Lord Mayor says Cork stands with Ukraine

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, said he was “honoured” to join Ukrainian refugees on Sunday at an event marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of their homeland.

The event, which was organised by the Kalyna Hub Ukrainian community group and supported by Cork City Council and the Embassy of Ukraine to Ireland, was aimed at uniting the Ukrainian community in Cork and other communities in the city.

It began with a Europe On Fire rally in solidarity with Ukraine, which commenced at the National Monument on the Grand Parade. It then moved on to the Millenium Hall, featuring performances by the Kalyna and Voices of Peace choirs. Historian Dr Olesia Zhytkova delivered a talk, with speeches from Mr Boyle and members of the Ukrainian community on Leeside.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Boyle said: “We were pleased to host the event. There was a meeting of the Ukrainian community at the National Monument and a march through town to mark the sad third anniversary of the invasion by Russia on Ukraine.

“I was honoured to participate in that myself, and I walked along with them.

“Afterwards, we came back to the Millenium Hall in Cork City Hall, where there was a cultural event.

“That was trying to look at more positive aspects of the Ukrainian community here in Cork. I spoke at both events.

“At the first event, I quoted Terence MacSwiney: ‘It is not those who can inflict the most but those who can endure the most who will conquer.’

“At the second event, I was thanking the Ukrainian community on behalf of the city for being among us, walking among us, and living among us and making our city a better place,” said Mr Boyle.

“They were the essential messages I was trying to give. In any interaction as Lord Mayor, I try to get that point across that I am representing the people of Cork and I am meant to be a symbol of the support that people have for Ukrainians and what is happening with their country at the moment.”