Picture perfect!
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Oleksandra Rudik from Bray, Photo “Flying Over a Dream” was chosen by the jury member The Anglo-Celt.Image 2 of 4
Maksym Bondarenko’s photo ‘Where the World Ends’, Dunmore Head was chosen by Robert Voskar, RV Design.Image 3 of 4
Olena Savchenko’s photo ‘Local Stories’, Lisdoonvarna, The Ritz Pub. This is the selection by Joe Keenan, Cavan Arts.Image 4 of 4
Anna Skorobagatko’s photo “The Open Paths - Inisheer”This is the choice of Clare Willis from the Cavan Volunteer Centre.Winners of a unique photography competition for Ukrainian refugees living in Ireland, tasked with capturing the beauty of the country through their own experiences, were announced in Cavan at the weekend.
The ‘Ireland through the eyes of Ukrainians’ exhibition was officially opened by Cathaoirleach Philip Brady at Cavan Town’s Johnston Library last Saturday afternoon, February 17, and will remain open to the public until today (February 24) the second anniversary of the war on Ukraine.
More than 140 entries from Ukrainians living all over Ireland were entered, with several dozen selected for the final before four were ultimately declared winners.
They included photos by Maksym Bondarenko from Tullamore; Oleksandra Rudik from Bray; Olena Savchenko from Lisdoonvarna; and Anna Skorobagatko, also Lisdoonvarna.
The judging panel picking the winners included Joe Keenan of Cavan Arts; Clare Willis of Cavan Volunteer Centre; a representative from The Anglo-Celt; and Robert Voskar, Managing Director, RV Design. Each member of the jury chose one photo.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Brady said, with the two year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaching on February 24, it was “unfortunate” that so many were still having to shelter from the violence in their home country.
“I know you all would love to be back in your homeland with all your people, and I hope that someday soon your wish comes true if you want it to. For many who have chosen to make Ireland their home we hope that this country represents a land of opportunity, acceptance, and warmth. I hope you see Ireland as a place where you can build a better future for yourselves and your families, where hard work is rewarded and diversity and inclusion is celebrated.”
He said that from engaging with Ukrainians living in Ireland they “speak fondly of our country’s stunning landscapes, vibrant towns and cities, and our rich cultural heritage.”
And he added that Ukrainians now living in Ireland had in turn added to the “rich heritage of Irish society”.
Seirgy Balan, Director of the Association of Ukrainians in Ireland, said that the competition and subsequent exhibition represented a thank you to the Irish people for their welcome.
“Ireland has become a second home for so many Ukrainians, and for a great many now their only home. We wanted to open people’s eyes to how Ukrainians have embraced their time here in Ireland, and their hopes for the future.”
Mr Balan himself has been living in Ireland for the past 20 years. He said the “wonderful memories” so many Ukrainians will have from their time living in Ireland will be a cornerstone for those who return upon which to rebuild society in anew.
Brendan Smith TD, Pauline McDonald Smith, Branch Manager at Cavan’s Johnston Library, Fr Kevin Fay, and Terry Hyland, CEO of Cavan County Local Development, also spoke.
A prayer vigil, performances by Irish and Ukrainian artists, an art exhibition and cake sale, will meanwhile take place in Cavan Town today to mark the second year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine.
A prayer service will take place at the Cathedral of Ss Patrick and Felim from 4:30pm on Saturday, February 24, conducted by Fr Kevin Fay and Fr Vasily from the Ukrainian Church.
Irish traditional music will be performed by Martin Donohoe with his band. Compositions will be performed by the National Ukrainian Choir of Ireland, who will be joined by Belturbet resident and award winning songwriter Don Mescall.