s the same for my younger sisters coming up, our parents just let us get on with it. I’ll think about marriage in a few years time but there’s no rush.” Once louise has completed her placement with Galway City Council she’s hoping to gain work experience in the library of University College Galway. whatever path she takes from here, one thing is certain, this girl is going places and we wish her lots of luck!

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>> heritage

The continuing take of Ellen the young Traveller girl as she makes a very special Christmas wish that comes true!
IT wAS Friday and it was the school Christmas Holidays! All the children in the school were very excited. All day long they talked about Santa Claus and what he was going to get them for Christmas. They each took it in turns to talk about what kind of presents that Santa was going to get them. They wrote and promised Santa in their letters that they were going to be very good especially for the last few days building up to Christmas. Of course Ellen was surprised to hear them make such promises because she knew some of them were very bold and rude children especially to her. when Ellen went home from school that evening she was very courious about all this fuss about “Santa Claus” and wanted to know who and what he was and where she could find him. Ellen’s father explained to her that there was a man called “Santa Claus” who was a magic man and travelled in his reindeer sleigh every Christmas Eve. He gave all the children in the world presents. He told her that all the children would write to Santa and ask him for whatever they wanted or wished for a week before the Christmas… Ellen had never heard of Santa Claus before this and asked her father why he had never come to her. Ellen’s father was gobsmacked at Ellen’s question and had to think for a moment before answering her. “well, that’s because we don’t have a house” Ellen was somewhat disapointed at first, then asked her father if she could write Santa a letter?. “Of course you can Ellen, but don’t be disappointed if he can’t find us ok” So Ellen sat down to write her letter. Christmas day arrived and Ellen looked out the window of the wagon and started to shout and screan “Santa came to me, he got my letter, he got my letter” she woke up her father and mother with all the shouting! Ellen went outside jumping up and down in the snow shouting “Thank you Santa, thank you!” At this stage her parents, and nearly everyone else on the road too were awake and rushing outside to see what all the fuss was about. Ellen told them with real excitement that she wrote a letter to Santa and asked him to make lots and lots of snow for Christmas. Most of the other children didn’t know what she was on about and when Ellen told them of her secret they belived her. It snowed for four days and four nights. The snow had built up 26 so bad that no-one was able to travel anywhere. It was much too dangerous for the children to go out to play. The men and older boys had to help bring the horses in from the fields in case they smothered or died with the cold. Ellen sat beside the stove and felt so sad and quilty that she wrote to Santa for snow. She thought to herself that she should have asked for something else maybe something that she never

Ellen

“Santa came to me, he got my letter! He got my letter! She ran outside jumping up and down in the snow. Thank you Santa, thank you”
had. Oh she was so dissapointed with herself, all she could think about now is why didn’t she ask Santa for a house...he would have given her that instead of all the snow! Now all she could think about now was how on earth was she going to stop all this snowing. when her father come home Ellen could see that he was very cold and looked really upset. Ellen sat very quiet in the corner, then she got an idea. She went outside and climbed on top of the wagon and shouted as loud as she could ‘Santa please stop all this snow, please make it stop snowing” Ellen’s father jumped as quick as he could and it took them all about an hour to get her off the wagon because it was so slippery. Crying now, she explained to her family that it was her fault that the snow was falling. Everyone started to laugh explaining that this was not her fault and that Santa didn’t make the snow. But Ellen knew different. She sat down at the table and decided she better have a good think about what she was going to write to Santa for next year...

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Remembrances
Cassiemarie & John Connor
To our dearest family some things we’d like to say, But first of all, to let you know, that we arrived in heaven okay. We are writing this letter from heaven where we dwell with God above, Where there are no more tears of sadness here, it’s just eternal love. We know each night you shed a tear, as you speak to us in prayer. To let us know you love us, and just how much you really care. That day we had to leave you when our life on earth was through. God picked us up and hugged us, he said, I welcome you. God gave us a list of things that he wished for us to do, And foremost on that list, was to watch and care for you. So when you lie in bed at night and cry and pray for us, We take your million teardrops wrap them up in love, Then ask the wind to carry them, Up to us in heaven here above. From the Connor family

Martin Joyce
In loving memory of our dear father who was twelve years gone on the 20th of November. Sadly missed and never forgotten. From the Joyce Family Dundalk.

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r Annie Dea
MOnEy wORRiEs This xMas DEaR anniE, I am a single mother of three kids, my after husband walked out two years ago came back. We an argument and never have no contact with him and none of his family have got in touch either to make sure were coping ok. Since he left Christmas has not only been the time loneliest time of the year but also a e impossible I’m finding more and mor to keep my head above water with expenses. Although I live close to my family and they help us out as much as they can I don’t like to let them In know how tough things are getting. the Christmas the past I depended on bonus from social welfare to help pay for the Christmas shopping, this year ly that option is not available and I real going to get don’t know how we’re by. My youngest child is three and has no expectations of what he wants for Christmas but my others are six and in seven and want what the other kids money saving the area are getting. Any tips this Christmas would be really appreciated. Joan Dear Joan l Christmas can be the most stressfu for many families the time of the year key is not to forget that it’s a time for what celebration and being thankful for h I appreciate that it we have. Althoug can be overwhelming when bills are e to totted up and Christmas costs com are many ways to save light but there t’s on those costs. Making a list of wha is a useful start, prioritise really needed k the most important things and wor budget. Explain the within a strict , significance of Christmas to your kids on the fact it’s not about put emphasis receiving gifts. Most importantly shop the around, you’d be really surprised by s and savings made on Christmas sale For comparing prices in different stores. saving further information on money tips contact MABS (money advice and for budgeting service) on 1890 283 438 need not friendly confidential advice. It in be an isolating time of year, immerse te family the company of your immedia as and enjoy the happiness that Christm should bring MaRRiagE DOuBTs Dear Annie to I am due to be married in February 19 now my fiancée of 14 months . I am ed and met my fiancé just when I turn caring 17. At first he was a lovely and man, the sort that I felt protected and secure with. He had the nice car, was great at making money and really had to his head screwed on when it came where he seen us in future. He didn’t buy me a ring for months after our engagement as he said I deserved the best and he needed time he to save for it. As the months went on e jealous, became to get more and mor e calling me every ten minutes to mak turn up to sure I was where I said. He’d g my parents house unexpectedly, tryin began to to catch me out on a lie and re check my phone for messages. We’ ady feel not married yet although I alre and I have to explain everything to him in case he I’m scared to miss anything . finds out and thinks I’m lying to him so much My parents have been out I money already on this wedding but with it and don’t feel I can go through live with a man that I know is only go ing to get worse . Worried Bride to be

c. different names et s are printed using tion s to Annie. All ques Send your question
Dear Worried Bride to be, e You are lucky to be in a position to hav man is like before noticed what this you marry him. Is your happiness for and the rest of your life worth a nice car parents will think ring? I doubt your so, explain to them this is not what to you want and you don’t feel happy to this man. You’d be getting married ort be really surprised how much supp when it comes to the parents can offer happiness of their children. If your don’t feel this is the life you want make very firm decisions and in stick to them. explain calmly and not you’re not getting haste that you feel what you expected out of this relation y. At 19 you’ll meet ship and step awa will someone again, when you do there that waiting for the be no doubt at all real Mr. Right was the best decision you could

28 8 2

Send your problems to Dear Annie, Voice of the Traveller, NATC, Unit 1, Monksland Retail Park, Athlone, Co. Roscommon or email them to voiceofth etraveller@natc.ie

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Dear Editor, Due to the large readership your magazine has among the Traveller community I would like to make a request for information. I am looking to make contact with the relatives of David and Elizabeth Mc Donald. Elizabeth died on the 2-1-1975 and her husband David died on the 27-7-1978. Their place of rest is Tullamore, Co. Offaly. A remembrance plaque was placed on the grave by a daughter or grand-daughter Lizzy and Paddy Berry and family and another was placed by their daughter Josie and Tony and Susie and David. Elizabeth McDonalds address at the time of her passing was 14 Avon Bec Gardens, Tallaght, Co. Dublin. All this information was gained from the headstone on a recent visit to Tullamore cemetery. If any of these names sound familiar to your readers or if any of the relatives mentioned in this letter could make contact with me I would be delighted. Denise McDonnell Traveller Training Centre, Navan.

Letters

Horoscopes
Dear Editor, Will you please print the following poem written by Vaness Tuohy in Thurles Education Centre. The poem is dedicated to her Nanny, Eileen Cawley, from Graigue Bridge, Holycross, Thurles to wish her a very happy 80th birthday on the 12th of December. Nanny You are so precious, more than rubies or gold, to us your always Nanny, someone who doesn’t get old. Aries
Appeal to the better nature of the people around you. A revealed secret will unite an old friendship this festive season.

TAurus

Stay away from those that push your buttons at an upcoming party. Relax and take a step back to see clearly what’s already there.

Letter of the month

GeMini

You can expect the run up to Christmas to be stress free and relief from the norm. A suggestion from an online friend could prove very successful.

CAnCer

For us you had love and kindness, you always gave us good advice, you taught us to be strong and patient, and to always be nice. You made your home our home, a place of warmth and cheer, with pots bubbling on the range, in a cosy atmosphere. Nanny you are someone special, a person truly loved, We thank God that he sent you from heaven above.

The return of someone unexpected could form part of your future. Some choice thoughtful words are just what are needed from you this month.

Leo

Sit back and let matters take their course. Take the leap and this Christmas you could make a real connection with someone special.

VirGo

Do not give any time to people who drain you or leave you unhappy. Accepting a part time position will lead to better offers this month. .

LiBrA

love gets interesting and you may well have a choice to make. Buying a ticket with a close relative could prove successful this month.

Alice Ann Bridal
Main Street, Carrick-On-Shannon

sCorpio

Give others the benefit of the doubt, for the moment. Enjoy the possibility of increased popularity!

Tel: 071 9650784

sAGiTTArius

Begin your journey with us to choose the gown of your dreams. We showcase gowns of contemporary and classic design. With emphasis on a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to choose the most important dress of your life. Alice Ann offers from the petite to the fuller figure both in bridal and bridesmaids, in the most beautiful fabrics from satins to lace. We can also offer a range of bodices hand adorned with crystal and beads and skirts made to suit. These can be made to order from the fullest designs to fishtail in fabrics of your choice. We look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey.

You must be less willing to respond to the same nonsense. Expect more surprises than what’s under the tree this Christmas.

CApriCorn

Be clear on your opinions to solve a current family situation. Speak up now and make your move to reap upcoming rewards.

AquArius

Keep your eyes open and make sure that you watch for anything that seems odd. Be prepared early to avoid the stress of your usual Christmas season.

pisCes

Be happy for the small things this year. A reuniting of old faces opens new doors for you this month.
veller, to Voice of the Tra Send your letters hlone, Co. sland Retail Park, At NATC, Unit 1, Monk ie thetraveller@natc. ail them to voiceof 29 Roscommon or em

As featured on Xpose on TV3!
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»Wedding Profile
cCarthy and g is of Mary Ellen M red weddin o. Kerry. This months featu Charlie O’Brien in C
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The groom’s pare nts Charlie and No ra O’Brien from Listowel with the newlyweds.

proud parents

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welcome to the

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family

n McCarthy

A beautiful flowerg irl brings a touch to pink to the occasion

take a slice!

The happy couple, Mary Ellen McC arthy and Charlie O’Brien

wedded bliss

Chelsea McCarthy

mini bride...moi?

shows everyone ho

w it’s done!

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raphs! r reader’s photog t a selection of ou e please send it in delighted to prin see in the magazin of the Traveller is Voice ld like to me that you wou a photograph at ho If you have natc.ie iceofthetraveller@ by post or email vo to us

About Out &

out on the town

friends at eets up with some Traveller Group m m Sligo Rosie Maughan fro

Ballinasloe Horse

Fair

sisterly love

any Crumlish, Birr, Christina and Britt

Co. Offaly

Stephen Coff ee, Killarney - Forever Blo Bubbles! wing

stick em up

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Voice of the Travel le

pose for a pic

Megan and Naom i Donohoe checking out the r stand at Ballina sloe Fair

boy Dennis McGinley, Longford enjoying a day out with his family at Ballinasloe

being a very goo

you? what’s bugging more all dressed up as a lla
m Tu Kayla Doorley fro cute ladybug

hang in there!

Michael Cadden and Brian McBaoe from County Cavan at Ballinasloe Fair earlier this year

e Francie McCarthy Tralee with his brother Leroy Mc Carthy take time out from attending the Traveller Culture Day in Killarney to read their favourite magazine.

say a little prayer fo

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About Out &
smile for the camera

Shannon Ward from Tullamore pictured maming her First Holy Communnion

Richaed Boland from Tralee is a celebrity among his family and friends after meeting Maureen O’Hara on her recent visit to Ireland

star struck

he style turning on t ith Barbara and Lilly O’Brien, Tralee w
Boy Denis O’B rien

baby’s day out

Pictured at Baby Adam’s christening are Patrick and Ann, with daughter Kaci and friend Winnie.

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