One year on, unique Longford event to mark invasion of Ukraine

A year since Russia invaded Ukraine, Longford’s St Mel’s Cathedral will be the venue for what promises to be a unique and emotional occasion.

Friday, February 24, 2022 is the day that Russia invaded its neighbour Ukraine and sent shock waves around the world. Immediately, women and children fled their homes as bombs, missiles and bullets shredded their lives and homes.

Many of those fleeing the Russian onslaught, ended up in Longford town and throughout the county.

This Friday, February 24, 2023, the local Ukrainian community along with local volunteers are marking the date with an event in St Mel's Cathedral at 6pm and everyone is welcome.

As well as remembering their fallen relatives, there will be song, dance, art and photography.

Local GOAL representative, Tiernan Dolan, explained, “One lady will give an account of her incredible escape from Bucha, the details of which would suit a Hollywood adventure movie.”

He added, “The photographic exhibition in the cathedral porch will feature children's art as well as photos taken by and of the Ukrainian people now in Longford.

“The fact that the people participating in the Longford event are the same people who took the photos, make the images all the more realistic and relevant.”

Tiernan outlined how children now in Longford have started to send simple gifts to individual children back in Ukraine.

“This Shoe Box initiative, started in Longford, is now called Little Steps for Ukraine and it is hoped will grow and spread nationwide. Samples of the children's work will also be on display.”

Following the event, there will be a chance for the public to sample some delicious Ukrainian cooking in the cathedral crypt. Everything will have been baked in local homes by the Ukrainian community.

Tiernan, who curates the very popular Humans of Longford Facebook page, remarked, “Apart from marking the anniversary of the invasion, the people from Ukraine want to use the occasion to express their gratitude to the people of county Longford for the warm welcome and kindness shown to them since their arrival among us.

“With the live stream facilities in St Mel’s Cathedral, their families back home in Ukraine and scattered right across Europe can view proceedings live online from Longford, something which will connect all of them on what is, understandably, a very difficult and emotional time.”

The event, at 6pm on Friday, February 24 in St Mel’s Cathedral is open to everyone and Tiernan hopes there will be a good turn out of local people ‘to show our support and solidarity’.