26 April 2026 marked 40 years since the devastating disaster at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Chornobyl Children International (CCI) led commemorations across Ireland for this poignant 40th Anniversary, as outlined below.
Cork City Council unveils ‘Chornobyl Mother’ sculpture in Marina Park to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Nuclear Disaster
A poignant new sculpture, “Chornobyl Mother” by Irish sculptor Sandra Bell, was unveiled in Cork City on Monday 20 April 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.
Find Chornobyl Mother on Google Maps here
Uachtaráin Catherine Connolly hosts poignant commemoration ceremony to mark 40 years since Chornobyl ahead of ‘United Nations Chornobyl Remembrance Day’.
On Friday, 24 April, Uachtaráin Catherine Connolly hosted a compelling ceremony to mark 40 years since the Chornobyl Nuclear Disaster, paying tribute to its victims and survivors and celebrating Ireland’s unique and unparalleled humanitarian response, led by Adi Roche’s Chornobyl Children International.
The ceremony, held in parallel with a special sitting of the ‘United Nations General Assembly’ at the United Nations in HQ in New York to mark the occasion, featured moving musical performances by a Ukrainian refugee choir and famed Ukrainian opera singer Olga Doroshchuk, alongside powerful first‑hand testimonies from witnesses and survivors.
Read more about it by clicking here
Watch President Catherine Connolly’s speech here
Watch Adi Roche’s speech here
‘Chornobyl is Forever’ was hosted at Cork City Library as part of the 40th Anniversary commemorations of the Chornobyl* disaster across the month of April 2026.
Featuring a rare and deeply personal collection of Chornobyl Children’s paintings created in the aftermath of the disaster, this exhibition honours young voices whose lives were forever changed, some of whom are no longer with us.
Originally exhibited at UNHQ in New York in 2001, and refreshed and renewed for this poignant Anniversary, the artist’s work stands as a testament to resilience, memory, and the human cost of nuclear tragedy.On display alongside these poignant pieces were authentic artefacts, including a ‘Liquidator’s’ helmet and medal…silent witnesses to the bravery and sacrifice of those who faced the unimaginable.
The ‘Liquidators’ were the conscripted 800,000 soldiers and civilians; helicopter pilots, firemen; miners and engineers – who were sent into the Chornobyl nuclear conflagration to undertake the deadly task of trying to contain the leaking radiation that was already spreading across dozens of European countries, with little more than bare hands and shovels. They were true, brave and noble heroes. Their self sacrifice is unparalleled in history, as they saved the world. Also, included in this exhibition is a compelling video about Chornobyl and the work of CCI.
Click here for a sneak preview!
Presented by Chornobyl Children International, this exhibition is a tribute to the strength of survivors and a reminder that the story of Chornobyl is not confined to the past…Chornobyl is Forever.
An Post & CCI launch global commemorative postmark to mark 40 years of Chornobyl
On 15 April 2026, An Post unveiled a powerful new commemorative postmark, in partnership with humanitarian ‘first responders’ Chornobyl Children International, to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster.
Over the following 3 week, this special postmark was stamped on millions of letters, travelling from An Post’s national mail centres in Athlone, Dublin and Portlaoise to homes and businesses across Ireland and to every corner of the globe.
A simple mark. A lasting global message. Chornobyl is Forever.
Speaking at the launch of the postmark, Adi Roche, Voluntary CEO of Chornobyl Children International, reflected on the significance of this milestone:
“This year marks a sombre milestone that feels both a lifetime ago and as immediate as a heartbeat: the 40th Anniversary of the Chornobyl Nuclear disaster. This is why it is so special that every corner of Ireland and beyond will once again be united by Chornobyl, through this special Postmark. 40 years on from Chornobyl, we are very grateful to An Post for giving us the opportunity to remind people that Chornobyl is Forever.This anniversary is not just a memorial for a disaster; it is a celebration of a miraculous Irish intervention, of which An Post is a part of. It has been a truly extraordinary example of a country being moved by the impulses of its heart.”
David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, described the postmark as a meaningful tribute:
“It’s also a tribute to all the Irish families and individuals who continue to do so much to support the children and families of Chornobyl, and the friendships that endure to this day, all thanks to the leadership of Adi Roche and her exceptional team.The postmarked letters carry a powerful message of remembrance and enduring support for Chornobyl victims and survivors from Ireland to every corner of the globe”
Commemoration Banner on Liberty Hall, Dublin
On 20 April 2026, high above Dublin’s streets, Chornobyl Children International unveiled striking commemorative banners to mark 40 years since Chornobyl … a reminder not just of resilience, but of compassion that knows no borders.
The words “Chornobyl is Forever” speak to a legacy of care, solidarity and unwavering commitment from the people of Ireland, reflecting four decades of Ireland standing shoulder to shoulder with children and families affected by the Chornobyl disaster.
From Liberty Hall, a place rooted in social justice, this powerful symbol sends a message to the world: we remember, we care, and we continue. It also acts as a reminder of the lingering cross-generational damage of Chornobyl, which will take tens of thousands of years to disappear.
