By Natalia Krasnenkova

Tuesday November 19 marked 1,000 days since the war in Ukraine began. Despite the immense challenges of fleeing their homeland and rebuilding their lives in a new country, Ukrainians in Kerry exemplify resilience and determination.

With 9,639 Ukrainians now residing in County Kerry, a remarkable 41.2% are employed, 2% as self-employed professionals, and 10.2% are engaged in full-time education. Nationally, 83,934 Ukrainians have found refuge in Ireland, with 45,248 in employment and 17,808 advancing their skills through education, including 86% enrolled in English courses.
These numbers reflect survival and thriving, as Ukrainians forge paths of hope and success in Ireland.
Killarney-based Ukrainian journalist Natalia Krasnenkova examines the contribution her fellow country people have made to the region.

Alina Liventsova – She fled the war twice

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Alina Liventsova, 25, has lived in Killarney for 2.5 years with her mother and nine-year-old daughter, Julia. Originally from Makeyevka in the Donetsk region, Alina endured life under Russian occupation in 2014 before her family moved to Odesa.
When the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Alina remembered well what war was like eight years previous so she did not want to repeat her experience of living under shelling for her child.
Alina fled Odesa to protect her daughter. Arriving in Killarney by chance, the family was housed at the Eviston Hotel.
Despite not knowing English, Alina and her mother quickly found jobs—her mother in a restaurant and Alina in a bar—and committed to learning the language. Within a year, they were fluent and moved into their own apartment.
In Ukraine, Alina had trained as a manicurist and dreamed of owning her own business. In August 2024, she and a business partner – another Ukrainian lady opened a Space of Beauty in Killarney. Alina works long hours as a manicurist, often exceeding 55 hours a week, but she remains determined to grow her business and provide for her family.
She finds solace in Ireland’s natural beauty, from the cliffs to the lakes of Kerry. Alina also deeply appreciates the warmth and support of local people.
With her home in Donetsk under occupation and no place to return to in Odesa, Alina is focused on building a stable life in Ireland. Killarney has become her home, and she’s committed to giving her daughter a bright and peaceful future.
“A thousand times, thank you, Killarney, for every day of safety,” Alina says, grateful for the kindness and hospitality she has received.

Victoria Volkova – Building a future amid the uncertainty

Victoria Volkova, a teacher at St. Brendan's College and a piano teacher, arrived in Killarney in April 2022 after fleeing the occupied Kherson region. When Russian forces seized Kherson, Victoria, her mother, daughter, and dog hid in a basement for a month before escaping to Odesa and eventually Ireland.
Victoria became the first Ukrainian teacher to validate her credentials in Ireland and, from September 2022, began teaching English at St. Brendan's College, St. Bridget’s College, and Kerry ETB.
Her journey is a meaningful example of Ukrainian integration and meeting the demand for teachers in Irish schools.
Victoria’s experience as a music teacher in Ukraine also led her to work at a local music school in Ireland. In September 2024, she began studying at Dublin City University to earn certification as a Work and English teacher. For 2.5 years, she has worked full-time, often balancing two jobs.
Victoria has grown very fond of Kerry, finding beauty in the landscapes she sees daily on her way to work—the valley around Killarney, the mountains, the mist, and the lush greenery.
She feels that Kerry has become her new home. To see the ocean was once a dream, and she now finds fulfilment in Ireland’s milder climate, which is a welcome change from the hot summers of southern Ukraine. She enjoys the coolish summers, mild winters, and vibrant greenery.
Victoria tragically lost her home in Kherson when the Kakhovka hydroelectric plant was destroyed in 2023.
With no place to return to, she is focused on building a new life in Ireland. Her daughter Lisa has begun studying at University College Cork, and Victoria is determined to create a secure future for her family.
While grateful for the kindness and acceptance of her Irish colleagues and community, Victoria hopes for a long-term strategy for Ukrainians from the Irish government.
With temporary protection expiring in 2025 and the war ongoing, she stresses the need for clarity to allow Ukrainians to contribute fully to Irish society.
“Ukrainians want to work and contribute, but we need clarity on our future,” Victoria says.
As Ukraine marks 1,000 days of war, she expresses deep gratitude to Kerry and Ireland for providing her family with safety and a chance to rebuild.

Myroslav Sliusarchuk: Mastering English and succeeding against the odds

When Myroslav Sliusarchuk arrived in Ireland from Odesa on April 24, 2022, he knew no English.
Through dedication and immersion, he achieved remarkable progress, reaching proficiency over time.
Adapting to life in Ireland wasn’t easy at first. Myroslav spoke no English upon arrival but quickly improved through immersive learning at St Brendan’s College, with teachers and classmates providing invaluable support.
His school experience was positive, especially the welcoming attitude of teachers and the principal, Mr. Sean Coffey, who helped him settle in and prepare for the Leaving Certificate. Mock exams and practice sessions helped him adjust to the rigorous process.
Mock exams and consistent practice prepared him for the demanding Leaving Certificate, which he passed with an impressive 525 points, one of the few Ukrainians in Ireland to achieve this milestone. Myroslav credits his teachers for their guidance, especially in preparing for the English exams, which required extensive writing and quick thinking. He recalls how mock exams helped him understand time management and task volume, enabling him to excel under pressure.
This achievement opened doors to higher education, and Myroslav was accepted into South East Technological University in Carlow, where he is now pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity.
His early passion for programming, developed during high school, made university studies more manageable, especially in programming and computational mathematics.
Myroslav appreciates the peaceful atmosphere of Killarney, with its picturesque parks, mountains, and lakes. While his grandparents remain in Ukraine, his immediate family is in Killarney, and he plans to stay in Ireland while studying.
Though his family dreams of returning to Ukraine, Myroslav is focused on building his future in Ireland, and he is grateful for the opportunities it has provided him.