Jennifer Horgan: RTÉ documentary shows Travellers are a complex and diverse bunch

The Collins family in Alex Fegan’s documentary 'A Traveller Family' made me reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of identity politics, writes Jennifer Horgan 

Johnny Collins from Alex Fegan's 'A Traveller Family' documentary. He has one foot in the community and one foot out, something he finds difficult. Photo: RTE

There is a convenient pause in traffic when I hear it. Clip clop. Clip clop. I don’t turn, let the sound of hooves come tumbling along Boreenmanna Road behind me. I luxuriate in the clean rhythm, imagining a city before cars. Not long ago they could have been anyone.

When I eventually glance over my shoulder the sight is far from romantic. Inside the small cart is a teenage boy and an older man slumped beside him. The boy, barely a teenager, looks hollow.