A poignant new sculpture, “Chornobyl Mother” by Irish sculptor Sandra Bell, was unveiled in Cork City today by Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy to mark the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster. The unveiling forms part of a commemorative partnership between Cork City Council and Chornobyl Children International and took place at the city’s newly redeveloped Marina Park.
The unveiling ceremony brought together civic leaders, survivors, families and long-standing volunteers who have supported the humanitarian response to Chornobyl, which has seen €110 million worth of aid delivered to affected regions. Speakers reflected on the disaster’s lasting impact and Cork’s long tradition of international solidarity through its relationship with communities affected by Chornobyl.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, said Cork City Council was delighted to facilitate the installation of the sculpture through their partnership with the Cork based charity;
“Cork City Council was delighted to provide this prominent public space for such a meaningful piece of work. Its positioning here, in the peace and tranquillity of the regenerated Atlantic Pond, stands as a powerful symbol of hope.
As well as remembering the countless lives lost and touched by the 1986 nuclear disaster, we reflect too on the countless lives touched and transformed by Adi Roche and her charity, Chornobyl Children International, and its army of volunteers and supporters. Her vision has brought light into the darkest of circumstances, and Cork is immensely proud to stand with her and with all who continue this vital mission.
We in Cork City Council are proud to play our part in recognising and supporting the extraordinary humanitarian work that she continues to lead from Cork.”
Serving as both a memorial and a symbol of resilience and future hope, “Chornobyl Mother” honours the innocent victims of the 1986 disaster and reflects the enduring suffering and strength of the women, families and communities affected across generations. The deeply evocative work invites reflection on memory, loss and compassion, but also giving the light of hope to carry on.
Adi Roche, Voluntary CEO of Chornobyl Children International welcomed the collaboration as a deeply meaningful way to mark the anniversary.
“’Chornobyl Mother’ gives form to memory and compassion. It ensures that the voices and experiences of those affected are neither forgotten nor overlooked.”
“This anniversary is not just a memorial for a disaster; it is a celebration of a miraculous Irish intervention. We took a tragedy that occurred thousands of miles away and made its victims our own. We proved that while radiation lingers for centuries, and Chornobyl is forever, but the half-life of Irish kindness is infinite.”
Installed in a prominent public space, the sculpture is expected to become a focal point for reflection and education, encouraging dialogue on nuclear history, environmental responsibility and humanitarian action.
The unveiling forms part of a wider programme of commemorations led by Chernobyl Children International, including a media campaign, advocacy banners on Cork’s Connolly Hall and Dublin’s Liberty Hall, a Chornobyl Children’s Art Exhibition at Cork City Council, and a recognition ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin on Friday 24 April. An Post is also supporting the anniversary with a special two-week commemorative postmark.
Chornobyl Children International is the only NGO in the world who are recognised by the United Nations to support the victims and survivors of Chornobyl, and the annual ‘United Nations Chornobyl Remembrance Day’ was ratified in 2016 following Adi Roche’s landmark address to the UN General Assembly.
