Cavan Traveller group scoop national award

Cavan Travellers covered themselves in glory at the recent National Traveller Pride Awards, 2016, when they emerged winners in the Art and Culture section in respect of the 'Mental Health Exhibition’ and 'Health Message Calendars’ produced by the team each year.
The team was led by Ita Madden and included those involved in the Extern Traveller Primary Health Care Team in Cavan.
The event was hosted by RTÉ’s John Murray, formerly of the John Murray and the Business Show, and attended by approximately 250 people. The presenter of the Arts and Culture Award was John Connors, actor and one of Ireland’s leading advocates for the Traveller community.
“It is a great opportunity for Travellers to challenge some of the persisting stereotypes and showcase and champion the fantastic work and achievements by Travellers from all over the country, like the work that is taking place by the Cavan Primary Health Care team,” said Mr Connors.
Cathereen Doyle and Eileen Maughan went on stage to receive the award on behalf of the team and said “it was a great honour to receive this award on behalf of all Traveller families and everyone involved in Cavan as it gives recognition to the work we do for our community and our society”. The awards have become the flagship annual event for Travellers generating huge positivity within the community and beyond.
The awards recognise the work of individual travellers and groups for the contributions they have made to local or national initiatives, Travellers’ rights, enterprise projects and excellence in music, arts or sports.