Local meetings are a lifeline and 'great comfort' for Ukrainian people who fled to Ireland

A Ukrainian journalist living in Moscow, Maryna Kovalenko fled to Cork when the war began. She has found support and community at local meetings organised for Ukrainian people in the city and surrounds. Here, she writes about a gathering in Crosshaven, and hears one woman’s harrowing story. By Maryna Kovalenko and Maeve Lee

Maryna Kovalenko at the information-sharing meeting in Crosshaven for Ukrainians that have recently arrived in Ireland. Picture: David Creedon

Whether it’s clothes, food, friendship, or a place to stay, people across Ireland have rallied to show their solidarity and support for those fleeing war-torn Ukraine.

In Cork, it has been no different. Local clubs, communities, support services and Ukrainians already living in the country have been attempting to bring people together with regular meetups and events.