Kathleen Ward, Kilconnell.

Kathleen Ward, Kilconnell, Co. Galway Galway

In this interview Kathleen Ward along with her daughter, also Kathleen, chat about pregnancy and birth within the Travelling Community. Kathleen speaks about old traditions and customs around pregnancy and birth in early 20th century and how her faith in God has taken her through her most difficult times in life.

Kathleen tell us prayers she uses, burial traditions surrounding a stillbirth, or “deadborn”, as the old traveller tongue describes it and even a few words of cant for midwife, baby and mother.

We are grateful to Kathleen and her family for her wonderful interview surrounding life and times around birthing for the traveller woman.

Click the image to listen to Kathleen’s interview with Emma Laffey.