Hugh Friel is originally from Donegal and has been actively involved with the Donegal Travellers Project (DTP) for over 25 years. He began his journey as a young man within the organisation and has since taken on various leadership roles at both local and national levels. Throughout his career, he has campaigned tirelessly against institutional and individual racism, advocating for equality and justice for the Traveller community.
Currently, he serves as the Roma Health Coordinator for Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal. In this role, he works to promote access to HSE services for the Roma community, fostering trust, collaboration, and mutual understanding. He is also deeply committed to supporting the Roma movement and building strong, inclusive relationships that empower marginalised communities.