Galway haulier back home after Ukrainian mission of mercy

A Ballygar haulier is due back in the town today (Thursday) after travelling almost 3,000km across Europe to Ukraine with vital supplies.

Gearóid Kelly, owner of Ballygar Transport, set out on Monday, March 28, with a cargo of urgent medical supplies, bedding and food as part of the Aid from Ireland initiative.

With a groundswell of local support through the Ballygar to Ukraine Project, more than €15,000 was raised through GoFundMe in addition to the €40,000-worth of cargo loaded onto the 45-foot truck.

Speaking on his way back from Lviv where he dropped the supplies, Gearóid says the trip had been an eye-opener.

“Hearing sirens going off when planes or helicopters were sighted from the ground was a scary eye-opener to the reality of so many that are living right now in Ukraine,” he says.

He was joined on the aid mission by Norman Hall of Hall Transport in Longford and he says both men witnessed first-hand the desperate need for the supplies they were carrying.

“Witnessing young children waiting days at the border in dire weather conditions, trying to exit Ukraine and hearing stories of parents whose children perished while trying to make the trip was heart-breaking.

“We can only hope that our donations will help make life just a fraction easier for those living though this devastation,” says Gearóid.

“I cannot thank those who contributed to our appeal enough and, rest assured, their support will go a long way on the ground as all donations were delivered to Kyiv and Kyiv.”

You can read the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie