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A Killarney woman who has devoted much of her life to advocating for Traveller’s rights was awarded ‘Woman of the Year’ on Wednesday night.

Brigid Quilligan was presented with the award by President Emer Moynihan and members of the Killarney Soroptimist Club at a dinner in the Gleneagle Hotel.

The award was given in recognition of her determination and commitment when advocating for Traveller rights, achievement of Minority Ethnic Status for the community, and for being a role model for young Travellers everywhere.

“Soroptimists strive for human rights for all and in particular to advance the status of women,” Emer Moynihan, President of Killarney Soroptimists, said.

“Brigid has balanced the importance of respecting the traditions of her community with the importance of growing, evolving and moving forward in a changing Ireland.

“She is a Killarney woman who has devoted much of her life to advocating for Travellers rights. This led to her being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from University College Cork. A passionate and articulate champion for Travellers, she is a former director of the Traveller Movement and currently the manager of the Kerry Traveller’s Health and Community Development Project.”

She added that Brigid has worked to secure recognition of the Traveller Community as an ethnic minority and she has also represented the Irish Traveller Movement on the UN Human Rights Committee.