IRISH racing connections have again gathered to provide support to Ukraine.

Julian Hayes, son of Brendan and Anne Marie Hayes of Knocktoran Stud in Co Limerick, was involved in a convoy of 17 vehicles which travelled from Ireland across Europe with supplies for the war-torn region.

“It was organised by a bunch of farmers, dairy and tillage, in the Kilsheelan, Clonmel and Dungarvan areas,” Julian told us. “There were Ukrainians working on these farms who went home to fight and they sent back word of what they needed.

Involved

“Coolmore got involved, so did the Halleys and other farmers like myself. I farm beef in Knocklong but I have horses too, as do a lot of farmers.

“Jeeps were a priority and we ended up with 17 of them and an ambulance, which we filled with generators, blankets, thermal clothing and things like that. There were two people in each vehicle, three in some. Altogether there were 42 of us making the journey.

“We drove across Germany and Austria and entered Ukraine through the Slovakian border. There was great camaraderie and we felt a great sense of achievement when we arrived in Uzhhorod. The people there were very appreciative of the gesture.”