A TRAVELLER who dropped out of school at 13 says she is raising her daughters to do the same.
Zoe Lynch, 19, was raised in the traveller community in Naas, County Kildare in Ireland.
She grew up with her parents and siblings in a house until she married Tom Delaney, 19, last year, who she now lives with in a caravan.
Zoe grew up with a strict set of rules and traditional values – including not being allowed to have sleepovers with friends, and learning to cook and clean from age eight.
She left school at 13 and is a full-time housewife while Tom goes out to work – and he pays all their expenses.
Zoe says she is expected by her community to always look glam – with tanned skin, full eyelashes, and styled hair.
But despite the strict rules, she vows if she ever has a daughter she’d raise her in the same way.
“I got married at 18 and people are surprised by the young age, but in our community some people marry as young as 14,” says Zoe, who now lives in County Tipperary, Ireland.
“My husband provides everything for me.
“I dropped out of school at 13, and it’s common to drop out at that age or younger.
“Some don’t go at all – none of our grandparents were educated.”
Zoe said one of the strictest rules she lived by is that women can’t drink or smoke before they’re married because it is considered “disrespectful.”
And even when married, “partying holidays” for big groups of young men or women aren’t allowed, she said.
“If you go on holiday, it’s with your husband or your family,” Zoe explained.
And sleepovers with anyone apart from family are completely banned, she said.
She left school at 13 to take on household responsibilities, and learned to cook and clean from the age of eight.
And women must always make their homes feel welcoming when guests come around, according to the rules she was raised under.
Traditions in the gypsy/traveller communities
Nomadic lifestyle: Traditionally, many travellers maintain a nomadic lifestyle, living in caravans and moving frequently. This mobility is a core aspect of their identity, reflecting a deep connection to freedom and independence.
Strong family bonds: Family is central to traveller culture. Extended families often live and travel together, providing a strong support network. Marriages and social events are significant community affairs, reinforcing familial ties.
Distinct Language: Many travellers speak Shelta, also known as Cant or Gammon, a distinct language that mixes elements of Irish, English, and other languages. This language serves as a cultural marker and a means of private communication within the community.
Religious practices: The traveller community often follows Roman Catholicism, with religious festivals and milestones like baptisms, communions, and weddings being particularly significant. However, individual beliefs and practices can vary widely.
Unique celebrations: Events such as horse fairs and traditional weddings are major social gatherings for travellers. These occasions are marked by elaborate preparations, vibrant attire, and communal participation.
“Women have to offer them tea and food and make them feel welcome,” she said.
She said she cleans thoroughly every day, using bleach, to make sure the home is spotless for when Tom gets back from work.
And she always has to look good for her husband as well as looking presentable for everyone else in the community.
“The way we dress and look is different to non-travellers,” Zoe explained.
“We have the hair styles and makeup – our eyebrows and eyelashes and nails always need to be done.
“I would say about 90% of the traveller community uses sunbeds too, just so we all have a nice colour.
“If you look scruffy you’d get talked about.”
Zoe explained why she wouldn’t raise her own children any differently.
“Looking around me, we all do the same thing so the way we live is normal to us,” she said.
“If I had a child, I’d give them the same rules.
“These rules have gone on for years and years.”
