13 Traveller women have made history this week as they graduated from the University of Limerick with postgraduate qualifications, including our own Nora Mooney from Ballyhoura Development CLG.

History was made at the University of Limerick as 13 Irish Travellers/Mincéirí were conferred with postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in Sociology. This is the largest group of Irish Travellers to graduate with Level 9 postgraduate qualifications from any Irish university at one time, marking a hugely significant milestone for the Traveller community and for UL.

A milestone for Traveller education

Currently, just 4.7% of Travellers in Ireland have a third-level education, compared to 47.7% of the general population, and only 2% of Travellers have obtained degrees. These figures highlight the ongoing barriers faced by the Traveller community in accessing higher education, and make this achievement all the more powerful.
(Source: Limerick Leader – University of Limerick confers largest cohort of Irish Travellers with postgraduate degrees)

Inspiring future generations

This historic moment not only celebrates academic success, but also sends a strong message of possibility, resilience and leadership. The achievements of these 13 women, and of Nora in particular, will inspire others within the community to consider further education and lifelong learning.

Huge congratulations to Nora and to all of the graduates on this remarkable achievement. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with you.