Paul Keenan
“More is needed” in helping the Travelling community to overcome the prejudice they suffer, a priest working with the community has said.
Speaking during a memorial Mass for the first anniversary of the Carrickmines tragedy, in which 10 people died, Fr Derek Farrell, parish priest to the Travelling People said the devastating event should have been a turning point for the way Ireland regards and treats Travellers, but this had not transpired.
“A generous and committed response is needed from all quarters and at all levels – personal, community, church and State,” Fr Farrell insisted. “The building of mutual relationship, respect and understanding, recognition and valuing of identity is possible and with goodwill and determination, within our grasp.”
Fr Farrell said “a lasting memorial” would be if those children bereaved at Carrickmines could “come to know their family’s deaths had made a difference as a turning point for our country and particularly for the Travellers of our country”.
The memorial Mass for Carrickmines was attended by some 300 people, including members of the emergency services who attended the scene that day.
The fire at the Carrickmines halting site of October 10 claimed the lives of Thomas Connors (27), Sylvia Connors (30) and three of their children Jimmy (5), Christy (3) and Mary (6 months), Willie Lynch (25), Tara Gilbert (27), her daughter Jodie Gilbert (9) and their daughter Kelsey (4), their unborn child, and Sylvia and Willie’s brother, Jimmy Lynch (39).
