Athenry woman honoured at Traveller Pride Awards

ATHENRY’S EMMA Ward was one of nine travellers honoured at the 2026 Traveller Pride Awards.

Emma is a freelance journalist, disability rights activist, and proud Irish Traveller. She secured the Intersectionality Award for her writing, media work, and advocacy, which explored how different identities shape people’s experiences of discrimination, belonging, and justice.

The awards, now in their 17th year, are organised by The Traveller Pride Week Steering Committee, and was hosted by Tuam's Martin Beanz Warde. It honoured travellers who excelled in many different sectors such as sport, music, education and business.

“These Traveller Pride Awards show there are many ways to be a Traveller,” stated Martin, who was recently appointed National Co Ordinator of Traveller Pride Week.

“Our theme is ‘Looking back, Moving forward: Being an individual while celebrating our collective history’ – and these awards highlight individual identities while also celebrating pride in the community and contribution to wider society overall.”