COOLMORE Stud has provided financial support for a community project in Fethard, Co Tipperary which will see over 55 people fleeing the war in Ukraine housed in the local area this month.

Responding to an urgent need for accommodation for refugees from Ukraine, a building in the area has undergone a fast-tracked modification project to make it fit for purpose for families to take up residency.

The accommodation has been inspected and approved by the Irish Red Cross and will be run by the Fethard Day Care Centre Committee, who will continue to use part of the site for their daily community activities. The revamped building was formally opened today after welcoming its first guests last week.

The refurbishment project was helped by an incredible community response from the community, with local businesses and contractors rallying together to provide labour and materials at no cost, along with members of the local community who personally donated items.

Maurice Maloney of Coolmore Stud said: “We have a number of Ukrainian staff, many of whom have family and friends back home that they are worrying about. They are in our thoughts and prayers, as are all those who are being impacted by the recent tragic events.

“The incredible work of the community in Fethard has helped pull together a place of safety for people who have had to flee war back home. Along with the local volunteers giving their time, and local businesses their expertise and materials, we are pleased to have been able to play a small role in making this happen.”

Among the first arrivals were a party of four women and two children who are relatives of Oleg and Maryna Gavrylenko, a couple who have been working and living in Tipperary for several years. The group, which included nine-year-old Alina and four-year-old Damir, travelled from Kyiv and South Ukraine to Poland and then by air to Ireland.