Kildare residents to represent Polish community in new initiative

Karolina Salagierska and Olga Anacka from Newbridge in Co Kildare have been selected from the 125,000 members of the Polish diaspora in Ireland to represent the community in a national campaign highlighting the achievements, creativity, and contributions of Polish people in Ireland.

Karolina Salagiersak is the owner of a popular shoe shop which she has been successfully running for the last 13 years. Karter Shoes is a recognised local business, attracting loyal customers from Kildare and far beyond — including regular visitors from Dublin, Limerick, and other parts of Ireland.

Karolina said about her life in Ireland, “The first words that comes to my mind when I think of Ireland is kindness. My heart leans towards kindness, and I feel like this is my place.”

“As a woman-owned local business I am proud that I have created an inviting space where women of all ages and backgrounds can find their personal style and bust their confidence.”

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Olga Anacka is a Newbridge based multi award winning visual artist. Her work has been supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and the Kildare County Council. She regularly collaborates with the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.

Olga said about her life in Ireland: “I am very proud of my family, of the fact that we are getting a great experience living in Ireland. Being a migrant is not easy but you develop a set of skills and you learn how to be a part of this community.”

“In the last few years I have developed three distinct bodies of work that were well received. I have a sense of achievement that people refer to my art and that I have my audience, I am very grateful for that and I am proud.” Olga further said about her art.

The campaign has been commissioned by Forum Polonia, a Polish migrant rights organisation.

Through a series of personal stories, portraits, and short videos, the campaign showcases ten Polish individuals from across Ireland who are shaping their communities in diverse fields — from education and culture to business, art, science, and volunteering. The project challenges sometimes outdated stereotypes about Polish migrants and aims to highlight the complexity of identity — reminding audiences that every person who has come to Ireland brings with them not just a journey, but a lifetime of experience, talent, and resilience.

Barnaba Dorda, the Chair of Forum Polonia, said, “A year ago, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Poland joining the EU, and that was the beginning of the large-scale migration of Poles to Ireland. Many of us started working in manual work sectors, filling in labour gaps.

Twenty years on, we can see the progress the Polish community has made, but we feel that the stereotypes about Polish migrant workers are still prevalent. With the ‘Beyond Borders’ campaign, we want to replace labels with stories. Polish people have been part of Ireland’s progress for two decades — this campaign celebrates that connection and reminds us that we all belong.”

Aga Wypychowska, said: “The campaign’s central message is We are here. We create. We inspire. An immigrant is a full person with a personal history, professional life, and unique skills. We want to show that Polish people are not just participants in Irish life — they are co-creators of it.”

The Beyond Borders campaign will run across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, featuring short video interviews, photography, and a final short film summarising the initiative.

Forum Polonia invites everyone - Polish, Irish, and beyond — to follow the campaign, share the stories, and celebrate life Beyond Borders.