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35 Years Since the Restoration of Ukraine’s Independence: A Ukrainian Day in the Heart of Cavan
On 24 August, Johnston Central Library in Cavan hosted a special celebration marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, organised by the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland (AURI).
This was more than a commemorative event. It was a full day celebrating Ukrainian culture, literature, art, music and shared memory, bringing together the Ukrainian community, our Irish friends, representatives of local government and community organisations.
Celebrating Ukrainian Culture Across Generations
The day began with a creative programme for children. The team from Women Without Borders hosted art workshops, creating a warm and welcoming environment where children could express their creativity, connect with one another and discover Ukrainian culture.
The central event of the day was the official donation of a collection of Ukrainian books to Cavan Library.
The collection was donated by the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland. A significant number of the books were acquired through the “Ridne Slovo” charitable project, supported by the Charity Bazaar held at the RDS. Additional signed and author-donated editions were generously contributed by Ukrainian writers, including Halyna Prach, Volodymyr Horlei and Serhii Adamenko.
These books will now have a permanent home in Cavan. They will give Ukrainian children and adults the opportunity to read in their native language, while also allowing Irish readers to discover more about Ukraine, its literature, history and culture.
The official ceremony was opened by AURI Chairperson Sergiy Balan. At the beginning of the event, everyone present observed a minute’s silence in memory of those who have given their lives for the freedom and independence of Ukraine.
We were honoured to welcome:
- Carmel Brady — Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council;
- Niamh Brady — Councillor, Cavan County Council;
- Teresa Treacy — Senior Executive Librarian;
- Terry Hyland — CEO, Cavan County Local Development.
We were also delighted to welcome Nadiya Ivannikova, Director of Ridna Shkola Ukrainian Saturday School in Dublin, as well as Director and Trustee of AURI. For many years, Nadiya has worked to preserve the Ukrainian language, education and cultural identity of Ukrainian children in Ireland.
“A Book Is Stronger Than a Sword”
A highlight of the official programme was a powerful address by Ukrainian translator Antonia Karelina, focusing on the book as one of the strongest means of preserving language, culture, historical memory and national identity.
One message resonated particularly strongly:
“A book is stronger than a sword.”
Today, these words carry profound meaning for Ukraine. Russia’s aggression is directed not only against our people and our cities. Libraries, publishing houses, printing facilities, book warehouses and Ukrainian books have also been destroyed.
That is why establishing a new collection of Ukrainian literature in Cavan Library represents far more than a donation of books.
Building Cultural Bridges Between Ukraine and Ireland
Throughout the day, visitors could also explore “Babóg”, a cultural project created by the Ukrainian community in Longford under the leadership of Alla Shmyhovska. The project highlights cultural parallels between Ukraine and Ireland.
Guests were also able to view a special photographic project featuring Ukrainian women from Mullingar wearing original traditional embroidered garments — vyshyvankas — more than 100 years old.
Music That Brings People Together
The day concluded with a celebratory concert.
Guests enjoyed performances by talented young artists Savelii and Nika, Mariia Kavetska, lead singer of the Slava Ukraini band, and singer and composer Jonas Kriauklys.
The young performers are students of Petro Danylets, a composer and Ukrainian defender and combat veteran, under whose guidance they prepared their performances.
The day was another powerful reminder that independence is not only about territory and national borders. It is also our language, our books, our culture, our memory and what we pass on to the next generation.
AURI extends its sincere gratitude to Cavan County Council, Cavan Library, Cavan County Local Development, Women Without Borders, our partners, volunteers, artists, performers, Ukrainian families and all our Irish friends who shared this meaningful day with us.
Our special gratitude goes to the people of Ireland for their continued support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and for giving us the opportunity to preserve, share and celebrate our culture far from our homeland.
Photo by Nataliia Verbova
