Outside The Colony Bernard Sweeney

Veronica O’Keane has recently retired from her position which was as a professor of psychiatry and consultant psychiatrist at Trinity College Dublin. She has over 30 years of experience in the field and has published numerous research papers, especially on mood disorders and perinatal depression. Dilean Foley, Archaeologist "digging deep" and his co-host Bernard Sweeney, Irish Traveller. Recently retired from her esteemed positions as a professor and consultant psychiatrist at Trinity College Dublin, Veronica O’Keane is a luminary in psychiatry with over 30 years of dedicated service to the field. Specializing in mood disorders and perinatal depression, O'Keane has enriched scientific literature with her prolific research contributions. She is the author of two seminal works, A Sense of Self: Memory, the Brain, and Who We Are and The Rag & Bone Shop: How We Make Memories and Memories Make Us.

O'Keane resides along the beautiful coast of North Dublin and pursues her passion for open-sea swimming when she's not engrossed in research. Her multidisciplinary interests don't stop at science; she is also deeply invested in the societal implications of her work, particularly its ability to offer avenues for personal and collective healing.

Joining the conversation with Dilean Foley, an accomplished archaeologist, and co-host Bernard Sweeney, an Irish Traveller. The podcast explores a myriad of intriguing subjects that transcend the boundaries of her field. Together, we discuss the intricate interplay between memory, institutions, history, and artistic expression—or "artisting" as coined by the hosts. O’Keane lends her expert perspective to these dialogues, elucidating how her scientific insights offer not just medical, but also cultural and historical understanding.

An outspoken advocate for gender equity in medicine, O'Keane brings her own lived experiences to bear, arguing for necessary improvements in the representation and treatment of women in healthcare settings.

This podcast series is generously supported by an anonymous benefactor and replaces traditional advertising with spotlights on organisations advocating for diversity in medicine.


But Veronica O’Keane Book: https://www.hive.co.uk/Product/Veronica-OKeane/The-Rag-and-Bone-Shop--How-We-Make-Memories-and-Memories-Make-Us/26118198

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Review: "Colonialism and Decolonisation" Podcast with Claire Wright and Guests

In a time when the discourse on colonialism and decolonisation has gained momentum across multiple global avenues, the podcast hosted by Claire Wright (Ulster University Belfast) emerges as an enlightening and thought-provoking exploration of the subject. Particularly focusing on the perspective of Colonialism and Irish Travellers, the amalgamation of voices from varied backgrounds lends a richness to the discussion that is rare.

The inclusion of Bernard Sweeney, an Irish Traveller who has dedicated almost a decade to the study of Colonialism in the context of Irish Travellers, sets the tone for an insightful discussion. His collaboration with Robbie, Claire, and Bill transforms the episode into a melding of experiences, knowledge, and perspectives.

Claire Wright's diverse academic background and expertise in the UN Sustainable Development Goals add depth, connecting the dots between colonial histories and contemporary issues of education, peace, justice, and institution-building. Her association with Conflict Textiles further resonates with the theme, illustrating the intersections between arts, human rights, and post-colonial narratives.

While the podcast isn’t directly about the book "Ireland, Colonialism and the Unfinished Revolution", the presence of its authors Robbie McVeigh and Bill Rolston deepens the narrative. Robbie's extensive writings on racism, sectarianism, and Irish history, combined with Bill's insights into conflict resolution, human rights, and transitional justice, offer listeners a profound understanding of the intricacies of colonialism and its lasting legacies.

Interestingly, the addition of Dylan Foley, with his archaeological lens and a rich background in Evolution, AI, and Philosophy, offers a fresh perspective. It reminds us that the impacts of colonialism aren't merely socio-political but deeply embedded in the very fabric of societies, cultures, and technologies.

The beauty of this podcast lies in its seamless melding of diverse voices addressing complex issues. The synergy between guests from academic, activist, and varied professional backgrounds ensures a comprehensive and holistic discussion that is both informative and engaging. For anyone keen on delving into the psychological effects of colonialism, its implications on Irish Travellers, and the broader context of decolonisation, this podcast is an absolute must-listen.

Claire Wright:
is a research fellow at the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast. She has a PhD in Political Science from the University of Salamanca, Spain. She has taught and researched in various countries and institutions, such as Ireland, Mexico, and Spain. Her expertise relates to UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 16, which are about quality education and peace, justice and strong institutions. She is also the translator in residence for Conflict Textiles, a project that uses textiles to promote education and awareness of conflict and human rights issues.



THE TWO AUTHORS INVOLVED IN WRITING THE BOOK
"Ireland, Colonialism and the Unfinished Revolution"

Robbie McVeigh:
is a researcher based in Edinburgh, who has written extensively on equality and human rights in the context of the North of Ireland. He has also published books and articles on racism, sectarianism, social movements, and Irish history. He is a former lecturer at Queen's University Belfast and a former director of the Committee on the Administration of Justice.


Bill Rolston:
is a professor emeritus of sociology at Ulster University, where he taught courses on conflict resolution, human rights, and transitional justice. He has also been involved in various human rights organisations and campaigns in Ireland and internationally. He has authored or edited over 20 books and numerous articles
on topics such as political murals, truth recovery, and social change.


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Dr. Fergus Shanahan, MD, DSc, MRIA, is a luminary in medicine, with over forty years dedicated to alleviating chronic inflammatory bowel disease. He's also an emeritus professor of medicine at University College Cork, celebrated for contributions to medical science.

Irish Travellers embarked on a journey to rediscover their origins, challenging prevailing narratives. This quest led to extraordinary revelations, revealing a lost heritage predating industrialization and colonial influences.

TraVision Foundation stands at the intersection of Dr. Shanahan's research and the Travellers' quest for identity. Founded on collaboration, it bridges the two narratives, offering transformative insights.

The foundation's commitment to unraveling the microbiome's role in Traveller history and health opens new research avenues, highlighting the importance of preserving diverse cultural identities.

TraVision Foundation operates unfunded and welcomes any financial support to continue its vital work. [Donate here] (https://gofund.me/a2049b0f).

Your support matters. Thank you.

TraVision Foundation Team.

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This podcast delves deep into the vibrant history of early Gaelic Ireland, long before the English invasion (no hard feelings!). What might surprise you is the revelation that there were settled communities in the 7th to 9th centuries, and those on the move were not nomadic wanderers, but rather kings, warriors, and bards. The bards, often called "wards," held lands and pursued their professions diligently. It becomes evident that the settled people of that era had a different language and culture compared to today's settled Irish, as well as the Travellers who hail from the Gaelic world.

But why does any of this matter, you might wonder? Well, the English conquests played a significant role in shaping the perception of "nomads" by displacing Gaelic Clans from their lands, including the bards. This historical perspective challenges the notion of itinerants or tinkers, labels that emerged under English colonization.

Fast forward to the 16th century, when the English embarked on a deliberate experiment to transform old Gaelic Ireland into an English society, giving rise to the label "Settled Irish." This endeavour involved erasing people's history and cultural heritage to such an extent that many lost their connection not only to the past but even to the days of the week. It's a struggle to find a representation of Gaelic life from those times, leaving many with the mistaken belief that there was nothing there.

Our mission has been a lifelong endeavour, driven not by personal gain but by the hope that one-day Traveller organizations will embrace this knowledge. So many lives, including those of children, have been affected, and as time passes, we hope to hold those accountable who, despite being educated and presented with scientific evidence, turned a blind eye.

We persist because we have no other choice, for the psychological pressure placed upon our community by the state is immense. Yet, we continue to share our history and heritage, hoping for a brighter future where the truth prevails and understanding prevails over ignorance.

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Kerron Ó Luain, Dilean MacSearraigh and Bernard Sweeney.

Colonial labels, Irish Travellers and Settled Irish were not just about defining and categorising people but about exerting control and domination. They were a way for the colonisers to justify their actions and to maintain their power over the indigenous population. But these labels did not just apply to the Irish Traveller community in their own country. The English also used labels like 'wild Irish' and 'undeserving Irish' to justify their treatment of the Gaelic people as a whole. Unfortunately, it seems the impact of these labels did not end with the end of formal colonisation in 1922.

Many of these old colonial labels and the institutions that support them labels persist to this day, shaping the way that Irish people and Travellers are perceived and treated by each other. That is why it is so important to understand the history and motivations behind these labels are given life to be understood. By doing so, we can begin to challenge and change the systems of thought and power that have perpetuated these divisions for centuries.

We must also recognize that these issues are not unique to Ireland. Similar patterns can be found in the histories of many colonised and marginalised communities around the world. By examining these issues in a critical and nuanced way, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. By doing so, we can work towards a more healing and understanding island and become a country for all cultures and democracies.

Dr Kerron Ó Luain is a historian from Dublin, Ireland. His most recent publication, Rathcoole and the United Irish Rebellions, 1798-1803, charts the emergence of radical Irish republican thought, and consequent military action, in his hometown.

“Compulsory Irish”: The Place of the Irish Language in Ireland’s Post-Colonial Education System
OCTOBER 1, 2021 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association: A Vehicle for Social Solidarity or Social Consensus?
AUGUST 6, 2021 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
Class Disparities and Child Abuse in Ireland 2020
JULY 17, 2020 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
There is a Spectre Haunting Ireland: Emigration
JUNE 25, 2020 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
The Soviet Century
FEBRUARY 21, 2020 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
The Longue Durée: Commemorating RIC and Black & Tan Colonialism
JANUARY 16, 2020 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
The Irish Language and Marxist Materialism
JUNE 12, 2019 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
What the “White Irish Slaves” Meme Tells Us About Identity Politics
APRIL 22, 2019 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
“Radical Ireland’s Dead And Gone”: The Protest Outside Simon Harris’ Home
FEBRUARY 14, 2019 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
Captain Moonlight Revived: Ireland’s New Land War?
DECEMBER 21, 2018 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
Creeping Neo-Fascism in Ireland and the “Open Borders” Question
NOVEMBER 30, 2018 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
Poppy Fascism and the English Education System
NOVEMBER 12, 2018 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN
Ireland’s Gaeltacht Regions: Transitioning Into Oblivion?
NOVEMBER 2, 2018 BY KERRON Ó LUAIN

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Bernard Sweeney and Dilean Foley are joined by experts Patrick Nevin ,Elaine Martin and Robbie McVeigh

The report of the Commission on Itinerancy, released in 1963, marked a significant turning point in the Irish government's approach to the Irish Traveller community. For the first time, the government made a concerted effort to "settle" Travellers and integrate them into mainstream society. While this report may have had good intentions, it ultimately had devastating consequences for the Traveller community.


For centuries, Irish Travellers had been viewed as outsiders a people apart from mainstream society. Subjected to discrimination, marginalization, and violence. The 1963 report reinforced these negative stereotypes and further entrenched Travellers in a position of powerlessness and disadvantage.


The COI (Commission on Itinerancy) report classified Travellers as a "social problem" and proposed a range of measures designed to assimilate them into mainstream society. These measures included the construction of "Traveller halting sites" on the outskirts of towns and cities, the creation of a network of "Traveller training centres," and the introduction of education and employment initiatives designed to "civilize" Travellers where years of institutionalised abuses became the norm for many Travellers, including children.


The impact of these measures was devastating. Travellers were forced from their traditional way of life and into a way of life that was alien to them. They were denied access to the same opportunities and resources as the Settled Irish community and were subjected to further discrimination and abuse.


The psychological damage caused by the COI report can not be overstated. It has left a legacy of trauma that has affected generations of Travellers and has contributed to the high levels of mental health problems and suicide within the community.


Today, 60 years after the release of the COI report, it is more important than ever that we address the living trauma caused by this report and work towards a more inclusive society.


We are raising funds to produce a podcast series that will explore the impact of the Report From The Commission On Itinerancy and the ongoing struggles of Traveller community. This series will provide a platform for Travellers to tell their stories and will be an important resource for anyone seeking to understand the issues facing Irish marginalised communities by clandestine colonial powers.


Acknowledging and addressing past trauma can lead to improved mental health outcomes.


Facing and working through difficult experiences can lead to personal growth and development.


Recognizing and acknowledging the impact of historical events on current circumstances can facilitate a deeper understanding and empathy for oneself and others. Examining how past traumas have been passed down through generations can help to break negative patterns and create a healthier future for all.


Facing and addressing past trauma can help to create a sense of closure and resolution, leading to a sense of peace and healing. Examining how systems and institutions have contributed to trauma and oppression can help to bring about necessary changes and build on our democracy for a more equal society.


We are fully unfunded and rely on donations to keep our podcast series running. Your support will help us to continue to shed light on the experiences of Travellers and to work towards a more inclusive and understanding society. Please consider donating today and help us to create a better world for all people.


Previous podcasts on "Outside The Colony" podcasts.


https://anchor.fm/travision

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