Released 27 May 2010
Embargo: Use in 28 May editions
 
The 2nd annual Traveller Pride Awards, marking the achievements of Irish Travellers across the country, were formally launched yesterday (Thurs 27 May 2010) by Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey TD.  The minister was joined by the winner of last year's overall award, Julie Nevin and winner of the Education award, Eileen Flynn at the launch at the Natural History Museum, Merrion Street, Dublin, yesterday. 
 
The Traveller Pride Awards, which will take place at the launch of Traveller Focus Week on Thursday 2nd December, celebrate the achievements, recognise the work and highlight some of the obstacles that exist for Travellers in Irish society.  The launch yesterday aimed to generate interest and ensure that as many nominations are received as possible.  The ultimate aim is to instill pride in, increase expectations of and celebrate Travellers' positive contribution to Irish life, and also the pride and determination one must have in order to succeed as a Traveller. 
 
Speaking at the launch, Julie said:  "Wining the overall Traveller Pride award last year was an overwhelming experience. I think the Pride Awards are a wonderful idea; it's a great way of recognising the hard work that Travellers have put in many different areas. The fact that the award is coming from Travellers and the national Traveller organisations makes it more special, and hopefully it will encourage other Travellers to go on to achieve many different things."

The Minister for Community, Equality and Rural Affairs, Pat Carey, said:

"These awards are a wonderful way of acknowledging the contributions made by members of the Travelling community in all walks of life. They also play a vital part in exposing some of the challenges that still face Traveller Community. These awards are important as they encourage and reward participation but they also encourage debate. All the organizers deserve huge credit and gratitude."



For pictures of the launch, click here
 
Notes to the editor:

1. Nomination forms are available by contacting Travellerpride@gmail.com or phoning 01-679 6577 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01-679 6577      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. The deadline for receipt of nomination forms is September 24th.
2. The Traveller Pride Awards are coordinated by the Irish Traveller Movement, Pavee Point, the National Traveller Women's Forum, Minceirs Whiden, the National Association of Traveller Centres, the Parish of the Travelling People, the Gay Travellers Support Group and National Traveller MABS.
3. The Awards are in seven categories: Education; Arts & Culture; Community; Enterprise/Labour; Music Sport, and Youth, with one category winner also receiving the overall Traveller Pride Award 2010.
4. Julie Nevin was the overall winner of the inaugural Traveller Pride Award last year, as well as winning in the Community category.  Julie is a Community Development Worker with Laois Traveller Action Group and has been influential in developing and providing community supports to Travellers in county Laois for over 20 years, much of which has been on a voluntary basis.