Leanne Mc Donagh changing the art of Traveller culture

Leanne Mc Donagh smashed sizeable barriers to get to college, writes Ellie O’Byrne. Having appeared on RTE’s Norah’s Traveller Academy, she’s hellbent on using her art to undermine stereotypes.

Leanne McDonagh poses with practised ease for photographs outside the Backwater Studios on Wandesford Quay in Cork. Flicking her glossy hair over one shoulder, she laughs and jokes with the photographer.

The past weeks have been a whirlwind for her since her January appearance on RTÉ’s Norah’s Traveller Academy set her on the path she’s always dreamed of; a successful career as an artist. McDonagh, with her degree in Fine Art from Crawford College of Art and Design, is among just 1% of the Traveller community to have graduated from third level education in Ireland.