WATCH: Balloons released for Ukraine community in Laois
A gentle candlelit ceremony has been held in Laois marking the first anniversary of the war in Ukraine.
Communities from Ukraine and surrounding countries as well as Africa and Laois, gathered at Fitzmaurice Place in Portlaoise to pray in silence, listen to music and poetry, and finally release a host of biodegradable while balloons into the night sky.
The evening was organised by the Laois Africa Support Group, supported by Laois Offaly ETB, in a gesture of support not only to Ukraine, but to those stricken by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and all who have experienced loss.
Among the attendance were Olena and her daughter Svitorada, who are currently staying in the Town Hotel in Portlaoise and are from the Donetsk region in East Ukraine.
"Today we have universal thoughts about the war. It's our pain far from our native country. It is a very difficult situation in our town, all the towns are destroyed. I really hope it will finish as soon as possible. I really pray for Ukraine and my family because I'm very worried," Olena said.
Svitorada is going to school in the Dunamase College and continuing her piano lessons at the Laois School of Music.
"She is very sad, we talk on Whatsapp all the time to our family and every time she is crying. I want to thank Ireland, you are amazing. People are really supporting us. Everyone who asks us about Ireland, we tell them about the wonderful friendly people," Olena said.
Tatiana is living in Laois with her little son Milan, 4, who was enjoying the music and balloons.
"He has seen many war, many explosions," she said.
She has founded the Ukraine Midlands Association, and plans to begin classes for Ukraine children in April in Laois.
The message from MC Bolaji Adeyanju was "you are not alone, there is always light at the end of the tunnel".
"It is important to come together at difficult times, and acknowledge the lives lost and families displaced. To connect is what brings us together," he said.
Music was provided by Laois School of Music and James O'Connor.
Pat Wallace is the creative coordinator for Laois Offaly Local Creative Youth Partnership.
"Bolaji approached me with this idea and we were glad to be able to bring people together, a diverse range of people in our community, in this show of love and support," she said.