06/06/2022
It's been just over five weeks now since 24 Ukrainians moved into Ballyhoura Luxury Hostel in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick and it's been an amazing and quite touching experience. They arrived with their belongings, some in plastic carrier bags and a big smiles on their faces. Full of gratitude, apprehension and enthusiasm to start their new lives.
First was to get them into school, four teenagers into Secondary and two into National School.
Then we asked the locals if they could help with clothes and kid's stuff and within a couple of days, they had what they needed. Locals arrived with the best of clothes, prams, bikes etc. and so many also went to shops to buy toiletries, baby food and clothes.
Next, we asked if anyone had some Bob-a-Jobs to be done or if anyone was going somewhere to consider bringing some of the Ukrainians with them, to see this beautiful country of ours. And what a wonderful and heart warming response from our Community: gardening, painting, house cleaning, tourism trips and a warm welcome at Mass. We see, first hand, the difference it's already made to these lovely gentle people. They are full of pride and joy and are integrating into the community. Local people are saying hello, waving and beeping as they go by. It's quite beautiful and it's a lovely reminder of old Ireland and what it means to be Irish: being friendly, welcoming, understanding and simply wanting to help each other out. It has filled our hearts with joy, pride and delight to be part of this absolutely wonderful community.
We would also like to give a special mention and thank you to the people and groups who had booked to stay with us this summer but had to have their booking cancelled to make this all possible. Your kindness and understanding in the matter was humbling, thank you.
So a massive thank you to all of you for making these new residents of Kilfinane feel so welcome and safe.
Kilfinane Kilfinane Tidy Towns Kilfinane Outdoor Education & Training Centre Ballyhoura Development CLG Scoil Pol, Kilfinane, Co Limerick Scoil Fhionáin Kilfinane Sheehy's Centra Powers Pharmacy Ballyhoura Apple Farm TFI Local Link Limerick Clare Blackrock Bord na nÓg Kilfinane AC Murphy’s Your Stop Limerick City and County Council Myster Magic Voitovych Liubomyr
