Sharyn Ward

Traveller’s Talent

Sharyn Ward a traditional singer and proud Irish Traveller from Longford and a mother of three, her unreal rendition of Black is the Colour placed her in Ireland’s Got Talent final where she sang One Starry Night – “makes me proud to be a Traveller”, she says.

Since the show she has performed at events to raise awareness of Traveller mental health.

Last year Sharyn released her first original single, ‘Feeling Free’ a traditional Irish song with lively banjo & accordion coupled with such very strong vocals and weave Cant (Traveller language) throughout the song, you can feel the energy in her voice and her pride in her culture. ‘Feeling Free’ was produced by John Flynn, JMR Studios, Shankhill. Instrumentals by Dick Farrelly. ‘Feeling Free’ written and sung by Sharyn Ward.

And as a run-up to the release of her album, Sharyn has returned with a powerful new single, ‘This Auld Camp Here’.

What’s exciting is each original track set she is working on for the album showcases various aspects of Travellers life and their culture. ‘Feeling Free’ celebrated the deep bond between a man and his horse, ‘Where Do All The Travelling People Go?’ brings about a strong message on mental health challenges and the discrimination Travellers are faced with as well as Sharyn’s own journey through some hardships.

We asked Sharyn what this new release is all about … “‘This Auld Camp Here’ well it’s about how we wouldn’t take all the money in the world for the auld camp we live in...”

“It’s about when people wanted to buy us out, and them not realising that money can’t buy things in life that are important to us – like family, my faith, peace, love, unity, storytelling, singing, passing traditions on to our young people, and the way our children can run wild and free,”

In 2019, Sharyn won The Traveller Pride Award in the Music category, the awards are co-ordinated by the Irish Traveller Movement.

We were very excited to chat with Sharyn about her journey in the music world and what tomorrow looks like… we certainly can’t wait to have her visit Canada and tour coast to coast to coast bringing us the sound of music!! I remember many celebrations myself of The Travellers Weddings &/or Funerals… gosh they would go on for days and what a hooley!!

Tell us about your background Sharyn?

I’m a very proud Irish Traveller woman, I’m married to the love of my life and we have three beautiful children.

I’m originally from Co. Longford but moved to Dublin when I met my husband. I have made a lot of great friends since I came here but I always make sure to go home to see my old friends and family.

What age did you start singing at?

I don’t ever remember not singing. I was surrounded by my Big-Daddy (my grandfather) and all our family a lot as a child and they constantly sang and played music all day. Also my father and mother played music from morning until night at home and I loved to listen and learn the words of the songs and then go back and sing it to the family who came to visit our home. Without realising at the time the older people were passing down traditions and songs. One of the songs I sang recently has been dated back to the 1930s or 40s and I learned that from listening to family singing it since I was a child. Singsongs at weddings and other occasions is where I learned some of the best songs I know. I knew from I was a child that I wanted to be a performer and to sing to the world.

What was it like growing up for you?

Where do I start? I was surrounded by great family and friends, Travellers and non-travellers and I was a very popular child when I was younger. Had a lot of friends and enjoyed life. I didn’t enjoy school I’m not going to lie but I later went to college to become a beauty therapist and enjoyed that a lot.

Ireland’s Got Talent

Tell us about that experience?

Here’s the funny thing lol….I didn’t actually apply for IGT.

There was some filming going on here in the camp with the family and I’d met Lucy Kennedy and became great friends with her instantly. They all insisted I came out to the fire to sing and I went out for a few minutes sang a song called one starry night and she loved it, got her sound person out to record and came back to me the next day and said IGT want me to audition and I was delighted to know that people thought I was that good, but refused as I wasn’t ready to be just put out into the world. I was afraid of social media. There is a lot of discrimination against my people at the time so I was afraid in a way.

Anyway after thinking about it for a few days and a lot of talking on the phone to Claire Ridge (part of IGT) and a lot of praying for guidance I agreed to do it.

I was just put straight through to audition with Judges I didn’t have to do anything only turn up lol . When I got to the side of the stage and once I seen my children, I knew what I had to do. I don’t want them to suffer for been a traveller or to be held back so I just went for it. I did it for all my people!!

What was the most special thing about this experience?

Well apart from nearly falling off the stage with the audiences reaction I could barely speak - I just kept thinking “what is going on?” I couldn’t believe it. I felt so proud and it was like a “ah finally moment”.

The entire team of IGT told me that my life would change forever and they were right. In so many ways and all good. What felt extra special for me is that yes there was a little negative comments but it was outnumbered by the positive.

It was the most beautiful feeling. I cried my eyes out the day I woke up and seen my picture all over the papers lol people loved me I couldn’t believe it .

What’s your favourite Song ?

I have so many songs that I love, too many - How about I tell you SOME of my favourite singers

Pecker Dunne, Finbar Furey, Luke Kelly , Christy Moore, Margaret Barry, The Pogues, The Wolfetones, The Dubliners, honestly I will take up this whole page if I keep listing them..

What does tomorrow look like for you ?

I feel like the future is very bright.

I have found my place in the music world with the help of good people. Especially all the gang at the Axis in Ballymun. But I am still figuring it all out with the help of some great friends and family in the background.

Working with Missing Link Productions at JMR Recording Studio is where I’ve done my songs with John and Dick. I’m still finishing off my own album there too and it’s going to be finished very soon.

When will you go on Tour?

I’m going to be definitely touring this year. I’m waiting to confirm dates but keep an eye on my Facebook page for updates on that. I really truly can’t wait to actually get out and meet my fans/ friends. I’d be lost without my social media family. They keep me going.

Where is your favourite place to be?

At home in the camp surrounded by my family. I am a family woman. They are my life.