Connect with us

News

“Before the war, we had a happy life and big plans for the future”

Published

on

0251277_Alina_Balan.jpg

By Natalya Krasnenkova

Today (Friday) marks a full year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine which saw millions of people flee for their lives.

SPECIAL BOND: Viktor Balan pictured with his daughter Zlata.

Countries across Europe opened their doors offering safety, jobs and a place in schools for their children to settle and learn without fear.

This week the Killarney Advertiser spoke to Alina Balan who tells us about the horrors they saw and the heartbreak of leaving her husband behind to fight for the country's freedom.

Viktor Balan is now defending Ukraine in the ranks of the armed forces and Alina is now safe in Ireland protecting their children from the war.

Alina came to Killarney with their daughters Katya (13) and Zlata (6) from the city Vinnytsia in central Ukraine on March 24. They are currently staying in the Towers Hotel.

She recalls that February 24 last year turned their family's life upside down.

"From that day on, all our plans and dreams were completely destroyed," she told the Killarney Advertiser.

"Before the war, we had a happy life and big plans for the future. In Ukraine, I worked with documentation in an automobile company. My husband, Viktor, worked in a construction company and was actively involved in sports. Our daughters Katya and Zlata attended school, kindergarten and various clubs, and especially loved to do gymnastics. Our dogs Ricci and Busia were an integral part of our family. Every evening we had a tradition of gathering for dinner together and sharing events. Every weekend we went to visit our relatives and also travelled. Our family liked to lead an active lifestyle."

The Balan family still clearly remember the terrible morning of February 24. They saw explosions in the city, the deaths of civilians and the destruction of houses shown on TV every day. Alina’s husband could not stand aside and decided to join the Armed Forces in order to protect his family and the Motherland.

"Frankly speaking, my husband's decision was very difficult for me. But later I realised that he acted like a real man, a defender of his country. I fully support him in this difficult time for us," Alina recalls.

After her husband left for the war, it was very difficult for Alina to stay alone with the two children who were frightened by the constant sounds of sirens which, as a result, they experienced anxiety and stress.

One morning after loud explosions near the house where the Balan family lived, they decided to go from Vinnytsia. Alina understood that the safety of her children was the most important thing.

"In a matter of minutes I packed our whole life into three backpacks. We didn't even know where to go. Fortunately, my director invited us to her home. That's how we ended up in West Ukraine. But it was dangerous there too; the same sirens and rocket attacks."

After consulting her husband she decided to go to Ireland with the children. This also took some stress from Victor as he knows they are in a safe place.

"Now I only worry about him," says Alina.

EMOTIONAL

The road to Ireland was quite emotionally difficult for her and the children. Despite the exhaustion from the trip, Alina was finally calm, because they were safe. The family is lucky enough to find themselves in the picturesque town of Killarney, where they adapt to life. The girls attend school and spend a lot of time in nature with their mother.

Alina is interested in the history of Ireland and finds a lot in common with the history of Ukraine. She is impressed by kindness, sincerity and care of the people of Killarney.

"Wherever we turned, we were helped - this is impressive," added Alina.

"No matter where we are now, no matter how much we suffer due to separation from my husband, the main thing is - the greatest force in the world - love - warms us inside. During this time, we clearly understood that you can't postpone life for later. We need to appreciate every minute."

Alina's daughters miss their dad very much. They recently visited him in Ukraine during Viktor's short vacation.

"Honey, it's your birthday soon. We will remember most carefully the desire for the fastest victory. We love you very much, I'm sure we will soon hug you. We are proud of you. Ukraine is a great nation of indomitable people united for each other, for freedom and victory," Alina conveys her greetings.

 

Віктор Балан зараз захищає Україну в лавах збройних сил України, а його дружина Аліна захищає їхніх дітей від війни в Ірландії.
 

Аліна Балан приїхала в Кіларні з доньками Катя (13) та Злата (6) з міста Вінниця (Центральна Україна).

Аліна згадує, що 24 лютого минулого року перевернуло життя їхньої родини: “Починаючи з цього дня всі наші плани та мрії були повністю зруйновані. До початку війни в нас було щасливе життя та великі плани на майбутнє. В Україні я працювала з документацією в автомобільній компанії. Мій чоловік – Віктор, працював у будівельній компанії та активно займався спортом. Наші доньки Катя та Злата
відвідували школу, садочок та різноманітні гуртки особливо полюбляли
займатись гімнастикою. Наші собаки Річчі та Буся були невід’ємною частиною
нашої сім’ї. Щовечора у нас була традиція збиратись за вечерею та ділитись подіями
дня. Кожні вихідні ми їздили навідати наших родичів, а також подорожували. Наша сім’я любила вести активних спосіб життя”.
Родина Балан досі чітко пам’ятає жахливий ранок 24 лютого. Вони бачили вибухи в місті, по телевізору щодня показували загибель мирних людей, руйнування будинків. Тоді чоловік Віктор не міг стояти осторонь і ухвалив рішення вступити в ЗСУ, аби захищати свою сім’ю, Батьківщину.
“Відверто кажучи, мені рішення чоловіка далось
дуже важко. Та згодом я зрозуміла, що він вчинив як справжній чоловік та
захисник своєї країни. Я повністю підтримую його в цей нелегкий для нас
час”, - згадує Аліна.
Після того, як чоловік пішов на війну, Аліні було дуже важко залишитися самій з двома
дітьми. Від постіних звуків сирен діти та Аліна були налякані та пережили тривогу та
стрес.
Одного ранку після гучних вибухів неподалік будинку де жила родини Балан, вони
вирішили поїхати з Вінниці. Аліна розуміла, що безпека її дітей – це найважливіше.
“За лічені хвилини все наше життя я зібрала в три рюкзаки. Ми навіть не знали куди
їхати. На щастя, нас запросила до себе моя директорка. Так ми опинились на Західній
Україні. Але і тут було небезпечно, ті самі сирени та ракетні обстріли. Порадившись з
чоловіком, ми вирішили поїхати з дітьми до Ірландії. Моєму чоловікові
нарешті стало спокійно за нас. Він знає що ми перебуваємо в безпечному місці. Тепер я хвилююсь тільки за нього”, - каже Аліна.

Дорога до Ірландії була досить емоційно важкою для Аліни та дітей. Попри виснаженість від подорожі, Аліна була нарешті спокійна, адже вона та діти опинились в безпеці. Родині пощастило потрапити в мальовниче містечко Кіларні, де вони адаптуються до життя.

Advertisement

News

Rotary Club’s Wine & Art Night raises €25,000

The Killarney Rotary Club’s annual Wine & Art Night, held before Christmas, was another resounding success, raising a grand total of €25,000 for local community projects. President Ciara Irwin Foley […]

Published

on

The Killarney Rotary Club’s annual Wine & Art Night, held before Christmas, was another resounding success, raising a grand total of €25,000 for local community projects.

President Ciara Irwin Foley expressed the club’s delight with the amount raised, thanking club members and everyone who contributed to this impressive sum. She highlighted that this popular annual event directly supports vital local initiatives such as schools, clubs, and charities in the Killarney area.

Ms. Irwin Foley extended particular thanks to the event’s long-standing key sponsors: Daly’s SuperValu, Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co, and Killarney Credit Union, acknowledging their crucial and consistent support over the years. The team at The Great Southern Killarney was also thanked for ensuring the smooth running of the event. Appreciation was also given to the businesses that sponsored door prizes and competitions, including The Rose Hotel, M.D. O’Shea’s, CRL, and The Lake Hotel, as well as to Mike Neeson for providing entertainment.

The Wine & Art Night provides a valuable platform for local artists and craftspeople, with up to fifty showcasing their work. Some artists have been involved since the event’s inception, making it a wonderful networking opportunity. There is always significant interest from artists to participate in this worthwhile cause, with a percentage of their sales donated on the night. Many also generously donate their artwork for the auction, where 100% of the proceeds go directly to the beneficiary fund.

The beneficiaries themselves play an active role by selling tickets for the event in advance, using this as a key fundraising method for their own projects. The schools, clubs, organisations, and charities involved put in tremendous effort, and it is always inspiring to hear how the funds raised have positively impacted them. For example, the Hospice sells their Christmas cards at the event, and the Irish Pilgrimage Trust sells raffle tickets to help bring local people to Lourdes at Easter.

Organising the Wine & Art Night is a significant undertaking for the Killarney Rotary Club, with extensive preparations happening well in advance. Many individuals contribute their time and effort, with numerous volunteers ensuring everything runs smoothly on the night. It is this collective effort that makes the event such a success.

The €25,000 raised this year has been distributed to the following deserving beneficiaries: Faha N.S., Fossa N.S., Gaelscoil Faithleann, Knockanes N.S., Loreto N.S., Loughquittane N.S., St. Brendan’s (Sem), Hospice, Irish Pilgrimage Trust, Kerry Stars Club, Killarney Athletic, and Killarney Valley AC.
The Killarney Rotary Club is already looking forward to hosting their next Wine & Art Night at the end of November.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Kerry Jobs Fair to connects job seekers and employers

Job seekers and employers in Kerry will have a chance to meet at the Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 on May 20, at the Rose Hotel in Tralee. Over 30 companies […]

Published

on

Job seekers and employers in Kerry will have a chance to meet at the Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 on May 20, at the Rose Hotel in Tralee.

Over 30 companies from the county will be there, offering hundreds of job openings across different sectors.
The free event is organised by NEWKD Local Development Company, in partnership with The Rose Hotel and Tralee Chamber Alliance. Anyone interested can attend by registering on the day.
People looking for work can explore opportunities in areas like office administration, IT, accounting, finance, hospitality, manufacturing, food production, and retail.
The event aims to link job seekers and employers with useful information and support related to employment.
Alongside employer stands, there will be a careers clinic offering help with CV writing, interview skills, and information on training and career development.
There will also be workshops for both employees and employers about employing people who are not Irish citizens.
Robert Carey, NEWKD SICAP Programme Manager, said that bringing together many employers, services, and speakers will give job seekers a great chance to talk directly to potential employers, join workshops on career progression, and learn about employment schemes like Tús, CE, and WPEP. He added that employers will get to meet job seekers face-to-face and get information on employing people from abroad, which is important for business growth.
Efforts are being made to help Ukrainian refugees and those seeking international protection attend the fair, with information provided beforehand and interpreters available on the day. NEWKD, as part of the Kerry Community Response Forum, highlights that employment is key for refugees integrating into the community.
During the event, employers can learn about the specifics of employing migrants, get answers to common questions, and raise any concerns. A workshop for employers will be led by Frank O`Boyle from the Irish Refugee Council.
In addition to the job fair, there will be information sessions for all visitors on topics such as CV preparation (led by Sean Connell, HR at NEWKD), interview skills (presented by Lydia Oboryna from the Open Door Initiative), employment law for migrants, accessing the labour market for those with temporary protection, and entrepreneurship workshops on starting a business and finding funding.
The Newkd Kerry Jobs Fair 2025 is supported by the Rose Hotel and the Tralee Chamber Alliance, with funding from the SICAP programme, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport