This is a documentary by Yuliia Riabova, a student of the journalism, podcasting, and radio course at Kerry College, run in conjunction with Radio Kerry.
As the preparations for Christmas heat up, we meet three Ukrainian women — Hanna, Maryna, and Khrystyna — who are creating the festive magic for their families while building new lives in Kerry. As the story unfolds, we learn about their journeys — fleeing from Russian aggression, arriving in Kerry, and starting over. Hanna Nikulcha, a seamstress in Killarney, opened her own 'Alteration and Handmade' shop; Maryna Dimova, a teacher in Dingle, now helps both Ukrainian and Irish students while also studying for an SNA course; Khrystyna Rudnytska, an environmentalist in Ballyheigue, works to reduce carbon footprints for companies in Ireland and worldwide. For Christmas, they all gather at the School Panto, reflecting on the journeys they’ve made.
