White doves to be released in Cork on 33rd anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster

A COMMEMORATIVE service to mark the 33rd anniversary of the Chernobyl Disaster is taking place at Bishop Lucey Park this week.

The annual ceremony is to remember all those who lost their lives at the Chernobyl plant as well as to remember those who are still suffering today.

The event, on Friday, April 26 at 11.30pm, will involve releasing of white doves, poetry readings, an ecumenical service involving various religious groups, school choirs and a roll call of those who died at the plant.

Lord Mayor Cllr Mick Finn will officially open the Commemorative Service and attendees will include the people of Cork, Yury Filatov, Russian Ambassador to Ireland, ministers, senators, TDs, city councillors, personnel from the Navy, Cork City Fire Brigade, Chamber of Commerce, Defence Forces and schools.

Fiona Corcoran of the Greater Chernobyl Cause said she was 20 when the Chernobyl explosion occurred.

“It wasn’t until several days later that the world realised the gravity of the explosion and I vividly remember the RTÉ news which covered the aftermath and being afraid for the people of USSR.” Ms Corcoran said it was an Evening Echo article in January 1995 that propelled her into action.

“The article was about four children being airlifted from Belarus to Ireland and it inspired me to become involved in a visiting programme at the Mercy Hospital.”

The Greater Chernobyl Cause work towards providing help and life-saving medical equipment for the long-term victims.

“The Greater Chernobyl Cause has an emphasis on providing help and life-saving medical equipment for the long-term victims of the disaster and the growing number of children being diagnosed with cancer, leukaemia and acute respiratory infections.”