St Patrick’s Day is the time when Irish people, the world over, celebrate bonds of kinship and friendship. As a global community it also marks a special day for recalling our own migrant history, the recognition of our national identity and independence, and our learning along the way. A journey that informs our shared values as Irish citizens at home and abroad.
This St Patrick’s Day, the thoughts of Irish people in Britain and around the world are with Ukraine and its people as they protect their homeland, independence and democracy from Russian invasion and occupation.
We want to express our solidarity with the many thousands of Ukrainian citizens living in Britain and their friends, families and compatriots living in Ukraine. As citizens of a common European home, we recognise the pivotal moment this represents for Ukraine, its courageous citizens and our continent.
On the eve of this St Patrick’s Day in Britain, we extend a very warm welcome to our Ukrainian friends and neighbours to share with us in our celebration of the culture and values of identity and liberty.
Throughout the country events are planned to champion the values that shaped our history and inform our future. There is no better way to express them than in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends and neighbours, as we bear in mind all those living through conflicts and war.
Let us extend an invitation to the Ukrainian community to walk with us, among us and beside us this St Patrick’s Day and beyond.
'Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.'
'It is in the shelter of each other that people live.'
Unicef is working to provide psychosocial care to children who have been traumatised by the conflict.
You can donate to UNICEF here.
UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is "working with the authorities, UN and other partners in Ukraine and is ready to provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary and possible".
Donate here.