Taoiseach to attend Chornobyl 40th anniversary memorial in Cork

The Taoiseach will attend a service of commemoration in Cork city centre this weekend to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster.

A memorial is held each year by the Greater Chornobyl Cause and supported by Cork City Council, bringing together communities to remember one of the world’s most devastating manmade catastrophes.

The charity has amended its name to reflect the recent international change in the English spelling of Chornobyl. Last December, the UN General Assembly adopted a Ukraine-initiated resolution to formalise the change in the English transliteration to the Ukrainian spelling of “Chornobyl”, instead of the Soviet-era, Russian transliteration “Chernobyl”.

Fiona Corcoran, founder of the Greater Chornobyl Cause, said the ceremony would have added poignancy this year, set against the backdrop of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year.

“A special feature of this commemoration is the charity’s dedicated birch grove within Bishop Lucey Park, where a plaque honours the victims of Chornobyl,” she said.

“This living memorial offers a place for reflection and remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of those lost and affected endures for generations.

“We are deeply honoured that An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, will join us for this important service, underlining the significance of the occasion and affirming Ireland’s solidarity with all those affected by the Chornobyl disaster and its legacy.”

This year’s commemorative service to mark the anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster will be held this Sunday at Bishop Lucey Park.