A Long Way From Home

Took forever to paint those pigeons…

s US President Joe Biden declared America’s “unwavering” support of Ukraine when he met with President Zelensky in Kyiv on Monday, it’s chilling to note that February 24th marked the one year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

It’s an anniversary that Greystones acknowledged on Friday with a special gathering at Coonageina, home to many displaced Ukrainians.

“Our Ukrainian friends have become a big part of the Greystones community,” said St Patrick’s principal Rachel Harper, one of the organisers behind Friday’s event. “For the kids especially, taken from not only their homes but their country, it’s important to show them that there is good in the world too.”

Alongside some special guests on the day, a Tree Of Peace was filled with messages of hope and support, pupils in St Patrick’s National School keen to show their Ukrainian classmates that they are very much part of the community.

Also there on the day was the Archbishop of Dublin, Michael Jackson (he/he) and Minister Simon Harris, the two releasing white doves as symbols of peace and resilience.

You can find out more about Greystones’ solidarity with Ukraine right about here.