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Typically, this summer day started with a healthy dose of rain, but
A fact that is sometimes lost on those patriots who feel our own tired and hungry should always come first.
Ever since noted war criminal Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ireland has
So, celebrating your home country during such troubled times is
It was after the dissolution of the Soviet Union that Ukraine’s constitution was created, declaring the
Sunny daze… 28JUNE23
elebrating the 1996 formation of the Constitution of Ukraine, there 
was a party and a half down at Coolnagreina this afternoon.
elebrating the 1996 formation of the Constitution of Ukraine, there 
was a party and a half down at Coolnagreina this afternoon.Following a show by the children at St Patrick’s National School, there was music, dancing, poems, theatre performances and, most importantly, free food aplenty as Greystones greeted Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko.
Typically, this summer day started with a healthy dose of rain, but 
that 2pm BBQ bell triggered the parting of the waters. And it made for one very sunny afternoon.
that 2pm BBQ bell triggered the parting of the waters. And it made for one very sunny afternoon.Alongside the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland was Poland’s equivalent, Anna Sochańska, and Israel’s, Bar Sadeh, the trio doing the traditional meet agus greet before happily seating down to some eats on a great big blue picnic bench.
And that’s when the show began, with St Patrick’s Rachel Harper and Tiglin’s Keith Flynn opening proceedings before Ms Gerasko took to the stage to thank the people of Greystones for offering a home to those Ukrainians fleeing war.
A fact that is sometimes lost on those patriots who feel our own tired and hungry should always come first. 
If only Ireland had some example of being invaded by a bigger neighbour and how families were torn apart as survival meant taking refuge in another country…
Ever since noted war criminal Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ireland has 
welcomed approximately 75,000 Ukrainian refugees, with over 100 residing at Tiglin’s Coolnagreina on Trafalgar Road. And even after 491 days, Ukrainians are still be bombarded with missile strikes and artillery assaults.
welcomed approximately 75,000 Ukrainian refugees, with over 100 residing at Tiglin’s Coolnagreina on Trafalgar Road. And even after 491 days, Ukrainians are still be bombarded with missile strikes and artillery assaults.So, celebrating your home country during such troubled times is 
more than just bunting and flag waving. Constitution Day is akin to Ukrainian’s Paddy’s Day, only the fighting isn’t in the car park after the pubs close, it’s in every town, on every street, every day and to the death. For 491 days and counting.
more than just bunting and flag waving. Constitution Day is akin to Ukrainian’s Paddy’s Day, only the fighting isn’t in the car park after the pubs close, it’s in every town, on every street, every day and to the death. For 491 days and counting.“It’s so important to mark a day like today,” says Rachel Harper, “to show solidarity, and support, and to bring joy into the lives of those living so far away from home, and without any idea of when they can return. Or what will be still standing when they do…”
Providing the music this afternoon Cormac and Martin, joined memorably for a jig by the incredible Siena, whilst the Making Waves Youth Theatre put on a short play and Ukrainians living here in Greystones treated us to some of their traditional songs, poems and even opera.
It was after the dissolution of the Soviet Union that Ukraine’s constitution was created, declaring the 
country ‘a sovereign and independent, democratic, law-based state‘ where the paramount social value is given to the individuals and their dignity and health.
country ‘a sovereign and independent, democratic, law-based state‘ where the paramount social value is given to the individuals and their dignity and health.Nearly 20 years after that signing, Ukrainians are today having to fight for those simple rights…
You can find out more about Greystones’ Ukrainian community here, and about Tiglin over here.
