In January, we hosted our annual Galway Traveller Achievement Awards for 2023. It was a brilliant night, with over 150 community members from all across Galway coming together to showcase and celebrate the amazing talent within the Traveller community in Galway.
Winners
Education: Nora Mongan
Nora left education at a young age, but recently graduated from the University of Galway with a level 8 degree in Community Development, while also working at the same time. She is a brilliant community worker, who does as much for her community as she possibly can. She is an inspiration to us all.
Sport: Nadine Cawley
Although Nadine is only 13 she has achieved so much already as a soccer player for Ballinasloe Football Club. Nadine and her team have travelled England and to Amsterdam playing and even won the tournament in Amsterdam. Nadine has a bright future ahead of her possibly as a professional footballer!
Young Person: Paddy Sweeney
He is a very talented boxer and a proud representative of the Traveller community. He is so dedicated to the sport that he trains weekly with the Irish boxing team in Dublin. He has won many championships and has a bright future ahead of him.
Enterprise & Work: Aaron O’Loughlin
Aaron runs a flower business for weddings and other occasions. He started the business about 2 years ago and it is going from strength to strength, covering both the Ireland and the UK. Aaron is very well known and highly thought of within the Traveller community for his services during those special occasions.
Community: Kathleen Donovan
Kathleen has been chosen for her volunteer work as the first female boxing coach in Galway Boxing Club. She is a great role model for all in the community especially for young women coming through.
Music, Arts & Culture: Elizabeth McDonagh
Elizabeth is a talented young artist and particularly enjoys drawing pictures of Traveller Culture. Some of Elizabeths artwork was submitted with the nomination forms and the judges were very impressed. Art has been described as Elizabeth’s number one passion, but she also enjoys playing music. It seems that Elizabeth has a bright future ahead of her in the arts in some capacity. We look forward to seeing more from her
Overall: Savannah McDonagh
The overall prize went to a truly inspirational young woman. Savannah has broken many barriers to become as secondary school teacher. She got her degree in Irish and Geography from the University of Galway before going on to do a masters in Education. From there she became the first member of the Traveller community to go on to get a full time position teaching in Galway Community College. She is a true inspiration to her students and indeed the wider community as to what you can achieve.
