A group of newly-arrived Ukrainian students say a piece of their hearts will always be Irish after being welcomed to Galway.
Now students at Galway Community College, the group made a special visit to the Dail where their letter of thanks to the Irish people was presented to the Government.
The letter, which was delivered by Deputy Noel Grealish, thanked the Irish Government and its people for the warmth, support and hopitality they had received since arriving in Ireland.
The students said in their letter that when they return home, they believe what they have learnt and experienced in Ireland would help them create a positive new chapter in the history of Ukraine.
"When we work to rebuild our country’s economy, infrastructure, and our lives, a piece of our hearts will always be Irish.”
Enriching
An Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the group had brought special insights of the tragedy in Ukraine.
“On behalf of the Irish people, thank you for bringing insights to us, and for shining a light on what has happenend to your families and to your people.”
"Our students will be much benefited from the experience of meeting with you. You have enriched us and we thank you for that enrichment.”
The students, supported by the college's student body, also met with some of Ireland's senior politicians, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveny, Minister for Education Norma Foley, Galway Deputies Eamon O’Cuiv and Mairead Farrell, and Senator Ollie Crowe.
