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First Independence Day of Ukraine celebrated in Killarney

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By Natalya Krasnenkova

Wednesday was a day filled with mixed emotions as the Ukrainian community in Killarney celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

The Yershovy family at the ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday.

SONG: Olena Basko singing The Cranberries 'Zombie' at the ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

EMOTIONAL: Valentina Varinaha and Halina Shtakal feeling emotional at the concert in ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

UNITED: Ukrainians Valentina Varinaha Halina Shtakal Shokhrat Ahabekov and Oksana Bondarenko united as they attended the concert in the ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

PERFORMING: Yaromyr Basko pictured singing with his friends at the ANAM Cultural Centre on Wednesday.

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AUDIENCE: A large crowd gathered at the concert in ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

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TOGETHER: Tatiana Berzin Platon Eismont and Natalia Eismont together enjoying the music song and dance at the ANAM Cultural Centre concert for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

More than 200 spectators attended the Ukrainian show at the ANAM Cultural Centre and included songs, dances, gymnastic numbers, a masterclass for children and a joint flash mob in blue and yellow clothes - the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Traditionally on this day, Ukrainians gather to celebrate liberation from many years of being part of an artificial entity - the Soviet Union under the domination of Russia - and the acquisition of the status of an independent state.

“This is our first Independence Day outside Ukraine so we are delighted to invite our new Irish friends to share the celebration with us," organisers Natalia Krasnenkova, Yevhenia Omelchenko and Alevtyna Rutto said.

Five violinists of the Yeroshovy sisters performed in front of the guests with a programme consisting of classical and Ukrainian works. The sisters brought instruments with them to Ireland and continue to practice their skills.

“Independence Day for our family is a day of justice, a day of support for truth and honour. Ukraine exists, it is strong and beautiful, and indomitable Ukrainians, thanks to their unity, will overcome everything and will not make old mistakes again. With our music, we want to support people who are far from their homeland, who left the Motherland unprepared and against their will. Dear Ukrainians, feel at home on Independence Day. We will give you pieces of our hearts, our music, which was learned in Ukraine, because there is the best children's music education and many other best things in the world!” Alena Yershova said.

The organisers of the concert had already put concerts together before Easter and as part of Ukrainian Day at K-FEST. All the concert participants are Ukrainians living in Killarney and Kerry. The organisers joked that now they need to organise an All-Ireland tour of Ukrainians talents.

Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Killarney who visited the celebration said that the new experience of cooperation between Ukrainians and town hall gives excellent results.

"Today we have a wonderful holiday, for which I want to thank all the participants and the entire town hall team, thanks to whom it was possible."

FEATURE FILM

A Ukrainian film was shown in the Great Southern Killarney. 'The Rising Hawk' in English, was presented within the framework of the World Charity Film Marathon in support of Ukraine/CinemAid Ukraine Charity Film Marathon.

It's a 2019 American-Ukrainian feature film directed by Akhtem Seitablayev and John Winn, an adaptation of Ivan Franko's historical novel of the same name 'Zakhar Berukt'. The slogan of the film is 'Freedom is my essence'. The co-organiser from the Ukrainian side is the Watch Ukrainian Association.

Through cultural diplomacy, Ukrainians strive to tell as many locals as possible about themselves and their country. It is especially pleasant that many guests came to the events on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

"We are very grateful for the help in organising the event: Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Town Hall Killarney, Kerry County Council, ANAM Cultural Centre, Great Southern Killarney, and the Association of Ukrainians in Republic of Ireland.

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Killarney for Palestine film screening

Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz. The event, which […]

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Killarney for Palestine recently held a sold-out screening of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’ at the West End School of Arts, raising €2,100 for Camp Breakerz.

The event, which took place on July 3, included two screenings, both of which were fully booked. Guests enjoyed cheese and wine before the shows.
‘No Other Land’ depicts the ongoing destruction in Masafer Yatta, a cluster of villages in the Southern West Bank, and shows the experiences of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. The film won in the Best Documentary category at this year’s Academy Awards.
The screenings were organised in association with the West End School of Arts.
All proceeds from the €25 tickets benefited Camp Breakerz Crew, a children’s charity based in Gaza that provides creative outlets through dance and is involved in food distribution programs in Nuseirat Camp and Deir-Al-Balah due to food shortages.
Sally MacMonagle, who recently spent time in Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem, also spoke at one of the screenings.

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Bid to host European Presidency summit meetings gathers pace

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026. Deputy Cahill […]

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Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism, Michael Cahill TD, has highlighted Killarney’s suitability to host summit meetings of international Government Ministers during Ireland’s six-month European Presidency tenure in 2026.

Deputy Cahill believes Kerry’s available accommodation, food, and conference facilities are “second to none,” with Killarney as the central location.
“Visitors from every corner of the earth have been coming to Kerry for centuries now, to experience its beauty and serenity and have returned on many occasions because of the fabulous time they have enjoyed during their stay here,” said Deputy Cahill. “Where else would you want to bring the senior Government Ministers of all of our EU counterpart states, to experience Ireland, its customs and heritage?”
The Rossbeigh TD outlined various attractions available for visitors during downtime: “During their downtime, they can visit the Blaskets and Slea Head, Sceilg Mhichíl and the Ring of Kerry, Killarney’s Lakes, Gap of Dunloe, National Park and Sliabh Luachra, all of our glorious beaches from Ballybunion to Rossbeigh, Kells to Ventry, Whitestrand to Inch, Ballinskelligs to Cromane, Waterville to Derrynane.” He also cited Kerry’s golf courses, Listowel Writers Week, the Rose of Tralee, and Puck Fair as potential experiences.
Deputy Cahill confirmed he has raised this matter with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin; An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris; and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne.
“If Killarney’s bid is successful in bringing the Heads of State to our county for meetings, conferences and functions, it will be a massive boost to the local economy in Killarney and also throughout the county,” added Cahill.”Iwill continue to push in the coming months for Killarney and Kerry to be included as bases for the rounds of meetings that are to take place from July 1 to December 312026.”

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