Zoe Lynch, a 19-year-old Irish traveller married to Tom Delaney, embraces the strict rules and traditional values she was raised with and intends to pass them on to her future daughter. Living in a caravan in Tipperary, Ireland, Zoe left school at the age of 13, a common practice in her community, where education is not prioritised. She describes her marriage at 18 as young by some standards, though in her community, marriages as young as 14 are not uncommon.
Raised with a set of rules that prohibit drinking, smoking, and partying holidays before marriage, Zoe’s lifestyle revolves around maintaining a clean home, looking presentable, and prioritising the needs of her husband and community. Cooking and cleaning duties were instilled in her from a young age, with a focus on welcoming guests and always looking glamorous. Despite societal norms, Zoe is committed to upholding these traditions and rules.
In her community, appearances are important, with expectations for women to have styled hair, tanned skin, and immaculate nails. Zoe emphasises the importance of adhering to these standards, highlighting the use of sunbeds and daily grooming routines. While these rules may seem strict to outsiders, Zoe sees them as integral to her way of life and plans to instil them in her own children in the future, citing a sense of normality within her community for generations.