Traveller families enjoy their own Gathering in Limerick town of Rathkeale

New York Times reports on annual return of the clans

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Rathkeale Co Limerick

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Two years ago Irish customs officers seized rhino horns worth an estimated $700,000 at Shannon airport while the pan-European police force Europol has identified a network of gangs it calls the Rathkeale Rovers in a variety of crimes, including the smuggling of rhino horns.

A statement from Europol said: “Significant players within this area of crime have been identified as an Irish and ethnically Irish organized criminal group, who are known to use intimidation and violence to achieve their ends.

“Elements of this group are also involved in a variety of other serious crimes across the European Union such as drugs trafficking, organized robbery, distribution of counterfeit products, tarmac fraud and money laundering.”

Not all residents are concerned by the influx of travellers at this time of year.

Butcher and boxing club coach Joe Williams told the New York Times that the police presence is ‘overkill’ and claimed that many of the travellers have been unfairly stigmatized.

Williams said: “You would get the impression it’s not safe to walk out your door, but it’s simply not the case.

“The vast majority of travellers are very good people. There are a few bad apples, but that’s the same in every part of society.”

Businessman John Dinnage insisted that relations between the travellers and the other residents of Rathkeale are largely cordial.

He said: “They’re good for business. They’re the only ones who seem to have any money. It’s the media that gives this town a bad name, not the travellers.”
 

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