Funeral of Michael McDonagh in Navan on Tuesday
Tributes to advocate of Traveller community
The funeral Mass of Michael McDonagh, manager of Meath Travellers Workshop, takes place tomorrow (Tuesday) in Navan, before burial in Dundalk.
Michael McDonagh, of Reask Court, Commons Road, Navan, died on Saturday morning, after an illness.
In June 2018, he was part of the team that won an Irish Film and Television Award for 'John Connors, The Travellers' which won the Documentary Series category.
Michael was one of the main participants in the series which saw a group of Travellers travelling the length and breadth of the country collecting stories and history from other Travellers.
An expert on Traveller history and culture, he and his wife Nell shared a passion for the retention of Traveller and Roma identity.
He was a founder and board member on national and international organisations including Minceir Misle; the National Council for Travelling People; the Traveller Prison Initiative Steering Group, and chairperson of the National Traveller Partnership.
The Travellers’ Voice magazine, paying tribute, said: “Michael was a great advocate of the Traveller community and a tireless worker for the progression of Traveller rights throughout his life and career. Michael was a renowned storyteller and custodian of Traveller history and culture, ensuring the Traveller ways of life from years past were understood and celebrated by the younger generations. Involve Youth Service and Travellers’ Voice Magazine would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Nell, his children, extended family and friends.”
The Irish Traveller Movement said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our colleague, friend, and comrade. Michael McDonagh was a custodian of Traveller culture heritage, language, and a strong advocate of Traveller human rights over many decades in Ireland. Michael McDonagh was the coordinator of Meath Travellers the longest-running Traveller-led community development organisation in Ireland, we give our deepest sympathies to his wife Nell, and all his children, grandchildren, and family and friends.”
He is survived by his wife Ellen (Nell), family, Nathanya, Stephen, Laura, Marie and Mícheal, devoted grandchildren, brothers, sisters, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Removal from his home on Tuesday morning at 11am to arrive to St. Mary’s Church, Navan, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon which can be viewed on https://www.navanparish.ie/livestream. Burial afterwards in St. Joseph's Cemetery Fatima, Castletown Road, Dundalk.
Donations if desired to Palliative Care In compliance with the current HSE guidelines, and to ensure the safety of all a please ensure social distancing and Public Health advice is adhered to.