Free Athlone concert to mark Ukraine's Independence Day
Ukraine's Independence Day takes place this Wednesday, August 24, and the community in Athlone will mark the occasion with a free concert in St Mary's Hall, Northgate Street at 7pm.
The day has added significance this year as it also marks six months since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and 31 years since Kyviv won its independence from Soviet rule. Normally a day of national celebration and a State holiday, Independence Day has added poignancy this year with fighting continuing in Ukraine, and refugees scattered all across Europe, 48,000 alone in Ireland.
Athlonians are being urged to show their solidarity with the Ukrainian community by coming along to the concert where they will be entertained with a mixture of music, song, dance and experience a taste of Ukrainian culture. In addition to this, and to promote integration, there will be some Irish, Polish and African acts.
Ukraine has always been proud of it its own culture and language, despite it being dominated for centuries by Russia and other nations.
The event is organised by an excellent committee which is mainly led by Ukrainians who have amazing musical and singing talents, according to Cllr Frankie Keena, who is a member of the group. He commended everyone involved in organising this free concert.
“It is lovely to see them sharing these talents with Irish people who will also be participating. Rehearsals have been ongoing for the last number of weeks and those attending the event are guaranteed to be in for a major treat.
“The beauty is that it is organised and led by Ukrainians with the support of others. It is so important to promote integration between Irish and Ukrainians and this is a marvellous way to make this happen,” he said.
He thanked another committee member Paddy Beaumont for all his work with this event, and indeed Gateway, plus Foroige for use of the hall.
The concert gets underway at 7pm on Wednesday, August 24 in St Mary's Hall, Northgate Street. Admission is free and all are welcome.