Irish Traveller history and culture celebrated in Laurencetown

More than 250 people gathered at a living history exhibition to learn about Irish Traveller culture and celebrate the life of musician and singer Margaret Barry in Laurencetown.

Titled A Bicycle and Banjo, the event was funded by the Housing Executive through a £2,330 community grant and led by Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association (LLTCA).

Pauline Beattie, (left) Area Manager at the Housing Executive joined Irish Traveller historian Ellen McDonagh and Jim Bell, (right) from Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association (LLTCA) at A Bicycle and a Banjo, a celebration of Irish Traveller culture and musician Margaret Barry, held in Laurencetown and funded by the Housing Executive. Picture: NIHE.

placeholder image — Pauline Beattie, (left) Area Manager at the Housing Executive joined Irish Traveller historian Ellen McDonagh and Jim Bell, (right) from Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association (LLTCA) at A Bicycle and a Banjo, a celebration of Irish Traveller culture and musician Margaret Barry, held in Laurencetown and funded by the Housing Executive. Picture: NIHE.

Claire Patience, community development manager at LLTCA, said: “Margaret Barry settled in Laurencetown with her daughter in the mid-1970s, and her family are still about the area.

"It’s something we are proud of and we want to share this heritage with the local community.

Claire Patience, (left) Community Development Manager at Laurencetown, Lenaderg and Tullylish Community Association (LLTCA); Paddy Barry, grandson of Margaret Barry; and Pauline Beattie, (right) Area Manager at the Housing Executive at A Bicycle and a Banjo, a celebration of Irish Traveller culture and musician Margaret Barry, held in Laurencetown and funded by the Housing Executive. Picture: released by NIHE.

"Through the living history exhibition, visitors learnt about Irish Traveller culture and ways of life.”

Claire added that as well being able to see as an old-fashioned wagon, fireside scene, enjoy storytelling and poetry, visitors were also treated to a tinsmith display and a demonstration of traditional bread making.

The event , which was held on Saturday, September 5, culminated with Maggie’s Session, a celebration of the local area’s musical heritage, facilitated by Margaret Barry’s family.

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Margaret Barry first travelled across Ireland as a street musician, leaving home at 16 on a bicycle with her banjo. She played a significant part in the 1950s folk revival and is best remembered for her renditions of traditional Irish songs such as ‘She Moved Through The Fair’.

Her grandson, Paddy Barry, plays a variety of instruments, as well as teaching others. He also hosts a monthly traditional Irish music evening at Laurencetown Community Centre and led Maggie’s Session in the evening.

Paddy said: “Maggie’s monthly session was set up to celebrate granny’s life through songs, instruments, stories and poetry.

"This event was a great way to raise awareness of her influence on Irish music and awareness of traveller culture more widely.”

Pauline Beattie, area manager at the Housing Executive, added: “A Bicycle and a Banjo was a brilliant opportunity to showcase Irish Traveller identity, culture and heritage in Laurencetown, which has such a strong connection to Margaret Barry.

"We’re pleased to have supported this event to encourage greater mutual respect and understanding and contribute to an inclusive society.”