"School wasn't for me," says former pupil of the year

Bridget Delaney (18) was 1999 Pupil of the Year in Presentation Convent, Galway. Her mother, Judy, beams as she remembers the trophy in the house at their halting site in Salthill. Her daughter left school after Junior Certificate, however, and is now working in a local hotel.

"It wasn't for me," says Bridget. Would she consider studying for the Leaving Certificate in several years' time? "Sure, it would be too late," she says, without elaborating - as if she had crossed a particular threshold. The challenge would be too daunting - or the obstacles far too great.

It is potential students like Bridget that the National Traveller Women's Forum would be concerned about, and Rachel Doyle of the NTWF believes far more peer-based supports are required - and far more research needs to be commissioned.

"On the one hand, we need the data that tracks pupils' progress, and identifies the reasons why they stay or leave. And on the other hand, we need to stop looking at Travellers and start looking at the causes of divisions in our society.

"We need to start looking at the fears of settled people - residents. Otherwise, Ballinruane will happen again and again and again."