Margaret Joyce's First Communion, Travelers Encampment, Finglas, Ireland, 1991
(catalog number 300S-075-010)

THIS photograph was taken for the book A Day in the Life of Ireland. I spent some days photographing the Finglas Gypsies' encampment. It was a crazy place. Most of the adults spent a lot of time drinking. As the day went by, they became more and more drunk. The children were often left to play on their own and take care of themselves.

Early on, I met Margaret Joyce and her family. I immediately fell in love with Margaret's spirit, beauty, and energy. She was very excited about her First Communion. She had a beautiful dress and veil to wear for the occasion.

On the day of the Communion, her brother was drunk and passed out on the bed in their trailer. Her mother took her to the church. At the church, I sensed how different Margaret was from the other children. Many of the children probably came from poverty also, but somehow she was different. Margaret also sensed the difference. She felt isolated. Even though her dress was as beautiful as those of the other little girls, there was a roughness about Margaret's appearance that instantly labeled her a "traveler." This photograph was taken at the end of the day. I think it was a very hard day for her.