International Irish Traveller Day 2026 - Hope in Your Heart
A beautiful afternoon was enjoyed by everyone who attended the second International Irish Traveller Day, a celebration of Irish Traveller culture, heritage and community.
The event was organised by a dedicated committee comprising Josie O’Driscoll, Joseph McInerney, Chris McDonagh and Mena Mongan, whose hard work and commitment brought together a memorable day filled with music, poetry, remembrance and friendship.
The audience was treated to a wonderful programme of music celebrating Irish Traveller culture, with performances spanning traditional Irish ballads, gospel music and contemporary songs. Performers included Johnny Doherty, Catherine “Belzie” Connors, Trisha Delaney, Josie Casey, Alice McCann and Rose Angela, alongside other talented artists who each brought their own unique style to the afternoon. From the opening performance to the final song, the atmosphere was one of warmth, celebration and togetherness, with music bringing generations together.
Visitors were also treated to a fantastic selection of traditional Irish treats throughout the afternoon, including a variety of crisps, chocolates and refreshing cold drinks. These thoughtful touches added to the warm and welcoming atmosphere, giving everyone the opportunity to relax, chat and enjoy one another’s company while celebrating Irish Traveller culture and heritage.
One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon was the screening of Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, a deeply moving documentary telling the story of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh, a young Traveller whose death touched hearts across Ireland and highlighted the devastating impact of suicide within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities.
Through the courageous voices of Patrick’s parents, Michelle and Pat, the film shares the unimaginable heartbreak of losing a son while shining a light on the wider challenges many Traveller families continue to face, including discrimination, exclusion and the barriers that can prevent people from accessing the support they need.
Patrick was a bright, intelligent young boy with a wonderful future ahead of him. He loved singing, had a gift for science and maths, adored horses and, above all, cherished his family. As Patrick’s mother spoke so openly and honestly about her son, a profound silence filled the room. There was hardly a dry eye in the audience. Her words were a heartbreaking reminder that behind every statistic is a much-loved child, a grieving family and a community carrying unimaginable loss.
Directed by Alan Bradley, Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost is a powerful and compassionate documentary that gives voice to a family living with unimaginable loss while encouraging greater understanding of the challenges facing Traveller communities. It is difficult to watch, but it is an important film that deserves to be seen. The documentary is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Following the screening, Johnny Doherty’s powerful operatic voice brought comfort and reflection with a moving rendition of Danny Boy. He then sang a beautiful arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer in remembrance of those we have lost. His voice filled the room with emotion, creating a poignant moment of quiet reflection that touched everyone present.
Johnny, joined by his two sisters, then led the audience in a heartfelt rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone. The words, “Hope in your heart,” echoed around the room and carried a message that stayed with many of us long after the day had ended.
The line “Hope in your heart” always stands out to me, because without hope, what do any of us have?
No one should ever have to suffer in silence. Discrimination continues to have a devastating impact on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and we have already lost far too many. Days like International Irish Traveller Day remind us that by standing together, welcoming friends and allies, and creating safe spaces for honest conversations, we really can make a difference.
As voices joined together in song, it was a moving reminder that hope grows when we stand beside one another, listen without judgement and ensure that no one must face life’s struggles alone.
International Irish Traveller Day does so much more than bring people together. It creates opportunities to build understanding, encourage meaningful conversations and celebrate each other’s cultures, beliefs and traditions. We are never too old to learn, and every day is a school day. By listening to one another’s stories, we break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and replace misunderstanding with respect.
We were also blessed to hear the incredible voices of so many talented young performers. Their confidence and passion are a testament to the future of our communities. A beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow moved me to tears, while more upbeat performances soon had shoulders shimmying, toes tapping and smiles spreading throughout the crowd.
The afternoon was enriched further by poet Maureen Ward, who Travelled all the way from Ireland to share a moving selection of her work, including Walk in Our Shoes, Inner Struggle and Torn in Two. Her poetry spoke from the heart and reflected both the strength and lived experiences of Irish Traveller communities.
Her latest collection, Beneath the Canvas: Poems of the Road, is well worth reading. Alongside her writing, Maureen is currently undertaking a remarkable barefoot fundraising walk in aid of As I Am, Ireland’s national autism charity, raising both awareness and vital funds for autistic people and their families.
Special recognition was also given to Catherine “Belzie” Connors for her tireless work supporting people experiencing homelessness in Canning Town. Her dedication to helping vulnerable members of the wider community is a wonderful example of the compassion, generosity and community spirit that lies at the heart of Traveller culture.
It was an afternoon filled with music, remembrance, laughter and friendship, a celebration of culture, resilience and hope.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the organising committee, volunteers, performers, speakers, exhibitors and everyone who attended. Your commitment, generosity and passion helped make the second International Irish Traveller Day 2026 a truly memorable celebration of Irish Traveller heritage and community.
For those wishing to learn more, follow the International Irish Traveller Day Facebook page for future events. You can also support Maureen Ward’s barefoot fundraising walk for As I Am, Ireland’s national autism charity.
As we left, the words of You'll Never Walk Alone still echoed in our hearts. They were more than lyrics. They were a reminder that no matter how difficult the road ahead may seem, none of us has to walk it alone.
May we all walk on with hope in our hearts, always.
Dee Cooper for Travellers Times
(Photographs courtesy of GATE Herts)
Useful Links
- International Irish Traveller Day Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090631839783
- Maureen Ward's fundraising page: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/maureenward
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002jchy/patrick-a-young-traveller-lost