A proud Ukraine celebration held in Borrisoleigh

Reassure Ukrainians in our community that we continue to stand with them, writes John Connors

On Saturday, May 17, a sea of colour descended on Gárdín na Saoirse, situated on the Thurles Road out of Borrisoleigh. The occasion was a celebration of Vyshyvanka Day, the day dedicated to Ukraine’s national embroidery.

The colourful garments, with their intricate embroidery are the traditional dress of Ukraine and go back, many centuries through that country’s troubled history.

Each design of the Vyshyvanka represents different regions within Ukraine and the colours used, also, depict various symbolisms. For instance, the red depicts life, happiness, love and good fortune, while black symbolises wisdom, or the fertile earth of Ukraine. Since Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, followed by the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, the Vyshyvanka has assumed a much more important significance in the current Ukrainian narrative.

As Inna Varytska, in her introduction remarked: “The Vyshyvanka symbolises the soul and spirit of our nation, - it tells of who we are as a people, of our strength and resilience - and although we come from different places, it unites us in love and pride of our homeland.”

Written on the temporary sign, erected on the day, at the entrance to an Gáirdín, in both the Ukrainian and English languages, were the words - ‘There are no strangers, - just friends that have not yet met’. As the day progressed, these words became more than a catchphrase of a social media post or some form of a wishful philosophy. Between the music and revelry, with the use of broken English and the help of younger Ukrainians proficient in our spoken language, conversations soon began to flow. All goes to prove, that despite what certain nefarious forces might wish for us to believe, as human beings, there is much more that unite us than what sets us apart.

WAR CONTINUES

Into its third year, the war continues unabated across the front lines and even cities far removed are subjected to regular drone and artillery attacks. Everyone in Ukraine is affected by the war to some degree, be it the loss of a loved one, the worry for a family member serving in the army, an elderly relative that refuses to evacuate to a safe place and much more beside.

The current world political situation is a source of great worry to Ukrainians, who fear an imminent betrayal by the prominent power of the free world. It was mindful of such thoughts as these, that Borrisoleigh Heritage and Cultural Society set about hosting and supporting this event. We felt it was a small way in which we could reassure Ukrainians in our community that we continue to stand with them and offer our appreciation to the men and women of their armed forces for defending the borders of the free world which we here in the west inhabit and also the values that we hold dear.

THANKS

A special word of gratitude for making the occasion such a success must go to Inna Varytska. Aside from her role as an officer of North Tipperary Development Company, Inna invested so much of her personal time and energy to ensure the event’s success. Master chefs, local men, Corey Ryan and Liam Donnelly performed the proverbial miracle of the loves and fishes - ably assisted by Biddy Hurley.

Anna, manager of the Thurles Ukrainian Centre, put together a talented team of singers, musicians and dancers who entertained us brilliantly for the occasion.

And a sincere word of thanks to all of the Ukrainians who brought along their homemade pastries and deserts. The weather smiled on us kindly and unusual for Ireland, what umbrellas that were on hand were used to shelter from the sun and not from the rain. Everything possible was present to make the occasion both happy and memorable.