Clare Traveller Pride Awards to be held in Ennis

TRAVELLER and comedian Martin Beanz Warde will be the star MC of the Clare Traveller Pride Award in Ennis. The event has been organised and is hosted by a brand new organisation, Clare Traveller Community Development Project (CDP).  

Admission is free for the evening of live entertainment and Traveller awards at Cois na hAbhna on the Gort Road at 7pm on Thursday, July 21, with food and refreshments provided.

Clare Traveller CDP co-ordinator Bridgie Casey said, “The aim of the awards is to highlight and recognise the achievements and contributions of Travellers in their communities and in Irish society. The awards also aim to instil pride in Traveller identity, highlighting some of the obstacles that exist for Travellers, and celebrate Travellers’ undoubted positive contribution to Irish life. 

“Clare Traveller CDP was chosen as one of seven pilots nationally for a Community Development Programme funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

“This is an exciting and much needed opportunity for Clare where no standalone Traveller organisation existed. This is collaborative start-up project guided and directed by a steering group comprised of representatives from Clare Local Development Company, Clare Public Participation Network, Clare Women’s Network and HSE Traveller Health Unit Midwest.

“The aim of the project is to establish an independent Traveller Community Development Project in Clare. Its objective is to develop a programme responding to the needs of the Traveller community – engaging closely with the community and ensuring a strong Traveller voice and active participation from the community.” 

There are seven categories: Education; Enterprise and Innovation; Music, Arts or Culture; Sport; Intersectionality; Community; Youth (12-18 years). To nominate someone, please contact Bridgie Casey at bcasey@cldc.ie or call 086-0478722. 

The MC for the night, Martin Beanz Warde, who is from Tuam, County Galway, is a comedian, writer and podcast presenter and a member of the Travelling

Doors will open on the awards’ night at 6.30pm and attendees must be over 12.