Iconic Swords Castle hosts Ukrainian family fun day

Fingal celebrated a wonderful day of Ukrainian poetry, dance and music as Swords Castle played host to a special Family Fun Day that recognised the strong relationships fostered over the past six months between the residents in Fingal and Ukrainians who have arrived in the County since the beginning of the armed conflict.

Over five hundred Ukrainian families, volunteers and their host families from all over Fingal attended, as artists from Ukraine took to the stage to entertain everyone. With residents immersing themselves in the multicultural display of dance, music and art – the festival highlighted the true spirit of the bond shared by the two countries. 

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Howard Mahony welcomed everyone in Ukrainian and said: “I am proud of my fellow Fingalians for the solidarity they have shown to the people of Ukraine by opening up their homes and their hearts to these wonderful people. Fingal is here to support our Ukrainian friends and I am delighted to be included in this celebration during your stay in Ireland.”

Chief Executive Ann Marie Farrelly said: “It is heartening to see so many people here amidst such extreme adversity back in the Ukraine and seeing their joy at being able to celebrate their national day in the most trying times. The display of art and culture that was on display here is a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and Fingal’s support to our friends.”

The event - a collaboration between the Community, Sports, Libraries and Events teams at Fingal County Council with the Ukraine Crisis Centre – saw performances by Elina Gerasimchuk, Natalia Bumbliaiskiene and Marina Odolska sway the audiences as the Ukrainian and Irish Music brought everyone to their feet. Along with the entertainment, families enjoyed the sunny afternoon with fun activities like face painting and an inflatable obstacle course.