A DONEGAL student has been honoured at the Traveller Pride Awards in Dublin for his outstanding contribution to education, advocacy and inclusion.
Kyle Harvey, a final-year Bioanalytical Science student at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, received the Traveller Pride Youth (18-25) Award at a ceremony in Dublin on May 21, which celebrated individuals and organisations making a positive impact while highlighting the strength and resilience of the Traveller community.
Kyle was nominated jointly by Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), Donegal Travellers Project (DTP), and ATU Donegal.
During his time at ATU, Kyle championed wellbeing and positive mental health on campus, helped develop cross-border educational links, and served as a student ambassador. He delivered a TEDx Talk and is a founding member of Synapse, a dedicated support space for neurodivergent students at ATU Letterkenny.
He has also played a significant role in the ATU-DTP Afterschool Programme, offering guidance and encouragement to pupils from Traveller and Roma communities who are beginning to consider their own paths into further education.
L-R: Margaret Joyce, Donegal Travellers Project, Kyle Harvey and Maeve McIvor, DLDC.Accepting his award, Kyle paid tribute to the Special Initiative for Travellers programme, managed by DLDC and the Donegal Travellers Project Education team.
“They’ve pushed me to overcome challenges, to be true to myself, and to find out who I am today.”
The first in his family to progress to third-level education, Kyle said he hoped his achievement would inspire others from the Traveller community.
“Just because somebody in your family hasn’t done it before doesn’t mean you can’t be the first. I would encourage my family members to do what they want to do, whether it be academics or athletics.”
Kyle plans to begin a Master’s degree following his graduation from ATU in September 2026.