Year of indestructibility of the 9-year war: events dedicated to the anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine were held in Cavan

On February 24, the hardest year of Russia’s 9-year unprovoked war against Ukraine passed. This is the year of struggle, resilience, courage, volunteerism, compassion and hospitality. This is the year of all those who defend Ukraine at the cost of their lives, who save people by daily work, who became an innocent victim of war crimes, who became a hero posthumously.

This year the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland (AURI) have joined the events of the Ukrainian World Congress in order to remind the world of the 365 days of the brutal war against the Ukrainian people with the only voice of the world Ukrainian society.

On February 24, more than 200 Ukrainians living in the county, as well as representatives of local authorities, gathered in Cavan to honor the memory of the victims of the war, remember what this year was like for Ukrainians, and also draw world community attention to the war.

In the Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, a service was held in Ukrainian, led by Ukrainian priest, Father Vasily, from the Ukrainian Church. You can view the service here: https://www.cavantownparish.com/mass-times

Then all the participants went to the Johnston Central Library, where the opening of a photo exhibition dedicated to the chronology of the war and an exhibition of drawings of children attending the Ukrainian Saturday School in Cavan took place. In these drawings, children conveyed their emotions and feelings: on the exhibition stands, pleas are heard to stop the war.

The event was attended by representatives of local authorities Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr. John Paul Feeley, and Brendan Smith, TJ., UK Parliamentary Friendship Group Convention, who gave important words of encouragement to Ukrainians.

Following the official opening of the exhibition, the Ukrainian community presented Emma Clancy, County Librarian with a selection of Ukrainian children’s books.

With the words of gratitude to the Irish, the Co-chair of the AURI Sergiy Balan spoke: «Millions of Ukrainians were forced to leave Ukraine because of the war. Ireland also hospitably opened its borders to thousands of Ukrainians who found safety, warmth and peace here. We feel your support every day, and your contribution to our victory cannot be overestimated.

We thank every Irishman for their daily support and understanding of us, we thank the people of County Cavan who support the Ukrainians living here. And special thanks to the Community Foundation for Ireland and the Healthy Ireland Fund, Cavan County Council, Cavan County Local Development for their contribution to the Victory of Ukraine, which we will remember and appreciate all our lives».

The next part of the event took place under the Cavan Courthouse, illuminated in blue and yellow as a sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

All the participants brought candles, from which they laid out the number 365, which symbolized the anniversary of the war and the memory of all those who died.

Under the courthouse, the new Ukrainian choir Failte Isteach performed, accompanied by talented volunteer teacher Maria Battigelli.

There were also Ukrainian songs and words of thanks to the Irish from Ukrainian activists.

We thank everyone who attended this event, who cares about Ukraine, who, even a thousand kilometers from their home, cherishes love for their native land.

We will definitely win! And the greater our unity, the faster Ukraine’s victory will come. Support Ukraine and its people!

#Ukraine