In the sixth episode of Sean O'Rourke’s podcast, Insights, we meet Dr Thomas McCann, a counsellor and long-time Traveller activist.
Having left school at 11, Thomas tells Sean about his motivations for returning to education in 1985 - becoming the first Traveller to be admitted to Maynooth University when he began his degree.
In 2024 he became the first Traveller to receive a doctorate from the University and he continues to work in Traveller support and activism.
The conversation discusses the many mental health issues amongst the Traveller community and Thomas opens about his hopes for the future of the community he is so proud of.
He also opens up about his marriage to a member of the settled community and his opinion on marrying young which remains common within the community.
Please note this interview includes a discussion around suicide. If you have been affected by issues raised in this story, please visit: www.rte.ie/helplines.
