Ukrainian family switch on the lights at Mount Juliet's tree lighting ceremony

Mount Juliet Estate hosted a very touching tree lighting ceremony last Sunday, when they invited a Ukrainian family living in Thomastown to switch on the lights.

The Kruglik family from South Ukraine

The Kruglik family from South Ukraine have been living in Kilkenny since they arrived in Ireland last April, after fleeing from the war in Ukraine. They have only recently moved to Jerpoint in Thomastown and are delighted with the warm welcome that they are receiving.

Mount Juliet also hosted a Christmas toy appeal from staff and management on the night too, with the toys being gifted to local Ukraine families in the area.

General Manager Mark Dunne welcomed all the guests to the Tree Lighting ceremony, especially the Kruglik family, he said, “welcome to Thomastown and Mount Juliet Estate, we are delighted to have you here and honoured that you are turning on the Christmas lights for us tonight.”

Speaking to Kilkenny Live, Maria Kruglik said “I am here with my husband, our three children and both our mothers. It’s a great occasion for us here tonight, to take part in this lovely Christmas. We are thankful to everyone who made it so nice for us there tonight, especially for our children.”

“We are lucky to be here altogether as a family, but we will miss our relatives that are staying in Ukraine. We are so appreciative of what Irish people have done for us. Your support is important to all of us.”

The Mount Juliet Choir

The singers in the choir on the night were made up by the talented staff at Mount Juliet Estate - Maja and Latifa Yousef from Human Resources, Stephen O’Neill and Adrian Lubowicz from Greenkeeping, John Walsh, Head Porter, Barry Joyce in Front Office and Jonathan Choukroun from the Lady Helen Restaurant.

Greenkeeper Adrian Lubowicz, who is originally from Ukraine, taught the chorus a beautiful Ukraine Christmas carol, which they sang at the lighting ceremony. 

Mount Juliet Estate's Manor House at Christmas