CAPTION: Group photo of event organisers, staff at NTDC, councillors in attendence and singers Kseniia Yarovaya and Illia Ishchenko Photo by NTDC Thursday, August 24, commemorated Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This is the second year that Ukrainians have had to mark the day in Ireland while the war rages on at home. SICAP, part of North Tipperary Development Company, hosted a concert in honour of the day with Ukrainian performers, crafts and a short film at Nenagh Arts Centre. The occasion presented an opportunity for celebration and reflection for both, the Ukrainian and Irish communities in Nenagh. The show was opened by Nenagh duo Acoustic Reign but the main performances were by opera singer Kseniia Yarovaya and 2014 X Factor finalist Illia Ishchenko performed beautifully, mesmerising the almost full house. They sang primarily in Ukrainian, but also in English. MCs on the day Mykyta Kiliesnykov and Levgen Bilyi quipping that although English has been difficult to learn, they are “persistent.” Young members of the Ukrainian community performed dance routines and held up signs with the names of their towns and cities. The audience was shown a short film of Ukraine before the war and now. The images were a harrowing illustration of the destruction caused by Russia. Audiences saw cities, towns and homes destroyed, children buried as their parents said goodbye and people displaced and frightened. The film was a stark reminder that even though Independence Day is something to be celebrated, Ukraine is, once again, fighting for its freedom. After the performances, organisers and those who performed thanked the Irish people for their hospitality and gifted the audience with rag dolls and pins they had made in workshops. Ukrainian refugee support worker NTDC Olena Arkhanheska had this message for the Irish people: “This event was important for us. Our small home country Ukraine fights for its independence and for the peace in the world. “We want to thank the Government of
Tipperary Ukrainian Independence Day concert was a mesmerising display of culture and creativity
