This traditional Ukrainian Christmas celebration was a lovely event for Littleton's special guests

On Friday, January 6, last, forty-seven Ukrainian refugees who arrived at our Community and Sports Centre a week before Christmas celebrated their traditional Christmas with a twelve-course meal.

Visitors were proudly served a bowl of delicious borsch soup based on beetroot and finely chopped vegetables.

Surprise guests on the night were Ger Neville and John Moloughney from the Sean Treacy Pipe Band. They played a selection of Christmas tunes as well as the Irish and Ukrainian national anthems.

It was very emotional to see children and adults stand to attention and, with their hands on their hearts, sing their national anthem far away from home. The group was pleasantly surprised when their daily cook, Majella Tobin, sang Christy Moor's song "Ride on, see you . I could never go with you no matter how I wanted to".

She was Whatsapped to their families and friends all over Ukraine. Deep down, the song is a tribute to the work of the many background volunteers who, through their daily service, brought a family and community feeling to those who had come from any parts of Ukraine. Almost half of the group consisting of family units have since found more permanent and suitable accommodation in the Thurles and Templemore areas.

Since April last, over six hundred refugees have passed through the Centre. Present also was Anne Crawford, who for the past twenty-five years has been caring for Chornobyl-affected children. Her knowledge of Russian allows her to help on a daily basis those who do not speak English.

While there is a certain sadness as each new group "Rides on", there is a hope among local volunteers that someday in the near future, they can visit Ukraine, renew old acquaintances and "look for a spark that lights the dark, through a teardrop in my eye."

Pictured: Mykhailo and Ninel Tomenko, who sang a traditional song of cooking and welcome for all the volunteers.