Hodson Bay Hotel marks

dwindling troop numbers, depleted resources, and the immeasurable damage already done over the course of the last year – not just on an infrastructural and human level, but also with respect to his own country itself.

The global reaction to the conflict has demonstrated a sweeping sentiment of support for Ukraine and condemnation of Putin’s actions – and rightly so. European countries have been taking in refugees in huge swathes (Poland and Germany alone have welcomed over a million refugees each since the invasion), NATO support has been amplified, and countries such as the US and the UK have provided Ukraine with millions in military assistance.

Here in Ireland, we have taken in over 70,000 Ukrainian refugees over the past twelve months, and we have continually been voicing steadfast support for Ukraine and all those whose lives are suffering as a direct result of Putin’s brutal actions. Evidence of this national support can be seen as recently as last week, when it was announced following a Cabinet decision that our Defence Forces will be training members of the Ukrainian armed forces as part of the newly-established European Union Military Assistance Mission.

On a community level, over the past several months, of the 70,000-odd refugees that have settled here from Ukraine, many have already secured jobs and their own accommodation in the country. And on the whole, Irish citizens have welcomed the Ukrainian refugees’ arrival, and have played an impressive role in facilitating their integration into local communities.

For example, the group we spotted gathered outside the museum on Friday was, as I understand it, part of a larger programme of events in support of Ukraine that took place across the city to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion, events which

30th Anniversary

Hodson Bay Hotel recently celebrated 30 years in operation at their annual staff party, held jointly with the Galway Bay Hotel and hosted by the Sheraton Athlone Hotel.

Over 300 team members from Athlone and Galway joined for an evening of food, beverages were organised in joint cooperation by local volunteer groups, Galway City Council, and Galway’s Ukrainian population. Here in Roscommon, we have seen several instances of residents coming together to organise events and welcome Ukrainians to the area, and we have also seen first-hand how seamlessly and openly refugees have been able to integrate into the local community despite how unimaginably difficult that transition must be.

Considering the amount of harmful rhetoric we saw spike with the East Wall protests earlier this year, it is a relief that anti-immigration sentiment hasn’t managed to overshadow solidarity with and entertainment by way of a thank you to all employees for their hard work and dedication.

Ukraine’s crisis and the challenges faced by those coming over here to Ireland. Our continued support – both in terms of welcoming refugees into our communities and providing Irish support for Ukraine during this time of conflict in general –is vital moving forward. We cannot afford to become complacent in our support of Ukraine and in our condemnation of Putin’s actions.

As Putin maintains his brutal tirade in the face of all logical and empathetic reason, it is more important than ever that we, in return, both nationally and with our local communities, maintain unwavering support for Ukraine, its citizens, and all those being affected by the ongoing conflict.

In a separate event, Galway Bay Hotel hosted over 200 team members from the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and the Hyatt Centric Hotel for their annual staff party.

During both nights, Hodson

Bay Group awarded certificates of service for employees who had reached service from 5 years all the way up to a remarkable 30 years, a milestone reached by James Mannion and Noel Kilmartin at the Hodson Bay Hotel.

Hodson Bay Group CEO, Pa- draig Sugrue commented: “It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the dedication of all our employees but especially those that are with us a long time. We are honouring the long service of 115 people at these events which is a fantastic achievement in any industry”.

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Creggs Rugby Club President Adrian Leddy says the manner of the club’s victory over long-time foes Connemara was a fitting way to end the 27-year wait for Connacht League honours.

“To wait 27 years and to be coming up against the same opposition over and over again meant that there were very emotional scenes at the end the game. But when we did eventually win, we got over the line in some style,” he said.

“Any of the four tries we scored could have been ‘Try of the Month’. The lads played exceptionally well and stood up on the day. Connemara just weren’t able to stay with them; they were out on their feet”.

There remains a healthy rivalry between Creggs and Connemara, as there was in 1996 when the village team last won the Connacht League, beating the All Blacks in the final. This friendly rivalry was evident once again last Sunday.

“There was no doubt about this one and even the Connemara lads would (admit that). They were very gracious in defeat and there’s a great camaraderie and respect between the two clubs. Some of the lads play together for the Connacht juniors,” Adrian added. But this was Creggs’ day and it could very well be their year too with a Connacht Junior Cup semi-final to come this Sunday.

“It’s Ballinrobe this Sunday so the double is very much still on,” Adrian says, insisting that Sunday’s celebrations were muted.

“The lads are really focussed on this one on Sunday and they really want to go on and complete the double by adding the Junior Cup”.

On-field success follows plenty of hard work both within the club and the local community, and Adrian believes the best is yet to come ahead of Creggs RFC’s 50th anniversary next year.

“This success is the icing on the cake following all the development work off the field over the last few years with the new facilities and the 4G pitch.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the great management and coaching team as well as the staff and all those who have worked so hard for Creggs Rugby in both the club and in the schools and in Mini Rugby too. It’s really appreciated.

“This is a very young team with many of these lads still in their early 20s. They’ve all come through the system and all the club’s hard work over the last number of years is now really starting to reap rewards,” he concluded.