Ukrainians celebrate national holiday with a barbecue and party
Kyrylo and Dmytro Kobikov with Nataliia Kryvobok and Andrii Bondar at the barbecue and party in Club d'Art in Pembroke, Carlow Photos: Luke Wynne
MUSIC, dancing, food and craic! What more would you need to have a party to celebrate your country’s national holiday?
Up to 70 Ukrainians living in Carlow town got to briefly park their troubles for a few hours when they were invited to a barbecue and party at the privately-owned Club d’Art in Pembroke to celebrate their national independence day in August.
The event was organised by musician Brian O’Connell, along with the owner of the club Bernard Jennings.
About five months ago, Brian started organising get-togethers for Ukrainian people living in the Carlow area as a social outlet for them. The events, called The Sandbox Socials, take place on the last Wednesday of every month, but August’s was special because it celebrated their national independence day.
With plenty of hotdogs and burgers to fuel the party on, up to 70 people danced and had fun to a DJ set by Brian and a Ukrainian woman who plays under the name of DJ AdvoKate.
“This was the biggest and best of the events so far. It was the best craic ever! We had great music, great food and great fun,” said Brian.
If you’d like to take part as a musician or performer in the events, email Brian on thesandboxsocials@gmail.com.
