Locals send supplies to aid Ukraine

Two local men departed the east of the county this week with a lorry load of humanitarian aid in support of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Mechanic Mark Sullivan and refrigeration specialist Sean Monaghan left the village of Mullagh on Tuesday, March 15, with a hefty supply of donations collected by them and fellow organisers at the Old Sales Yard, Mullagh, over the previous weekend.

Both men, who have lorry licences, will transport the collected goods the 3,000km plus journey to the Polish-Ukrainian border to meet up with other humanitarian donation points.

Another collection point was hosted at Waller Bros, Bailieborough.

Parish priest, Fr Paul Prior blessed the truck, its drivers and cargo at Sunday Mass.

“It’s been very overwhelming, very emotional at times,” says co-organiser, Cllr Shane P O’Reilly. “Three local ladies, Liz O’Connell, Rose McGrath, and Christine Conlan, were all involved in other collections in the parish last week, and still people were coming all weekend to ourselves. We had a colossal amounts of porridge oats, stuff for children, it’s amazing.

“There are 24 pallets on the lorry. James O’Neill from Centra in Mullagh filled the lorry with fuel, €2,220, and then there were a number of other individuals who sponsored a fill at €700 a piece. I wasn’t found wanting. We managed to raise €6,000 in only 24 hours. It’s been a whole community effort.”

Meanwhile, a family from Killeshandra donated six ballistic helmets (British Army Mark 6 & 7 helmets) and two steel helmets (ironically Russian Soviet Union helmets) and 23 combat jackets, eight pairs of combat trousers, scarves, gloves, pouches, and an assortment of other specialist equipment in support of the defence of Ukraine.

Dermot Kelly and his sons Oisín and Cian also included a small packet of biscuits, sweets, and even hand warmers in each of the combat jackets.