Launch of 'Traveller Roots and Routes Manual'

The Traveller Roots and Routes Manual was launched by Meath County Libraries last month, following the successful Traveller Genealogy project of 2019.

During the genealogy project, Library Service staff became aware of the rich but vanishing heritage of Meath Travellers in relation to place names, travel routes, travelling history and customs, and traditional campsites.

Thie manual records the memories and experiences of Meath Travellers who lived this life and want the record preserved for future generations.

The manual is fully illustrated both with rare and up-to-date photographs of Travellers and campsite locations and with maps of Meath and Westmeath showing travel routes and camp locations.

The project was supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Meath County Council, Meath Library Service, in particular Senior Executive Librarian Frances Tallon, and Meath Travellers Workshop all assisted in the project . Dr Liam Mc Niffe undertook the task of interviewing, recording, and compiling the accounts presented in the Manual.

Meath County Council has thanked Dr McNiffe for his dedication and commitment to the project.

The Council acknowledges a huge debt of gratitude is due to the participants who made this such a rich and rewarding project -Christy and Winnie McDonagh, Jody Joyce, Hughie and Biddy McDonagh, Mick Doyle and Nell McDonagh, together with their families.

"They were generous, cooperative, and totally committed to the success of this initiative. It is hoped the project will preserve and honour their cherished memories."