THE flag of pride was flying high at University of Limerick (UL) celebrating Mincéir/Traveller culture, identity, and their lived experiences at the university’s inaugural Traveller Pride event.
The event brought Travellers from across the city and county to mark Traveller Pride. The Traveller ethnicity flag was also raised at the UL campus, making it the first Irish university to do so.
TikTok sensation and podcaster Shane McCarthy also shared his experiences of battling discrimination, his pride in being an Irish Traveller, and his successful rise to becoming one of Ireland’s most popular content creators.
Mikey McCarthy, a student at UL who is also enjoying social media success, performed a moving rendition of the hit song ‘This is Me‘ from The Greatest Showman, during which he was joined by Traveller children from primary schools in Limerick.
The event also saw the launch of the Limerick Travellers Together Community of Practice, aimed at strengthening collaboration and shared learning amongst Traveller-led organisations from across Limerick city and county.
Speaking at UL’s inaugural Traveller Pride celebration, UL President, Professor Shane Kilcommins, said: “This gathering reflects a deep and growing partnership between University of Limerick and the Traveller community, one rooted in mutual respect, shared learning, and a recognition that higher education must evolve to truly serve all of society.”
“At UL, we are committed not only to widening access, but to ensuring that Traveller students can shape, influence, and thrive within our university community. Today is an affirmation that culture, identity and educational ambition are not separate paths, but can and must be realised together.”
The Mincéir/Traveller programme at UL is led by the UL Access Office, which is committed to supporting the Traveller community through the dedicated role of a Mincéir/Traveller coordinator.