Kells blooms for Ukraine as national flowers planted on approach road

The community of Kells and Kilmainham were out in force over the past week, planting sunflowers to signal their support and welcome to Ukrainian nationals in the area.

Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine and have been embraced by Ireland as a symbol of its support for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian assault.

Community groups from the area came together to plant 600 sunflowers on the Navan Road out of Kells.

Cllr Sarah Reilly, who coordinated the planting, emphasised that the idea was brought to her by members of the Kells and District Tourism Network. The Fine Gael councillor was also keen to stress that the sunflowers were generously donated.

“My thanks to the Kells and District Tourism Network for their inspired idea of planting sunflowers to welcome our new Ukrainian residents. It is a project that I have enjoyed working on and one that has received significant support. The generosity of D & A Blooms, who donated all of the 600 sunflowers, in particular, needs to be applauded.”

Speaking on behalf of the Kells and District Tourism Network, Olivia Duff highlighted that the war in Ukraine had impacted them.

“Members of the Kells and District Tourism Network, like everyone else, have been deeply saddened and troubled by the war. As an organisation, we wanted to do something visual to highlight our support for Ukraine. We hope that the sunflowers will provide a unique and vibrant welcome to our Town.”

Over a dozen community organizations from Kells and Kilmainham took part in planting the sunflowers. Speaking on behalf of Kilmainham and District Group, Geraldine Walsh explained why their organization was motivated to get involved.

“As a community, we have been struck by how close this war feels. “This war is impacting us all and will continue to do so. However, the financial pain we are experiencing is nothing compared to the fear and loss which has been inflicted on Ukraine,” she said.