Biance Rallis

A Transylvanian girl adopted by New York city (via Kilkenny)

BY BIANCA RALLIS

THE process of my “adoption “started in September 2019 with an application for a USA immigrant visa. In general, this takes between 8 and 10 months, but the Covid 19 extended the process to 18 months. Me, my husband, and his family have been through a lot of challenges; moments of frustration, stress, hope; a mixture of everything!

While waiting I spent a wonderful time living among friends in the Marble City the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny. e Twilight Community group, a registered charity, should be the rst stop for all, regardless of your background, nationality gender or believes. e Twilight International Cultural house is an open and inclusive venue where a friendly welcome will be waiting for your at the door of 15A International Cultural House, Hebron Business Centre , Kilkenny City.

Finally on the 26 of July 2021 the big day arrived: together with our Irish cat adopted in October 2020, and so much baggage that I’ve never travelled with before, we ew to NYC. In that day the Dublin airport was busiest since the pandemic started, but we were lucky and faced no more problems. e Irish airport authorities were very operative! After 6 hours and 30 minutes of ying, we landed at JFK NYC airport. From there, my American adventure started.

Finally, after three years I had the chance to really meet my Greek American family!

Strong emotions, tears of joy and warm hugs. Happy to be there all together under the same sky. From the very rst moment I was fascinated by my encounter with NYC. It was so much more than I could have imagined. A strong feeling of freedom in a huge city with a population twice that of Ireland; multicultural New Yorkers belong to more than 800 different nationalities. Here you are no more Romanian, Irish, Polish, Russian, Indian, Chinese, African etc. In New York you become a New Yorker, and that gives you a feeling of belonging, not that of an outsider.

I was nally here, in the city that never sleeps and as Frank Sinatra told us ‘It’s so good the name it twice, New York, New York! Join me in next week’s Kilkenny Observer as tell you of visiting my Husband’s neighbourhood, seeing the Heart of New York, Manhattan, and the beautiful French Quarter.

is article is supported by the Romanian Twilight Community Group Contact: kclw.ro@twighlight.ie

Community Group ‘A stitch in time’ for county community

South Sudanese Community in Ireland (SSCAI) launches Universal Tailoring/Sewing Project.

e long awaited sewing project intended for 2020 nally kicked o in Bishop Birch Community Centre, Hebron Road, Kilkenny on 20th July 2021. e idea of the project has been developed by Samuel Morgan; the Secretary General & Contact Person for SSCAI; who is also employed by St Canice’s Community Action as an Immigrant Support & Development o cer and recently nominated to represent immigrants in Kilkenny at PPN level. e purpose of the project is to deliver universal sewing skills and train participants in using di erent models of sewing machines and to equip them with knowledge and skills and eventually roll the project into a social enterprise. is project is sponsored by Kilkenny Leader Partnership and Community Education Service I Kilkenny & Carlow and is open to everyone living in Co. Kilkenny who has passion for gaining skills of sewing / tailoring; regardless of gender, nationality, culture or religious a liations; though it is operating under South Sudanese Community Association in Ireland (SSCAI).

Currently there are 10 participants on the pilot sewing course who are of mixed nationalities. ey have advanced to the 6th session of the intended 10 lessons and 12 people are already on the waiting list who would be recruited when the rst lot advances to second level or so.

Pro le of SSCAI

In 2008, the government of Ireland admitted a total of 73 Sudanese into the country under the decision of the Irish Government as Programme Refugees. e refugees were brought in two groups. e rst group comprising 35 people (Acholi tribe) arrived on 24th April 2008 and the second group comprising (Wa’di / Avokaya, Bari, Kuku and Ma’di (all together 37 people) arrived on 3rd July 2008 respectively.

On 18th Sept 08, Samuel Morgan the current Secretary General/Contact Person initiated the idea of forming the community group and invited his fellow country diapora to a meeting held on Sunday, 9th November 2008 and formed the community association formerly known as Association of Sudanese Community in Kilkenny.

As time went by, South Sudan seceded from the North and the few South Sudanese who came to Ireland on their own before the arrival of those brought as Programme Refugees joined the association; hence leading to changing of the name of the association to South Sudanese Community Association in Ireland (SSCAI) to include the few members living who are living in other parts of the country; but the majority are settled here in Kilkenny; hence, SSCAI remains the legitimate community association based in Kilkenny. e group have a very strong and vibrant youth pro le. Lead by Samuel’s sons and daughters, they have a great community spirit as their youth soccer team have won the Twilight International integration Soccer tournament in 2018/ 19 and who is not to say they would have done the triple but for the outbreak of Covid 19. With their youthful dance group, we hope to see all their experience and grace come together the new opportunity of the Twilight Inclusion group launched earlier this month offering opportunities to all for participation in the Erasmus+ programmes planned for the TYI Samuel Morgan is also the leader of the Twilight South Sudanese Community Group and was one of the rst community groups in Kilkenny that took up the Twilight International Cultural House’s o er community desk prior the covid 19 pandemic. e community desk department is now available to other groups and individuals who may wish to avail of this wonderful work desk space and the support network of the Twilight community group’s professional personal. Kilkenny’s rst International cultural House is a Twilight initiative. It provides a safe space for all communities to have the opportunity to show their History , Heritage ,Arts and language to others by accessing the Groups new Media and Training centre. e group are now taking names for their upcoming Media Training Course covering Social Media Security, Journalistic writings and Video , Broadcast production and delivery. Applications are now open by contacting 0567813105 or info @ twilight.ie

Grahams Shoes

A landmark shoe shop of Kilkenny and here since 1989, Grahams Shoes consists of the ladies and men’s store at 13 High Street and a dedicated children’s shoe shop just around the corner on Friary Street. ere is a shop in Carlow too. With over 100 years of experience between them, allow the team at Grahams to help you nd the perfect shoes no matter what style, size or t you are after

WITH a shop in Dublin since 1969, Grahams opened their rst concession in Kilkenny over 30 years ago in the iconic Monster House. As the business rapidly grew, the High Street shop opened in ‘92 and the kid’s shop on Friary Street shortly after in ‘94. Gary Graham himself joined the business in 1984 or so and now runs the stores. His team of expert sta are essential to the successful running of the business and ensuring all customers get top quality service. Gary says: “ e sta are just brilliant, very loyal and have worked extremely hard during this di cult past year and half. ey always ensure protocols are in place to keep everyone safe. ey are constantly learning and adapting.” Geraldine and Kay have been with Grahams since 1989. Sabrina, who is now manager of the kid’s shop, has worked with Grahams for over 16 years and rst came in as a customer when she was a child herself. Gary mentioned that much of their customer base originally came in as children themselves and now bring in their own children to be tted for shoes. e Friary Street store is a centre of excellence for children’s shoes with a huge range of stock and sizes with over 100 pairs of shoes available in each size with an expert tting service. Brightly coloured decor with the unusual feature of a sh tank makes the space inviting for kids and their parents alike. e market for children’s shoes has changed over the years, with discerning customers now seeking out only the best brands for their little ones. Makes such as Geox and Lelli Kelly (both pictured), Primigi and Super t are only getting more popular, while the classics such as Dubarry and Clarks remain rm favourites among school goers. For those of us that recall squelching to school in the rain and spending the remainder o the day with our feet in puddles, more and more brands are o ering waterproof styles with Gore-tex, which is now more a ordable than ever. e High Street store o ers high end fashion styles for both ladies and men. Included in the extensive range for men are styles from Brent Pope and Tommy Bowe. For ladies, brands such as Rieker, Remonte, Tamaris and Sketchers are very popular as well as styles from Amy Huberman and Una Healy. As we all know, fashion has changed since Covid — out ts that once required stilettos are now being matched with runners or loafers. Grahams recognise this and according to Gary; “Fashion has gone comfort casual. Trade has moved away from the high heeled styles – maybe when the pubs are fully open again we will see heels come back but for now, we adapt and change with the trends. Even with the kids stock there is always particular styles or colours that come in and out of fashion.” ere are some gorgeous and glam runner styles available in the High Street store with some great boots due in for the winter season.

For older kids and secondary school ages, the High Street store stock the ever popular Dubarry “Dubes”. is classic style is not approved in all schools but not to worry, Dubarry have come up with many other options like AV8s, neat enough for school and cool enough for after. For a parent with a child just starting out in secondary school who may be unsure about what styles are suitable, call into Grahams who can help nd a style accepted by schools and students alike. Gary says, “Dubarry have hardly changed in price since the 90s and o er fantastic value for money.”

As well as changes in fashion, shopping habits have also changed with the move to online.

Grahams were one of the rst Irish shoe shops to make the move online with sister company PurpleTag.ie. Some people prefer the more personal experience of shopping in store and Grahams always look forward to welcoming you into their shops in person, especially if you are unsure about the style or size you are after.

Grahams is a shoe shop which o ers traditional service and values but with modern innovations and adaptations for the future. is is a true family business that looks after it’s sta and works hard to ensure the quality of product and service they o er to customers is second to none.

Visit www.grahamshoes.ie to book your appointment now. Avoid the queues and arrange your shopping trip to avoid any disappointment. Ensure you get priority service for your next visit to Grahams.

Get back to School Ready with

q Clodagh q Clodagh Henderson - Life Henderson - Life Style Sports - Style Sports - Sports Bra €35, Sports Bra €35, Leggings €50 Leggings €50 t Dunnes Stores Starting from €3

uTK Maxx €9 u

River Island €48 u THE summer has own by and soon it will be time to head back to school. Are you suddenly staring at an endless to do list? Well, there’s no need to panic as MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is the only shopping destination you need for all your school and college essentials. Dunnes Stores is not only somewhere to pick up tasty treats for lunchboxes, but you can also now dress your littles from head to toe with their new back to school range. Cross o that book list with a little help from Eason – your one stop shop for all your stationary needs. Most importantly, have them skipping o to school with a pair of comfy new shoes from Skechers or why not shoes from Skechers or why not travel in style on a scooter travel in style on a scooter from TK Maxx. from TK Maxx. Not forgetting the Not forgetting the excitement of starting excitement of starting college… Want to look college… Want to look super stylish on your super stylish on your rst day of lectures? rst day of lectures? Make sure to grab Make sure to grab all the accessories all the accessories you need from River you need from River Island’s latest shoe Island’s latest shoe and bag collections. and bag collections. If you’re the sporty If you’re the sporty time and are plan-time and are plan ning on joining a ning on joining a gym or sports club gym or sports club at college then Life at college then Life Style Sports have you Style Sports have you covered with their covered with their stylish selection of stylish selection of cute work out clothes! cute work out clothes! For more back to For more back to school inspiration school inspiration head to MacDonagh head to MacDonagh Junction Shopping Junction Shopping Centre’s Facebook and Centre’s Facebook and Instagram page. Instagram page.

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q Skechers q Skechers €65 €65

Tip Top Toes

Tip Top Toes have brought together years of expertise and experience to ensure the best service and o er a range of children’s footwear solutions

BASED in the heart of Kilkenny City Centre and with a newly opened store in Carlow, Tip Top Toes is one of the most established kid’s shoe shops around. With a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for shoes, owner Ethel Murphy Corr and her dedicated and fully trained team focus on providing the best experience when buying shoes for your little ones. ey cater for all kid’s shoe sizes, ranging from size 17 to 43. Fittings are o ered by appointment to avoid the queues. Private appointments are also available in the specially designed sensory area for those requiring a quiet environment. Tip Top Toes stock an extensive range of cool, fun and quality brands for kids. Froddo is a make of kid’s shoes produced in Croatia since 1946. e ethos of Froddo shoes is to make supportive shoes that look good and children love to wear while producing footwear in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way. Super t supply shoes to over 40 countries and are specially designed with active children in mind as they need comfortable but sturdy shoes. Some of their designs even feature Gore-tex with the bene t of being waterproof and breathable at the same time. Biomecanics is a Spanish producer of lightweight comfortable shoes for little feet in a selection of styles suitable for school and play. Tip Top Toes is the largest supplier of Biomecanics in the South-East. ese are just some of the fabulous brands available, with many more in stock now.

For further information call the Kilkenny store on 083 8825223 or Carlow store on 085 2604630. You can also visit the website www.tiptoptoes.ie or nd Tip Top Toes on Facebook and Instagram.

Advertorial

My Nametags - Ireland’s Number 1 choice for name labels

MY NAMETAGS is Ireland’s leading manufacturer of easy to apply sticker and iron-on name tags and we have been reducing parents’ guilt about losing items since it was founded 17 years ago. Our name tags have thousands of uses, from labelling clothing and stationery, to fabric, shoes and other school supplies. Originally founded in 2004, by Lars B. Andersen, out of the need to label his own children’s belongings, his ambitious solution has been to create a company capable of manufacturing the best name tags in the world.

Our products range from colour stickers and iron on name tags, to decorative wall stickers to transform your children’s bedrooms.

Whether you are looking to label all your kids stationery, school uniforms or even an elderly parent’s clothing we’ve got the right label for you! All our stickers, ministickers, iron-ons and maxistickers are 100% personalisable and also resistant to the washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and microwave. At My Nametags there is a perfect name label for everybody.

My Nametags now o ers a 10-year washing guarantee, which is unmatched in the name tags industry; our labels having been independently tested to be the best labels in Ireland. Over the years, the company has worked to create and maintain the highly respected reputation for quality and service that it has today, with a 99 percent customer satisfaction rating, which is unequalled among label companies.

Some Customer testimonials:

“Great product – I have used Name Tags for a few years now to label school clothes and stationary. Great product and good that the child can design their own.”

“Great name tags – Good selection of designs, arrive within days and last really well even going through the dishwasher. Have used this company many times.”

To order your set of personalised name tags, visit our website www.mynametags.ie

New poems

IN 2019, ‘ e Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ published a book of poems with the wonderful title ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’. e ninety page publication features forty poems with contributions from members at the centre as well as work from Kilkenny’s wider writing community.

In conjunction with e Involvement Centre, e Kilkenny Observer newspaper will reproduce these poems over the coming weeks. e Kilkenny Observer is delighted to promote this project and we hope you enjoy the poems.

Week six sees poems from jbs, poetry, Martyna Katzmarek and Andrei Markewitz

“Reminiscing”

Today I will write these few verses, About clouds, forests, lakes and wolves, About a girl free as a bird, Gliding through the air and travelling the world.

I will write about friendship, love and betrayal, About apple trees, cherries and roses, About mildew on leaves, And workers in the orchard.

Not forgetting about our songs, Beating of our hearts, And the newborn in our arms, About the wind in our hair, And the runny noses on the midsummer night.

About mosquitoes that bit us relentlessly, e smiles and tears, About stories and dreams, Because youth full of love is not a b Love in full bloom – priceless You fell in love with this free-spirit Who kept frogs in jars, Always had leaves and owers in her hair, And mud on her feet, With a smile from ear to ear Her who always said, “we will make it” And when you look into her eyes, sad and teary Remind her of these verses.

Martyna Katzmarek

Revelations Will be Televised

Gill, you asked and waited and yet it did not come Waiting in vain for the networks To Broadcast the Revolution However, don’t worry yourself none Because by and by Beamed down from the sky Revelations this year will be televised Sit down, take that chill pill, pull up a pew It’s multo-medic, it’s hormonal relaxant, it’s true at’s right, here it comes e four horse men out of the gate We are glad to con rm at event known as Revelations will be televised And you can stay up late Watch as the chopper beams oat from above Cheerleaders and news Adverts and booze We have footage, a live location feed Please be aware there are shocking scenes Because Revelations by popular demand Is yes viewers just where I stand

We have it all. Watch as the moon is caught in our gravitational wake Say farewell to land masses in a cataclysmic earthquake Up and down the coast of Mexico volcanoes are timed to explode e Seven Nation Army will meet the radicals in a last ght Because relax, the Revelationary experience is ours tonight Don’t freak out, don’t hit that touch sensitive iPhone pad Stay with us on channel zero watch as things get really bad With girls in bikinis chased by monsters of radioactive slime We hear on News 24, updates on the hour until the end of times Starring Kim’s Rockets, Donald’s Towers and Vladimir’s Trousers You’re gonna tweet, you’re gonna twerk. Remember, update your status now Stay put, light up, wig out because in a multispectral ray of harmonous delight Revelations, in three-dee, will be televised tonight

Andrei Markewitz

You’ve Served Your Time in Hell

Christmas morning 1982 Phone ringing, Same time every year: 10.30am. Her eighty year old frame makes its way nervously And picks up the receiver Hello? Hello, is that you Tommy? Tommy ? Happy Christmas, Tom. Tommy hangs up. Tears well up as he strolls down Shepherd’s Bush Content in the knowledge that his mother is still alive. He has made that same silent call every year now since 1974. at was the year of the Birmingham bombings e year Paddy was no longer welcome in town. Go back to the bog, Paddy Irish pig, go o back to your sty. Hard to blame them: 21 dead and 182 injured e Mulberry Bush was where I supped porter Now a scene of destruction e IRA cost me my life too. Make it 22 I gathered what I had and moved to the Bush From the frying pan into the re No Irish need apply Fell in with a few decent skins and settled Still kept the head down Minded me own business Worked with big Ivan from Tyrone and Charlie Chaplin from Dundalk. A few Welsh and Scots in the crew Shoveled clay and mixed cement eight hours a day Six o’ clock every evening and we ended up in the Crown and Sceptre. Eleven o’ clock and enough drunk to help him sleep, I often think back to Brother Doyle in the Home You’ll get nowhere Grace, the only thing ahead of you is a wheel barrow. Sent to reform school in Longford the rst time for robbing apples. Six apples in me geansaí when I was caught A month for each apple. Twelve years of age and locked up Sweeping horse manure and hosing down a yard. Next spell was six years for robbing a car. Next time I robbed something was my brother’s birth cert Headed for Birmingham to work in the Dunlop factory. New name, new start 1974 was the explosion. e beating in the toilets of e Crown was brutal White tiles turned red How do ye like that, Paddy? e second beating left me in hospital with a wired mouth And a damaged eye that would never see the light again A serious break at the oracolumbar junction was how the coloured doctor described it I said something stupid like was there a tube station at that junction He didn’t laugh is is serious, he said It was irty eight years of age now And a cane to help my limp where a size twelve boot left me paralyzed Drink has been my friend for years Couldn’t go back home now Never made it Shame covers my life Over here they don’t judge or comment Or care I remember a few lines big Ivan recited About a navvy going up to the pearly gates: “What did you do on Earth, enquires Peter? I worked a shovel and mixer for McAlpine I did another ten years for Murphy on the Kango as well. Come in, said St Peter, you’ve served your time in Hell.” A one room lthy at to call home Habit makes me shave every morning Face lathered with soap Eyes staring into the mirror. Hello. Hello. Anyone there? Body on the cold damp tiles in a foetal position. Ma. Ma. Are you there?

William Robertson - architect and artist

A BOOK REVIEW 

KILKENNY, city and county, is steeped in history. Tourists that visit are amazed at the myriad dramas and stories hidden within its heart.

Politics, sport, and industry are part of the rich tapestry interwoven in the abode of St. Canice. e extensive library at Rothe House captures, in ne detail, the legacy of our ancestors. Many notable scribes, professional and amateur, have lovingly recounted our history.

However, local historian Michael O’ Dwyer stands apart.

Over many decades, Mr. O’ Dwyer has contributed to e Kilkenny Archaeological Society and has supplied articles for e Old Kilkenny Review.

Meticulously researched and accurately presented they have enlightened and enthused in equal measure. Importantly, they are a wonderful resource for future commentators.

A proli c writer, Michael has published twenty books, including ‘ e History of Cricket in County Kilkenny’, e Shopfronts of Kilkenny’, ‘Lady Desart, Otway Cu e and Talbots Inch,’ and St. Rioch’s Graveyard Inscriptions.

Michael’s latest publication ‘William Robertson, Architect and Artist’ details the work and legacy of William Robertson.

Perusing the publication provides a plethora of interesting information and facts about Kilkenny and about William Robertson.

Born in Kilkenny in 1770, Robertson became a prominent architect and was responsible for sensitively restoring some of Kilkenny’s nest public buildings.

He is credited with building many of Kilkenny’s most impressive country houses, including Jenkinstown House and Orchardton House.

Robertson was also noted for his work as an artist and sketched many famous landmarks.

He produced an iconic sketch of ‘ e Market Cross’, at that time, the county’s most important monument.

William Robertson built a home for himself at the top of William Street at the end of the 18th century.

He further embellished this area with a diocesan hall for the Church of Ireland. In 1831 he moved to Rose Hill House, which he built and where he lived with his family until his death in 1850. e rst half of the 19th century was a busy time for William Robertson.

He was involved with the restoration of the Court House, the new gaol (on e Gaol Road) and was also commissioned to replace and restore portions of Kilkenny Castle. e author informs that Robertson constructed stately houses and private residences across county Kilkenny. ough plans and documentation are no longer available, the style of Robertson design is distinctive and unmistakable. ere are, however, sketches and drawings of many of the houses preserved in e Royal Society of Antiquaries in Dublin.

Other houses that Robertson either constructed or renovated include Danesfort House, Kilcreene House, Castlecomer House, Ballydu House ( omastown), Lavistown House and Tennypark House.

He completed e House of Industry on the Kells Road in 1814 (now known as Cashel House.)

After his death, Robertson was described in the Kilkenny Moderator newspaper obituary as “a generous friend, a most liberal employer and an accomplished artist”. He is buried at St Mary’s Graveyard, o High Street.

With this publication Michael O’ Dwyer honours William Robertson by, once more, bringing his ability and his achievements to light. e forensic exploration and detailed examination helps to give William Robertson a deserved place in the pantheon of great architects.

An exciting addition to the book is the inclusion of twenty previously unpublished colour and black and white illustrations.

Michael O’ Dwyer’s book is a boon for anyone interested in architecture, anyone that enjoys detailed sketches or those that simply love all things Kilkenny. Once again, with characteristic style, Michael O’ Dwyer has delivered an extraordinary insight into Kilkenny’s past.

NOTE: Check with Kilkenny bookshops and Rothe House regarding availability.

‘Communities are stronger together’

A strong community group is so important for to our ‘new communities’ who have chosen Kilkenny as their new home. When we move abroad it can be a lonely and sometimes a scary experience. A new language, new culture, and a new way of living. The first few months can make or break that big step a success or failure. We can get home sick, become isolated and this can lead to that ‘let’s not talk about’ depression. This is the main reason why we need a support system, and there is no better system then that one where you can feel at home with your country men and women, talk to and get the support and advice from your diaspora friends who may have experienced the feelings you are now having.

Throughout the country we have strong Polish Community groups and as Kilkenny has one of the largest Polish diasporas, it can also have one of the largest and strongest such community groups. In Gorey, County Wexford they have just elected their new President Karol Dettlaff of the Polish Cultural Association Gorey.PL. who replaced Maciej NeumanKo ański in this role since 2015. Hon Polish Consul Mr Martin Brennan would like to congratulate Karol in his appointment and thank Maciej for the great work done since 2015 in making the Polish cultural Association Gorey the success it is and the wonderful support the Polish community of Gorey give to their association.

On March 2nd, 2020, the Government of Poland opened a Polish Consulate in Kilkenny. Mr Martin Brennan was appointed to the position of Honorary Polish Consul to Ireland. Mr Brennan took office and had several plans he would like to work on with the support and input of the Polish communities in the Southeast of Ireland. Unfortunately, the Consulate like all businesses and offices had to close and is only recently the office has been back in full operation mode. Murty, as he is known to all, comes to the role with a vast experience in the financial services and in the Community development sector and believes there are tremendous opportunities for development in the consulates region it covers which includes Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, and Cork. Over the coming weeks and months, he intends to visit all the Polish Communities in the Consulates area. Mr Brennan is also the Chairperson of the Twilight Community Group CLG, Board of the Kilkenny Volunteer centre and recently received a Mayoral Certificate of recognition for his services in the community.

By having a strong Polish community group in your region, it can benefit for all. Strong representation and a voice at the table where the decisions are being made. Seats on the Special Purpose Committees SPC, where local authority plans are debated before going to the council chamber for support by our Public Representatives to ratify into law. Many different professions came to settle in Kilkenny and the other counties of the Southeast, Tipperary, and Cork. By coming together, we can build a long-term integration strategy for our businesses and families. Better education for our children, stronger Polish schools, stronger relationships with Poland. Kilkenny and Malbork is the only Twinning agreement between Ireland and Poland, we can develop more such agreements, and look to Twining our region with a region with similarities in Poland. Connect our schools, Youth groups, Community groups to our Polish counterparts. Honorary Consular Mr Brennan believes we should, and we can. “This will help to build a stronger heritage and cultural ethos and by connecting with communities in Poland preserve the bond for future generations with the country of their parents and grandparents, Communities are stronger together”

Honorowy Konsulat Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w Kilkenny

Drodzy Państwo;

Honorowy Konsulat Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej w Kilkenny został otwarty w marcu 2020 roku, jednak ze względu na COVID-19 musieliśmy pozostać praktycznie zamknięci przez cale ostatnie dwanaście miesięcy. Obecnie mamy nadzieję, że będziemy w stanie rozszerzyć nasze usługi i świadczyć pomoc polskim obywatelom mieszkającym w Kilkenny i okolicach. Aby było to możliwe potrzebujemy jednak Waszej pomocy. Wierzymy, że możemy stworzyć polską grupę społeczną w Kilkenny i Hrabstwie na wzór podobnych które powstały w Cork czy Waterford. Pozwoli nam to mieć większy wpływ na wszystkie działania i inicjatywy proponowane przez lokalny samorząd, a może nawet wprowadzić polskiego przedstawiciela do Rady Miasta i Hrabstwa (Kilkenny City and County Council) aby mieć pewność, że nasz glos będzie wysłuchany. Zapraszam Was, abyście byli częścią tej grupy, abyśmy mogli budować lepsze Kilkenny dla wszystkich naszych polskich przyjaciół oraz ich rodzin. Jeśli chciałabyś/chciałbyś do nas dołączyć, prosimy o kontakt pod jednym z numerów telefonicznych 0567813105 lub 0863255840 albo mailowo info@polishconsulatekilkenny.ie