On September 2 2024, University of Galway launched an archive recognising the different experiences of the Irish Traveller Community. It includes challenges the community has faced since the 1960's and the importance of the Traveller voice in the community.
The Mincéirs Archives was launched by Irish Traveller human rights activist Dr Mary Warde Moriarty and University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh. It will be digitised and available to the public.
The collection began in November 2021. It focuses on the Traveller rights movement in Ireland and Europe and investigates what life was like for Irish Travellers during this time.
Dr Mary Warde said, "It is great to officially launch the Mincéirs Archives as I know it will act as an anchor that supports the promotion and embedding of Traveller history and culture throughout the teaching and learning activities of University of Galway. As a Traveller woman, I am proud to have materials that document some of my early activities advocating for Traveller rights. I hope that the archives will be also play a major role with supporting the promotion of Traveller history and culture in local primary and secondary schools."
Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said, “At University of Galway, we are a university for the public good, with a shared vision, shaped by our values with a proud history of promoting Traveller history and culture. As a learning institution, we learn from all our communities and are the better for it."
Material related to Traveller human rights, education, employment, accommodation, music, folklore and photographs all form part of the archive. Work such as the Report of the Commission on Itinerancy and the work of Sister Colette O’Dwyer in Traveller education are all included.
The research and digitisation of the archives was led by Owen Ward, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Manager for Race Equality at the university, and Kieran Hoare, Archivist at University of Galway Library. Owen Ward said, “This initiative marks a significant milestone in the history of University of Galway and solidifies its position as a leader for Irish Traveller inclusivity cross higher education and wider society. We are taking a big step toward honouring the history and strength of Irish Travellers and building a more just and equitable future."
Public donations of resources related to Irish Travellers to the Mincéirs Archives are being accepted. Material can be donated to the archives temporarily.
For more information on donations contact Owen Ward at [email protected] or at https://library.universityofgalway.ie/mincéirs-archives/.
