Last week marked a full year since 150 displaced Ukrainian refugees set up a temporary home in the Innisfallen Hotel away from the atrocities of war.

GRATITUDE: Thank you notes written by the Ukrainians to show their appreciation for the accommodation and assistance since they arrived to Killarney.

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A year on, they are settled and say that the hospitality they've received helped them to "feel the beauty of life again".

This week they said that good friendly relations developed between the hotel team and the Ukrainians and have offered their gratitude to the Innisfallen Hotel team for their kind hospitality in Fossa.

Jane Omelchenko and Alevtyna Rutto edited a touching video about Ukrainians staying there, ordered a cake for the hotel team and hosted a thank you party.

“Our journey through Ireland actually started 22 of March 2022 to the Innisfallen Hotel in Fossa, Killarney. I will never forget this address because it has literally become our second home. We are treated here like the tourists, but we're feeling here like a family. I'm sure none of us could ever imagine we'll end up here, 3,331km from our homeland. We've experienced here a lot of memorable moments: birthdays, celebrations, children laughing - all that we had almost lost because of the war. But Innisfallen team helped us to feel the beauty of life again. You gave us hope and continue to do it every day with your smiles, support and kindness. Dear Misja Herfurt, George Saaray, Maeve O’Connell, Sheila Casey, Eilis, Patrick, Margaurette, Ivona, Katarzyna, Joan, Roderick and all team, we hope one day we will have a chance to repay you for everything you have given us. When Ukraine will win, you're welcome to come. And be sure, now, you have a host in almost every city in Ukraine,” Alevtyna Rutto said.

"We held a thank you evening for the hotel staff to tell them that we appreciate and notice everything they do for us. When we went to Ireland a year ago, we were prepared to live in tents. People were scared, they took as many warm things as they could but we were given real housing; great accommodation with great staff. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, dear Innisfallen family!" Jane Omelchenko added.

"For a year now, every day we feel that Innisfallen is a place of comfort, as if you have come to visit close friends or relatives. Every day the staff greets us warmly. I am very grateful to the entire team, led by George,
for their attention, kindness and love for us! These are professionals in their field! And above all, these are people with a big heart!" Yaroslava Shkurko added.

Veronica Oliynikova concluded that from the first day of their stay at the hotel, the staff did not stop supporting them and provided assistance in every possible way.

"It is difficult to imagine a friendlier, hospitable, kind team than the staff of the Innisfallen Hotel. I can't express how grateful we all are to them!”