‘Let us build a loving world’ - Brother of late Finbar Cafferkey pays tribute on second anniversary of war in Ukraine

THE brother of the late Finbar Cafferkey has paid tribute to his memory in a ceremony to mark the two-year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Over 100 people gathered at the Octagon in Westport today (Saturday) to remember the soldiers who had lost their lives in the war.

Speaking at a ceremony in St Mary’s Church in Westport, Colm Cafferkey described his older brother as someone who ‘he looked up to’.

Paying tribute to all those who had died in the war, Mr Cafferkey called for ‘a loving world’ during a short reflection at the end of the ceremony.

Finbar’s aunt, Phylomena, also read a reflection called ‘A Letter From Heaven’ to the congregation.

“I looked up to my older brother Finbar, and then I’m told he’s gone. He’s gone, but the reality ceases to land,” Mr Cafferkey said.

“I feel him still alive around me, I can still see him smile and keeping me safe with his presence, his steady hands…I can feel his courage…I can feel his kindness, I can hear his big laugh…if only in my heart, he lives on.

“Let us honour the sisters and brothers, parents and friends who have all fallen in the war, …their laughter, their kindness and their courage…let us build a loving world.”

The names and photographs of 24 deceased or missing Ukrainian soldiers were read out during the gathering at the Octagon.

_{Members of the local Ukrainian community holding photographs of deceased Ukrainian soldiers at The Octagon in Westport (Pic: Conor McKeown)}

Each soldier had a connection to a family living in Mayo – including Finbar Cafferkey, who died while supporting Ukrainian forces in Eastern Ukraine last year.

Natalia Herasymenko, who read out the names of each soldier, who lost her friend Serhii Lozko (40) on June 25, 2023 near the village of Privillia.

“We are losing thousands of really good guys in this war, and we don’t see when it’s going to stop or when it’s going to pause,” Ms Herasymenko told The Mayo News

Music was provided by members of the local Ukrainian community, who sang their national anthem ‘Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished’ and other Ukrainian folk songs.  

Judy Casey of Westport Welcomes Ukraine paid tribute to the local community for their support for Ukrainian refugees.

“Many of the people gathered here today have lost much more than we can imagine but you are strong, and you put on a brave face and go to work and raise your families. Remember, we are your friends and on the bad days you can lean on us and we will support you,” Ms Casey told the gathering.

“The care from the local community here in Westport has been amazing and we are all so appreciative for all you have done to make everyone feel welcome.”

Cllr Michael Loftus, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, expressed his sympathy to the people of Ukraine.

“On behalf of the people of Mayo, what we have experienced here today has been so moving,” said Cllr Loftus.

“When you look at the faces of these young people that have lost their lives defending your country you have to be but moved. We think of Finbar Cafferkey from Achill, especially, and his family today.

“I really am astonished with the support that has come from the people of Mayo and I want to thank them for supporting the Ukrainian people like we have, and we will continue to do so as long as we have to.

“But to you, the people, we don’t realise the suffering that you as a family member, as a country, are suffering at the moment. If we lost the likes of the young people you have lost in your country in our community, it would be devastating. So our hearts really go out to you all here today and to the community in Ukraine. We really really feel for your country and continue to do so.”

Local county councillors John O’Malley (Independent), Christy Hyland (Independent) and Peter Flynn (Fine Gael) also attended the gathering.

There will be further coverage of the two-year anniversary in Ukraine in Tuesday’s Mayo News.