Ukraine’s Independence Day takes place on August 19 in Carrick on Shannon

On Saturday, August 19, the Market Yard Carrick-on-Shannon will open its gates to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day, an event organised by Ukrainian residents, Leitrim County Council’s Healthy Leitrim Programme, the Leitrim Development Company’s SICAP Programme, the Leitrim Volunteer Centre, and the Leitrim International Community Group. 

The event is also being strongly endorsed by the Embassy of Ukraine to Ireland and Her Excellency Ambassador Gerasko Larysa, who will attend the celebration in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The beauty of this event is that it is organised and led by Ukrainians with the support of many key organisations in Leitrim. 

It is hugely important to promote integration between Irish and Ukrainians and this event is a marvellous way to make this happen. The SICAP Programme provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. 

The programme is managed at a local level by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), with support from the local authority, and actions are delivered by Leitrim Development Company.

This is a free community event. Everyone is encouraged to show their unity with the Ukrainian community by coming along to the event, where it will be entertained with a mixture of music, song, dance, and you can experience an authentic taste of Ukrainian food and culture.

In welcoming this event, Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach Justin Warnock believes “the significance of this day and its celebrations cannot be lost by the Ukrainians who have been displaced. It is essential for the Ukrainian community to come together to celebrate the traditions of their home country, to find the time to celebrate, and to mark their national Independence Day here in Leitrim in the midst of the adversity they face. 

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day on Saturday August 19 in the Market Yard, Carrick-on-Shannon from 12 -3pm.

This project is co-funded by the government of Ireland and the European Union.