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Ukrainians sing from the heart as a thank you to community

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By Natalya Krasnenkova

Beautiful sounds and hand crafted gifts made for a very special occasion on Sunday as the Ukrainian community came together to thank locals for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Ksenia Ruskak pictured during her solo performance dat St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

Kaenia and Sofia Yershovy pictured at St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Anastasya Garbera

Getting ready to perform were members of the Ukrainian Choir at St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

Young Ukrainians performed in the Children's Choir in St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday was full of guests as the Ukrainian choir prepared for their 'Thank You' concert. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

Members of the Irish Cathedral Choir pictured performing at St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Anastaya Garbera

Adrian McSweeney playing at the charity concert in St Mary's Church of Ireland on Sunday. Photo: Anastasiya Garbera

Christmas cards made by Ukrainians which were handed out to those in attendance at Sunday's concert. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

The talented Yershovy Sisters performing at Sunday's concert in St Mary's Church of Ireland. Photo: Oleksandr Khomenko

A charity concert was held at St Mary's Church of Ireland and it was packed to the rafters as the 200 seats could not accommodate all present.

A choir of Ukrainians currently living in Killarney spent three weeks in daily rehearsals to present the best Ukrainian carols and had prepared a large programme of traditional Christmas songs and melodies.

Fortunately, among the participants there are many professional singers Okasna Bondarenko, Anna Domina and Olena Basko, who helped other participants to sound sublime.

“The whole choir sang from the heart. It was an opportunity to show what a good Ukrainian fun song is,” Anna Domina said.

The children's choir also prepared the song 'Oh, who loves St Nicholas?'. Saint Nicholas is for Ukrainians what Santa Claus is for the Irish. Children are waiting for St Nicholas who traditionally brings them gifts and puts them under the pillow. It is no accident that during the performance of this song, the Ukrainians treated all the little guests to sweets.

The Ukrainian violinist sisters Yeroshovy from Listowel impressed everyone with their virtuoso performance. People in the hall cried and applauded when they heard the world-famous 'Melody' by the Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk.

Bandur player Ksenia Rusnak travelled from Lisdoonvarna where she lives now to perform several compositions.

The Irish Cathedral Choir joined the concert with several Christmas carols accompanied by the organ and Adrian McSweeney sang a traditional Irish song.

"We really wanted to introduce the Irish audience to our musical Christmas traditions. Now the whole world sings the 'Carol of the Bells' written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. In Ukrainian, this Christmas song is called 'Shchedryk'. Exactly one hundred years ago, the premiere of this song took place in New York. Singing and spending this special time together, we can become closer to each other and connect culturally and spiritually," Yulya Spillane, one of the organisers, said.

To commemorate the concert, all guests received Christmas cards and angels made by Ukrainian children.

"We will be happy if these small gifts decorate your homes and create a festive atmosphere."

Ukrainians are very grateful to Rev. Simon J Lumby from St Mary's Church for the wonderful venue and KASI for providing a room for rehearsals.

After the successful concert, the Ukrainian choir received several invitations for future performances. All those who could not make it to last Sunday's concert are invited to the church in Fossa next Wednesday, December 21, with other concerts also possible in the coming week.

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New St author brings Fitzgerald’s story to life

Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong […]

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Talented Killarney author Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, who has penned a fascinating book on the life and times of The Great Gatsby writer F Scott Fitzgerald, has said there is strong anecdotal evidence that the great American wordsmith had Kerry roots.

There has been suggestions that Fitzgerald’s family can traced to Horse Island off Ballinskelligs and research is ongoing to determine if the famous novelist, essayist and short story writer gave any indication of his Kerry connection during his lifetime.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene, formerly of New Street, Killarney and now residing in Beaufort, is the author of Gatsby: Death of an Irishman which was released in March to coincide with the 100th anniversary of publication of Fitzgerald’s most famous work.
O’Sullivan Greene’s research found that Fitzgerald (1896-1940) was initially deeply ashamed of his Irish connection but his views softened when he took an interest in revolutionary politics.
The Killarney man’s book guides the reader through F Scott Fitzgerald’s troubled upbringing, his quest for status, his ambivalence towards his Irish heritage, the socio-political climate of early 20th-century America and the careless jazz era excesses portrayed in The Great Gatsby.
The book peels back the intricate layers of Fitzgerald’s character, revealing the underlying themes of identity and self-rejection in his work, his shifting views of Irish issues and how his personal battles influenced his writing and contributed to his tragic life.
Patrick O’Sullivan Greene will deliver what promises to be an engaging talk on the life and times of F Scott Fitzgerald in the ANAM Arts and Cultural Centre in Killarney on Thursday, July 3 at 6.45pm.
Part of the Celebration of Irish and American Friendship programme, the free lecture is titled Revolution, Rejection and Revival and it will mark a celebration of 100 years of The Great Gatsby.
The event will also include a glamorous 1920’s dance spectacular, tuition on how to dance the Charleston and a live performance by Killarney’s own Liberace, Jack Patrick Healy. The master of ceremonies for the event will be Radio Kerry’s Brendan Fuller.
The author will also share the story of how F Scott Fitzgerald’s grandson, Thomas Manhan, came to Ireland to learn Irish following his graduation in 1964.

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U2’s The Edge among new Irish Citizens

U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC. The ceremonies took place on Monday and […]

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U2 guitarist The Edge, whose real name is David Howell-Evans, was among over 7,500 people granted Irish citizenship this week at the INEC.

The ceremonies took place on Monday and Tuesday this week
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island of Ireland are making a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State to become Irish citizens.
Seven ceremonies were held over the two days. Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, is joined by Minister of State for Migration, Colm Brophy, and Minister of State for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins.
“Today’s ceremony was very moving, the room was full of so many people, everyone from different backgrounds, with different stories. It was a privilege to be a part of it and to experience the collective joy as we all became citizens together. I moved to Ireland with my parents as a baby, so it’s not a stretch to say that this is long overdue! I have always felt Irish, Ireland will always be home to me and I’m so grateful for that,” said The Edge.
Ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said:: “This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship. For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation. I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society.”
Minister Brophy congratulated the new citizens, adding: “Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”
Judge Paddy McMahon was the Presiding Officer for the ceremonies. administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State, where new citizens commit to observing Irish laws and respecting its democratic values.
The Citizenship Division has seen a significant increase in applications, processing over 20,000 in 2023 and nearly 31,000 in 2024, up from around 12,000 annually just over two years ago.

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