In Pictures: Limerick parish throws a big welcome party for new Ukrainian residents

CAPPAMORE is known for its tight-knit sense of community which extends from east Limerick to Ukraine.

The Cappamore Housing Committee threw a welcome party in the community centre for 21 Ukrainians who have recently moved into the mercy convent.

The building in the heart of the village was generously donated to the parish by the Sisters of Mercy when they moved to Tipperary in June 2019.

The last three sisters to live in the convent – Sr Assumpta White, Sr Mercy O’Dea and Sr Joan Bradshaw – were invited to view the refurbished convent prior to the Ukrainian families moving in.

Seamus Ryan, chairperson of the housing committee who are the custodians of the building, said the Sisters of Mercy are “very pleased” that the convent is being used for people in so much need of a roof over their heads.

“The sisters were delighted with the changes made to modernise the building in preparation for the new residents. All this work was funded by Limerick City and County Council who appointed Jason Radcliffe as manager,” said Seamus.

The welcome party in the community centre last Friday was prepared by the members of the housing committee and the ladies of the local ICA guild.

Tommie Ryan, secretary of the housing committee, said the tables were beautifully laid out with daffodils and blue silk flowers to replicate the Ukrainian colours.

“The walls were decorated with the Ukrainian and Irish flags side by side and lots of artwork and blue and yellow ribbons,” said Tommie.

All of the food was prepared in St Michael’s Day Care Centre by management and staff and expertly overseen by Ann Hill.

The Ukrainians also prepared some of their own traditional food for the event and “Napoleon Cake” is to be recommended.

A fabulous display of tapestries, paintings and craft work put together mainly by Myroslava Nychaia and Antonida Makarenko stole the show.

Some purchased the beautiful handcrafts.

All local organisations were represented at the gathering and the housing committee put a list of all these organisations together with contact details for the Ukrainian guests.

Tommie said they may like to join some of these local organisations and bring new ideas to their new community.

“They can be ensured of a warm welcome,” he told the Leader.

In Pictures: Out and about at the age-friendly dance at Thomond Park

Local county councillor Martin Ryan was in attendance as was TD Richard O’Donoghue.

The county council was represented by Sonja Reidy who liaised with the housing committee in getting the convent refurbished and the welcome event organised.

The ‘icing on the cake’ at this event was a display of traditional and step dancing by Pauline Hynan’s dancers and from the Jason and Shereen Hynan School of Dancing.

“This was most enjoyable and everyone was clapping along and enjoying the show. Pauline wasn’t happy until she had everyone out on the floor and before we knew it we were introducing some of our Ukrainian guests to the intricate secrets of the Siege of Ennis! Then we took to the floor to that international language – the waltz. This wound up the event on a high note,” smiled Tommie.

His housing committee colleague Seamus said this event was organised as a sign of solidarity and empathy with these displaced people.

“These ordinary people, whose lives have been upended by a foreign invader-whose lives, livelihoods and homes have been destroyed by forces outside their control.

“We can only admire their cheerfulness and resilience in the face of this catastrophe. The Cappamore welcome morning was one small way of showing our Ukrainian guests that we stand with them in their hour of need,” said Seamus.