WITH almost 60,000 Ukrainians now living in Ireland after fleeing unjust war in their country, friendships have been formed across villages and towns nationwide.

Enjoying some welcome light relief after what has been a very turbulent year was a group of Irish and Ukrainian friends who came together to watch the passing spectacle of the Ballymacad Foxhounds for their opening meet at Oldcastle.

Local woman Sinead Hyland and a group of friends from Ukraine were on hand to watch the horses and hound pass by in a flash of colour and fun.

Author and hunting correspondent Noel Mullins kindly presented a copy of his Dublin Horse Show book to one little boy – whose name very appropriately turned out to mean ‘People of Victory’ – a good omen of a happier future for our Ukrainian friends?