Brave children treated to exciting display by Army

IT was a case of action stations for 13 Chernobyl children when they were treated to a display of military hardware at the Curragh yesterday.

The terminally ill children from the Chernobyl affected regions of Belarus were treated to entertainment as special guests of the Army at the beginning of their recuperation holiday here until September 18. The Army hosted the display of tanks, armoured personnel carriers and bomb disposal robots at the Curragh as part of a 10-day holiday with the Barretstown Gang at Barretstown Castle in Co Kildare.

The Army also organised visits to the Defence Forces’ swimming pool and its equitation centre.

The children, aged between 10 and 13, are suffering from cancer-related illnesses. The Chernobyl Children’s Project and health professionals in Belarus said the children will benefit greatly from a recuperative holiday.

The children are receiving ongoing treatment arising from their exposure to radioactive contamination following the Chernobyl disaster.

The holiday is funded by the Chernobyl Children’s Project’s Outreach Groups in Cork, Clonmel, Tralee, Limerick, Stradbally/Doon/Cappaghmore and Cahir.

Chernobyl Children’s Project executive director Adi Roche said she was delighted at the efforts made by so many in Ireland on behalf of the children.

“We are very grateful to the Army who are offering these children accommodation and hospitality. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.

“These very ill children deserve the very best care and attention during their stay. They will receive this attention at Barretstown who have offered so much hope to these children year after year,” said Ms Roche.