By Natalya Krasnenkova

Last week at the Innisfallen Hotel, Irish and Ukrainian musicians came together for a joint music evening. The idea came about from amateur musician Ciaran Ryan.

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: Liz Lucey and Kevin Tarrant making music together at the Innisfallen Hotel.

SWEET SOUNDS: Mary Daly Claudia Stocki Geraldine Guilfoyle and Ciaran Ryan playing music at the Innisfallen Hotel.

TUNES: Mary Daly Geraldine Guilfoyle Ciaran Ryan Billy Joy and Noel Lucey playing some trad tunes at the Innisfallen Hotel.

CONCERT: Ukrainian Tetiana Neliepova singing at the Innisfallen Hotel during a music concert last week.

“We are an informal band that gathers every couple of weeks to play music," Ciaran Ryan said.

"We don't have a name, but you can call us 'Le Chéile' which means "together" in Irish. We don't plan what we play, we just play what comes to mind or what someone has to offer in the evening"

Ronnie Moore added that they "never play for money, just for fun usually about every two weeks".

"Regarding the repertoire, that is never organised. Someone just suggests the next tune as we go along!” he said.

Ukrainians, who love music and singing, really liked the impromptu concert. After Irish musicians, Ukrainians took microphones and guitars and sang several folk and modern compositions.

“We all very much enjoyed your music. You have great talent. I think folk and traditional music is linked no matter where in the world it is played. It is about sharing emotions and our common human bond," Ciaran added.

Ukrainians offered to play a Ukrainian song together with Irish musicians. Ronnie Moore instantly read the notes and picked up the melody. Everyone was delighted with this lightning-fast duo of Evgenia Omelchenko and Ronnie Moore.

“We absolutely loved your singing and your music in general - the flute was beautiful. The singing was full of feeling and sounded professional. We all really enjoyed the evening and it was an amazing feeling to be able to communicate through music. We think you are all inspired to have experienced what you have experienced and still welcome us and show such good spirits. It is an example of what human beings can endure. It was a joyful evening with an awareness of much underlying sadness. Thank you all for that," Ronnie said.