Letters to the Editor: Solidarity is key to Irish society

Ukrainian supporters wait anxiously prior to the announcement that they would be allowed stay in Killarney.

Four-month-old Marko Lukavska could, in time, be the next David Clifford. However, the Kerry-born Ukrainian had a lucky escape this week when some faceless bureaucrat attempted to uproot Marko and his 134 fellow Ukrainians from Killarney to Westport for “operational reasons”. Killarney shouted “No!” as the refugees had integrated fully into the local community. Killarney people threw a protective cordon around its newest citizens and refused to allow them to be treated as logistical fodder.

The generosity of Irish people was further evidenced by the dignified and sensitive manner in which the wonderful people of Donegal reacted to the dreadful tragedy in Creeslough, which claimed 10 precious lives. From the get-go, the entire community rallied around the bereaved and provided physical and emotional support of an extraordinary standard. Their loss, their grief became our loss, our grief. Ireland united in mourning with those who lost loved ones.