A Celebration of Cultural Connection and Community Solidarity
The South West Wexford Family Resource Centre (SWWFRC) in Ramsgrange recently played host to a special event that brought together members of the local community, Ukrainian families, and cultural leaders. The occasion was marked by the visit of Her Excellency Larysa Gerasko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, who was welcomed with open arms by residents and staff alike. The event took place on Tuesday, July 8, and was co-hosted by Blokes with Cameras, a local group dedicated to capturing the essence of community life through film and photography.
Upon her arrival, the Ambassador was greeted by Jack Butler, Chair of the SWWFRC Board of Management, and Anzhelika Kruk, a staff member and representative of the Ukrainian community. A live harp performance at the entrance set the tone for the celebration, which included heartfelt speeches from Mr. Butler, the Ambassador, and Ms. Kruk. These speeches were delivered from the centre’s balcony, where an enthusiastic crowd gathered to listen.
Inside the activity room, guests were treated to a vibrant cultural showcase featuring music from both Irish and Ukrainian traditions. Additionally, an inspiring art exhibition displayed the creative talents of Ukrainian children living in the area. The event concluded with refreshments in the Community Café, where informal conversations between guests, families, and staff continued well into the afternoon.
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Centre Manager, Sharon Kennedy, expressed her gratitude for the Ambassador’s visit, stating, “It was a privilege to welcome Ambassador Gerasko to our community. This visit highlights the incredible resilience and cultural richness of the Ukrainian people, and the strong bonds that have formed here in South West Wexford. We are proud to support inclusion, friendship, and cultural expression at the heart of our work.”
The event was documented by Blokes with Cameras, who continue to capture the spirit of the community through their work. However, the gathering also sparked some political discussion among local dignitaries. Local Councillor Michael Sheehan raised questions about why certain representatives, including the Cathaoirleach of the New Ross District Council, John Dwyer, and the Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Joe Sullivan, were not present at the event.
Both representatives confirmed they had not received an invitation, leading to speculation that the event may have been facilitated without the knowledge of local councillors. This speculation arose following a similar event where the Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy TD, and Eamonn Hore, Director of Services with Wexford County Council, welcomed the Moroccan Ambassador to New Ross.
Jack Butler clarified the situation, stating, “This event was organised by SWWFRC and Blokes with Cameras as a community-focused gathering to highlight the strength, culture, and resilience of our local Ukrainian families alongside our wider community.” He emphasized that the guest list reflected those directly involved in the ongoing local work, and that the visit was a celebration of grassroots support and inclusion.
“We remain committed to engaging with all stakeholders in support of our shared community mission,” Mr. Butler concluded, reinforcing the centre’s dedication to fostering connections and promoting cultural exchange within the region.
