Offaly-based Ukrainian woman features in documentary with Phil Coulter

A documentary capturing the journey of the National Ukrainian Choir from its inception to the launch of a new version of Phil Coulter’s ‘Steal Away’ last year was launched this week.

The choir is made up of 40 people, including Zhanna Sokolova from Tullamore, who fled Ukraine as a result of the war.

Phil Coulter, members of the choir from Offaly, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, and other distinguished guests attended a special screening of the documentary in Saint Stephen’s Church, Dublin on Wednesday, October 2.

Established in February 2023, the choir is made up of Ukrainians who had recently fled war and arrived in Ireland. They were invited by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to join the choir as a wellbeing initiative and an opportunity for socialising.

Last year, the choir released a new version of Phil Coulter’s single ‘Steal Away’ in collaboration with the singer. The song, originally written by Coulter 41 years ago, tells the story of a couple who escape from the Troubles, and offers many parallels with the situation Ukrainians experience today.

The single was translated into Ukrainian and launched last year at an event where the choir performed with Coulter.

The journey to releasing and performing the song, from the creation of the choir, rehearsals across the country, the launch of the single, and the overall impact of the initiative on choir members, forms the subject of the documentary, which was directed by Jessica Leen from Bold Lip productions.

CEOs of two LDCs, Adeline O’Brien from Empower, the LDC for Fingal, and Terry Hyland from Cavan County LDC, had a vision of improving well-being and integration for the participants while demonstrating to Irish policymakers – and residents in communities with a high influx of refugees – the positive impact Ukrainians could make to the country.

Speaking at the launch of the 'Steal Away' documentary, Adeline said: “We are so grateful to Phil and choir director, Julia, for the time they have so generously given to this initiative.

"This documentary perfectly encapsulates the journey this choir has been on and how instrumental music and song can be in uniting communities. The lyrics of the song are just as powerful today as they were when the song was originally written.

“The choir has played a critical role in the lives of its members from Offaly, it has been a safe space for those fleeing the war in Ukraine to express themselves, to find friendship, to seek out new opportunities and to learn English.

“It has also inspired the creation of two further local choirs focused on integrating minority groups and we hope to see the initiative replicated in other communities across the country.

“Our community is always at the heart of what we do in local development companies and our goal is to deliver positive change for individuals and marginalised groups in our area.”

To learn more about the project and to watch the documentary, see www.empower.ie/stealaway/