Write a commentCarnagat Community Association recently held an Irish Traveller Living History Exhibition in the community in partnership with Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Confederation of Community Groups and Southern Health & Social Care Trust.
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The Carnagat Community Association is a group of residents who live in the Carnagat Area and act as a representative voice for all the residents of the Greater Carnagat Area. They run a number of activities, trips and events throughout the year and represent the residents of Carnagat at meetings concerning the area and its development. The community association is based at the Carnagat Community House, Parkhead Crescent.
The event which was attended by around 200 people is the first of its kind in the area and explored the culture and traditions of Irish Travellers dating back centuries. Several Irish Traveller families reside in Carnagat and the event was organised as a way to celebrate the culture of these families who are part of the Carnagat community.
The day itself was fun filled with lots happening for all ages to enjoy such as seeing inside an old Traveller wagon, learning how to tinsmith by James Collins one of the last tinsmiths demonstrating his amazing craft, hearing old stories and viewing artefacts from days gone by, listening to traditional music performed live by the Traditional Arts Partnership – South Armagh, playing carnival games and learning sparing skills with St. Monica’s Boxing Club.
One spokesperson for Carnagat Community Association said that it was great to see so many people from the community out and to come together to celebrate the culture of the Irish Traveller families living in the area, that it’s about showing the families they are part of our community, that we accept their culture and we want to share in celebrating it with them.
Michael McDonagh of the Meath Traveller workshops said that there was a great atmosphere about the day; it was great to see the old carnival games and to see so many people taking an interest in the exhibition.
The Carnagat Community Association also said they hope to do more Irish Traveller work in the coming months, that this is only the start and that hopefully they can continue to make Carnagat a happy and welcoming place for all who live there.
This event was funded by the European Union through Peace 4 and the Big Lottery Awards for all.
