Warm tributes paid to Traveller rights activist Ronnie Fay

Padraig Conlon 31 Jan 2022

The death has occurred of Ronnie Fay, the co-director of Pavee Point Traveller and Roma Centre.

Ms Fay, who lived in Skerries, worked with the organisation for almost 40 years.

In a statement, Pavee Point said:

“It is with great sadness and sorrow that Pavee Point has to tell you of the untimely passing of Ronnie Fay our Co-Director.

“Our sympathies today go to Philip, her children Jonathan, Veronica and Patrick, her brother and sisters, including our much appreciated colleague Oonagh, and extended family members.

“They have lost a partner, mother, sibling and steadfast friend.

“Ronnie will be a huge loss for us, for all we work with and for all concerned with Traveller and Roma human rights here and everywhere.

“She gave her life to promoting equality and social justice and led Pavee Point’s work locally, nationally and internationally with courage and conviction even during the last two years of COVID and including when she was already unwell.

“Ronnie was also our colleague and friend, and friend to Travellers and Roma, and those who stand in solidarity with Travellers and Roma, throughout the country as the concerned messages of the past weeks again indicate.

“As a community worker she believed in solidarity and support for others and in participating actively in shaping our country’s responses and initiatives with marginalised communities.

“And she made time to be an active camogie, hurling and sports enthusiast.

“May she rest in peace.”

President Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to Ms Fay, saying: “May I express on behalf of Sabina and myself, and as President of Ireland, what a great sadness it is to learn of the death of Ronnie Fay, Co-Director of Pavee Point, a founding member and its driving force.

“For almost 40 years, with Ronnie at its heart, Pavee Point has campaigned for Traveller and Roma rights. Ronnie worked tirelessly to improve living circumstances, status and participation of the Traveller and Roma community and she continuously fought for social justice, greater solidarity, development, equality and human rights.

“Ronnie’s life work has been a shining light of advocacy for Traveller and Roma rights. Through her activism, and with the assistance of Traveller community workers and leaders across the country, her courage and passion has changed the lives of so many members of the Traveller community.

“Her contribution was of such immense significance. She will be so missed.

“May I offer my deepest condolences to Ronnie’s husband Philip, her children Jonathan, Veronica and Patrick, their family and friends; to all of Ronnie’s colleagues in Pavee Point; and to the Traveller and Roma communities who will all miss her so much.

“Síocháin shíoraí dá hanam uasal lách croíúil”

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman also paid tribute to Ms Fay:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ronnie Fay.

“My sympathies, and those of the many officials in the Departments who worked closely with Ronnie over the years, are with her husband Philip and her children, Jonathan, Veronica and Patrick, her family and friends, her colleagues in Pavee Point and the Traveller and Roma communities around the country.

“Ronnie as Co-Director of Pavee Point passionately advocated for Traveller and Roma rights, equality and inclusion.

“She had a deep commitment to the Traveller community, working tirelessly for the societal changes that would enable Travellers to enjoy the same rights and life chances as others in Irish society.

“She brought humour, expertise, imagination, determination and fairness to her work in local, national and international fora.  Her contribution has been pivotal in reminding Government and society more broadly of Traveller and Roma rights and needs.  Even when seriously ill herself, she worked tirelessly to keep Travellers and Roma safe during the Covid pandemic. The impact of her work will continue to be felt for many, many years.”

“May she rest in peace.”

Related News