Ukrainian woman living in Offaly features in new documentary with Phil Coulter

A DOCUMENTARY, directed by Jessica Leen from Bold Lip productions, was launched this week capturing the journey of the National Ukrainian Choir from its inception to the launch of a new version of Phil Coulter’s ‘Steal Away’ last year.

The choir is made up of 40 people including Zhanna Sokolova from Tullamore who fled Ukraine as a result of the war.

Phil Coulter, members of the choir from Offaly, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, and other distinguished guests attended a special screening of the documentary in Saint Stephen’s Church, Dublin.

Established in February 2023, Ukrainians who had recently fled war and arrived in Ireland were invited by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to join the choir as a wellbeing initiative and an opportunity for socialising.

The choir has played a critical role in the lives of its members from Offaly, it has been a safe space for those fleeing the war in Ukraine to express themselves, to find friendship, to seek out new opportunities and to learn English.

It has also inspired the creation of two further local choirs focused on integrating minority groups and we hope to see the initiative replicated in other communities across the country.