The Traveller ethnicity flag was raised at the University of Limerick during its inaugural Traveller Pride event, making UL the first university in Ireland to fly the flag.
The flag is a symbol of history, pride and belonging among Mincéir and Traveller culture.
The pride event focused on the future ambitions of a new generation of Travellers.
It highlighted the lived experiences of Traveller students at UL who shared their stories of navigating education while maintaining cultural identity.
Social media influencer and podcaster, Shane McCarthy, shared his experiences of battling discrimination, his pride in being an Irish Traveller and his successful rise to becoming one of Ireland's most popular content creators.
Mikey McCarthy, a student at UL who is also enjoying social media success, performed the hit song 'This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman and was joined by Traveller children from primary schools in Limerick.
The event also saw the launch of the Limerick Travellers Together Community of Practice, aimed at strengthening collaboration and shared learning amongst Traveller-led organisations.
UL President, Professor Shane Kilcommins said the gathering reflects a deep and growing partnership between University of Limerick and the Traveller community, "one rooted in mutual respect, shared learning, and a recognition that higher education must evolve to truly serve all of society".
He said UL is committed not only to widening access, but to ensuring that Traveller students can shape, influence and thrive within the university community.
"Today is an affirmation that culture, identity and educational ambition are not separate paths, but can and must be realised together."
The Mincéir/Traveller Programme at UL is led by the UL Access Office, which is committed to supporting the Traveller community through the dedicated role of a Mincéir/Traveller Coordinator.
'Celebrating Traveller Pride on campus is a vital part of this work'
Deirdre O’Connor from UL Access Office said the programme has already reached a significant milestone, with 24 Mincéir/Traveller students currently studying at UL at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
"Celebrating Traveller Pride on campus is a vital part of this work; it acknowledges the richness of Mincéir/Traveller culture and sends a clear message of inclusion and respect," she said.
Martin Casey, a second-year student studying english and music at UL, first met Edel O’Donnell, UL’s Mincéir/Traveller Programme Coordinator, when he was in sixth year studying for his Leaving Certificate.
"Since arriving to UL, Edel has supported me and is always consistent in following through with the best intentions of each student.
"Without Edel, I honestly think I would have struggled. UL really does outperform in terms of its support of Traveller students," he said.
This sentiment was echoed by Margaret O’Brien, a graduate of UL’s BA in Psychology who is now studying for her Master’s in Sociology.
"Edel and the team in the UL Access Office created a space where I felt seen, heard, encouraged and respected.
"That kind of support matters because it reminds you that you are not alone, and that your background is not a barrier - it is part of the strength you bring with you."
Ms O'Brien, who left school at the age of 16 and returned to education at 38, encouraged other Travellers to follow in her footsteps and embrace education.
"College can feel intimidating from the outside, but you have just as much right to be there as anyone else. Your life experience, your resilience, your culture and your perspective are valuable," she said.
