'It was very scary' - 17-year-old living with Offaly family after escaping Ukrainian

“It was very scary . . . I'd say it was the hardest moment in my life.”

The comments of 17-year-old Mariia Vynnychenko who has escaped from war-torn Ukraine to begin a new life with the Dillon family in Gurteen, Killeigh.

Mariia flew into Shannon airport last Friday and is now living with the Dillons, a family she stayed with previously in 2013 and 2019 when she travelled to Ireland as part of the Chernobyl Children's Project.

David and Carol Dillon, and their children Rachel, Sarah and Sean, were joined by local councillor Neil Feighery last week when Mariia enrolled in Killina Presentation Secondary School to continue her studies.

The 17-year-old hopes to return to her native Ukraine to reunite with her mother, grandmother and seven-year-old brother.

Speaking to the Tribune in Gurteen on Monday night last, Mariia said people in her home town Dymer, near the Belarus border, did not expect the Russians to invade.

The town, located close to the Chernobyl nuclear plant, was captured by the Russians as were her family though they now have fled to the relative safety of western Ukraine.

“We had no communication with Mariia or her family for a while as the Russians took their phones,” outlined Carol Dillon who said she was very worried about the family's safety.

Mariia said the war was “very difficult” and had changed people's lives forever.

“I don't even see how we will ever be able to go back to our house again,” she outlined.

Families in her small home town have had to contend with primitive living conditions since the Russian invasion with no electricity or running water.

“My mom is very anxious, very scared . . . she is crying all time time,” outlined Mariia who added her seven-year-old brother was too young to understand what was taking place.

“My grandmother is a strong woman who says everything will be OK.”

Offaly trucks taking aid to Ukraine to receive Garda escort

She added that her family were safe for the time being in western Ukraine even though the Russians are now bombing cities in that region.

“My family are really proud of me coming to Ireland and they are very thankful to the Dillons for caring for me,” added Mariia.

She said she wasn't sure how long she would be in this country but reckoned it would be at least six months.

Speaking on the evening prior to starting school in Killina on Tuesday, Mariia admitted she was quite nervous. “I don't know how people will react,” she outlined.

Stressing that she loved Ireland, Mariia said that Irish people were very, very friendly.

She asked that Irish people continue to support Ukraine and its people. “We appreciate what you are doing very much . . . please keep being nice.”

Rachel Dillon said the family had been following the war closely and were delighted to welcome Mariia back to Gurteen.

Carol Dillon said Mariia had first come to Gurteen in 2013 as part of the Chernobyl Children's Project and returned for a second visit in 2019.

She said her eldest daughter, Rachel formed a close bond with Mariia and remained in contact with her when she returned to Ukraine.

Carol collected Mariia in Shannon last Friday following her flight from Krakow in Poland. Mariia had made her way across the border by bus to Poland before boarding the flight to Ireland.

Carol said she was very impressed with the welcome put in place by the authorities in particular the Red Cross who provided Mariia with a welcome bag.

She also paid tribute to local councillor Neil Feighery whom she described as outstanding and very helpful.

Carol also thanked the Principal of Killina Presentation Secondary School, John Cotter whom she said had been amazing and very co-operative.

“You see the worst of humanity with what is happening in Ukraine but you also see the best of humanity in what is happening here,” she outlined.

Carol added the family had great experiences of hosting children with the Chernobyl Children's Project since 2011.

Most of the children who stayed in Gurteen with the project came from poor backgrounds but their families always ensured they brought gifts.

“They've brought cans of beer, ornaments, table clothes and lots of sweets,” outlined Carol's husband David.

“I have seen some of those sweets in the Polish shop in Tullamore and will bring Mariia in there,” said Carol.

Describing Mariia a very easy to get on with, Carol added she had asked her would she a bit moody now that she was a teenager. “She said not very much in reply.”

Mariia is among thousands of Ukrainians who have travelled to Ireland since the war commenced. Well over 10,000 Irish people have also volunteered to host Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war zone.