Traveller Ethnicity Day 2025
March 1st marks Traveller Ethnicity Day, commemorating the anniversary of the Irish government's formal recognition of Irish Travellers as an ethnic group with their own distinct culture, values, and traditions.
This year, as March 1st fell on a Saturday, the students of Thomond Community College embraced the celebrations a day early, on Friday, 28th February. The school was alive with vibrant displays showcasing Traveller heritage, covering areas such as religion, sports—particularly boxing—fashion, history, and music. Among the many exhibits were model wagons and tents, boxing medals, literary works highlighting Traveller stories, and biographies of well-known Travellers, including the renowned Tyson Fury.
An announcement by Lisa Marie Connors over the school intercom kicked-off the celebration. The highlight of the event was a captivating musical performance by the talented Mikey Dunne, a Traveller from a celebrated musical family. He was joined by accordion player Daithí Simms, ensuring an atmosphere filled with rhythm and energy.
The celebrations welcomed Traveller pupils from local primary schools, including Thomond Primary School, Mary Queen of Ireland, Caherdavin, and Christ the King, Caherdavin. Parents, siblings, and representatives from local organisations with an interest in Traveller culture—such as Limerick Youth Service, Northside Family Resource Centre, Corpus Christi Family Support, and Changing Ireland magazine—also joined the festivities.
Staff and students from across the school came together to enjoy the day, tapping their feet to the music while sharing tea, coffee, biscuits, and conversation. Now in its third year, Traveller Ethnicity Day has become a cherished tradition at Thomond Community College, and we look forward to celebrating it for many years to come!