Ukrainian couple says ‘thank you’ to Limerick with act of kindness
Having moved to Ireland during the war in Ukraine, they wanted to find a way to ‘give back’
ONE Ukrainian couple have found their own unique way to say “thank you” to Ireland.
Elena and Peter Nychyporenko, aged 75 and 74, have decided to give back to their local community by walking around Dooradoyle several times a week, picking up litter.
“My parents came to Ireland from Ukraine in 2022 after the war began,” Maria, their daughter, explained.
“They lived in Ovruch, a small town in the Zhytomyr region. During the first weeks of the war, they spent much of their time sheltering in a cellar. In early March, several bombs fell in our town.
“One of them destroyed a house not far from where my parents lived. An entire family lost their lives... the events frightened my parents deeply, and they decided it was no longer safe to stay.”
At the time, they were both 71 years old.
When Elena and Peter first came to Ireland, they initially stayed with Maria and her husband, before later moving to Ballycummin Village in Dooradoyle.
“My mother spent her entire career working as a nurse in Ukraine,” Maria said.
“Even after retirement, she continued working as a full-time carer. When she arrived in Ireland, she told me that she wanted to find a job because she was used to being active and helping people.
“I explained to her that it would be very difficult. She was already 71 years old, and she did not speak English.”
So, Elena came up with a different idea.
“She said, ‘If I cannot work, let's do something useful for Ireland,’” Maria explained.
“She asked me to buy litter pickers and rubbish bags. Since then, my parents have spent the last four years helping to keep Dooradoyle clean.”
Several times every week, the couple walk their regular route through the area, collecting litter from roadsides, footpaths and green spaces.
Maria continued: “Over the years, I have replaced many litter pickers because they eventually break from regular use. I continue to buy the equipment and bags, while my parents continue their mission.
“Many local residents recognise them. People often stop to thank them for what they do. Unfortunately, my mother still speaks very little English, so she cannot have long conversations. Usually she simply smiles and replies, ‘Thank you.’”
The language barrier and their age are not the only challenges the couple have overcome to deliver this act of service.
Elena has severe scoliosis, and Peter underwent major leg surgery before the war.
Nevertheless, they remain committed to helping their local community.
“What touches me most is that they do not do this for recognition,” Maria said. “They do it because they genuinely love Ireland and are grateful for the safety and kindness they found here.”
Maria explained that her parents “fell in love” with Ireland from their very first day on Irish soil.
From the food to the friendly neighbours, Limerick has been a home away from home for them. “I have lived in Ireland for 10 years, and I am proud to call it home. But I am especially proud of my parents. After everything they experienced, they chose not to focus on fear or loss. Instead, they chose to give something back.”
She concluded: “My parents may not speak much English, but through their actions they have been saying ‘thank you’ to Ireland for the past four years.”