Traveller Voices and Perspectives: Interview with Dr. Almar Barry ...

Traveller Voices and Perspectives:
Interview with Dr. Almar Barry
Friday 18 th November 2011
Department of Geography,
St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra
Dr Almar Barry from the Department of Geography interviewed three members of the
Traveller Community in front of an audience of 200 students and staff in St. Patrick’s
College, Drumcondra. The College community is most indebted to the generosity of time,
energy and spirit shown by Brigid Nevin, Nellie McCann and Mary Collins (all from Trav
Act) who shared with us their perspectives, voices and experiences on life in the Traveller
community, both historically and in the Ireland of the 21 st Century. The discussion focused
on Traveller culture, traditions, life expectancy, health, marriage patterns and access to
education. Particular attention focused on the early school leaving, adult illiteracy and the
resultant negative impact both trends have upon the life chances of members of the Traveller
community in securing employment. Brigid Nevin noted that it is critically important for
Primary and Secondary School teachers to have a knowledge and an awareness of Traveller
culture in their everyday practice as professional educators, to ensure that Traveller children
complete their education and that they have a good experience of our educational system, a
system in which they are valued and in which their identity as Travellers is both recognised
and celebrated.
This interview formed part of Dr. Barry’s 2 nd Year Europe module for B.A. and B.Ed.
students of Academic Geography, which analyes the formation of nation states and degree to
which ethnic minorities are included in society. Students and staff from across the College
were invited to participate. Both Nellie McCann and Mary Collins have agreed to be
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members of the College’s Access Advisory Committee and have already participated in an
interview with Dr. Barry with our 2 nd Year Academic Geography students in November
2008.
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