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PHOTOS Limerick remembers ongoing war in Ukraine with solidarity event at Arthur’s Quay
People of Limerick remember the ongoing war in Ukraine with an event in Arthur’s Quay Park, highlighting the massive attacks Russia did in the country the past two weeks. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
People of Limerick City remember the ongoing war in Ukraine and acknowledge the massive attacks Russia did in Ukraine the past two weeks
Limerick City came together for a display of solidarity on Saturday, January 6 in Arthur’s Quay Park to remember the ongoing war in Ukraine and to highlight the massive attacks in the country over the past number of weeks.
The Limerick gathering saw a large crowd come together displaying heartfelt messages and echoing their support showing the commitment of the city’s multicultural community in standing with the Ukrainian community of Limerick and all of those affected by the conflict.
The event began with a beautiful performance of the Ukrainian national anthem by Mykola, a teenager who arrived with his family in March 2022 before speakers gave their support and Serhiy Korobtsov spoke about the nightmare of the bombings giving details of the last two weeks.
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A number of speakers at the event included Councillor Kieran O’Hanlon who attended the event with two of his grandchildren, he issued a message of support to the group at Arthur’s Quay Park at what is now approaching two years in the conflict and wished the war would end as soon as possible.
Among the speakers was John Lannan CEO of Doras, an independent organisation working to promote and protect the rights of people from a migrant background in Ireland, who spoke passionately about the importance of acknowledging the struggles faced by the Ukrainian people at this time.
He told I Love Limerick the gathering was to “remember what is continuing to happen” during the conflict, he said, “We’re here to remember what is continuing to happen in Ukraine and the ongoing war there, the suffering of the people.”
The Doras CEO believes Ireland and Ukraine have now created a bond that will last “generations” through the displays of support over the past two years which included a gathering at Arthur’s Quay Park in February, 2023 which saw hundreds march in Limerick in marking the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Mr Lannon said, “It’s wonderful to have Ukrainian flags, to have Ukrainian voices, to have Ukrainian songs in Limerick. And I think we now have bonds that will remain in place for generations between Limerick and Ukraine.”
Also speaking at the event, Olena Oleksienko spoke about the importance of community, speaking about “how it’s important to stay together and don’t forget our roots and remember our history”.
The event included musical performances by Serhiy and Valeria who sang Ukrainian songs including ‘Shedryk (Carol of the Bells)’, and Valeria gave a rendition of Sinead O’Connor’s ‘War’, the event then culminated in a minute’s silence giving those in attendance the chance to reflect and remember.
Find out more about Doras.
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Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
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